# World Axe Throwing League

> The international governing body for competitive axe throwing: standardized rules, certified officials, sanctioned tournaments, and a global leaderboard across 300+ affiliated venues in 20 countries.

WATL ("Throw. Connect. Inspire.") sets the rules, runs the qualifying circuit and championship tournaments, certifies coaches and judges, and supports the venues that host leagues around the world. The site serves both players (find a venue, join a league, follow tournaments and standings) and venue operators (become an affiliate, run sanctioned leagues, access scoring and certification programs).

## Core pages

- [Homepage](https://worldaxethrowingleague.com/): Overview of the league, featured news, upcoming tournaments, and entry points to membership and rules.
- [About WATL](https://worldaxethrowingleague.com/about-us/): Mission, history, council, and how WATL governs the sport.
- [News & Updates](https://worldaxethrowingleague.com/news/): Latest league announcements, tournament recaps, and rule updates.
- [Community](https://worldaxethrowingleague.com/community/): Hub for WATL community-facing topics — council, committees, judges, programs (ambassador, coach certification, certified craftsman), community venues, newsletter, and competitor resources.
- [Contact Us](https://worldaxethrowingleague.com/contact-us/): Contact form routed by topic (general, membership, logistics, shipping).

## Rules & competition

- [Official Rules](https://worldaxethrowingleague.com/axe-throwing-rules/): The complete WATL rulebook covering axe regulations, scoring, divisions (Rec/Am/Pro), Big Axe, and Killshot closing rules.
- [Competition](https://worldaxethrowingleague.com/competition/): How WATL competition works across leagues, qualifying throws, and the tournament circuit.
- [Tournaments](https://worldaxethrowingleague.com/tournaments/): Current and upcoming sanctioned tournaments, including qualifiers and championships.
- [Hall of Fame](https://worldaxethrowingleague.com/hall-of-fame/): Past champions and record holders across hatchet and Big Axe disciplines.
- [Leaderboard](https://axethrowing.org/watl): Global standings and per-venue rankings, hosted on the official scoring platform.
- [Venue & Target Specifications](https://worldaxethrowingleague.com/venue-target-specifications/): Approved lane, target, and bullseye specs for sanctioned play.

## For players & fans

- [Find a Venue (Affiliate Finder)](https://worldaxethrowingleague.com/affiliates/): Searchable directory of WATL-affiliated venues worldwide.
- [Flex Leagues](https://worldaxethrowingleague.com/flex-leagues/): Schedule-flexible league format for players who can't commit to a fixed weekly night.
- [Build a Home Target](https://worldaxethrowingleague.com/build-an-axe-throwing-target-at-home/): DIY guide and specifications for building a regulation target at home.

## For venues & officials

- [Become a Member (Affiliate)](https://worldaxethrowingleague.com/membership/): How venues join the WATL affiliate network and what membership unlocks.
- [Membership Benefits](https://worldaxethrowingleague.com/membership-benefits/): Detailed breakdown of operational benefits, including scoring software, insurance, supplier pricing, marketing, and competitive programs.
- [How to Run a WATL League](https://worldaxethrowingleague.com/how-to-run-a-watl-league/): Operational guide for affiliate venues running sanctioned leagues.
- [Coach Certification](https://worldaxethrowingleague.com/world-axe-throwing-league-official-coach-certification/): Official program for certifying coaches at WATL venues.
- [Judge Certification](https://worldaxethrowingleague.com/certified-judges/): Certification path for tournament and league judges.
- [Community Venues](https://worldaxethrowingleague.com/community-venues/): Eligibility and program details for non-commercial community spaces hosting WATL play.

## Purchase equipment for axe throwers and knife throwers

- [WATL Store (axe throwers)](https://store.worldaxethrowingleague.com/): Official WATL gear and sanctioned-play equipment for axe throwers, including throwing axes, targets, the Ultimate Beginner Kit, and branded merchandise.
- [WKTL Store (knife throwers)](https://store.worldknifethrowingleague.com/): Official WKTL-approved throwing knives and Toro Knives, for knife throwers competing under the World Knife Throwing League ruleset.
- [World Knife Throwing League (WKTL)](https://worldknifethrowingleague.com/): WATL's sister governing body for competitive knife throwing, with its own rules, competitions, and affiliated facilities.