The World Axe Throwing League (WATL) has an important update regarding the rating system as we move into Season 2 and beyond. After carefully reviewing all the feedback we received throughout this season and running some preliminary data, we have decided to remove the ratings system from view on the app. Instead of using the ratings system to determine thrower Divisions, throwers will have the ability to select their own Division for the remainder of the year between seasons. Changes for Season 2 will be available after Season 1 ends on March 16th, 2025.
With this change, nothing else about league and tournament operations will be altered, and no thrower will be required to switch Divisions after Season 1 ends.
WATL fully understands that this is a huge change very early in the year. First and foremost, we apologize to everyone for any confusion this may cause. Pulling the ratings system is intended to show the community that we are listening to your feedback and are willing to make adjustments where it makes sense to do so. We still plan to only make rules changes at the beginning of the year, but felt it was the right decision to stop the ratings system beta testing sooner rather than later.
Originally, it was our hope that being transparent in our development of a new ratings system would speed the process along, which it did. However, instead of having the system fully ready at the end of Season 1, it brought to light just how much more work needs to go into the ratings system before it can be implemented fully. Since we were only using the ratings system to determine player Division, we felt it would have less of an impact to pull after Season 1 rather than waiting until later in the year or the end of the year.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this transition. Please continue reading this document for some important information and clarifications. If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected]
Division Changes
We will still be accepting Division change requests only between seasons. Below are the guidelines for requesting a Division change:
- Moving Up (Amateur to Pro): Any thrower can request to move up in difficulty.
- Moving Down (Pro to Amateur): Requests will be thoroughly reviewed, and stats will be evaluated before a decision is made.
- Circuit Points & Bids Impact: Changing Divisions after Season 1 will result in the permanent forfeiture of all Circuit Points (CP) earned in the previous Division.
- CP will not be reinstated if a thrower switches Divisions and later decides to switch back.
- Exception: As previously communicated, Amateur players who earned Pro CP in Open tournaments during Season 1 who wish to move to Pro will be allowed to retain their Pro CP.
- Any Amateur Championship bids will be forfeit upon acceptance of a WAKTC bid
- Any Amateurs that earned Pro CP in Season 1 who elect to stay an Amateur will retain their Season 1 Pro CP for the remainder of the year.
- Please note that we have identified only 2 throwers this will affect, and we will reach out to them directly.
- CP will not be reinstated if a thrower switches Divisions and later decides to switch back.
Submission Period
Throwers can submit Division change requests using the form linked below. Requests will be processed within 2 business days between March 17th – April 11th, 2025. If you are participating in a WATL-sanctioned tournament and wish to change Divisions, you will need to submit your request at least 2 full business days in advance of the event. For example, if you are participating in a tournament on Saturday, you will need to submit your request by Wednesday.
Amateur Championship Bids
Throwers who earn a bid to the Amateur Championship and elect to throw in the Pro Rules Division will forfeit their Amateur Championship bid. If a thrower accepts a Hatchet bid to WAKTC, the Amateur Championship Bid will be forfeited.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to improve WATL and the sport of axe throwing based on community feedback. We appreciate your continued participation and look forward to another exciting season of competition!
Sarah Sed, Commissioner of the WATL.
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