Australian Axe Throwing League
Rules & Specifications of Game Play

12 throws per match, with a potential 13th Hero Shot.
• Throw 1–6, then switch sides/lanes for throws 7–12.
• Throws 6 and 12 are mandatory Double Tap attempts.
• Both Left and Right Double Taps must be attempted.
• A successful Double Tap on throw 12 activates the Hero Shot.
• Hero Shot hit = −13 points; miss = no additional penalty.

Bullseye — 1 point
2nd Ring — 2 points
3rd Ring — 3 points
4th Ring — 4 points
5th Ring — 5 points
6th Ring — 6 points
7th Ring — 7 points
Outside drawn target — 8 points

Diamond — −5 points
Double Tap — −10 points
Hero Shot — −13 points

Missed Double Tap — +6 penalty
Dropped Axe — +9 penalty

• One-handed overhand/underhand or two-handed throwing is permitted; the blade must face the target at release.
• The axe must make one rotation only after release.
• At least one foot must remain on the floor.
• A single step is permitted, provided it is completed before reaching the fault line.
• Throws must be made within 10 seconds of each other.

The red fault line is 3.65m from the target.
• The front edge of the fault line must not be crossed during the throw.
• Stay behind the fault line until the Judge has called the score.
• Axes may only be retrieved after the score has been called.

Fault penalties:
• 1st Fault: Throw forfeited.
• 2nd Fault: Game forfeited.
• 3rd Fault: Current game + remaining games forfeited.

• The axe must make one rotation only after release.
• At least one foot must remain on the floor.
• A single step is permitted, provided it is completed before reaching the fault line.
• Throws must be made within 10 seconds of each other.

The Judge/Match Official calls all scores — players do not self-score.
• The axe is scored where it remains embedded in the target.
• The axe must break through the black target ring line to score that ring.
• If the axe breaks through multiple rings, the lower-value ring applies.
• If the axe lands on the black line without breaking into the lower ring, the higher score applies.
• If the axe falls before being scored, it is a Dropped Axe (+9).

Double Taps and Diamonds are active only on Throws 6 and 12.
• The thrower must clearly call “Double Tap LEFT” or “Double Tap RIGHT” before releasing the axe.
• Both Left and Right Double Taps must be attempted during the match.

Diamond = −5 points
Double Tap = −10 points
Missed Double Tap = +6 penalty

The Hero Shot is activated only by successfully hitting the Double Tap on Throw 12.
• A successful Hero Shot scores −13 points.
• A missed Hero Shot has no additional penalty.

Each player may challenge a Judge's call up to twice per match.
• A challenge must be made before the next throw is completed.
• Play pauses while the Judge considers the challenge.
• The Judge/Match Official's final ruling stands.

This quick reference summarises the AATL gameplay rules relevant to tournament competitors. For complete regulations, refer to the full AATL Rules & Specifications. AATL Rules & Specifications