For indoor tug of war competitions, the quality and construction of the matting surface are critical. A poorly constructed mat not only compromises athlete performance but creates serious safety risks. This guide details the official construction standards, material specifications, and assembly methods for indoor tug of war mats as recommended by the Tug of War International Federation (TWIF).

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The Global Standard: TWIF-Approved Dunlomat Construction

The only matting officially recommended by TWIF for indoor competition use is Dunlomat, a premium rubber matting originally developed by Dunlop Conveyor Belting in the Netherlands . This matting was originally designed for heavy livestock stable flooring, where it needed to withstand sharp hooves and extreme conditions—qualities that proved ideal for the demanding sport of tug of war .

Material Composition

Dunlomat construction is fundamentally different from general-purpose rubber matting:

• Reinforced Inner Carcass: An extremely strong yet flexible inner carcass made of polyester nylon provides the mat's renowned strength and durability .
• Super-Grip Upper Surface: The mat features a high-quality Dunlop "Rufftop" super-grip rubber cover on the upper side, which provides unbeatable traction and prevents slippage .
• Easy-Glue Underside: The underside has a smoother "fabric print" surface specifically designed to make gluing to a base easy and secure .

Official Competition Specifications

For a TWIF-sanctioned event, the mat must meet these exact specifications :

For easier transportation and handling, a 36-meter mat is usually delivered in 2 × 18-meter rolls or 18 × 2-meter sections .

The Assembly Method for a Competition Mat

For competition use, the rubber matting is typically bonded to a wooden base following this documented assembly process :

1. Cutting: The 36-meter rubber mat is cut into 2-meter lengths.
2. Base Preparation: Acquire good quality 18mm thick plywood and cut it into matching 2-meter sections. Cut the plywood to a width that is approximately 110mm wider than the rubber.
3. Bonding: Use a strong adhesive (such as Evo-Stik 528 or similar) to bond the rubber to the plywood base. Apply adhesive evenly to both the plywood and the underside of the mat.
4. Rolling: Roll the rubber onto the base, ensuring there are no air pockets trapped between the two surfaces.
5. Protruding Edge: Leave approximately 55mm of plywood protruding on each side of the rubber.
6. Curing: Stack the mats on top of each other and add heavy weights on top. Allow up to two days for the adhesive to fully bond and dry.
7. Screwing: Use screws of appropriate length (not protruding above the rubber level) to further secure the rubber to the base. Insert screws at approximately 25mm intervals, about 12mm back from both ends of the mat.
8. Side Strips: Cut plywood side strips to cover the 55mm edges on either side. It is advantageous to indent one side of each strip to slightly overlap the adjoining rubber for a more secure competition surface. Affix the side strips with wood glue and screws .

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The Asian Alternative: High-Tension Plastic Fiber Mats

While Dunlomat is the global standard, a different type of mat is common in Asia, particularly for the Asian Championships. These mats are manufactured in Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam and feature:

• Material: High-tension plastic fiber with a smooth, flat surface.
• Thickness: Significantly thinner at around 4-5mm.
• Construction: Unlike the heavy, multi-piece Dunlomat, these mats are often manufactured as a single whole piece and rolled up for storage. Their thinner profile reduces the height difference with the floor, making them safer for beginners.