LaFace Of The Community & the TiF Volunteer Awards 2025

The LaFace of the Community award goes to a member of the community selected by the community for their contributions to axe throwing and for exemplifying the best of IATF ideals. The recipients of this award is a community member who leads by example to create a positive and supportive competitor-friendly community. They promote positive sportsperson-like behaviour and are leaders in our community. Not all leaders lead from the front and a deserving person might be working diligently behind the scenes to make axe throwing the best sport and the best community it can be.

Winners of the 2025 LaFace Awards:

Chili

from BATL Grounds

Here's what the community had to say about Chili:


"She has a gift for deep, thoughtful conversation that invites authenticity and trust. She's warm, real, often hilarious, and always present. Chili creates spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued—exactly the kind of leader our community thrives on.
For her selfless contributions, heart-forward presence, and commitment to building something bigger than herself, I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition."


"As a competitor, Chili always throws with integrity and honesty. She is always helping other throwers be their best. Sometimes that means helping break down physical parts of their throw, sometimes that means helping them with the mental aspect of the sport. Sometimes that means saying a kind thing when it’s needed most, and sometimes it’s helping us look inward to help us be our higher self. The best part is that it’s always done with compassion and empathy.
Chili has also demonstrated highly attuned leadership within the community, by helping us see what kind of impact we can have, on not only the axe throwing community, but also, on the communities in which our events and tournaments take place. She has been the main driving force behind the charity raffles associated with the Challenger Series, Team Canada vs Team USA events, and Love and Axes, and continues to do so this year. With these, she has raised thousands of dollars for people who need it the most."


"I have never met someone as supportive as her."

Carl Howe

from Valhalla North

Here's what the community had to say about Carl:


"Carl is the epitome of the LaFace award. He gives his blood, sweat and tears to this sport and ensures that our venue is a place for everyone and that axe throwing is available to everyone. Whether it be putting on marathons for throwers away from the area who lost their home venues, to facilitating leagues for people who travel far, to ensuring members who are struggling financially can still take part. Not to mention the charity fundraisers and free awards nights for the whole community!"


"Carl is an outstanding example of sportsmanship, he continuously goes above and beyond for the community and strives to make a safe place for any and all that need it, all while showing what a great sport axe throwing is, no matter how stressful and hectic things are, you can guarantee he's there to sort out any issues or problems that may occur, even going as far to create a "community fund" to lend a hand to those that need it, he continues to do the sport proud and spread the love of axe throwing."


"He balances the challenge of a professional axe throwing venue, with integrity, [...] friendship, and community...which people across the globe can attest to. He literally lives and breathes the axe throwing community!"

68 community members were nominated, and over 400 people voted to award this year's LaFace of the Community Award.

Read all the nomination submissions.

This year, in partnership with Throwing It Forward, the IATF was proud to award the TiF Volunteer Award to a Clutch Community Volunteer who went above and beyond in their contributions to support the 2025 International Axe Throwing Championships.

Winner of the 2025 TiF Volunteer Award:

Noah Hermanson

from Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing Asheville

Noah volunteered for multiple days across IATC with seemingly endless energy and enthusiasm. He did everything that was asked of him with a smile. Noah's contributions as a volunteer enriched IATC for the organizers and competitors alike. Thank you, Noah!

OUR SPORT  ·  OUR COMMUNITY ·  OUR FEDERATION

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IATC 2025 Land Acknowledgment

The International Axe Throwing Federation holds the International Axe Throwing Championship on the traditional lands of many Indigenous peoples. June is National Indigenous History month in Canada and June 21 is National Indigenous People’s Day, observed on the longest day of the year.



BATL Port Lands, Stockyards, and Vaughan are located within the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee peoples. This land is covered by Treaty 13 signed by the Mississauguas of the Credit.


BATL Pickering is on the traditional lands of many Indigenous peoples, including the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinabek, and the Huron-Wendat peoples. This land is now home to many  diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

White settler history often begins the story of North America with the arrival of the first colonists on the eastern shores. However, Indigenous histories and archeological research can show us that Turtle Island has a long history stretching back thousands of years, and even beyond into time immemorial.


For example, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy is made up of the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca nations whose territories range from the eastern half of Lake Erie, along northern Pennsylvania, from Albany to Montreal, including the Kawarthas region and all of Lake Ontario. 


Often described as the oldest, participatory democracy on Earth, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy’s constitution is believed to be a model for the American Constitution. What makes it stand out as unique to other systems around the world is its blending of law and values. For the Haudenosaunee, law, society and nature are equal partners and each plays an important role.


For more information about the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, visit https://www.haudenosauneeconfederacy.com/who-we-are/.


The IATF values inclusivity and diversity in our sport. We believe that axe throwing can and should be for everyone and anyone. However, we must reckon with the fact that Indigenous people have historically experienced racism, exclusion, lack of accommodation, or erasure in sports. In an effort to counter these historical barriers, the IATF will be making a donation to the Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity that operates to improve the lives Anishinabek Nation citizens to create a "strong, stable, and prosperous Anishinabek Nation." 


Finally, we encourage all participants and spectators at IATC to learn more about the Indigenous people of the land they inhabit and visit. A great resource is the Native Land Digital, an interactive map that is a great starting point for jumping in the complexities and breadth of the land.


Support the Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity

The Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity is the official charitable-fundraising arm of the Anishinabek Nation and its 39 First Nation communities. Their goal is to establish a foundation that will help improve the quality of life for First Nation communities and citizens.

Donate

REFERENCES


“Who We Are.” Haudenosaunee Confederacy, 24 June 2021, www.haudenosauneeconfederacy.com/who-we-are/. 


Government of Canada; Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. “Sports and Reconciliation.” Government of Canada; Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, 28 Sept. 2023, www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1524505883755/1557512006268. 

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IATC 2025 – TORONTO & PICKERING TRAVEL GUIDE

Getting around Toronto and to Pickering can seem daunting and that is why we are here to help! This guide breaks down your transit options to make the most of your time and your budget at IATC 2025. All prices listed in this document are in Canadian dollars.


For information about our hotel partners, see our Hotel & Accommodations Details.

PUBLIC TRANSIT

Toronto and Pickering are both accessible by public transit. Transit is most densely located in the core of Toronto, and gets less frequent as you get further into surrounding regions.


If you plan to use public transit as a means of transportation during your stay in Toronto (or the GTHA), we recommend buying a Presto card for $4. Using a Presto card will automatically save you money on fares and make transferring between systems seamless. You can purchase a Presto card at TTC subway stations, select GO stations, and select retailers. Find out more here: https://www.prestocard.ca/en/about/get-a-presto-card


The Toronto Transit Commission (commonly referred to as the TTC) is the local subway and surface route operation in Toronto. Service is provided via subway lines, and bus and streetcar routes across the city. Information about fares, routes, and schedules can be found at ttc.ca.


GO Transit is the regional public transit service for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). The GO is a network of trains and buses that connect the cities and municipalities that surround Toronto. GO connects to the TTC at multiple subway stations, depending on the line. GO connects to DRT at Pickering GO station. Find more information about fares, routes, and schedules at gotransit.com


Durham Region Transit (or DRT) is the local bus transportation for eight municipalities, including Pickering. The bus from the Pickering GO station runs every 30 minutes. Information about fares, routes, and schedules can be found at https://www.durhamregiontransit.com/en/index.aspx

Prices

One TTC adult fare is $3.35 CAD and provides a 2-hour unlimited transfer. You can purchase a Presto Card for $4 and load single rides or unlimited day passes at all subway stations. More information on the TTC website: https://www.ttc.ca/Fares-and-passes


Go Transit offers a one-day weekend pass that must be purchased in advance online for $10. This pass does not use the Presto system and are activated on your smartphone directly. The two-day pass appears to have been discontinued. For more information: https://www.gotransit.com/en/travelling-with-us/dont-need-a-car-to-go


Go Transit fares are calculated based on distance traveled. Short distances (less than 6 miles/10kms) are $4.40 or $3.70 with a Presto Card. The fare calculator can be found here: https://www.gotransit.com/en/trip-planning/calculate-fare


One adult fare on DRT is $3.35 with a Presto card or $4.35 cash. If connecting from the GO train, your fare is free. Just tap your Presto card or present your GO ticket to the operator. More information about DRT fares can be found here: https://www.durhamregiontransit.com/en/index.aspx

Schedules

The TTC subway runs every 2-5 minutes most of the time. Late night can see longer wait times up to 10 minutes. The last trains leave the station sometime after 1:00am. Check the online schedule if you plan to be traveling late at night. Late night buses run along the subway lines between the last and first trains of each day so you can always get public transit along those major lines. Buses and streetcars depend largely on the route. Some routes end early or reduce to minimal service during off-peak hours. Always check the schedule for departing and returning trips before you leave.


GO trains run approximately every 30 minutes. It is important to check ahead to make sure you get where you are going on time.

getting to BATL Portlands

BATL Portlands is located 33 Villiers St, Toronto, ON.


To Portlands via TTC: (Best for local travel)

  • Take the subway to Pape Station. Take the 72C Pape Bus south to Commissioners St at Logan Ave for 13 stops (approx. 14 minutes). Transfer to the 114 Queens Quay East to Union Station bus and ride for 5 stops (approx. 4 minutes) to Commissioners at Munition St. Walk north on Cherry St, turn right on Villiers.  The entrance to BATL Portlands will be on your right via the parking lot.
  • Take the subway to King Station. Board the 504C King to Distillery replacement bus (eastbound) on the south side of King St, east of Yonge St. Ride 9 stops (approx. 15 minutes). Exit at Distillery Loop. Walk 0.7 miles (1.1kms): south under the highway and cross Lakeshore Blvd, cross the Cherry St bridge, turn left on Villiers St and BATL Portlands will be on your right. Enter via the parking lot.
  • Take the subway to Union station. Walk to Bay St (west side) south of Front St. Take the 114 Queens Quay East to Carlaw Via Ookwemin Minising for 8 stops (approx. 14 minutes). Exit Commissioners and Cherry St. Walk north on Cherry St, turn right on Villiers.  The entrance to BATL Portlands will be on your right via the parking lot.

*Please note that all routes are subject to disruption and delay. Check online for most up-to-date information.


To Portlands on the GO transit: (Best for GTHA travel)

  • Take advantage of the multitude of trains and buses that serve the central hub of Union Station. For most accurate information, visit the Go Transit travel planner: https://www.gotransit.com/en/
  • See directions for TTC from Union Station above.

getting to BATL Pickering

BATL Pickering is located at 813 Brock Rd #11, Pickering, ON.


To Pickering on TTC, GO Transit, & DRT:


While you can take public transit to BATL Pickering, there is not great transit from the Pickering GO station to BATL and it is a 40-50 minute walk. There are a few buses that will bring you a little closer from the GO station, but you will still have to walk 20-30 minutes to get the rest of the way. However, if you are traveling with a group, you can take an uber from the GO station and split the fare and it will still be cheaper than an Uber from Downtown.

  • Take the subway or GO train to Union Station. Take the train east along the Lakeshore East line 6 stops (approx. 40 minutes) to Pickering GO. Walk south towards Fairall St to the DRT bus stop near Westney Rd. Take the 917 Pickering Parkway Terminal bus 6 stops (approx. 6 minutes) to Bayly Westbound at Brock Road. Walk south on Brock Road for 1.3 miles (2.1kms) to BATL Pickering.

  • Take the subway to Main Street station. Walk south on Main St to Danforth GO Station. Take the train east along the Lakeshore East line 5 stops (approx. 30 minutes) to Pickering GO (DO NOT take the Stouffville line that also services this stop). Walk south towards Fairall St to the DRT bus stop near Westney Rd. Take the 917 Pickering Parkway Terminal bus 6 stops (approx. 6 minutes) to Bayly Westbound at Brock Road. Walk south on Brock Road for 1.3 miles (2.1kms) to BATL Pickering.

The GO transit fare from Union Station is $9.40 standard or $7.91 with a Presto card. The GO transit fare from Danforth GO Station is $7.75 standard or $6.52 with a Presto card. You can transfer onto DRT free of charge by using your Presto card or presenting your ticket or weekend pass.


*Please note that all routes are subject to disruption and delay. Check online for most up-to-date information.

getting to BATL stockyards

BATL Stockyards is located at 30 Weston Road, Unit C109, Toronto, ON.


To Stockyards on TTC:

  • Take the subway to Keele Station. Take the 89 Weston to Albion Rd bus for 7 stops (approx. 7 minutes) to Keele St at St Clair Ave West. Walk 450’ (140m) to BATL Stockyards.
  • You can also take the 89, 941, or 989 buses from Keele Station to Keele St at St Clair Ave West (same route & travel time).


To Stockyards on the GO transit: (Best for GTHA travel)

  • Take advantage of the multitude of trains and buses that serve the central hub of Union Station. For most accurate information, visit the Go Transit travel planner: https://www.gotransit.com/en/
  • See directions for TTC from Union Station above.


*Please note that all routes are subject to disruption and delay. Check online for most up-to-date information.

getting to BATL vaughn

BATL Vaughan is located at 1600 Steeles Avenue W #12, Concord, ON.


To Vaughn on TTC:

  • Take the subway to Sheppard West Station. Take the 105 Major Mackenzie NB bus for 13 stops (approx. 17 minutes) to Dufferin/Steeles. Walk 1300’ (400m) to BATL Vaughan.
  • Take the subway to Sheppard West Station. Take the 105A Dufferin North to Steeles bus for 10 stops (approx. 18 minutes) to Gerry Fitzgerald Dr at Steeles Avenue W. Walk 1000’ (300m) to BATL Vaughan.
  • Take the subway to Finch Station. Take the 60A Steeles West to Pioneer Village Stn bus 19 stops (approx. 26 minutes) to Steeles Ave West at Futurity Gate. Walk 820’ (250m) to BATL Vaughan.


To Vaughn on the GO transit: (Best for GTHA travel)

  • Take advantage of the multitude of trains and buses that serve the central hub of Union Station. For most accurate information, visit the Go Transit travel planner: https://www.gotransit.com/en/
  • See directions for TTC from Union Station above.


*Please note that all routes are subject to disruption and delay. Check online for most up-to-date information.

Driving in toronto and pickering

For those of you who live in the GTHA or have visited before, this will come as no surprise: traffic is really, really bad. In fact, Toronto recently ranked as the 3rd most congested city in North America (only behind Chicago and Boston) and 7th worst internationally. If you can avoid driving, especially to Port Lands or Stockyards, take transit.


Uber is available in Toronto and Pickering and can be cost effective when carpooling and sharing fares. We still recommend against taking an Uber to Port Lands as it is near several of the most congested intersections in the city. It is very accessible by public transportation.


If driving is still your best option, all 4 IATC venues offer parking on site. See addresses in Google maps linked below for driving directions:

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IATC 2025 – Venue Food Guide

Throwing axes is hungry work. In order to help you plan ahead, we’ve compiled a food option & recommendation guide for each of the IATC 2023 venues.


Matt Brown, a thrower with Maniax Perth, has put together his IATC Toronto Hit List that compiles a range of suggestions and tips for places to eat and things to do. Thanks for sharing Matt!


On Sunday, June 15 at Homecoming, there will be 3 food vendors on site so you don't have to miss any of the action! DeSoto's Eatery will be serving coffee and the Great Canadian Food Truck will be serving breakfast in the morning. Real Friends Barbecue, Sumo Seafood, and Gangster Cheese will be there in the afternoon so get your ticket to Homecoming now! Check out our Instagram and Facebook for more information about menus and hours.

BATL PORTLANDS

*Cherry St Bar-B-Que* Official Food Partner of IATC 2024!
275 Cherry Street, Toronto, ON
416-461-5111


Cherry Street Bar-B-Que is a counter-service style barbecue house, specializing in authentic Pit Smoked meats prepared over live oak fires.


Approx. 300m from BATL Port Lands.


The Keating Channel Pub

2 Villiers Street, Toronto, ON

416-572-0030


The Keating Channel Pub serves a wide variety of classic pub fare and has something for everyone.


Approx. 200m from BATL Port Lands.


You can also order food for delivery. We recommend you meet your courier outside to avoid confusion as the venue will be busy.

BATL STOCKYARDS

BATL Stockyards is located in the Stock Yards Village which is home to multiple 20 different food options.


You can also order food for delivery. We recommend you meet your courrier outside to avoid confusion as the venue will be busy.

BATL VAUGHN

Across the street there are multiple food options in or around the RioCan Marketplace such as: Tim Horton’s, Wild Wings, Montana’s, Wendy’s, Subway, Osmows, East Side Mario’s, Starbucks, as well as some smaller independent restaurants.


You can also order food for delivery. We recommend you meet your courier outside to avoid confusion as the venue will be busy.

BATL PICKERING

Pickering does not have any restaurants within a short walking distance. A short drive (or 25 minute walk) to the intersection of Bayly St and Brock Rd provides options such as Tim Horton’s, Harvey’s, St Louis Bar & Grill as well as some smaller independent Caribbean restaurants and a coffee shop.


You can also order food for delivery. We recommend you meet your courrier outside to avoid confusion as the venue will be busy.

On Sunday, June 15 at Homecoming, there will be 3 food vendors on site so you don't have to miss any of the action! DeSoto's Eatery will be serving coffee and the Great Canadian Food Truck will be serving breakfast in the morning. Real Friends Barbecue, Sumo Seafood, and Gangster Cheese will be there in the afternoon so get your ticket to Homecoming now! Check out our Instagram and Facebook for more information about menus and hours.
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Code Of Conduct at IATC 2025

As the International Axe Throwing Championship in Toronto rapidly approaches, we’d once again like to take the time to emphasize our Code of Conduct.


Participation and involvement in the International Axe Throwing Championship, or any International Axe Throwing Federation sanctioned event, is a privilege. By the act of your participation, service, employment, attendance, representation, or in any other manner of involvement at any IATC event you are acknowledging that you have thoroughly read the IATF Code of Conduct, that you fully understand the IATF Code of Conduct, and that you agree to completely follow and abide by the IATF Code of Conduct at all times. This includes online spaces such as, but not limited to, the International Axe Throwing Community Forum.


At the International Axe Throwing Championship, the IATF will be taking the Code of Conduct with the utmost seriousness. Examples of negative behavior that will not be tolerated include, but are not limited to:


  • Abusive or otherwise inappropriate verbal, written, or physical actions
  • Harassment or violence
  • Aggressive, dangerous, or unsafe behavior
  • Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental ability, or religious beliefs
  • Disregard of facility rules, the regulations of the sport, or the role of officials


During the IATC, each day at every venue at the start of every event, the IATF will remind everyone of the Code of Conduct, as well as introducing the specific person(s) responsible for overseeing the Code of Conduct at that location. This person(s) will also be identifiable by a visual marker throughout the day. If you experience, or otherwise become aware of any behavior as outlined above, please report it to the specified person(s). The IATF will be fully investigating all reports, incidents, issues, violations, and concerns.


At the time of reporting, the designated staff member will take any immediate action necessary to intervene if the situation is ongoing. The person making the report will be asked to provide a statement at that time. The designated staff member may take statements from other individuals. The designated staff member will notify a member of the IATF team who will assess the severity of the report and determine a timeline of next steps. If, at any time, an incident escalates to police involvement, the IATF will support throughout the process and continue follow-up with the thrower(s).


The International Axe Throwing Federation reserves the right to enforce the Code of Conduct with discipline up to and including elimination or suspension from competition, removal from facilities, and disqualification from further participation in any IATF sanctioned event including leagues and tournaments.


We encourage all members of our community to take the time to refresh your memory of the Code of Conduct on our website and recommit yourself to upholding not only the letter, but the spirit of the words. Remember that this code applies to all participants and all levels of IATF events: throwers, operators, spectators, participants, vendors, and more.


We recommit to you, our community, to uphold the code through our actions as well as our words. We join you in your dedication to building a strong community that fosters healthy competition.


You can reach the IATF at info@iatf.com. You can also reach out to your Panel of Throwers members.


Thank you to the Panel of Throwers for their collaboration on this statement.


Thank you for ensuring the safety of everyone in Our Sport, Our Community, Our Federation.

OUR SPORT  ·  OUR COMMUNITY ·  OUR FEDERATION

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Introducing IATF Knife Throwing

The IATF is excited to announce the addition of KNIFE THROWING LEAGUES to our expanding roster of throwing disciplines.

The IATF is honoured to join organizations like the International Knife Throwers Hall of Fame, World Knife Throwing League, American Knife Throwers Association, and more to offer competitive knife throwing but with our own spin on the sport. These organizations have all contributed in their own way to the growth of the sport over the years and we look forward to making our own contribution.

The IATF Knife rules are based on the classic IATF hatchet throwing rules, modified for the difference in throwing style and difficulty. They were created in collaboration and consultation with IATF member venues and experienced knife throwers from different backgrounds. The rules maintain the IATF’s commitment to head-to-head competition and add an exciting element of stacking multiple blades in the target at once.

Highlights of IATF Knife Throwing:

  • A Clutch-sized circle in the centre of the black ring is the 5-point bullseye, the black ring is 3 points, the red ring is 1 point, and the outer blue ring has no value.

  • All scoring is break paint (i.e., rewarded based on contact with the target element).

  • Throwers must stand behind a 10’ minimum distance line.

  • Competitors throw 2 “flights” of 3 knives in each round. Knives are retrieved and scores are tallied between flights.

  • Players can throw for Clutch on the 6th and final throw of each round.

  • A 7-point Clutch can either break the top and bottom plane, as in the IATF hatchet rules, or be completely in the white paint box.

  • A touch-Clutch is worth 5 points.

  • Knives must meet IATF guidelines (see rules for detailed specifications).

  • Knives will collide! Be prepared for sparks to fly.

Thank you to the IATF members, throwers, and greater knife throwing community members who beta-tested, read, and provided feedback throughout this process. We’ve designed a really fun game, with your help, and can’t wait to see people playing it across the Federation!

Read the IATF Knife Throwing Rules

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Standard Scoring Discussion & Clarification

Differences in Standard scoring practice across the IATF led us to make a clarifying post on November 27th, 2024. That post, unfortunately, was unintentionally erased from the website.

In Standard Rules gameplay, both sides of the axe must be measured to determine the score of the throw if the axe head has landed across two point areas.

TL:DR Measure both sides of the axe at the surface of the target. To determine the result of the throw, compare the largest segment in the lower point value area to the largest segment in the higher point value area. Whichever segment is larger, the corresponding point area is the measurement result for that side.

Discussion on Device Measurement

Here we consider, after taking measurements on both sides of the axe head, whether comparing the largest measurements from each side is enough to determine where the majority of the axe head has landed.

Definitions

Let’s say we have 2 target areas A and B. These could correspond to the area outside the black ring circumference and inside the black ring circumference, or the red ring or the blue ring.


We have an axe to measure where some of the axe head is in contact with area A and some is in contact with area B. All of this discussion is referring to contact at the plane of the surface of the target.


Let’s call the measurements on Side 1 of the axe head A1 and B1, where A1 is the total length of the segment of the axe head in contact with area A, and B1 is the total length of the segment in contact with area B. Similarly, let’s call the measurements on Side 2 of the axe head A2 and B2.

Equal Length on Both Sides of the Axe Head

Let’s call the total length axe head in contact with the target X. Let’s assert that X is independent of the side on which it is measured.

So, we would expect:


A1 + B1 = X, and


A2 + B2 = X


=> A1 + B1 = A2 + B2


Some comments about this assertion:

  • This equality holds when the faces of the blade are parallel to each other
  • Further, this equality holds when the faces of the blade are symmetrical, and not strictly parallel, given the radius of curvature on the face of the blade is not smaller than some value that would introduce a meaningful difference between the straight line path and the path that follows the curve of the side of the blade from the end of the segment and the point of measurement
  • This assumption on blade symmetry is reasonable, given real world examples
  • This assumption on the radius of curvature is reasonable, since the radii of curvature of the side of real world axe heads are large (axe heads aren’t shaped like mallet heads)

Measurement Agreement on Both Sides of the Axe Head

Suppose we measure Side 1 and determine that


A1 > B1


and we measure Side 2 and determine that


A2 > B2


then it is trivial to see that A1 + A2 > B1 + B2, meaning most of the axe head is in contact with area A.

Measurement Disagreement Between the Sides of the Axe Head

Now, suppose we measure Side 1 and again determine that


A1 > B1


However, we measure Side 2 and determine that


B2 > A2


In this case, we have determined that the measurements on either side of the axe head are in disagreement, Side 1 shows more contact with area A and Side 2 shows more contact with area B.


So, we compare A1 and B2 and determine


A1 > B2


Is this enough information to conclude that most of the axe head is in contact with area A, meaning is A1 + A2 > B1 + B2 always?


Let’s consider A1 > B2

or, to rephrase,

A1 = B2 + ∆, where ∆ is the positive valued difference between A1 and B2


Since A1 + B1 = A2 + B2


=> (B2 + ∆) + B1 = A2 + B2


=> ∆ + B1 = A2


=> A2 = B1 + ∆


Meaning that the difference between the largest measurements on either side is the same as the difference between the smaller measurements on either side.

Comparing the Largest Measurements from Both Sides: Is That Enough?

Now let’s test whether the total of the measurements for area B can ever be larger than the total of the measurements for area A, meaning whether B1 + B2 > A1 + A2 can ever be true.


B1 + B2 > A1 + A2


since A1 = B2 + ∆ and A2 = B1 + ∆ 


=> B1 + B2 > (B2 + ∆) + (B1 + ∆)


=> 0 > 2∆


=> ∆ < 0



Recall that ∆ is the positive valued difference between A1 and B2.



So, ∆ < 0 is false, which means B1 + B2 > A1 + A2 is false.



So, A1 > B2 implies A1 + A2 > B1 + B2



Meaning comparing the largest measurements from both sides of the axe head does indicate the majority measurement if we were to add measurements for each area from both sides.

Crossing a Ring Circumference Twice

Notice that we said A1 and B1 were the total lengths of the segment of the axe head in contact with area A and area B. This means that in the cases where the axe head is in contact with the ring circumference twice, it is necessary to:

  • measure the whole length in contact with all areas of the target
  • measure the length in contact with the area inside the ring circumference
  • subtract the length from the inside area from the whole length to arrive at the total length for the segments in contact with the area ring outside the circumference

Conclusion

In cases where the axe head, measured at the plane of the board, crosses a ring diameter, the procedure is as follows:

Both sides of the axe head must be measured at the surface of the target.

  1. To determine the result of the throw, compare the segment in the lower point value area to the segment in the higher point value area. Whichever segment is larger, the corresponding point area is the measurement result for that side.
    1. If the axe head crosses the ring circumference twice,
      1. measure the whole length in contact with all areas of the target
      2. measure the length in contact with the area inside the ring circumference
      3. subtract the length from the inside area from the whole length to arrive at the total length for the segments in contact with the area ring outside the circumference
  2. If the result on both sides of the axe head agree, that indicates the result.
  3. If they differ, then compare the largest segment measurement from one side to the largest segment measurement on the other side.
  4. The target area that corresponds to the larger segment measurement is the result.
    1. In the event that a larger segment cannot be determined, the result is the lower point value target area
      1. This scenario is expected to be rare. Measurements must be retaken to confirm the lengths.

For example, measuring the first side shows that the 3-point segment is larger than the bullseye segment, and the second side shows that the bullseye segment is larger than the 3-point segment. We compare the 3-point measurement from the first side to the bullseye measurement from the second side. If the bullseye segment is larger, then the result is a bullseye. If the 3-point segment is larger, then the result is 3 points. If the segments are exactly equal, then the result is 3 points.

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Wilson Cup 2025 Round 1 Results

Round 1 of the 202 Wilson Cup took place Friday, March 28 through Sunday, March 30, 2025. The event was hosted by 56 IATF member organizations at over 74 locations worldwide. Of the 25,000 rostered league players, 675 qualifiers competed in Round 1. Of these competitors, 189 will join last year's IATC Champion, 24 Grand Slam winners, 23 Major winners, and the 18 winners of the 2054 IATF Regional Axe Throwing Championship in the 256 player bracket for Round 2. 1 spot is reserved for the winner of the 2025 Close But No Cigar tournament held during the week of IATC.

Congratulations to all the players advancing to Round 2.

The IATF is excited to announce the results of the the first round of the 2025 Wilson Cup. 

Complete List of Round 1 Results

Please click the button here to download a PDF of the results list. The list is arranged alphabetically by Qualifying Club, then in descending order by Round 1 score. The list includes whether the competitor has advanced to Round 2. The list includes throwers who won their invitation via the Integrated Tournament Circuit.

The list will be updated regularly to indicate who has registered, declined and players who have advanced and can still register.

Round 1 Results

What's Next: Round 2

Round 2 of the Wilson Cup will be held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on June 14-15, 2025.

Round 2 will include 256 players. 66 spots are reserved for the IATC 2025 Champion, 24 Grand Slam winners, 23 Major winners, and the 18 winners of the 2025 RATC in the 256 player bracket for Round 2. 1 spot is reserved for the winner of the 2025 Close But No Cigar tournament held during the week of IATC. Each IATF member organization is allocated a portion of the 189 remaining Round 2 spots based on their total league participation during the Qualification Period.

Players' tournament seed in Round 2 is determined by their Round 1 performance.

Players Advancing to Round 2

If you are among the players advancing to Round 2, expect an email from the IATF containing details on how to register. Be sure to add info@iatf.com to your address book to ensure the email gets to you inbox. Your Round 2 registration includes a Homecoming ticket.

CLose But No Cigar

If you competed in Round 1 and are not among the players advancing to Round 2, you can still compete for the Wilson Cup by registering for the Close But No Cigar tournament, to be held at BATL Port Lands and BATL Stockyards on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. This is an exclusive tournament for Round 1 competitors that did not advance to Round 2. The finals of this tournament will take place on Thursday evening at BATL Port Lands. The winner will enter Round 2 of the Wilson Cup as the 256th seed.

More info here: IATC 2025 Information and Itinerary

More Great IATC Events And competitions

We are so excited for you to join us in Toronto for IATC Round 2 and we hope to see you at all the awesome events the weekend has to offer. 

Homecoming

Homecoming is here for the best backyard party ever. Celebrate with a well-earned beer at the outdoor bar and kick back with a drink in a viewing tent surrounded by the best community. Cheer for your friends and favorites to win. This year, the finals for the Under 65, Doubles, and Women's tournaments will be at Homecoming and featured on the Livestream.

Tournaments

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are packed full of events for you to check out: There are tournaments for Under 60 and Under 70, a Doubles tournament, the above Close But No Cigar, Big Axe and the newly renamed Slayer Series. The Challenger Series Team is back to cohost the Global Versus Showdown. Qualifiers for that event will be Friday evening and the Showdown itself will take place at Homecoming on Sunday.

Check out the IATC 2025 Information and Itinerary to find your event!

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The International Throw Anything Federation

APRIL FOOLS from your friends at the IATF and The Axe Badger!

Special thank you to our guest blogger, The Axe Badger, for writing this silly, April Fools' Day post.


While the IATF believes in a future beyond axes, they will always be a core part of our identity and brand. If you are a stickler and simply cannot endure a vaguely imprecise name, you may call us the International Anything Throws Federation.


Check out Badger's confession here.


Did we get ya?

Announcing a BIG change to the International Axe Throwing Federation.

Since its inception, the IATF has, first and foremost, emphasized the importance of player input. Because this was our highest priority (and because the IATF acts on any feedback that can make the sport stronger, more inclusive, and more fun), we’ve often made adjustments, when needed, to make sure our sport grew with the changing needs and wants of the sport. 

Most throwers know we’ve been working on a new knife throwing league system for IATF throwers, giving venues a new way to get people in the door, and a new skill for throwers to explore and enjoy. This, however, has created a problem we didn’t foresee: if “IATF” stands for “International Axe Throwing Federation,” where do knives fit in? Naturally, we didn’t prioritize coming up with a new name for the federation – our priorities were focused on the new app, IATC, and handling the day-to-day challenges of an agile federation attempting to oversee a worldwide sport. We’re now at a crossroads, however, and the name of “IATF” simply doesn’t fit the direction the federation is hoping to expand. Name recognition has to match expectation, and excluding knives (or any other future throwing) will put the IATF in a tough position when it comes to securing sponsorships in the future. 

With that in mind, we've decided to update the name. Effective immediately, the IATF (International Axe Throwing Federation) will become the ITAF (International Throw Anything Federation). 

Why the change? 

The ITAF is more than axes. While working on how the “IATF” could best incorporate knife leagues, we realized the importance of having a federation name that matched what was possible – and in the ITAF, everything is possible. The possible expansion of the “IATF” was limited, and that limitation meant our sport could only grow so much in a world where people are looking for complete-package, multi-faceted experiences. To put it simply, expanding into knives allows the ITAF more revenue streams, which increases what’s possible for all disciplines within the federation. 

Why not call it the International Axe & Knife Federation?

The ITAF, over time, will become more than axes and knives. We’re excited to share a five-year development program to make the ITAF the most expansive competitive-throwing experience on earth! While details are currently not solidified, we’re excited  to share our blue-sky ideas in this naming announcement, including: 

  • Shovel throwing in late 2026
  • Outdoor spear throwing in early 2027
  • Underhand sword tossing in 2028
  • Summertime pool-based Trident throwing 2029
  • Indoor lawn darts in 2030

We believe expanding into these disciplines will finally offset the cost of IATC  ITAC (International Throw Anything Championship) and allow for more people to participate in our federation. So look out for updated rules and equipment guidelines (and a few new ITAF equipment options) in the future. 

"The truth is, axes are amazing, and throwing them is cool, too," said Matt Wilson, ITAF founder. "But there are so many things you can throw. Knives, shovels...give me your phone. Watch. Watch how easy it is to throw your phone." 

OUR SPORT  ·  OUR COMMUNITY ·  OUR THROW ANYTHING FEDERATION

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Tournament Rating Points

Competitors in the IATF Tournament Circuit are awarded Tournament Points based on their finishing position in tournaments. IATF mobile app subscribers are eligible to earn Tournament Points. These points will serve as a measure of tournament participation and success.

 

Points awarded to a player at a tournament will remain in the player’s tally until the tournament is run again, typically the following year. For contrast with the existing Collins Rating System, which features match-by-match rating adjustments, the Tournament Rating Points leaderboards will be more stable, updating when Tournament Circuit events occur.

 

IATF mobile app subscribers are eligible to appear on the Global & Regional Tournament Rank leaderboards.

Collins Rating vs Tournament Rank

The Collins Rating System (CRS) provides players with a relative sense of where they stand against an opponent. Higher rated players tend to win against lower rated players. Because ratings adjustments are possible following every match, the system is self-correcting, meaning ratings following a match more closely align with the match result. Understanding how a rating has changed over time gives a sense of development as a competitive player.

 

Beginning with the 2025-2026 Integrated Tournament Circuit calendar, the IATF will award Tournament Points based on performance in tournaments. Given the IATF already has a rating system, let’s examine how Tournament Rank adds another dimension to measurement of competitive development.

 

Recall the Collins Rating Key Principles:

  • Head-to-head competition should be used to assess skills and determine ratings.
  • Winning against lower rated players is less valuable than winning against higher rated players.
  • Higher levels of competition should raise the stakes by allowing larger adjustments, if required, to better reflect players’ relative skill. ie. Wilson Cup has higher stakes than Grand Slams and Majors, which in turn has higher stakes than league playoffs.
  • Throwing an 81 and winning the tiebreaker should never result in a downward adjustment.
  • Throwing more frequently should not disproportionately inflate ratings.

 

The introduction of the Integrated Tournament Circuit and feedback on the CRS prompted the development of another system that rewards performance on the tournament circuit and is stable over a longer period of time.

 

Tournament Points Design Considerations::

  • Participation in a variety of tournaments is rewarded
  • Strong performance in a tournament setting is rewarded
  • Tournament Points are earned only when Integrated Tournament Circuit events occur, so the ranking is less volatile than with CRS
  • Higher levels of competition should raise the stakes by allowing more points to be earned, ie. Wilson Cup has higher stakes than Grand Slams and Majors, which in turn has higher stakes than league playoffs.
  • Further integrates the circuit
  • Creates a new option to seed tournaments
  • Similar to points systems used in other sports (tennis, golf, motor sport, etc), which makes the system more accessible and simple to understand

 

Tournament Points and Ranking provides a new view of player performance and further integrates the IATF’s Tournament Circuit.

 

Starting at IATC 2026, some Wilson Cup Round 2 reserved bids will be allocated to top Tournament Rank players. These bids will be for players who have performed well on the Tournament Circuit, but have not yet earned a bid from a top finish on the Circuit.

 

Collins Rating and Tournament Ranking provide independent ways to look at competitive development.

Recognizing Access to Circuit Tournaments

The 2025-2026 Tournament Circuit, as currently planned, does have geographical variation, i.e. not all geographical areas have an equal number of planned events. This means leaderboards will reflect regional differences. Statistics like Tournament Points per Grand Slam or Tournament Points per Major will be of interest as a normalizing measure that can be used to compare across regions.

Tournament Rating Points Awarded

Competitors in circuit tournaments will earn points as follows:

Major Marquees

Finish position

Double-elimination points

single-elimination points

1st

500

500

2nd

250

250

3rd

175

150

4th

125

150

5th/6th

65

60

7th/8th

50

60

9th-12th

30

30

13th-16th

25

30

17th-24th

15

15

25th-32nd

10

15

Grand Slam Marquees

Finish position

Double-elimination points

single-elimination points

1st

2,000

2,000

2nd

1,000

1,000

3rd

700

600

4th

500

600

5th/6th

250

225

7th/8th

200

225

9th-12th

125

115

13th-16th

100

115

17th-24th

65

60

25th-32nd

50

60

33rd-48th

35

30

49th-64th

25

30

IATC Wilson Cup

Finish position

points

1st

3,000

2nd

1,800

3rd

1,600

4th

1,400

5th/6th

1,200

7th/8th

1,000

9th-12th

900

13th-16th

800

17th-24th

700

25th-32nd

600

33rd-48th

500

49th-64th

400

65th-96th

300

97th-128th

200

129th-192nd

100

193rd-256th

20

Tournament Rating Points by Discipline

Tournament Points will be categorized by throwing discipline. Tournament Points from Standard and Premier tournaments will be aggregated and totaled separately from Big Axe and Knife tournaments. Because this category of points is separate, tournaments can award points as Marquees do. Should a player compete in tournaments of each discipline, they will have separate Tournament Point totals, one from Standard and Premier tournaments combined, one from Big Axe tournaments, and one from Knife tournaments.

Tournament Rating and Women's Tournaments

Tournament Points earned in tournaments where the registration is restricted to competitors who meaningfully identify as a woman, non-binary person, or other marginalized gender will also earn Tournament Points. Because this category of points is separate, similar to Big Axe or Knife tournaments, tournaments can award points as Marquees do. These Tournament Points will be aggregated and totalled separately to better highlight achievement in these tournaments, as well as to recognize access parity in open registration tournaments.

Tournament Rating and Average Limited Tournaments

Competitors in tournaments where the registration is restricted by average will also earn Tournament Points. The points awarded by these tournaments will be scaled by the limiting average.

A limit of 70+ Standard Average will award 75% (rounded) of a Marquee.

A limit of 60-69 Standard Average will award 65% (rounded) of a Marquee.

A limit below 60 Standard Average will award 60% (rounded) of a Marquee.

Tournament Rating Points from Tournaments in the Same Category

At events where there are more than one tournament would award points into the same category, be it Hatchet, Big Axe, Knife, Women’s tournaments etc, it will be made clear how points will be awarded for them. Generally, one of the tournaments will award points as described in the tables above, and the other(s) will award points rounded (to avoid decimal points) to 75% of the points awarded. This is likely an unusual case, but could happen, for example, if there are a Premier hatchet tournament and a Standard hatchet tournament scheduled during the same event.

Tournament Rating and Doubles Tournaments

At launch, Doubles tournaments will not award Tournament Points. In the future, Doubles tournaments will award Tournament Points to each player on a team.  The points awarded will be as described above, depending on whether the tournament is a Marquee or Feature, the Discipline, any limits by average, and any restrictions on registration.

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