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We have updated AxeScores to address bugs present within the system. Please refer to the list below for all changes made in this update.
AXESCORES PATCH NOTES FOR DECEMBER 1, 2022
Revised the process for starting new seasons to allow greater flexibility
Greater flexibility allows IATF members to configure IATF Standard and Premier leagues to run shorter than 7 weeks, and to configure Recreational leagues to choose Standard, Premier and Big Axe rules in an easier way.
FIXED 7 WEEK LEAGUE SEASON LIMITATION
Fixed the limitation of having to create a season with 7 weeks before then decreasing the number of weeks.
FIXED PLAYER PROFILE DISPLAY ISSUES
Fixed an issue that caused some player profiles to not display as expected in the app and on AxeScores.com
FIXED OFFLINE MATCH EXTRA ROUNDS ISSUE
Fixed an issue where match rounds and throws recorded offline can lead to extra rounds and throws in a match.
FIXED LANE DISPLAY ISSUES WITH FORFEIT AND PLAY MATCHES
Fixed an issue where Forfeit with Play matches did not progress correctly on the lane displays.
We continue to improve and refine the AxeScores platform on both the website and app, follow us on our website and socails to get updates on major AxeScores patches and new features.
If you have an AxeScores issue to report, please email us with all the information on the issue at info@iatf.com. You can download the AxeScorres app here.
Two short weeks ago, we announced that, on January 29, 2023, 9 Regional hosts would open their venues for the IATF Regionals Tournaments - a highly anticipated day of global competition happening in your backyard. And, the excitement continues to mount as registration opens on November 1st, 2022! So mark that date in your calendar and be sure to register early!
These competitions pave the way to the International Axe Throwing Championships, and this year has been made even more exciting with the addition of an automatic entry into Round 2 of the International Axe Throwing Champion’s Wilson Cup for Regionals winners.
As promised, here are the rest of the details! But first, if you missed the dates and the 9 Regionals Hosts announcement, you can catch up on these details here.
Where and When You Can Register to Compete
Registration opens November 1st, 2022, at 2 PM ET
Registration for all Regional Tournaments, happening on January 29th, 2023, will be managed through the IATF this year in order to streamline the entire process. On November 1, 2022, from 2 pm, you can register through our website, at www.iatf.com. We will put out an updated social post with all the venues and their registration links when registration opens. Registration will also be available via accessible links on the home page or via the tournament page (clicking on “Tournaments” in the main navigation bar).
Tournament Registration Fees and Value
Registration Fees are set at $80 USD
All Regionals Tournament registration fees are set at $80 USD, and 50% of all registration fees, collected, for each tournament will go toward the CASH prize pools at that tournament. Each tournament will have a prize pool payout for the top 8 throwers. And, as indicated above, the first-place finisher in each tournament will receive an automatic spot in 2023 Round 2 of the Wilson Cup (more details below).
Pool Play Round Robin Format - Followed By Single Elimination
Back by popular demand, this year's IATF Regionals tournaments at the 9 Host locations will be following a Pool Play Round Robin format. This format, by design, gives players more matches and better value. It further strengthens the competitive opportunities by guaranteeing each thrower 3 matches, with a minimum of 50% of competitors playing in at least 4 matches.
How does Pool Play Work?
This format starts with a group stage, with all players divided into groups of 3 and 4 depending on the tournament size. Each player will throw 3 matches within the group in a 3 out of 5 round match format before any elimination takes place. Once all Group Stage matches are complete, the top 2 throwers from each group move onto a single elimination tournament bracket.
Guaranteed Wilson Cup Round 2 Entry
As detailed in the original announcement post, all ‘Regionals’ first-place winners will receive the prize money, and the coveted “skip the line” guaranteed spot in Round 2 of the 2023 International Axe Throwing Championships Wilson Cup in Toronto, Canada.
While anyone can participate and win these Regional Tournaments and the prize money and accolades they come with, the guaranteed Round 2 entry is only applicable to IATF throwers who have competed in an IATF-sanctioned league season (Standard or Premier Ruleset League) between March 12, 2022, and Jan 28, 2023. As a further reminder, as last year’s Wilson Cup winner has already received a guaranteed spot in Round 2, they cannot take advantage of this additional placement prize. If a winner doesn’t meet the requirements for this guaranteed entry per the details above, it will be given to the next eligible winner (second place, third place, and so on).
REMINDER: Any player who wins a Round 2 entry into the Wilson Cup must still also compete in Round 1 for seeding purposes.
If you’re looking to plan out the rest of your road to the International Axe Throwing Championships, make sure you bookmark the IATC Dates Announcement and review the last Regionals Announcements.
We’re looking forward to watching all the competitions during regionals, and we wish you all the best of luck!
As always, if you have any additional questions, please send them to info@iatf.com, and we will get back to you.
IATF REGIONALS ARE COMING!
The countdown has begun! It’s been four months since 256 competitors from all 9 IATF Regions came together to celebrate community, competition, and the best axe throwers in the world at the 2022 International Axe Throwing Championships in Toronto; only four months since we bestowed the Wilson Cup and the title of World’s Best Axe Thrower to Dave Cycon. Now, we’re looking to see how the competitive field will be shaped for 2023. Who will be the next champion?
We’re excited to start announcing details about the IATF Regionals Tournaments. The IATF Regionals are a set of nine tournaments held on a single day across the IATF regions of the world. Regionals have always come with the opportunity to compete with the best, win prize money, and make your name and skills known throughout the world. This year, the stakes are even higher with the addition of a guaranteed qualification for Round 2 of the International Axe Throwing Championship’s Wilson Cup. This is the same for all nine tournament winners.
In this first post, we outline the core details of this highly anticipated set of tournaments: the dates, entry and winning requirements, and of course, the venues sanctioned to host in their regions. More importantly, stay tuned to our socials and website, over the next few weeks, for more announcements detailing: registration fees, how to register and reserve your spot in the regional tournament of your choice, the tournament format, and more. Please also refer to the FAQ section for answers to all the common questions.
TOURNAMENT HOSTS & DATES:
Review the details below to determine which axe-throwing venue is hosting your regional tournament this year. For any questions on how regions are setup, please review the following link: https://internationalaxethrowingfederation.com/regions/
REGION | MEMBER | CITY | DATE |
|---|---|---|---|
WEST | TRUE NORTH | LETHBRIDGE, AB CANADA | January 29, 2023 |
SOUTHWEST | LA Ax | Los Angeles, CA | January 29, 2023 |
SOUTH | Urban Axes | Austin, TX | January 29, 2023 |
CENTRAL | Detroit Axe | Detroit, MI USA | January 29, 2023 |
EAST | Ace Axe | Pittsburgh, PA | January 29, 2023 |
SOUTHEAST | BATL LoSo | Charlotte, NC USA | January 29, 2023 |
NORTHEAST | BATL Port Lands | Toronto, ON CANADA | January 29, 2023 |
PACIFIC | Maniax | SYDNEY, NSW AUSTRALIA | January 29, 2023 |
EUROPEAN | SKEETERS | London, ENG | January 29, 2023 |
ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
While these tournaments and their prize money are open to anyone, eligibility to participate in the International Axe Throwing Championships and the Wilson Cup, as well as entry into Rounds 1 & 2 of the IATC Wilson Cup, require that a player has completed at least one official IATF league (Standard or Premier ruleset) qualifying season. This includes the new Marathon Leagues format. Recreational leagues do not qualify.
FAQS
Am I Restricted To Throwing In My League’s Region?
No, you are not restricted to any specific regional tournament. Throwers are welcome to register and throw in any single regional tournament.
What Will The Prizes Be?
There are 9 Regional Tournaments, and the First Place winner of each region will receive a guaranteed Qualification to Round 2 of the IATC Wilson Cup. On top of that, each regional tournament will have a prize pool, reflecting 50% of the registration fees, and will pay out the top 8 places.
Can Anyone Participate Even If They Don’t Qualify For The IATC?
Yes, anyone can participate and play for the prize pools. However, as specified, players must have participated in an IATF Sanctioned League (Standard or Premier Ruleset) to win guaranteed qualification for Round 2 of the IATC Wilson Cup. In the event that a non-qualifying player wins their tournament, the Round 2 entry would immediately pass onto the next qualifying winner in order (to the second place winner as long as they qualify and the third place winner if they do not.).
What Happens If a Non-IATF Qualifying Thrower Wins Their Regional Tournament?
As stated above, anyone can participate and win the prize money. However, in the event that a non-qualifying player wins their tournament, the Round 2 entry would immediately pass onto the next qualifying winner in order (to the second place winner as long as they qualify and the third place winner if they do not.).
Will The First Place Winners Skip Round 1 of the Wilson Cup?
No. Winners that automatically qualify for Round 2 of the IATC Wilson Cup must still participate in Round 1 for seeding purposes, but their qualification for Round 2 is still guaranteed.
What Is The Cutoff Date For Completing A Sanctioned League Season?
To be eligible for the automatic qualification for an IATC Round 2 spot, a player must have completed a qualifying IATF league between March 12, 2022, and January 28th, 2023.
How Were Host Venues Selected?
Venues were selected, among all IATF Member organizations, based on their central location in their regions. Specifically, the IATF calculated the concentration of throwers in each region and matched that with a venue that represents a central location to support the necessary size of the tournaments.
What Happens If Last Year's IATC Wilson Cup Winner Takes First Place?
The winner of the IATC 2022 Wilson Cup was already awarded an automatic qualification to round 2 of this year’s championships. As such, they are ineligible to win another Round 2 qualification. In the event that they win their Regional Tournament, the Round 2 qualification spot would immediately pass onto the next qualifying winner in order (to the second place winner as long as they qualify and the third place winner if they do not.).
We’ll be sharing more details in the coming weeks so stay tuned to our social and website channels, so you don’t miss out on registration, and your chance to compete for the coveted Wilson Cup by qualifying through the regional tournaments. We will be announcing details on registration fees, how to register and reserve your spot in the regional tournament of your choice, the tournament format, and more.
As always, if you have any additional questions, please send them to info@iatf.com, and we will get back to you.
Following feedback from the community, we very recently committed to enhancing and clarifying the language and the imagery for rulesets 4.1 - Axe Specifications. We are pleased to now share these enhancements.
While these rules have not gone through any additional changes, the layout, formatting, and accompanying images have been re-designed to provide more clarity on what is and what is not a legal competition throwing axe. Hatchet and Big Axe specifications have also been combined into one page of the rulebook.
These axe specifications are designed to be comprehensive and to provide everybody with the confidence to customize to best suit their needs while maintaining the integrity and entertainment value of this sport. We strongly encourage all throwers, modifiers, and manufacturers to read this newly presented document from top to bottom in order to understand the rules in their entirety.
We here at the IATF are not looking to stifle creativity, nor prescribe that you must throw ours and only our axes for competition. However, we do need to ensure that axes are fair for unified competition and the entertainment value and integrity of the sport.
We are always thankful for the direct engagement of the axe-throwing community and appreciate and encourage all your feedback on these and other rules. Should you still have any questions or feedback, you can send them directly to info@iatf.com.
A REMINDER THAT:
HATCHET DIMENSIONS THAT HAVE NOT CHANGED:
- weight (1.5-2.5 lbs, total weight head and handle together)
- handle length (13"-17", from knob to eye)
- head length (5"- 7", entire length of the head from blade to butt)
- blade length (3"- 4", entire length of the blade from toe to heel)
- minimum head height (1.5", measured vertically, parallel to the handle)
HATCHET DIMENSIONS ADDED:
- maximum head height (4", measured vertically, parallel to the handle)
BIG AXE DIMENSIONS THAT HAVE NOT CHANGED:
- weight (2.75-3.75 lbs, total weight head and handle together)
- minimum handle length (25", from knob to eye)
- head length (6"-7.5", entire length of the head from blade to butt)
- blade length (3.5" - 4 5/8", entire length of the blade from toe to heel)
- minimum head height (2", measured vertically, parallel to the handle)
BIG AXE DIMENSIONS ADDED:
- maximum handle length (32”, from knob to eye)
- maximum head height (4 5/8", measured vertically, parallel to the handle)
We have also included clarity around what “Grossly Modified” means throughout the document.
IATF RULEBOOK CHANGES
Please click the following link to view the enhanced Rule 4.1 Axe Specifications and remember to read and understand these in their entirety. If you have any questions or require more clarity, please reach out directly via email to info@iatf.com.
We wish you all the best in your ongoing competitions!
Reference Diagrams
Parts of an axe
Parts of an axe head
1. Axe Weight Specification
1.1 Weight is defined as the total weight of the axe, including the head and handle.
Hachet | Big Axe (Felling Axe) | |
|---|---|---|
1.2 The minimum weight is: | 1.5 lbs 680 g | 2.75 lbs 1,247 g |
1.3 The maximum weight is: | 2.5 lbs 1,134 g | 3.75 lbs 1,701 g |
2. Axe Handle Specification
2.1 The handle must be made from wood.
2.2 The handle length is measured from the knob (bottom) of the handle to the eye (top) of the axe head (see Measuring the Handle).
2.3 If the handle protrudes from the eye (top) of the axe head, the protruding length is not included in the measurement of the handle length (see Measuring the Handle).
Hachet | Big Axe (Felling Axe) | |
|---|---|---|
2.4 The minimum handle length is: | 13" 330 mm | 25" 635 mm |
2.5 The maximum handle length is: | 17" 432 mm | 32" 813 mm |
Measuring the Handle
Measure the handle from the knob to the eye of the axe head.
3. Axe Head Length Specification
3.1 The head length is measured from the blade to the plane of the butt of the axe head, perpendicular to the handle (see Measuring the Head Length).
3.2 The minimum and maximum head length are required at all points over the blade edge (see Measuring the Head Length).
3.3 If the axe head features any protrusion from the butt of the axe head, the protruding length is not included in the measurement of the head length (see Measuring the Handle).
Hachet | Big Axe (Felling Axe) | |
|---|---|---|
3.4 The minimum head length is: | 5" 127 mm | 6" 152 mm |
3.5 The maximum head length is: | 7" 178 mm | 7.5" 191 mm |
Measuring the Head Length
Measurements made from the blue arrow to the green area are within the minimum and maximum lengths.
Measure the length between the plane of the butt and the blade edge, perpendicular to the handle.
Protrusions from the butt are not included in the length measurement.
Measure from butt to blade. This measurement is an acceptable length.
Measure from blade to butt. This measurement is an acceptable length
REPEAT THE MEASUREMENT OVER THE WHOLE BLADE EDGE
Measure from butt to blade. All measurements shown here are between the minimum and maximum length.
Measure from blade to butt. All measurements are between the minimum and maximum length.
All measurements shown here are above the maximum length.
All measurements shown here are below the minimum length.
4. Axe Head height Specification
4.1 The head height is measured on the face (side) of the axe head, parallel to the handle (see Measuring the Head Height).
4.2 The minimum and maximum head height are required at all points over the axe head (see Measuring the Head Height).
Hachet | Big Axe (Felling Axe) | |
|---|---|---|
4.3 The minimum head height is: | 1.5" 38 mm | 2" 51 mm |
4.4 The maximum head height is: | 4" 102 mm | 4.625" 117 mm |
Measuring the head height
Measurements made from the blue arrow to the green area are within the minimum and maximum heights.
Measure the height of the axe head parallel to the handle.
Measure from the bottom to the top of the axe head. This measurement is an acceptable height.
Measure from the top to the bottom of the axe head. This measurement is an acceptable height.
REPEAT THE MEASUREMENT OVER THE WHOLE AXE HEAD
Measure from the top to the bottom of the axe head. All measurements shown here are between the minimum and maximum height.
Measure from the bottom to the top of the axe head. All measurements shown here are between the minimum and maximum height.
Both measurements shown here are unacceptable, one is too short, the other too long.
5. Blade Length Specification
5.1 The blade length is measured from the heel to the toe of the blade (see Measuring the Blade Length).
Hachet | Big Axe (Felling Axe) | |
|---|---|---|
5.2 The minimum blade length is: | 3" 76 mm | 3.5" 89 mm |
5.3 The maximum blade length is: | 4" 102 mm | 4.625" 117 mm |
Measuring the blade length
Measurements made from the blue arrow to the green area are within the minimum and maximum lengths.
Measure from the heel to the toe of the axe head.
Measure from the heel to the toe of the axe head. This measurement is an acceptable length.
Measure from the toe to the heel of the axe head. This measurement is an acceptable length.
While this axe head may be an acceptable length and height, the blade measured from toe to heel is too long.
While this axe head may be an acceptable length and height, the blade measured from toe to heel is too short.
6. Attaching the Axe Head to the Handle
6.1 The axe head must be fixed to the handle with an eye-wedge or a pin.
6.2 "Floating" axe heads, where the head is wedged on a tapering handle, and only held on by gravity, are not allowed.
7. Axe Head Silhouette Requirements
Note: The axe head silhouette describes the shape of the axe head as viewed from the side looking at one of the faces.
7.1 The axe must be a single bit blade, meaning it has only one blade edge.
A single bit (single blade edge) is acceptable.
A double bit (two blade edges) is not acceptable.
7.2 No blade or sharpened spike may protrude from the butt (back) of the axe head.
A flat butt is acceptable.
A blade protruding from the butt is not acceptable.
A blunt protrusion from the butt is acceptable.
A spike protruding from the butt is not acceptable.
7.3 The blade must be one smooth, sharpened edge that forms a convex curve or straight line from heel to toe. This is to avoid an unfair reduction in the axe head cross section measured at the plane of the board during gameplay.
7.3a The blade cannot be concave.
7.3b The blade cannot have notches cut out.
7.3c The blade cannot have multiple edges.
A convex blade edge is acceptable.
A straight blade edge is acceptable.
A concave blade edge is not acceptable.
A notch in the axe head away from the blade edge is acceptable.
A notch in the blade edge is not acceptable.
Multiple blade edges is not acceptable.
7.4 The axe head must not have any holes through the faces (sides).
No holes through the faces is acceptable.
Any holes through the faces are not acceptable.
7.5 The path along the top of the axe head from the toe of the blade must curve smoothly back to the handle without any abrupt decreases in the height of the axe head. This is to avoid an unfair reduction in the axe head cross section measured at the plane of the board during gameplay.
A head with no abrupt changes in height is acceptable.
A head with a flat profile from toe to handle is acceptable.
A head with an abrupt decrease in height is not acceptable.
7.6 The path along the bottom of the axe head from the heel of the blade must curve smoothly back to the handle without any abrupt decreases in the height of the axe head. This is to avoid an unfair reduction in the axe head cross section measured at the plane of the board during gameplay.
A head with no abrupt changes in height is acceptable.
A head with a flat profile from heel to handle is acceptable.
A head with an abrupt decrease in height is not acceptable.
7.7 The axe head cannot abruptly decrease down to the minimum height close to the blade, nor in the middle of the axe head. This is to avoid an unfair reduction in the axe head cross section measured at the plane of the board during gameplay.
7.7a The axe head can abruptly decrease down to the minimum height within 1" of the handle.
Shown here, the decrease in height at point A is within 1" from the handle. This is acceptable.
Shown here, the decrease in height at point A is beyond 1" from the handle. This is not acceptable.
Shown here, the decrease in height at point A is well beyond 1" from the handle. This is not acceptable.
7.8 The height of the axe head just before it meets the handle cannot be the largest height measurement along the axe head between the handle and the blade.
Height at A is less than heights at B and C. This is acceptable.
Height at A is greater than at B, but still less than at C. This is acceptable, provided the height at B is greater than the minimum head height.
Height at A is greater than at B and C. This is not acceptable.
8. Axe Modification and Customization
8.1 Some modifications and customizations to the axe head and handle are explicitly allowed, provided the axe dimensions remain within the allowed physical specifications (weight, height, lengths, silhouette, see above):
8.1a Routine blade sharpening;
8.1b Painting the axe head or handle;
8.1c Changing or replacing the handle;
8.1d Adjustments to the grip of the handle. For example: tape, sanding the handle, etc.
8.1e Decorative etching into axe handle, the butt of the axe head, or the face (side) of the axe head, away from the blade edge such that the etching does not interfere with measurement during gameplay;
8.1f Thinning the faces (sides) of the axe head.
8.2 Some modifications and customizations to the axe head and handle are explicitly disallowed, even if the axe dimensions remain within the allowed physical specifications:
8.2a Adding material (welding, gluing, or otherwise) to the axe head that would render its use unsafe or would confer an unfair advantage by affecting the measurement at the plane of the board for gameplay;
8.2b Removing material (drilling, cutting, melting, or otherwise) from axe head that would render its use unsafe or would confer an unfair advantage by affecting the measurement at the plane of the board for gameplay;
8.2c Cutting notches into the blade edge;
8.2d Etching close the blade edge such that the etching interferes with measurement during gameplay;
8.2e Decorations that violate the IATF Code of Conduct.
9. Referee's Final Decision
9.1 The final decision on whether an axe can be used for gameplay will be made by the on-site referees at each competition.