e/IFC Tugs

Information
has gloss	eng: NIU Tugs is an annual bracket-style athletic tournament competition similar to tug-of-war with a 45+ year history at Northern Illinois University. NIU Tugs differs from traditional tug of war in that each individual team member participating in the competition stands in a 2 x 2 pit called a "trench". Each trench is one foot deep at the front and slopes up to a six-inch "bridge" that separates the row of trenches. The trenches allow each tugger on the team to brace their feet to obtain leverage unlike traditional flat surface tug-of-war competition. The ability to obtain leverage allows teams to coordinate strategic moves called "hits" and "hangs" that make for a very violent and gruelling sport. In NIU Tugs, the only thing that moves is the rope. The participating tuggers do not leave the strong footing of their trench at any time during the match. The only time a tugger leaves the trench is when the opposing team takes enough rope so that there is not enough room for the team of nine tuggers to hold the rope - also called "popping a tugger".
lexicalization	eng: IFC Tugs
instance of	c/Games of physical skill