For part I read here: http://en.armpower.net/article/en/basic-savoir-vivre-at-the-armwrestling-table-part-1-3018.html

Part II: http://en.armpower.net/article/en/savoir-vivre-at-the-armwrestling-table-pt-ii-3022.html

Again we would like to point out that all commands issued by referees are in English. Fighters are obliged to know all commands.

BREAKUP

The breakup (slipping of fighters’ palms) happens when, during a fight, palms lose contact. Referees (main and side) must be unanimous and certain that the breakup was no-one fighters’ fault (breakup without foul), and hasn’t happened in losing position (defined as 2/3 of the way between vertical position and side pad).

When fighters cause a breakup and no foul is called, referees call for straps (strap match).

PROPER STRAP FIXING

STEP 1

When fixing the strap, the referee sets the fighters’ elbows on the outer edges of elbow pads. Fighters’ open palms are in contact by inside surfaces, over table center. Thumbs are open (vertical), and wrists are straight. In this position, straps can be fixed in a correct and quick manner. Only the head referee may fix the straps.

STEP 2

The referee fixes the strap buckle on the outside of the fighter’s palm, closest to him.

Next, he weaves the strap as follows: through both fighters’ palms, through wrist of fighter closest to referee, then through wrist of the other fighter. Then the referee bucles the strap.

During the fixing of the strap around the wrists, the referee asks both fighters whether the strap should be lower or higher (strap up or down?). The strap may be fixed at a maximum of 2.5 cm below the natural line of fighters’ wrist. Fighters might ask the referee to move the strap if it’s uncomfortable.

STEP 3



When the referee has strapped both fighters’ palms, he buckles the straps as shown above. Fixing the strap this way makes it impossible for a breakup to happen again.

A special strap is used to fix the fighters’ hands together, made of polyester, with dimensions: width – 2,5 cm, length – 110 cm. The strap must be finished with a special buckle (Velcro is not allowed). Straps can be finished with sponsor or club logos.

FOULS AT BREAKUP

A breakup foul happens when:

• A fighter raises (opens) his fingers or takes them outside his opponent’s palm in order to break up

• A fighter pulls out of the grip in winning position, but not able to win the fight by pinning

• A fighter closes his fingers, making a fist inside his opponent’s palm

• A fighter, in a position of wrist bent towards opponent, opens his fingers or places them below opponent’s palm in a way that makes keeping the grip impossible