National Axe Throwing Federation
The National Axe Throwing Federation (NATF) is an organization established in 2016 with global membership that seeks to establish competitive rules and safety standards for the sport of axe throwing.[1][2][3]
The NATF supports over 4000 throwers, who compete in sanctioned leagues located in four countries for a chance to win the annual National Axe Throwing Championship (NATC).[4] The Ontario craft brewery Beau's was the Title Sponsor at the 2017 NATC.
Scoring
Scoring includes a three-round match system where five axes are thrown per round. The first player to win two of three rounds wins. Scoring is determined by where you strike your axe into the target. The targets under NATF have a black bullseye ring, followed by a red ring, and then a blue ring. The scoring is 5, 3, and 1 point respectively. Additionally, there are green dots in the corner, known as “Clutch,” and must be called in advance during the final throw of a match (worth 7 points). Point designation is based on where the majority of the blade lands and sticks.[5]
Current Member Organizations
- ABQ Axe
- Axe Factor Singapore
- Axe Nation
- Axt Axe Throwing
- Backyard Axe Throwing League (BATL)
- Bounce Milwaukee (Fling Milwaukee)
- Bullseye Axe Throwing
- Chopper's Hatchet House
- Civil Axe Throwing
- Detroit Axe
- Forged Axe Throwing
- Golden Axe Throw Club
- Half Axe
- Kraken Axes
- LA AX
- Axe Club of America
- LumberJaxes
- Maniax Axe Throwing
- Meduseld Meadery
- Northern Axperts
- Peterborough Axe Club
- Rage Academy
- Riot Axe
- Timber Lounge Halifaxe
- True North Axe Throwing
- UberWarrior
- Urban Axes
- Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing
National Axe Throwing Championship
The axe throwing league calendar culminates at the National Axe Throwing Championship (NATC), where league players compete for the Wilson Cup. The NATC takes place in 2 stages of competition in January and February of each year. The final stage takes place during the annual All-Star Weekend, together with other axe throwing events including the Winter Skillz competition and the Axe Prom dinner and awards ceremony.
Charitable Support
The 2018 All-Star Weekend presented by Beau's All Natural Brewing Co. and NATC tournament helped to raise proceeds of $9,766.92 for donation to the Red Door Family Shelter.
NATC Winners
Winners of the NATC are awarded the Wilson Cup, which is named after the NATF's Commissioner, Matt Wilson, who together with a small group of friends pioneered the sport of urban axe throwing in his Toronto backyard, dating back to 2006.[6]
- 2017-18 Straun Riley
- 2016-17 Stefan Herda - Backyard Axe Throwing League
From 2012 - 2016 the National Axe Throwing Championship was known as the annual Champions League tournament for eligible competitors from the Backyard Axe Throwing League. Past Champions League winners include:
- 2015-16 Stefan Herda
- 2014-15 Stefan Herda
- 2013-14 Stefan Herda
- 2012-13 Jari Salovaara
- 2011-12 Dave Michna
NATF Competitive Regions
The NATF consists of 7 North American regions and 1 International region to support local axe throwing competition, which are continually evolving based on growth of National Axe Throwing Federation membership.
History
The National Axe Throwing Federation was founded by Matt Wilson and COO from BATL | The Backyard Axe Throwing in 2016.[7] The National Axe Throwing Federation fosters the growth of the sport of axe throwing through league competition, which has expanded to over 50 cities globally.[7]
References
- ^ Heller, Karen (September 30, 2016). "Competitive axe-throwing is an actual thing, and apparently it's best done with beer". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 22, 2016.
- ^ Delean, Paul (November 7, 2016). "Axe-throwing is suddenly all the rage in Montreal". The Gazette. Montreal. Retrieved December 22, 2016.
- ^ Bosker, Bianca (September 2016). "Big in Canada: Throwing Axes for Fun". The Atlantic. Retrieved December 22, 2016.
- ^ Locklin, Kristy (October 10, 2017). "Axe-throwing on the cutting edge of entertainment". Crain's Pittsburgh. Montreal. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
- ^ Mitka, Nate (January 2017). "Trend: Hatchet-Throwing Leagues On The Rise". Gear Junkie. Retrieved November 23, 2017.
- ^ Fatima, Sahar (June 2013). "Trend: Where burying the hatchet can gain you points". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved December 28, 2017.
- ^ a b Scordo, Lizbeth. "Taking an Axe to Dull Evenings". The Red Bulletin.
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External links