Axe Throwing Rules

Left: Axe anatomy. Right: Maximum legal dimensions for hatchet competition.

Spec	Maximum
Weight	3 lbs / 1.36 kg
Length	19 in / 48.26 cm (from top of eye)
Bit	4 in / 10.16 cm (toe to heel)

1. Axes may only have one sharp bit. No sharpened bits, spikes, or blades on the poll.
2. Axe heads must be held securely. Heads easily removed (clamped, screwed, pinned) are not legal unless approved by WATL.
3. Illegal Axes: Any axe infringing on patents/trademarks. Specifically: Warriors, Hacha Manufacturing, Mirror Edge, and Urban Edge.
4. Use of illegal axes may result in loss of points, position, and/or prize money.

View WATL Axes →

1. Competitors and spectators will not bully, harass, or influence a judge. Violations = Code of Conduct violation.
2. Certified Judge Requirements:
   • 1 judge per 16 competitors at leagues/regional/local tournaments
   • 1 judge per lane at national tournaments
   • Must be actively working (not competing) to count
3. Judges may compete but never score their own games.
4. Judges must not be impaired while scoring. Impaired judges removed immediately.
5. Judges should avoid conflicts of interest. Conflicts must be disclosed. Competitors can request a different judge.
6. Incorrect applications of rules where bias may be present could lead to revocation of certification.
7. Certified Judges may be pulled from scoring at any time by any event or WATL authority.
8. Suspected violations: report to Head Judge immediately.
9. Gross misconduct: officiating@worldaxethrowingleague.com

1. Each throwing area is a lane containing 2 targets.
2. Fences or walls block the area for safety.
3. Only competitors and a Certified Judge inside during a match. Area behind must be clear.

Targets must use an official WATL stencil. Placement allowance: ½ in. Lines: black marker, 20mm thick, with a ⅛ in allowance for bleed and marker variability.

1. Targets at all sanctioned leagues and events must adhere to the measurements specified in this section.
2. Variances in scoring zone locations should fall within ¾ in of all corresponding targets within the lane.
3. The target’s center is 60 in from the ground, positioned at the halfway point of the middle vertical board.
4. A black marker will be used to draw the target lines.
5. The middle bullseye is 1.5 in diameter, centered in the target, outlined with a black ballpoint pen, and colored in red.
6. In all National tournaments, the inner edge of the center 5 ring must also be outlined with a red ballpoint pen, which counts as part of the scoring zone.
7. Pen lines will be drawn with the use of a centering tool such as the official WATL Perfect 6.
8. The 4 outer bullseyes and 5 rings are centered within the 3 ring. The outer 5 rings are 3.5 in diameter, and the outer bullseyes are 1.5 in diameter, centered within each outer 5 ring.
9. The outer 5 rings and outer bullseyes must be drawn with a black ballpoint pen, and either the outer 5 or the outer bullseyes must be colored in red.
10. Inner Killshots must be outlined with a red ballpoint pen. Outer Killshots may be drawn with red or black ballpoint pen. Either the inner or outer Killshots must be colored in blue.
11. Lines must be complete, with no gaps that interfere with the ability to judge scoring.
12. Targets should not contain extraneous markings that would impede proper scoring.
13. A wood crayon, highlighter, or other marking tool may be used within the outer 5 rings and Killshots for visual purposes, as long as the pen line is still clearly identifiable.
14. Projected Targets are not permitted for sanctioned leagues or tournaments.

Element	Size	Position (from ground)
Target center	—	60 in
Middle bullseye	1.5 in diameter, red	Center
Outer 5 rings	3.5 in diameter	Lower: 56.5 in / Upper: 63.5 in
Outer bullseyes	1.5 in	(within outer 5 rings)
Killshots (inner)	¾ in, red pen, blue fill	Lower: 48 in / Upper: 72 in
Killshots (outer)	1.5 in	(same)

2026 Target Note: No new stencil. Use 2024 stencil for outer bullseye centers, then Perfect 6 for 5 rings and outer bullseyes.

Venue Target Specifications →

1. Targets should be of sound quality before gameplay.
2. Boards changed/flipped at the Lane Judge‘s discretion if:
   • Excessive wiggling of axe or board risks throws falling out
   • Scoring zones have gaps or missing lines
   • Safety hazard exists
3. Competitors may request Head Judge inspection.
4. If targets become unscorable during the match, the Lane Judge may opt to move the match to another lane. If no lane is available, boards may be swapped out before continuing play.
5. If a board is changed mid-game → 1 practice throw each.
6. Boards must be individually secured.
7. May not alter targets for advantage. Competitors may tap in a loose piece of the board with the judge’s permission. Spraying boards is allowed.

Situation	Min. Throws
First game of the day	3 (10 suggested if no pre-practice)
Subsequent games	1

Head Judge or venue may adjust. But all throws must be equally available to all.

Axe Changes: Broken → Lane Judge may require switch (auto pause). Competitor-initiated = 1-min pause.

Injuries: Must be assessed. Unable to continue → match to opponent.

Fault Lines:

Discipline	Distance
Hatchet & Duals	12 ft
Big Axe	15 ft

• If a competitor touches any part of the lane, equipment, or building past the fault line once the lane is active and before all scores are called, that throw is a fault.
• A fault may be dismissed at the Lane Judge’s discretion for incidents that occur after all competitors have thrown and their axes have come to rest.
• Wheelchair: one wheel behind. Cane/device: may rest past if feet behind.
• No headphones/ANC while throwing (medical hearing devices excepted). Competitors must inform the Lane Judge if wearing earplugs or a hearing device.
• Unsafe throwing = disqualification
• Overhead throws: blade away from competitor
• Spectators should maintain a safe distance from all competitors.

Timing & Pauses:

• The lane is open for the next throw when all competitors and the Lane Judge have returned behind the fault line, and no pause has been called.
• Throws must be taken within 10 sec of each other — exceeding = fault. In order to count a throw as a fault, a timer must be used by the Lane Judge.
• A Lane Judge should institute a timer if they believe a competitor’s pace suggests they might exceed the allotted time. The judge must institute a timer should either competitor request it.
• If a timer is instituted, the Lane Judge must inform the competitors, and it must be used for a minimum of 3 throws or the remainder of the game.
• Stalemate: the trailing competitor throws first. If tied, the Lane Judge will flip a coin. Once prompted, the trailing competitor has 10 sec to throw or it counts as a fault.
• The Lane Judge may call a pause for any reason. Competitors may also request a pause at the judge’s discretion.

Challenges:

• A competitor may challenge any score called by the Lane Judge.
• Both competitors must return behind fault lines until the final call is made.
• If a competitor alters the position of an axe after a challenge is called, the lower value is automatically applied.
• The final call is always made by the Head Judge (or another Certified Judge selected by the Head Judge). The final call is final and binding and may not be disputed further.
• The Lane Judge must always make a call on each throw.
• Competitors may not retroactively issue challenges to completed matches.
• Spectators cannot make challenges unless they are a minor’s representative.

Appeals Process:

• If a competitor believes an incorrect application of the rules is being assessed, they may appeal to the Head Judge.
• If the competitor believes the Head Judge is also not properly applying the rules, they may file an appeal to the WATL Head Judge, the Head of Officiating, or any designated WATL rules expert.
• The appeal must include: the specific rule in question, a detailed description of the incident, and any supporting evidence (video, photographs, witness statements, or other).

Minor Representatives:

• Competitors under 18 may name a representative to act on their behalf. The representative may only challenge calls on behalf of the competitor.
• Each representative must be named before the start of the sanctioned event and communicated to Certified Judges.
• The representative is expected to follow all rules of play as if they were the competitor.

Left: Scale comparison. Right: Only center board scores 5s and bullseyes.

Spec	Requirement
Weight	3 lbs min — 4.25 lbs max
Handle	23 in min — 30 in max
Blade	4⅝ in max

Gameplay Differences

• 7 throws per game (not 10)
• Same target all game — switch between games
• Fault line: 15 ft

Scoring Differences

• 5s and bullseyes on center board only
• All Killshots = 8 pts (no 7/8 distinction — both inner and outer score 8)
• No extra Killshot for drops
• Only hit Killshots close — no height alternation until sudden death

Sudden Death

Clockwise Killshot rotation. First to score higher wins. Measuring from 3rd attempt.

Both teammates throw simultaneously at the same target

• 5 throws per game. Each = 2 axes simultaneously.
• All 5 at same target. Switch between games.
• Must throw from approximately same distance.

Fault Rules

• Fault by either = fault for both axes
• One hits before partner releases = fault

Scoring Differences

• 5s/bullseyes on center board only
• Killshots = 8 pts
• 2 calls per game (separate or same throw)
• Same Killshot hit by both = 16 pts if both called
• Killshots close after both axes scored
• Axe in axe: both get embedded axe’s value
• Removing scored axe drops partner’s → lower score given
• No extra Killshot for drops

Sudden Death

• Individual clockwise rotation
• First team to outscore in single attempt wins
• From 3rd attempt: shortest measurable distance wins