The official rankings of the Tennessee Armwrestling Association. Updated October 4, 2026.
State Rankings
#
Athlete
Hand
Beat & Take Defeat a ranked puller, you take their spot. Everyone below moves down one.
Inactivity Drop Inactive for 1 year = removed from rankings.
Weight Class Commitment Must compete in ranked class at least once per year. Cannot change weight classes more than once per year.
Official Call-Outs Rank holder has 3 months to respond or loses rank. Challenger must travel to rank holder unless otherwise agreed. Challenger must be within 3 lbs of the rank class.
Returning from Inactivity Restarts at bottom of list. Exception: defeating a ranked puller takes their spot directly.
Supermatch Priority A Supermatch win overrides a loss to the same opponent on the same day only. This exception applies only between the two pullers involved in the Supermatch. Tournament results on the same day as a Supermatch still count under normal ranking guidelines.
Valid Match Types Tournament wins and challenge matches (min best of 3 w/ video) both count when weight classes align.
Single Class Registration Ranked in one weight class only. WAF, IFA, or WAL rulesets accepted.
Overall Rankings Tournament results affect overall rank. Exceptions for double-classing or extreme circumstances — common sense prevails.
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Support Tennessee Armwrestling
Your sponsorship directly fuels the growth of competitive armwrestling across Tennessee — from grassroots club development to championship-level events. Join us and put your brand in front of a passionate, growing fanbase.
This is the pinnacle of TAA partnership — reserved for visionary brands ready to co-create something unprecedented. We're talking a fully branded championship event, national-level production, and a moment that puts Tennessee on the armwrestling map forever. Let's build it together.
The Tennessee Armwrestling Association is the official governing body for competitive armwrestling in the state of Tennessee. Founded to grow, organize, and elevate the sport, TAA sanctions events, maintains official state rankings, supports club development, and connects athletes across all regions of the state. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or brand new to the table — you belong here.
Leadership & Staff
Laray Jenkins
President & Promoter
David Owens
Founder & Promoter
Tim Bresnan
Head Referee
James Worke
Referee
Roby Russell
Referee
Chris Harrison
Referee
Michael Nance
Referee
The following rules are based on the official World Armwrestling Federation (WAF) ruleset, accepted by TAA at all sanctioned events.
Starting Position & Grip
Competitors grip palm-to-palm with thumb knuckles visible. Wrists must be straight and arms centered on the table. Shoulders square. The referee sets the grip — competitors have 30 seconds to grip up before a warning is issued and the referee administers the grip.
How to Win (Pin)
A pin occurs when any part of the opponent's hand — from the natural wrist line to fingertips — touches or crosses below the touch pad. There is no time limit on a bout; it continues until a pin is achieved or fouls determine the outcome.
Fouls & Warnings
Elbow Fouls Lifting elbow off the pad with clear spacing, or sliding off any side of the pad.
Shoulder Violations Crossing the centerline between pegs, or dropping the competing shoulder below the table top while on the losing side.
Body Contact Touching your own chin, shoulder, or head during the match.
False Start Any arm movement before the "Go" signal.
Intentional Slip Any deliberate slip is an automatic foul. Unintentional slip-outs result in straps being applied.
Accumulation Two warnings = one foul. Two fouls = loss of that match.
Match Format
WAF championships use double elimination — competitors must lose twice to be eliminated. Individual pulls may be single rounds or best-of-3/best-of-5 depending on the tournament level. A 60-second rest is typically provided between pulls.
Wrist Straps
Applied after an unintentional slip-out or by mutual agreement. Straps must be positioned at least 1 inch above the natural wrist line. The referee wraps the buckle-side wrist first.
Age Categories
Sub Junior (14–15) · Junior 18 (16–18) · Junior 21 (19–21) · Senior (any age) · Masters (40+) · Grand Master (50+) · Senior Grand Master (60+)
Referee Signals
Warning Finger pointed at the offending competitor.
Elbow Foul Referee taps elbow and points at the ground on the offender's side.
Winner Referee raises arm toward the winning competitor.
Source: World Armwrestling Federation — waf-armwrestling.com
Get In Touch
Whether you're a venue looking to host an event, a business interested in sponsorship, or an athlete ready to compete — we want to hear from you.
Armwrestling is one of the fastest-growing strength sports for women in the country — and Tennessee is ready to lead the charge. TAA is actively working to build a thriving women's division, support the formation of women's clubs across the state, and create a competitive pathway for female athletes at every level.
If you're a woman interested in competing, starting a club, or simply want to learn more about the sport — reach out. The table is open to everyone.
