Competitive axe throwing has become an increasingly popular sport that combines skill, precision, and a bit of ruggedness. As a regulated sport, it has a set of official rules that participants must follow to ensure safety and fairness during competitions. These rules may vary slightly by organizations such as the World Axe Throwing League (WATL), National Axe Throwing Federation (NATF), or others, but they broadly follow the same structure.
One of the core components of the sport is the target. The target is typically a wooden board with concentric circles painted or marked on it. Each ring represents a different point value, with the innermost ring, the bullseye, being worth the most points. The official throwing distance is usually around 12 to 15 feet from the target, which participants must not cross when they throw the axe.
Competitors take turns throwing their axes at the target, usually in rounds. A standard game may consist of 10 throws per participant, and the highest total score at the end is declared the winner. In some instances, matches can be separated into individual sets, competing for the best of three or five sets for instance.
Axes used in competition generally need to adhere to certain weight and size restrictions. The blade of the axe cannot be more than 4 inches long, and the axe itself must not weigh more than a specific limit, often around 2 pounds. Only one hand may be used to throw the axe, and it must be released in one fluid motion without any sliding of the hand.
Points are awarded based on where the axe sticks into the target. The bullseye typically scores 5 points, with progressively smaller points awarded to the outer rings. A common point spread is 5 points for a bullseye, then decreasing to 3, 2, and 1 point as you move to the outer rings. Many competitions also feature a “clutch” target, which are smaller, separate targets placed above the main rings. These clutches can only be called and attempted on the final throw of the match, and hitting them can yield higher points, such as 7 or 8, but missing them often results in 0 points for the throw.
In terms of the throw itself, there are rules governing the release and landing of the axe. For an axe throw to score points, the axe must stick to the target with the blade; the handle hitting the board first or the axe bouncing off the board usually respectively result in a fault or 0 points. Additionally, the throw must be made within a certain time limit once the participant steps into the designated throwing box.
Aside from the scoring system and competition structure, there are strict safety rules in place. Competitors are required to wait until the other competitor has thrown and retrieved their axes before proceeding to retrieve their own. No one is allowed to pass the throw line until both participants have thrown, and retrieving axes must be done carefully to avoid injuries. Proper training and technique are crucial in competitive axe throwing to ensure the safety of participants and spectators alike.
Finally, sportsmanship is a critical element in competitive axe throwing. Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner respectful to their competitors, judges, and the atmosphere of competition. Disputes are to be settled by officials in a fair and unbiased manner, and any violations can result in warnings, point deductions, or even disqualification.
In summary, competitive axe throwing is governed by a set of official rules designed to keep the sport consistent, fair, and safe. The game emphasizes skillful and precise throws at a standard target, using axes that comply with regulated specifications. Safety and sportsmanship norms are strictly enforced to maintain a positive and secure environment for all involved. As the sport continues to grow, these rules may evolve, but the core tenets of the game are expected to remain focused on skill, precision, and friendly competition.