Tomahawk Throwing – Safety & POR Refresher

POR 9.11.6 aligned

How to use this refresher

Designed for activity leaders as a quick, interactive recap of core safety and rules for tomahawk throwing in Scouts (UK). Work through the overview cards, then open the Quiz tab. Pass mark is 83% (15/18).

Safety Range Setup Supervision Technique POR

POR – Target Sports: Tomahawk Throwing

  • Follow FS120011 guidance. POR 9.11.6.1 requires sessions to follow the Tomahawk Throwing factsheet.
  • No human/animal targets. Explicitly prohibited.
  • Throwing knives are banned within The Scout Association.
  • General controls still apply: risk assessment, ratios & supervision, InTouch, emergency plan, parental info, appropriate approvals.

What counts as tomahawk throwing?

  • Purpose-built throwing axes only: eg. tomahawks & small hawks designed for the activity.
  • Explicitly excludes conventional/felling axes and all knives.
  • Can be delivered indoors or outdoors with a suitable, well-managed range.

Equipment, Targets & Range

  • Targets: softwood rounds, greater than or equal to 100 mm thick, and 600 mm in diameter (750–1000 mm preferred).
  • Target fixed to a stable frame; placing the bull at chest height (~1.3–1.6 m for adults).
  • Throwing line to target: 3m prefered, can extend out to 5m (manage rebound risk).
  • Mark range clearly; avoid overhead obstructions; consider 6 ft perimeter fencing outdoors.

Operating & Housekeeping

  • One thrower per target at a time.
  • Collect on command only. If using metal small hawks on a spotted target, a maximum of four hawks per person.
  • Sturdy footwear & suitable clothing; tie back long hair and ensure no obstruction around neck (Neckers etc).
  • Transport & storage: leaders manage; store locked when not in use/transit.
  • Offer/hand over tomahawks handle first; remove embedded axes before floor pickups.

Leaders, Range Master & Ratios

  • Leader competence: recommended ~ one day (7 hours) of practical tomahawk experience before leading.
  • Each leader can supervise up to three targets; ≤ 5 people per target (1 throwing + 4 waiting).
  • If you have more than two targets, appoint a Range Master (max six targets & two leaders).
  • Young people may lead if competent and supported; adult volunteers still responsible.

Technique Basics (one-hand overarm)

  • Check physical ability; Can use plastic tomahawk (soft hawks) to establish competence.
  • Stand on throwing line; opposite foot to throwing arm forward; eyes on the bull.
  • Grip at the base, thumb to the side; stiff wrist; raise just over shoulder.
  • Overarm throw without wrist flick; release like a ball throw; adjust distance by embed angle.
  • Single-hand throws only.

Inclusive & Context-aware Delivery

Consider age, maturity and strength; adapt with smaller hawks/handle sizes. Inform parents/carers and consider local feelings. Make reasonable adjustments so the activity remains accessible and inclusive.

References