轻松英语阅读：拔河也是一项危险的运动

It has been around for over 4,000 years, is played in every corner of the globe and is a main staple of community and school events. The sport has long been praised as a game for building teamwork and cooperation. Tug of war has a long list of merits, but there is a dark side to the sport.

When it is not done properly, it can be more dangerous than many people realize. In fact, nearly every year there are serious accidents involving tug of war participants. Injuries range from severe back strain and burns to loss of fingers and limbs. In probably the worst accident, which took place in Germany in 1995, two children died.

manila rope

As I mentioned earlier, most accidents happen when the sport isn’t done properly. What can you do to avoid these dangers? Well, first and foremost is to make sure you are using the right rope. Use a rope that is long enough and strong enough. Check the tensile strength of the rope and carefully follow the manufactures recommendations. Most accidents occur when the rope breaks, so make sure to inspect your rope carefully before use. Never use nylon ropes; they can recoil like a rubber band with enough force to cause serious injury. The Tug of War International Federation only allows the use of “Manila tug of war rope.” It is a natural fiber rope made for tug of war. Finally, you should never wrap or loop the rope around your hands or arms. It is not only dangerous, but also against the rules.

When it is done properly tug of war is a very safe sport. So just observe these basic safety measures and have a good time.