IATF CODE OF CONDUCT

Axe throwing is a sport that upholds the values of healthy competition and community. As a participant in IATF leagues, tournaments, activities, and online forums, it is everyone’s responsibility including your own to exhibit consideration and respect: respect for each other, respect for safety, respect for the rules, and respect for decisions made by axe throwing officials.

Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental ability, or religious beliefs will not be tolerated. We must all be actively anti-racist: standing by in silence is also unacceptable.

Examples of other negative behavior that will not be tolerated include:

disregard for facility rules, regulations of the sport, or the role of officials.
abusive or inappropriate verbal, written, or physical actions.
harassment or violence.
aggressive or dangerous behavior which could affect the safety of you or another.

Digital Conduct Guidelines

The IATF Code of Conduct applies not only to in-person events but also to digital interactions including but not limited to:

Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Discord, Instagram)
Official IATF streams, comment threads, and chats
Private messages related to IATF activities

Harassment, hate speech, bullying, or intimidation in any digital space will not be tolerated. Participants are expected to demonstrate the same level of respect online as they would in-person.

Spectator and Third-Party Conduct

All attendees—including spectators, vendors, and third parties—must adhere to this Code of Conduct. Venues and tournament organizers may remove any individual who disrupts the event, disrespects participants or staff, or behaves in a way that compromises safety or inclusivity.

Harassment and Discrimination Policy

All forms of harassment and discrimination are strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:

Sexual harassment
Verbal or physical abuse
Digital harassment (online bullying, doxxing, targeted slander)
Discrimination based on race, nationality, gender identity, age, disability, or sexual orientation.

A zero-tolerance policy is in place for any discriminatory behavior.

The IATF strongly encourages all tournament circuit hosts to provide staff (including scorekeepers) with anti-harassment and inclusivity training. Referees must be familiar with the Code of Conduct.

Inclusivity and Accessibility Standards

The IATF and its member venues are committed to making axe throwing an inclusive sport. As such:

Venues should make reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities, including but not limited to mobility access, visual/auditory assistance, or modified equipment use where appropriate.
Inclusive practices and awareness training are strongly encouraged for staff and volunteers.

Reporting A Violation

If you have experienced or are aware of any of the above behaviors, report to your organization’s leadership providing as much detail as possible regarding the incident, including:

Your name and home venue
Time and location of incident
Names of participants (both active and observers)
Threat or language used
Response taken

Concerns should be brought first to the attention of local venue staff or owners, with the goal of resolution at a local level. However, escalation to the IATF may be necessary in the following cases:

The concerns involve local staff or venue owners
The concerns are not being adequately addressed or resolved
Other instances where IATF involvement may be required

Disciplinary Process

Violations of the Code of Conduct will be subject to a structured disciplinary process, which includes:

Formal intake of the report by venue leadership or IATF committee
Investigation phase with interviews and evidence review
Determination of outcome, which may include:
- No outcome/conclusion
- Warning
- Temporary suspension
- Disqualification from events
- Permanent ban from IATF-sanctioned activities

Enforceability

The IATF reserves the right to take appropriate and proportional action in response to violations of this Code of Conduct. These actions may be taken at the discretion of IATF leadership or its designated disciplinary committee, based on the nature and severity of the offense.

Possible actions include, but are not limited to:

Verbal or written warnings
Temporary suspension from IATF - sanctioned leagues, tournaments, or community forums
Disqualification from active competition or standings
Revocation of eligibility to participate in regional, national, or international events
Permanent bans from IATF membership or affiliated facilities

Disciplinary decisions are based on a balance of available evidence, witness accounts, and consistency with prior rulings. The IATF commits to investigating incidents in good faith, maintaining confidentiality where appropriate, and offering the opportunity for appeal. The IATF is not an arbiter of truth or a law enforcement agency. Illegal activities should be reported to the appropriate authorities.

Venue owners, tournament directors, and league officials are empowered to enforce this Code locally and escalate matters to the IATF for further review as necessary.

Applicability

This Code of Conduct applies to all individuals participating in, affiliated with, or representing the International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF), including:

Competitors
League members
Coaches and staff
Venue owners and operators
Volunteers and contractors
Spectators and third-party attendees
Online community members (e.g., social media, forums)

Primary Scope

The Code is enforceable at all IATF-sanctioned events, leagues, tournaments, training programs, and affiliated facilities, whether hosted physically or virtually.

Extended Scope

The IATF reserves the right to apply this Code outside of official venues and events in circumstances where an individual's actions:

Significantly impact the safety, reputation, or inclusivity of the axe throwing community
Harass, intimidate, or endanger other community members—including through digital channels
Undermine the values and mission of the IATF

Violations in non-sanctioned settings (e.g., private social media accounts, public forums, or third-party events) may still be subject to investigation and enforcement when a clear connection to the IATF community is demonstrated.

The International Axe Throwing Federation and its member organizations reserve the right to enforce the above Code of Conduct with possible elimination or suspension from competition and removal from facilities in cases where the above stated conduct is contravened.