IATF to announce new safety equipment requirement for 2026.

In an attempt to draw sponsorship from larger sports brands and legitimize the sport in the eyes of the public, the IATF is considering a number of new, required safety protocols and equipment for 2026.

An anonymous IATF insider shared with the Axe Badger Newsroom a number of possible equipment additions -- additions that will become mandatory should the panel of throwers vote to implement the safety-equipment changes.

Fortunately, the insider managed to slip us a few post-it notes with the initial plans, and as part of our civic duty here at The Axe Badger, we're obligated to share that the new axe throwing safety equipment here:

Helmets

There have been a number of injuries (sometimes just to the ego) reported due to axe throwers clipping their head with an axe -- typically when throwing big axe. The IATF views these injuries as both preventable, and, as our IATF insider put it, "deeply embarrassing for the sport."

To combat this, the IATF will require all league and IATF-sactioned event throwers to purchase and use head protection.

Why the IATF thinks it's important: Legitimate sports have pages and pages of rules. The addition of what constitutes "head protection" in the equipment section of the IATF rulebook will take chapters.

Why the IATF thinks axe throwers will embrace it:

Another thing to add stickers to, customize and buy? Duh.

Splinter resistant gloves

Wood is perhaps the second most imperative element to axe throwing - right after cynicism.

And because of that, axe throwers can expect a fairly high exposure to the nefarious corpse of these dead plants. Unless that axe thrower is me, who can safely avoid almost any target when they go to a tourney. Amirite?

The risk of splinter-related injury for league throwers and league runners is just entirely too high, according to a hunch that the IATF has. In 2026, axe throwers and axe throwing venue staff will be required to, as long as they are within a quarter mile of said venue, wear protective gloves to ensure their little fingies are safe.

The IATF, typically open to variances and customization, realize the requirement to wear protective gloves will affect the ability of throwers to throw, so they are uncharacteristically approving only one type of glove (pictured).

Why the IATF thinks it's important:

Splinters are no joke. Ask Shredder. But in a larger sense, the IATF hopes these IATF-approved gloves will help offset a future where axe throwers need to retire due to debilitating ouchies.

Why the IATF thinks axe throwers will embrace it:

As our IATF insider put it: "All research points to axe throwers being about two steps away from being furries, anyway. We think this will just unlock that new element in a lot of thrower's lives."

The Blade Restricting Integrated Cover

With axe throwing unable to break free of the inherent fear non-axe-throwers have around throwing sharp stuff in the air, the IATF - along with scientists at the international institute of sponge research and development (yes, the IISRD), has developed the BRIC, a universal-fit solution to limiting blade exposure.

The BRIC fits on any axe head shape, and acts as a perma-cover until the moment of target contact. The IATF is hopeful the addition of this safety equipment will remove some of the stigma around our bladed sport, and allow for rapid expansion in schools, retirement homes, and bath houses.

Why the IATF thinks it's important:

Something that can make axe throwing look like anything else is a good business idea, and the BRIC presents a multi-purpose, cheap-to-implement solution.

Why the IATF thinks axe throwers will embrace it:

It's a pillow during marathon days. It's a beer-clean-up device. It's a chance to cover up your just-bleeding-a-little bull throw. The BRIC is going to revolutionize the sport, especially when throwers realize they can hide a little squeaker in there and add a new dimension of auditory delight to every match.

As stated previously, these initial pieces of safety equipment still require a vote from the panel of throwers, but the IATF believes, according to our source, that those esteemed officials will see the benefit of addressing the safety aspects of the sport more seriously in the coming year.