2008 Western Conference

Axe Throwing Competition

Introduction

Please read these rules carefully. In the interests of safety, axe throwing will only be allowed in the presence of the umpire and marshals, whose job it will be to prevent anybody except competitors entering the target area. The targets will be lowered to the ground when no marshals are present.

Entering the Event

Registration is at the throwing area as soon as possible on Saturday morning. This competition is being organized by Whit Holder and Robert Savignac. Please indicate your interest in participating on your Conference registration form.

The Competition

• Each thrower takes 5 throws, the total of those 5 making the final score.
• Any technique is allowed provided it does not endanger others
• A second and final round will be held only if two or more individuals tie for first place. In this case the same rules will apply as for the first round. (Photo credit at left: Will Beemer)

The Rules

• One sighting throw will be allowed each competitor. This will be immediately followed by 5 scoring throws.
• The targets score thus: 5 for a bull diminishing 4, 3, 2, 1, to the outer edge of the target. The maximum score for 5 throws will be 25.
• If the bit of the axe cuts the line between one ring and another, the higher score will count.

• Double bitted.
• Handle length: 2ft min.
• Weight: 2½ lbs min.
• Edge: 6" max.
• Head: firmly fixed on shaft.

• Lee Valley Tools (Canada): www.leevalley.com
  From USA: 1-800-871-8158     From Canada: 1-800-267-8767
  
• Cutsforth Knives: www.cutsforthknives.com, 503-842-8480
  
• Highland Hardware: www.tools-for-woodworking.com, (800) 241-6748
• You may also purchase a less expensive throwing axe from Bailey's: www.baileysonline.com 1-800-322-4539.

• Any style is permitted provided it does not endanger other competitors or spectators.
• Competitors may not overstep the throwing line until the axe has hit or missed the target.

• The axe must remain in the target until retrieved by the thrower.
• The fore bit only may touch the target. If the back bit is in contact with the target, there will be no score for that throw.
• The thrower must not remove the axe until the umpire has assessed the score and agreed that with the thrower. If the axe is removed before this, the score for that throw will be lost.
• The umpire’s decision is final.

• Safety of all attending the TFG Western Conference is of paramount importance. Anybody judged by the organizers to be compromising safety in any way will be asked to leave the competition.
• Competitors must comply with the requests of the marshals and umpire.
• Practice will only be allowed on the practice targets when marshals are in attendance.
• Axes must be kept guarded at all times except when inside the throwing area.
• Only the umpire, marshals and competitors currently engaged in throwing will be allowed in the throwing area.

• There will be four targets in a row. The two center targets will be used for the competition (and practice when appropriate, at the discretion of the umpire and marshals). The two outer targets will be for practice only.
• Immediately before your competition throw, you will be allowed a short practice session on a practice target while the previous competitor is throwing on the competition target.
• General practice will be allowed on all targets before the competition and between rounds at the discretion of the umpire and marshals.

Section Reprinted from Gransfors Bruks Site With Permission

Axethrowing Rules The straight distance from the "Throwing Line" to the bull's eye on the target should be 20’ (6.1 m). The thrower may not overstep or cross the "Throwing Line" before the axe has hit or missed the target. Should be checked by a linesman. The "Fore-Bit" is the bit in the target direction in the moment when the thrower lets the double-bitted axe go. Only the "Fore-Bit" of the double-bitted axe can score a hit on the target area ­ a condition is however that the bit sticks in the target.The "Fore-Bit" only needs to cut the outer edge of a line of the scoring area to win points of that higher scoring area. The "Back-Bit" is not allowed to brush against the target ­ if so the scoring will be 0 even if the "Fore-Bit" has hit the target at same time. Best score in minimum of three throws wins. At competitions, targets for practice should be provided. Practicing throws at targets planned for competition means automatic disqualification. The standards for a Double-Bitted Competition Axe and the design for a Competition Target are shown below. 1: 20' (6,1 m) 2: 60'' (1,5 m) 3a | 3b: "Fore-Bit" sticks in target Double-Bit Axe or Throwing Axe 1: Min. 24'' (610 mm) 2: Max. 6'' (152 mm) Weight: min 2 1/2 lb (1134 g, incl. handle)

Target 1: 4'' (102 mm) 2: Ø = 36'' (914 mm) The Swedish Axe Throwing Society arranges yearly the Swedish Championship in Axe Throwing. Organizers and participants: Pay attention to the security so that none of the participants or audience will be hurt! Rope off an area large enough. Enter the area only to throw or check score. The address of the Swedish Axe Throwing Society is: Yxkastareförbundet c/o Tina Nordberg Våsjö Skola, Orsta 730 30 Kolsva Sweden