WATL® Player Code of Conduct

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 promote competition through sportsmanship and fair play. Our axe throwing rules assure that all leagues and events are played in a sportsmanship-like manner. Although competition may become intense, we expect our participants to maintain a high degree of sportsmanship up to and after the final throw.

As a competitor in any WATL sanctioned event, you must pledge to:

  • Respect the game, play fairly and follow all rules and policies.
  • Accept & respect the decisions of WATL officials.
  • Demonstrate good sportsmanship before, during, and after games, win or lose.
  • Be responsible for the sportsmanship of teammates and assist in maintaining a respectful environment for all participants.
  • Be courteous to opposing throwers, teams, officials, spectators, Judges, or facilitators, and treat all throwers and WATL officials with respect.
  • Help to maintain and keep all equipment and conditions at the facility in good condition.
  • Obey all facility rules, while respecting all equipment, common areas, playing areas, parking areas, and surrounding neighborhoods.
  • Not to engage in discriminatory behavior based on, but not limited to race, religion, creed, language, disability, gender identity, or sexual identity.
  • Refrain from the use of abusive language or profanity. Including but not limited to: contemptuous, discriminatory or denigratory words, or actions concerning race, language, religion, gender, or sexual orientation
  • Not engage in any behavior which would endanger the health, safety, or well-being of any thrower, official, staff member, or spectator.
  • Any verbal or non-verbal intimidation, threats of physical violence, trash talk, abusive language, profanity, threats, or general disrespect during any league or tournament towards any presiding Certified Judge, WATL Official, thrower or spectator will not be tolerated and will result in the immediate removal from the league or tournament.
  • Not use alcoholic beverages at any location unless permitted by the facility/venue.
  • Not allow, use or encourage illegal drugs at any location.
  • Wear/use all required and issued equipment and/or uniforms.

Under no circumstances are live targets allowed. No thrower is to throw an axe at a target while there is a person or live object in between or in front of the thrower.

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 event or being banned from attending future events.

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, Affiliates, 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; defamatory or disparaging of WATL or other WATL Members, in relation to WATL.

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 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 other WATL Members.
  4. Encourage others to engage in constructive 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.
  5. Personally identifiable information such as date of birth, street address, phone number, or other sensitive information that can identify a particular individual (doxxing), 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

By participating in WATL sanctioned events, attending a WATL Affiliated Venue, or engaging in any WATL social media property, you are subject to this Social Media Policy. WATL may, at its sole discretion, enforce this policy and has 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 may be considered in violation of the WATL Code of Conduct and may be subject to disciplinary actions, including, but not limited to:

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