Axe Throwing Safety Rules
Axe throwing is a fun and exciting event in which players throw axes into a target, attempting to get the best score. In order to do axe throwing, it is vital that the event is completed in a safe environment. Due to the nature of the game, with sharp blades flying through the room, axe throwing’s safety rules are the most important in the sport. Read on to learn the official safety rules of axe throwing.
Axe Standards
Before the game begins, all axes that are used for play must be inspected by an official. Additionally, officials can inspect axes at any point throughout the game. Axes must adhere to a list of standards, with the most important being axes that are not up to standard cannot be used for play, especially broken axes.
This is to keep the playing area as safe as possible. When axes are hurled through the air, throwers and spectators do not want axe shards breaking off and risking the general safety of the people in the room.
For an axe to be compliant, it must adhere to the following regulations:
- The head of the axe must weigh between 1 lb and 1.75 lbs.
- The axe’s blade cannot be longer than four inches.
- Handles must measure at least 12 inches long and be made of wood, plastic, or steel.
These regulations were created to set a standard for contestants and prevent throwers from using axes that are too powerful, damaged, or dangerous.
Throwing and Technique
In axe throwing, contestants are only allowed to grip the axe by its handle when throwing to avoid injuring themselves. Additionally, axes can only be thrown when the lane is empty, meaning that there are no judges or contestants retrieving their axe at the time.
If an axe is thrown when there is someone in the lane, the thrower is immediately disqualified. This presents a very dangerous situation, and under no circumstances is it safe to throw in the direction of another person.
Furthermore, axes may only be thrown when all spectators are to the side of the lane or at least five feet behind the throwing. This is to ensure that a spectator does not get hit by a stray axe or when the contestant is throwing. If one were to be hit by an axe, they must receive immediate medical attention.
Injuries
If an injury occurs during an axe throwing event, it is important for play to temporarily stop and assess the injury. The injured person should consult with an official or ideally an on-site medical person. Following the injury assessment, if the wound is not very serious and the thrower can continue, they can choose to do so.
However, if an injured axe thrower cannot continue, they must end the match. In this event, during a league match, the thrower will have the opportunity to make up for his missed throws in the following match night with no penalty. Though, in a tournament, the injured thrower’s remaining throws must be counted as zeros if they cannot complete the match.