Oklahoma Armwrestling League

own safety, health decisions, and preparedness. OAL encourages healthy competition and personal accountability over blame-shifting.
4. Brotherhood & Rivalry:
Fierce rivalries are welcome—but must be rooted in mutual respect. Build others up, even when you're trying to pin them down.
5. Inclusivity:
Everyone is welcome to compete, from weekend warriors to seasoned pros. No discrimination based on gender, race, age, or background.
6. No Anti-Doping Clause:
The OAL will not enforce anti-doping regulations. Participants are encouraged to make informed choices, monitor their health, and be open with their practices where appropriate.
7. Protect the Culture:
The spirit of traditional arm wrestling—grit, community, pride, and raw strength—comes before ego or commercialism.
_______Oklahoma Arm Wrestling League (OAL) Official Ruleset (WAL-Inspired, Grassroots Edition) Updated for 2025 Season

🏆 Match Format
Matches are Best of 3 or Best of 5, depending on bracket or event level. Each round is one pull. Winner advances in a double-elimination format (unless specified otherwise). Divisions are separated by weight class.
✊ Grip & Start
Competitors must approach the table with open hands. Athletes attempt a negotiated grip first. If no grip is reached in 30 seconds, the referee sets a referee’s grip: Hands are positioned by the ref. “Ready… Go!” command starts the match. No movement is allowed after "Ready" is spoken.
💢 Straps
All slips go directly to straps. It does not matter if the slip is intentional or not. Once a slip occurs, the referee immediately sets a strap match restart. No fouls or warnings are issued for slipping.
❌ Elbow Fouls
An elbow foul occurs when the elbow completely lifts off or leaves the pad. Floating within the pad is permitted, but if the elbow breaks contact with the pad surface = foul. Elbow fouls operate under a "running foul" rule set. When an elbow foul is committed, the match continues without stopping, and the offender becomes the "runner." The runner must pin their opponent to earn a neutral restart (the pin does not count as a victory; the round simply restarts from a fair grip). If the runner commits another foul before pinning their opponent, it counts as two in a row, resulting in loss of the round. If the opponent pins the runner while they are on a running foul, the runner loses the round.

🏃 Straight Arm Position (New Rule – Class-Specific)
A straight arm position is defined as the competitor’s arm being fully extended (locked or nearly locked) with minimal bend at the elbow while the match is in progress. Amateur Classes (all weight classes designated as amateur):
Maintaining a straight arm position is a foul. The referee will immediately stop the match and issue a foul. The round restarts from a neutral grip with no warnings given. Two straight-arm fouls in the same round = loss of the round. Open / Pro Classes (any division labeled Open or Pro):
Maintaining a straight arm position results in a verbal warning from the referee (“Stand up!” or similar command). The athlete must immediately correct their posture (bend the arm and stand up) to continue. If the athlete does not correct the position after the warning, the referee stops the match, issues a foul, and restarts the round from a neutral grip. Two straight-arm fouls in the same round = loss of the round.

🛑 False Starts
A false start (pulling before the “Go”) results in one foul. Two false starts = loss of the round. Movement before “Go” in a referee’s grip = foul.
🖐️ Pin Victory
A pin is scored when any part of the opponent’s hand, wrist, or fingers touches or passes below the touch pad. Note: Pins achieved while on a running foul do not count as a victory (see Elbow Fouls for details). A match can also be won by:


2 fouls from your opponent
Disqualification (for rules infractions or conduct)


⚙️ Table & Equipment
Standard 7’x7’ WAL-style tables with:


Regulation pads
Two vertical pin pads
Side pegs for hand placement
Chalk is allowed. No stickum, tape, or grip aids permitted.


🧠 Weight Classes (modifiable per event)


Lightweight – Up to 154lbs
Middleweight – 155 to 198lbs
Light-Heavyweight – 199 to 220lbs
Heavyweight – 221 to 242lbs
Super Heavyweight – 242+lbs


🤝 Conduct & Sportsmanship
Respect for opponents, referees, and crowd is expected. Controlled intensity is welcome — but fighting, threats, or aggressive behavior = immediate DQ. Competitors may celebrate wins, but taunting or hostile behavior is not tolerated.
🧾 Appeals
Each competitor may make one official appeal per event. Appeals must be made immediately following the round in question. The head referee and event director will make a final ruling. Video replay may be used at major events, if available._________________________________
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