Competitive axe throwing started in 2006. Over the years the sport grew from one backyard game to an international league with 10,000 members.
Axe throwing locations typically follow guidelines established by the IATF or the WATL. These rules turn a backyard hobby into a legitimate sport.
The axe throwing rules for league participants are pretty complex. Their main goal is to make sure players remain safe.
With so many rules, newcomers need to take a moment to learn about the sport.
Don’t have time to sit and read through the entire rule book? Here’s a quick axe throwing guide to get you started.
Pre-Match Rules
Like any sport, warming up is important. Before the match begins, players get 3 or 5 practice throws to warm up. The number depends on which set of rules the axe throwing location uses.
Players should invest in their own axe so they can practice on their own. To find a quality axe visit clutchaxes.com.
After players are warmed up, if they feel the target is too damaged, they may ask for a replacement.
Targets are also replaced during gameplay by the referee if they feel it causes too much wiggling. At no point is a player allowed to adjust or repair the target. They are allowed to wet the wood if the target is too hard.
Axe Throwing Match Rules
Regulation matches generally include 3 rounds. During the rounds, each player throws their axe 5 times. To keep things fair, players swap lanes at the beginning of the new round.
To win the match, a player must have the highest score in 2 out of 3 rounds.
Players must stay behind the lines marked on the floor. Generally, these are placed 12 feet from the target.
There are two throwing styles allowed during regulation play:
- Double-handed throw – Player throws the axe from above their head with both hands
- Single-handed throw – Player throws the axe from above their head with one hand
No one is allowed to throw their axe until given the okay from the coach. Players must complete their throw within ten seconds of each other. If not, they’re given a throw fault.
Calculating the Score
The score is based on where the majority of the axe blade is embedded in the target.
Score totals vary depending on what rules are used. The World Axe Throwing League’s scoring system is:
- Bullseye – 6 points
- Second ring – 4 points
- Third ring – 3 points
- Fourth ring – 2 points
- Fifth ring – 1 point
On the final throw of the round, players can call for a Killshot. If they hit the small circle in the fifth ring after calling the shot, they receive 8 points.
Respect the Axe Throwing Rules
Even if you’re a casual player, you need to know the axe throwing rules. Regulations about when to throw and how to throw are for your safety. They also protect everyone around you.
There are more rules on axe throwing for you to look up if you want to be a serious player. This axe throwing guide only covers the basics.
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