AMERICAN LUMBERJACK ASSOCIATION

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Effective 2002-2004

The American Lumberjack Association, herein referred to as the ALA, is a group of sportsman & women dedicated to furthering, upgrading and standardizing timbersports competition; also to directing attention to the timber industry, which is such a vital part of the worldwide economy. The ALA is a sanctioning body that sets up rules governing sanctioned shows and competitors; keeps records; helps schedule and set up shows; mails regular newsletters to the membership which will include entry forms from all sanctioned shows; and recognized the top point winners in each of seventeen events for the season.

Each sanctioned show has its own management and is run to suit the locality in which it is held. ALA provides the rules so that the competitors who travel the circuit will find uniformity and quality that will attract crowds repeatedly from year to year. These rules raise the standards of timbersports so that they will rank among the foremost of American sports; provide guidelines to maintain cooperation between the management and competitors of all sanctioned timbersports shows and protects members against unfairness on the part of any show management.

Most of the events taken place at a timbersports competition events depict logging as it was in the early days, but also includes some events using modern equipment.

SANCTIONING SHOWS

"Sanctioned Shows" are shows that have paid an annual membership fee and abide by the official rules and regulations of the ALA. The Board of Directors and/or membership shall designate and publish which shows are eligible as point shows. In order to be a sanctioned show, shows must adhere to the following criteria.

Sanctioned shows must have a minimum of five (5) events that earn points for the Grand Finals. Any World Championship event must pay no less that $1500.00 prize money for that event and pay to six (6) places.

Shows must follow the rules and regulations of the ALA. Any variance must have approval of the ALA Board of Directors.

Entry Forms:

Shows must mail their entry form, with all information concerning their events, to the ALA Secretary no less than 45 days prior to their show date so it can be mailed to the membership.

Entry forms must contain the phrase: "All contestants must be a member of the American Lumberjack Association".

The American Lumberjack Association, its Officers, Board Members and members must be included within the release form.

Specify, when possible, the types of wood to be used in any event.

For Crosscut sawing events, show's not using starting cuts must specify type of starting.

For Hot Saw events, the show must specify either hot or cold start.

All shows must furnish the ALA Secretary with the names and times of all contestants in each of their events within 10 days after the show. For the axe throw, the total scores for each contestant shall be reported. For the Birling, the order of placement shall be reported.

Shows must verify that all contestants are members of the ALA according to the membership list provided by the Secretary of the ALA. Contestants that are not members will be required to pay a membership fee prior to competing.

Shows should have a contestant meeting prior to the start of the competition.

Shows should provide proper crowd restraints due to the hazardous nature of the events.

Shows that fail to pay advertised prize money, trips, awards, etc. will not be sanctioned by the ALA until restitution is made.

Shows should use Judges, Timers, and Scorekeeper that are at least 16 years old, competent and knowledgeable about ALA rules and events. All officials shall not use intoxicants prior to or during the show. Each show shall provide a Head Field Judge. The decision of the Head Field Judge shall be final in any and all matters including interpretation of the rules contained herein. If a Head Field Judge has questions or needs assistance in making a decision, an ALA Board Member may be consulted.

Shows must use two timers on each contestant and the same timers must time all of the same events. This develops a continuity of times. Timers may time more than one event.

Shows must use watches capable of timing to the 100^th of a second (0.01). ALA has 3 sets of 12 of these watches available for any sanctioned shows on a first come, first served basis. The time of each watch should be recorded by a Judge in the field, turned into an Official Scorekeeper and the Official Scorekeeper shall average the two times. The official time should be the average of the two times. It would be helpful if the timers and/or official judge would have a red flag to be thrown in the event of disqualification.

The events should be started by the announcer and that the starting cadence MUST be "Timers ready? Contestants ready? One, Two, Go!"

Shows should have an ambulance and/or EMT's on-site.

Shows should arrange for contestant parking as close to the arena as possible. If this is impossible, arrangements should then be made for the contestant to bring his vehicle to the area to unload his equipment and then take his vehicle to other prepared parking.

Shows should be aware of potential safety hazards (see Safety Regulations).

When television is brought into a competition the show should make every effort to conform to the format developed by the ALA for the betterment of the sport.

For Stock Saw events shows will provide 4.0 cubic inch minimum power heads, 84 drivers, 50 gauge with 3/8-inch pitch and 28 inch long bars.

Logs (blocks) must be sized and drawn 45 minutes prior to the start of the show.

COMPETITORS

Any person becoming a member of the ALA shall comply with all of its rules, by-laws and decisions and shall be bound by same. All contestants are required to read the rules carefully. Failure to read or understand the rules will not be accepted as an excuse in the event of disqualification, prize or award forfeiture, fine, etc.

The decision of the Head Field Judge will be final in any and all matters pertaining to the events and the rules of the ALA.

Member releases to the ALA the right to use the member's name and/or picture for the good of the ALA or of the sport as long as there is no commercial endorsement or re-sale involved.

Contestants are encouraged to show courtesy, sportsmanship and professionalism at all times.

Contestants are encouraged to attend the shows award ceremony to receive prize money and/or awards.

Contestants must compete in all of their events, both days, on a two-day show.

Contestants will be solely responsible for securing their own chopping block in the stand.

DRESS CODE: During the contest, contestants must wear a shirt of their choice. Long pants resembling traditional logging clothing must be worn. No sweat pants, or shorts, are permitted with the exception of the birling event. Non compliance will result in forfeiture of prize money and points for the entire show.

SAFETY REGULATIONS

Failure to comply with any safety regulations and all instructions of contest officials or failure to use safety devices provided will result in forfeiture of all prize money, points and/or other awards and recognition. A Contestant may be ruled out of competition and shall forfeit all prize money, points and/or recognition if the contestant:

Violates or ignores any safety precautions or devices;

Passes over safety lines without climbing ropes;

Exposes themselves or others to unnecessary risk or danger;

Is under the influence of intoxicants. This decision shall be made by contest officials;

Does not finish chopping facing the spectators (horizontal choppers) when possible;

Does not pin all axe heads (chopping and throwing).

Members under the age of 16 wishing to compete in any event other than log rolling may apply to the ALA Board of Directors for a variance of the by-laws. Applicants must demonstrate responsible behavior and competency to the Board.

When weights must be used on birling ponds, they should be flat so that the birler is not injured when falling into the pond.

Positioning of logs to be cut during power saw events should be done so that the saw is not pointing toward the crowd whenever possible or a shield must be placed between the saw and the spectators.

Timers must not stand in front of or behind power saws during an event.

POINT SYSTEM USED FOR GRAND FINALS

Ten points for 1^st place; seven points for 2^nd place; five points for 3^rd place; three points for 4^th place and one point for 5^th place.

Events which are eligible for points toward the Grand Final's are: Tree Toppings, Speed Climbing, Choker Set, Obstacle Pole Buck, Vertical Chop, Underhand Chop, Springboard Chop, Birling, Single-Buck, Double-Buck, Jack & Jill Buck, Hot Power Saw, Men & Women's Stock Power Saw, Men & Women's Axe Throw and Jill & Jill Bucking.

EVENT RULES

Note: The same rules apply to both women and men competitors unless specified. For example, the rules for crosscut sawing events are essentially the same for each event yet wood sizes are different depending if it is an all men's event or all women's event. Show's may have both an all men's event and an all women's event and are encouraged to do so. It is not intended for men and women to compete directly against each other. Also, rules for Master's (55yrs+) events are included at the end of this section.

AXE THROWING

Center of the bull's eye is to be exactly 60 inches from the ground. The target will be 36 inches in diameter with the following five scoring areas: 4" Bull's eye with 4" wide circular rings. The bull's eye shall score 5 points, the next ring 4 points, the next ring 4 points, the next ring 2 points, and the outside ring 1 point. Event option: If a hole is drilled in the bull's eye in order to insert a beverage can, the scoring remains the same except if the hits the can and draws fluid, that throw shall score 6 points.

The contestant's feet cannot hit the ground beyond the foul line before the axe hits the. The Foul line is 20 feet straight out from the bull's eye, then straight down to the ground. Axe throw Judges should be aware of feet crossing the foul line, even as a follow through, prior to the axe hitting the target

Final resting place of the axe is the scoring area. Points will be scored in the highest point ring in which the axe is resting. If the tips of both sharpened faces of the axe stick in the target, there will be no points awarded for that throw. The axe must stick in the target until the Judge removes the axe or instructs the contestant to do so.

The axe must be double bitted, at least 2 1/2 pounds, and have an overall length of no less than 24 inches and no greater than 40 inches measured from the top of the eye to the end of the handle. The cutting face of each blade will not exceed 6 inches in length.

The leading edge of the axe shall be the scoring edge.

This event requires a minimum of 3 throws for score. A practice throw may be allowed at the option of the show. If the contestant does not wish a practice throw it is the contestants responsibility to inform the Judge before starting the first throw. Otherwise, the first throw will be considered the practice throw.

The area behind the target must be kept clear of people in an area 20 feet wide and a minimum of 20 feed deep.

After the throw has been made, scored and the axe removed from the target, the score cannot be changed for any reason.

CHOKER SETTING

The size of chokers and the arrangement of logs are the option of the show. The course shall stay exactly the same for two-day shows.

World Championship chokerman race course and size of chokers shall remain consistent for the contest where it is held. If contest is to be held in a single day, contestant should have option of running both sides.

Starting logs and setting log will be the same log and shall be raised four feet inches off the ground. Time starts on "Go". Depending on course, one foot should be touching log on "Go". Contestants leave the setting log, race over center obstacles, get choker, race back over obstacles, set choker on starting log and return to touch closest obstacle log. Time stops when the contestant touches the closest obstacle log. Judges will test each set choker by slowly pulling on the choker. A choker set not properly made will be disqualified. Setting the nubin on the wrong side of the choker bell is also an automatic disqualification.

Footwear of the contestants own choosing may be worn.

Contestants may not "lasso" choker around the end of the set log.

Shows should not arrange a choker race in a manner that is hazardous for the contestant.

Competitors should have at least a 12' wide lane each.

One false start will be allowed per race per competitor before disqualification.

OBSTACLE POLE POWER SAW BUCKING

The obstacle pole shall be 36 feet long with an 8-inch end recommended. The pole rests on another log causing the end to be 5 feet off of the ground. Starting with one hand on the starting point designated by the show, the contestant's hand must not leave the starting point or touch the saw before the command "Go". On "Go", the contestant pick's up the saw, mounts the pole below the bottom 4 foot mark on the pole, races up the log and starts the saw after crossing the top 5 foot mark then severs a disc at the end of the pole (or more than one disc at shows discretion). Upon severing the disc (s), shut off the saw before re-crossing the top 5' mark, race down the pole, one foot must be below the bottom 4' mark on the bottom of the log before touching the ground. No part of the foot may touch the bottom mark. Return to starting point to end time.

Mounting or dismounting the pole above the bottom mark, starting or stopping the saw below the top mark will result in no time. On mounting log, one foot must be clearly below line.

For two-day shows, the contestant must alternate poles.

If cutting area is marked on the pole by show management, the contestant may only sever the disc in the allotted area.

Contestants must carry the saw until time is stopped for the event.

Neither the contestant nor the saw can touch the support log in any way.

HOT POWER SAW

Power saw will be of the contestants choice but limited to one cylinder.

Chain and bar will be of contestants own choosing, but will be limited to a maximum of a 32" cutting area, measured from the closest point of contact.

The log will be 20" approx. in diameter and will be cut from one side.

This event is either hot or cold start at the shows discretion. Hot or cold start should be advertised on the show's contestant entry form. One or two cuts, only complete discs will qualify for time, no cut outs. Contestants will be given the official signal to begin the event but time will start when the chain strikes the wood on hot starts or on the command "Go" for cold starts. Time will stop when the disc is severed.

Contestants will have a maximum of 2 minutes to start and warm up the saw prior to cutting. Chaps and ballistic nylon or equivalent protection must be worn. Eye protection required. Recommendation: Hearing protection and additional layers of ballistic nylon should be added to chaps as a safety precaution.

Each Hot Power Saw may be used by only one contestant per show.

All Hot Power Saws must have a safety guard between the chain sprocket and the contestant. This guard will at some point stop chain from detaching from saw.

In the event that only one or no shields are available, the front side of the saw must be pointed away from the spectators or toward the furthest point away from any spectators. Recommendation: a shield should be used in front and in back of the contestant if possible. This is for safety.

Starter cords must be tethered.

If the power saw breaks down during the 2 minute warm up period, the contestant is allowed an additional three minutes to fix the saw from the time the breakage is discovered or go to the end of line at the shows discretion.

STOCK POWER SAW

Note: Suggested log sizes are 23" - 26" in diameter

Contestants will provide their own chain. The chain may be used by only one contestant per show. The chain requirements are 92 84 drivers, 50 gauge, 3/8" pitch. Shows will provide 4.0 cubic inch minimum power heads, with 28" bars.

Cold start will start on the command "Go". Hot start time will start when the chain strikes the wood. Time will stop when the block is severed. Each cut must produce a full disc. Cutouts will be disqualified.

Contestants will have a maximum of 2 minutes to start and warm up the saw prior to cutting. Chaps and ballistic nylon or equivalent protection must be worn. Eye protection required. Recommendation: Hearing protection and addition layers of ballistic nylon should be added to chaps as a safety precaution.

World Championship: The cut will be started striking a 4" mark on the front side of a 20" lathe turned Douglas Fir log, boring through (plunge cut), and striking a 4" mark on back side of the log then severing the disc in either direction. Missing the mark disqualifies the cut.

Wood size for the Grand Finals will be approx. 23" diameter log. Woodcut will be bore, down then up resulting in one severed disc.

BIRLING (LOG ROLLING)

Contestants will compete directly against each other. Birlers draw for opponents and positions in elimination brackets. Since this is a bracketed event, there may be some "byes". A modified double elimination bracket will be used. With this bracket the final's match will consist of the two last undefeated rollers, one from each side of the bracket. The winner of the final's match will take first place, the loser will take second place. If a Birler loses prior to the final's match, this Birler may take third place by winning the remaining matches in the loser's bracket. The modified double elimination bracket eliminates the confusion of the audience as to which match is the final's match.

Show management will seed the previous year's first place winner and fourth place winner at opposite ends of the top half of the bracket. The previous years second and third place winners will be positioned at opposite ends of the bottom half of the bracket. If the previous years first, second, third or fourth place winner is not entered, the next highest finisher from the previous year shall be in that position and so on.

The Grand Finals event will seed all eight Birlers according to the points total from the current season. The roller with the highest point total will be seeded first, etc. The previous Grand Finals Champion will be seeded according to their points from the previous season.

Logs will be 12 feet in length and of turned Cedar. Each log will have a six-inch warning band painted in the center of the log, which will serve as a neutral zone. Rollers may step on but not over this band. Stepping over this band will result in the loss of a fall. A six-inch warning band will be placed on each end of the log. Numbers painted on the ends of the logs and/or key colors will indicate the size of each log.

Contestants will roll the #1 log, 15 inch diameter, for two minutes. If there is no decision, they will roll the #2 log, 14 inches in diameter, for four minutes. If there is no decision, they will roll the#3 log, 13 inches in diameter, for six minutes. If there is no decision, they will roll the #4 log, 12 inches in diameter to finish.

If there is a separate women's division, in that division the #1 log will be discarded. The women will start on the #2 log with a two-minute time limit. The #3 log will then have a four minute time limit.

SPEED CLIMBING

This event will be judged on time. Timing will begin with the starting signal and will end when the contestant returns to the ground after climbing the required distance and crossing a designated line or striking the bell with the body or any piece of equipment.

There will be no restrictions on the type of descent except no climber shall be allowed to free-fall or slide more than fifteen feet without setting a spur.

The contestant must have at least one foot on the ground or starting platform at the starting platform at the starting signal.

High topped footwear of climbers choice must be worn. Gloves, climbing belt and spurs may be of the climber's own design.

The contestants climbing rope must be at least 7/8" diameter with a steel core. Rope must be tied in a "catspaw" knot into a "spliced eye".

Contestants will alternate trees in a two-day show if two trees are used. In a one-day show, if two trees are used, contestants will draw for the tree to be climbed.

Note: It has been found that the best place for the bell is about 12" from the side of the tree on a safety line, guy line or cross arm. It is recommended that foam padding be used at the bottom of the spar poles. If padding is not available then sawdust may be used.

TREE TOPPING

This event will be judged on time. Timing will begin with the starting signal and will end when the contestants cut hits the ground.

A contestant must have one foot on the ground or starting platform at the time of the starting signal. The other foot may be ready to begin the ascent.

The contestant must make his cut in the starting cut nearest to the top of the block and must cut the top of the block completely off, pushing it to the ground immediately upon sawing through. The decision of the Head Field Judge shall be final.

Climbing ropes must be at least 7/8" diameter with steel core. Rope must be tied in a "catspaw" knot into a "spliced eye. Secondary pre-tied ropes used for tie-ins will not be allowed.

High topped footwear of climbers choice must be worn. A hand crosscut saw must be used. Saw handle, saw rope, gloves, climbing belt, spurs, boot and length of saw may be of the climber's own design. All parts of saw must be tethered below contestant's feet while climbing tree.

Contestant must lower the safety rope, if one is used, after he has made his cut to clear the starting cut for the next contestant. Failure to comply will result in loss of time for that particular day.

The amount of wood to be sawed in the contest should be 40" circumference measured through starting cut (kurf) around block. The height of the tree should be the shows own choosing.

Contestants will alternate trees in a two-day show if two trees are used. In a one-day show, if two trees are used, contestants will draw for the tree to be climbed.

Once sawing is started, the cut shall be completed before coming down or before the next competitor begins.

Recommended diameter and arch length for tree topping wood:

Diameter of Block Arch Length

21 1/8

16 21 3/8

21 3/4

20 22 3/16

22 9/16

24 23 1/8

CHOPPING EVENTS

Note: These rules apply to all chopping events (Horizontal, Vertical, and Springboard). Suggested wood for chopping events; Alder, Black or Eastern Cottonwood, Quaking Aspen or Poplar, Western White Pine and Ponderosa Pine. Suggested diameter for chopping blocks is 12 to 14 inches.

Contestants will be allowed to mark the log with a marking pencil.

Time starts on the command "Go". Hitting the block or dummy before the command "Go" will result in no time. Time stops when the log is severed.

Slabbing: Any uncut chip in excess of 1/2 inch in thickness to the end of the block will result in no time. Methods to prevent slabbing approved by the Judges will not disqualify the cut in the event of slabbing. At least three 16p nails shall be used when using nails for slabbing prevention.

Contestants may have a second axe in readiness to use.

Each log will be identified by a number. Numbers will be drawn by the contestant or a disinterested third party.

When logs must be sized, sizing will be done prior to drawing. Sized logs must be endorsed by an Event Chairperson or Head Field Judge (chopping logs may not vary 1/4", plus or minus, from the desired circumference.

The chopping log must be severed by the cutting edge of the axe only.

The blocks must be chopped from both sides.

HORIZONTAL CHOP

The show shall furnish cradles for the logs, but securing the logs in the cradle shall be the responsibility of each contestant. A maximum of 14" diameter log will be used. The logs should be 3" to 6" from the ground. The log should not be less than 26" long.

Contestants will be allowed to cut footholds in the log. Contestants will be disqualified for chopping into the foothold during the event.

Contestants may not hit the log while standing on the ground.

Novice contestants must wear equipment that adequately protects their feet from being cut by a glancing axe blow. Steel Toe shoes alone are not considered adequate.

VERTICAL CHOP

A 12" maximum diameter is recommended, no shorter than 26" long.

Chopping stands will be a maximum of 24" high.

The World Championship and Grand Finals log sizes will be 12" in diameter (37" circumference).

Novice contestants must wear equipment that protects the lower legs from a glancing axe blow.

SPRINGBOARD CHOP

The tree shall be of green softwood a minimum of 10" in diameter, 9 feet in height above the ground and tightly secured. Chopping logs affixed to the top of this tree will be a maximum of 12" in diameter and a minimum of 24" long.

Springboard holes must be cut in such a manner so that no benefit is obtained from a previously cut hole. Cutting into another board hole will result in disqualification.

Contestants must not be physically assisted by any other person during the event.

No test holes will be allowed by contestant into the tree used in the event.

The World Championship and Grand Finals events shall be lathe turned wood of 12" diameter or 37" circumference. The World Championship must require two springboards.

CROSSCUT SAWING

Men's Single Bucking (one man) suggested wood size is no more than 24 inches in diameter. Men's Double Bucking (two men) suggested wood size is 20 - 30 inches in diameter. Women's Single Bucking (one woman) suggested wood size is 12 - 18 inches in diameter. Women's Double Bucking (two women) suggested wood size is 12 - 18 inches in diameter. "Jack and Jill" Double Bucking (one man & one woman) suggested wood size is 16 - 24 inches in diameter.

The bottom side of the bucking log shall be set no lower than 12" or higher than 16" from the level of the contestants footing. Show's not using starting cuts must specify type of starting on entry form. Time will start on "Go" and stop when the wood is severed. Starting before the command "Go" is an automatic disqualification.

Each contestant in Single Bucking will be allowed a "manager" to oil and wedge during the time the cut is being made. The manager must not touch the saw or the disc being cut after the contest has started. Provisions for the contestants footing must be made before the event starts. Only one "manager" is allowed for a Double Bucking team.

Contestants may question location of starting cuts designated on or near obvious knots. Alternate location of the starting cut will be decided by the judges. Knots encountered thereafter will be the luck of the draw. Cutouts (incomplete discs) will result in no time. If a disc breaks, any slabs of 1/2 inch or more remaining on the cut must be severed before time stops. If not severed, the cut will be receiving no time.

All "managers" shall stand on the log side of the saw when possible.

Every attempt should be made to hold on to the saw handle when the cut is completed.

During the Grand finals:

16" diameter lathe turned logs with a 1 inch deep starting cut will be used for "Jack & Jill" Double Bucking;

27" diameter lathe turned logs with a 1 inch deep starting cut will be used for Men's Double Bucking;

23" diameter lathe turned logs with a 1-inch deep starting cut will be used for Single Bucking events.

During a World Championship contest;

A maximum 30" diameter lathe turned log with a 1-inch starting cut will be used for World Championship Double Bucking contests.

ALL AROUND LOGGER AWARD

Points are based on final results of each event, per show and totaled per contestant. The contestant with the most total points will be the recipient of the "All Around Logger" or the "Bull Of the Woods" award. All events will count towards this award.

Points are awarded in each event as follows:

1^st Place - 10 Points

2^nd Place - 7 Points

3^rd Place - 5 Points

4^th Place - 3 Points

5^th Place - 1 Point

MASTERS EVENTS

Masters events typically include axe throwing, chopping, climbing, and single bucking only.

Competitors in this class must be at least 55 years of age anytime during the current year or older.

Anyone who is a strong open competitor, must be 60 years of age to compete in the Masters chopping events.

Masters may not enter the same event in another division (open, intermediate, or novice) at the same show.

A handicap of 1 second per year over the age of 55 may be awarded. No Handicap for axe throwing.