Liven up tugs of war by putting each team on a treadmill. The treadmill has no motor but turns as the teams feet press against it when they pull on the rope in the opposite direction. A brake causes enough friction that each team is at a walking pace as they try to gain an advantage in the beginning.
At the center point of the rope is a lever coupled to the treadmills brakes. A better team causes movement of the lever which lightens the brake on their own treadmill. To keep winning they must start jogging and then running all out to better the worsening odds.
Any loss of a team member off the back of the treadmill would quickly improve the situation for the opposing team that would soon be tugging and racing themselves to win. This invigorating battle might possibly only be won by the sole standing warrior.-- FarmerJohn, Dec 13 2003 G++d. People could get hurt. Very g++d.-- thumbwax, Dec 13 2003 Very interesting. +-- sartep, Dec 13 2003 I sure would be funny to see a team forfeit just to see the other team fall on their faces ...-- Letsbuildafort, Dec 13 2003 This sounds more feasible as a 1-on-1 sport, but me likes.-- Overpanic, Dec 13 2003 random, halfbakery