Double axe throwing rules of competition

Double axe throwing enjoys more and more popularity in Germany at the moment. Until now, the
rules from the book of the axes were interpreted differently. Therefore, the signing organizers and
clubs have agreed upon the following rules for regional and national competitions in the discipline
double axe 6,10 m thrown with both hands in winter 2012/2013:
1 Axe throwing is done with a double edged axe on a target made out of wood. Axe and target are
described in more detail on page 2.
2 The distance between the throw-line and the center of the target is 6,1m (20).
3 The thrower is not allowed to cross the throw-line before the axe has either hit or missed the
target. This has to be controlled by a linesman (may be the finish line judge). Another, repeatedly
crossing of the throw-line after having been given a warning, results in a throw with 0 points.
4 The frontal axe blade is the blade which faces the target at the moment of the throw.
5 Only the frontal axe blade can mark a hit on the target. The premise for that is that the axe is
firmly stuck in the target. At a valid throw, the axe handle has an angle of 0 max. 45 between the
target and the handle to the ground. Furthermore, the angle between axe handle and target must
not be larger than 45. Every marginal angle has to be controlled and evaluated with a gauge. A not
measured angle may not be evaluated as to large and, in further consequence, be rated with zero
points.
5.2 At local events, at 5cm circles, at single-handed throws and at throws from a higher distance, it
is possible to deviate from the rules.
6 The front axe blade only needs to touch the line between two scoring lines to score the higher
total points. At competitions, every axe throw is being assessed by a judge. The choice of the judges
is fixed by the head of the competition before the beginning. At regional competitions, judges may
also be competitors. In case of a disagreement, the final decision regarding the score is made by the
head of the competition.
7 The winner is the thrower which gained the most points after at least three throws respectively
after the number of throws determined by the organizer.
8 See illustration for dimension and design of the target. The organizer also has the right to use
scaled-down target (5cm rings), if he mentions it in the announcement along with the set of rules in
advance.
9 Competition categories: The coordinator of the competition may determine the following
categories before the competition:
Women, men, seniors, juniors, team (three throwers = team)
The coordinator of the competition determines the age limit ad hoc. In order that a competition
category can obtain the status of a category, at least three participants respectively three teams have
to be there in the respective category. It is in the coordinator of the competitions opinion to award
prizes for e.g. newcomer or fairness.

10 The coordinator of the competition is appointed by the organizer. If the competition is organized
by an axe throwing club or another club, the clubs management appoints the coordinator of the
competition.
11 The coordinator of the competition takes over control and is responsible for the compliance of
the safety rules. In case of deficiencies of safety, the coordinator of competition has to cancel the
competition until the deficiencies are corrected. The coordinator of competition has to inform the
competitors and spectators about the applicable safety rules.
12 In the course of competitions, the coordinator of competition can determine a toss in case of a
level score. The amount of throws has to be announced before the toss.
13 Due to bad weather or other unplanned circumstances, the coordinator of competition can
deviate from preassigned mode of holding upon consultation with the organizer.

Measurement of the throwing path

Distance throwing line/target

= 6,1 m (20)

Height bulls eye/ground

= 1,5 m (60)

Double axe and target

Measurement of the permitted double axe
Total length

: at least 610 mm (24)

Length of the blade: maximum 152 mm (6)

Total weight

: at least 1134 g (2 lb) including handle

Target

Bulls eye

5 points = 102 mm (4)

Outer ring 1 point = 914mm (36)

Safety rules
Risk area
3 m behind the throwing line, 8 m on each side and 15 m behind the target. Distance between paths
next to each other =/> 3 m (center target to center target).
Exclusion area
The risk area has to be cordoned off by tape, string or the like. Sings with Beware of trespassing
have to be put up outside of the exclusion area. The text has also to exist in German.
Security patrols
Security patrols have to watch the complete exclusion are during whole time of the. Only officials
and participants who are throwing at the time are allowed to stay in the exclusion zone.
Judges
At every target a judge has to be present. The judge has to be recognizable by an eye-catching outfit
(e.g. reflective west).
Throwing

All participants of a round throw at the same time after a signal given by coordinator of the
competition. The thrower has 1 minute to throw after the signal has sounded. After multiple
violations, the coordinator of the competition has to point the thrower out to a speedily execution.
Hit recording
The judges do the hit recording at the targets after admission of the coordinator of the competition.
The judge announces the value loudly and clearly. If the thrower wants to enter a protest, he can do
so by raising the throwing hand. In this case the coordinator of the competition decides about the
worth of the throw. Afterwards, the axes are being removed from the target and handed over to the
participants. The handle is directed towards the recipient. The judge has to grab the axe in a way that
others do not get contact with the blades.
Blade protection
The axes have to be equipped by a blade protection at all times outside the competition area. Within
the competition area, the axes can be stuck in a stump etc.
General
The coordinator of the competition can suspend a thrower, e.g. after alcohol use, drug use or
negligence, if it seems to him that the security of the participants, the officials or the spectators are
in danger.

January 2013-09-13
Signatures: