WATL Code of Conduct

June 20th, 2019

THIS PAGE IS OUT OF DATE. VIEW THE CURRENT CODE OF CONDUCT VIA THE LINK BELOW.

Mission Statement, Values & Conduct

The World Axe Throwing League (WATL) is dedicated to the development of axe throwing through competitive play and fostering camaraderie in the community. We strive to develop fundamental skills through active player participation in league, tournaments and other events. WATL also promotes and encourages good sportsmanship from players, judges, officials and other representatives.

As a competitor in any WATL League, tournament or event, you must pledge to:

  1. Respect the game, play fairly, and follow all rules and policies
  2. Accept & respect the decisions of WATL officials
  3. Demonstrate good sportsmanship before, during, and after the games, win or lose
  4. Be responsible for the sportsmanship of teammates and assist in maintaining a respectful environment for all participants
  5. Be courteous and respectful to opposing players, teams, officials, spectators, monitors, and facilitators.
  6. Help to maintain and keep all equipment at the facility in good condition.
  7. Obey all facility rules, respect all equipment, common areas and playing areas
  8. Refrain from the use of abusive language or profanity, including but not limited to: contemptuous, discriminatory or denigratory words or actions concerning race, colour, language, religion, gender, or sexual orientation
  9. Not engage in any behavior which would endanger the physical or mental health, safety, or well being of any player, official, staff member, WATL affiliate, or spectators
  10. Not engage in verbal, written, or physical threats or abuse aimed at any participant, official, staff member, or spectator
  11. Act with respect and courtesy during any and all interactions with the WATL, its officials, staff or council members
  12. Not initiate a fight, violence or exchange with any individual, including but not limited to: pushing, shoving, punching, or any sort of physical violence, verbal threats or harassment
  13. Not consume alcoholic beverages at any location unless permitted by the facility/venue
  14. Not allow use or encourage illegal drugs at any location
  15. If applicable, wear/use all required and issued equipment and/or uniforms

This Code of Conduct applies to players and all persons associated with the players including but not limited to: coaches, judges, parents, guardians, player family and friends, and spectators.

Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct will result in penalties, including possible dismissal from the match/season/tournament and/or suspension or being banned from attending future matches/seasons/tournaments.

World Axe Throwing League (WATL) has a zero tolerance policy for inappropriate and unacceptable conduct, including but not limited to:

  1. Threatening verbal or physical abuse  
  2. Unsportsmanlike conduct  
  3. Bullying in online and offline forums  
  4. Any actions that are detrimental to any individual, the public welfare, or actions that are not representative of the purpose and mission of WATL

Social Media Policy

WATL recognizes the importance of the Internet in shaping the public’s perception of our organization. WATL also recognizes the importance of our Council Members, sport coordinators, judges, employees, volunteers, and players in leading and setting the tone of social media interactions in a manner that advances the mission and goals of WATL.

This Social Media Policy applies to all WATL officials, WATL Affiliates, WATL Ambassadors, Council Members, Judges, employees, volunteers and players, collectively referred as “WATL Members”. This Social Media Policy applies to all social media content posted by WATL Members in their professional and personal capacity.

WATL strives to create a positive and inclusive organization that is dedicated to helping participants reach their full potential. To further this goal, WATL strives to engage members of the community in a positive, honest, transparent and knowledgeable dialogue about WATL through social media. WATL views social media as an important tool for communicating its successes and opportunities for the community and individual development.

All WATL Members shall abide by the following guidelines when using social media:

  1. Be positive, respectful, and always take the high road. When disagreeing with others’ opinions, remain appropriate and polite. If you find yourself in a situation online that is becoming antagonistic, disengage entirely from the conversation. Report any behavior to WATL if the interaction violates WATL’s code of conduct.
  2. Do not participate in or encourage Trolling. Trolling is defined as; starting quarrels, sowing discord by posting inflammatory, digressive, extraneous, or off-topic messages to players, posting of images to incite conflict within WATL and its members.
  3. Refrain from posts or comments that are defamatory, disparaging, slanderous or contentious against WATL, players or officials.
  4. Use good judgment when posting comments on any official WATL sites.
  5. Encourage others to engage in positive interactions on social media. If you are concerned about any WATL Member’s use of social media, please bring your concerns to the attention of WATL.
  6. Personally identifiable information such as date of birth, street address, phone number, or other sensitive information that can identify a particular individual, should not be disclosed in any manner on official WATL social networking sites without the approval of WATL and the individual in question.

Violations of the Social Media Policy

WATL will monitor and enforce this Social Media Policy and have the authority to remove any inappropriate or offensive comments from official WATL sites. WATL may block any individual or organization from posting on any official WATL social media platform at their sole and absolute discretion.

Any WATL Member who fails to adhere to the Social Media Policy shall be considered in violation of the WATL Code of Conduct and will be subject to disciplinary actions, including, but not limited to:

  • Suspensions including ineligibility for tournament and league play
  • Suspension for the current season
  • Permanent suspension from all WATL activities, events, tournaments and league play

Dress Code

Participants competing in Televised Tournaments such as the Open Tournaments and the World Axe Throwing Championships will be expected to abide by the WATL Dress Code below:

  1. Closed-toe shoes must be worn
  2. T-shirts, shirts or sweaters may be worn as long as they meet the following requirements:
    1. Official WATL merchandise
    2. Non-branded apparel or equipment
    3. Approved sponsored apparel (see below for details)
  3. Further dress code restrictions may be imposed by WATL Officials at their discretion
  4. Contestants that do not comply may not be allowed to participate in the event

Participants competing in sanctioned but non-televised tournaments including but not limited to the Arnold Classic’s or Throw Down will be expected to abide by the WATL Dress Code below:

  1. Closed-toe shoes must be worn
  2. T-shirts, sleeveless-t’s, shirts or sweaters may be worn as long as they meet the following requirements:
    1. Regular Branded t-shirts are allowed
    2. Non-WATL affiliated axe throwing venue/companies/organizations apparel or equipment or logos are not permitted
  3. Further dress code restrictions may be imposed by WATL Officials at their discretion
  4. Contestants that do not comply may not be allowed to participate in the event

Tournament Representation & Sponsorships

Participants attending any WATL tournaments that have previously or currently participate in WATL sanctioned Leagues must officially represent the WATL Affiliated location they compete in. If the Participant has won a Regional Championship and has an invitation to the World Championship, they must represent the location where the World Championship invitation was awarded for the current and full calendar year.

For televised events, participants are not permitted to add any trade name, trademark, name, logo or any other identification of any person, company or business to apparel, unless there is prior written approval from the World Axe Throwing League.

Any request for change in player representation may be placed by the participant or affiliated venue they are currently representing and will be taken under review. No change may be made without prior written approval from the World Axe Throwing League.

For approval of sponsorship apparel, please email: [email protected] with the subject line: Apparel Approval Request

Participant Personal Sponsors

Participants may not use or authorize the use of the World Axe Throwing League’s intellectual property, including the use of photographs, films or videos of Participant in WATL apparel or equipment, or the marks and logos of WATL, or terms containing World Axe Throwing League or WATL without the express written permission of WATL.

Illegal Controlled Substances are not permitted at WATL Events.

Venue permitting, players may drink alcoholic beverages while playing, but drinks must be placed outside the live lane, in a safe zone, or on a drink stand/holder.

The consumption of alcohol or any form of tobacco while in the confines of the facility may be prohibited for all participants, officials, and scorekeepers at the sole and absolute discretion of WATL Officials. This rule may be enforced at any tournament by WATL Officials.

Audio & Visual

The use of audio and visual equipment in the confines of the event premises may be used by WATL. Your presence in the tournament area constitutes consent to be recorded and/or photographed.

The use of cell phones while in the confines of the lanes may be prohibited for all participants, officials, and scorekeepers at the sole and absolute discretion of WATL Officials. This rule may be enforced at any tournament by the WATL Officials.

Update 6/20/19

We’ve heard that there was some confusion on which tournaments sponsorship approval was needed and what branded apparel could be worn so we’ve clarified the Dress Code Section to include our original intent clearly. We’ve also edited the Sponsorship section as well.