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Fell & Twitch
Pool Team Event

The object of this event is to fell a pole for speed and accuracy, then twitch the fallen pole 20 meters (65 feet 7 inches) to a finish line. The event shall be timed. Diameters of the poles will be recorded and a time correction factor will be given according to the pole's basal area. Diameters will be measured after the completion of any log preparation by the competitors.

Note: Only the bark may be peeled off the pole and the poles may not be shoved in any way prior to the start of the event. Not adhering to these rules may result in 0 out of 50 pts being awarded for the accuracy portion of this event, and will be at the discretion of the head judge. The 50 pts may still be awarded for the overall time of the event.

  1. Two team members are chosen to fell the pole with axes. The first member makes the front notch and the second team member finishes the felling operation. The second feller may not begin felling until the first has finished the front notch. If the second feller begins before the first has finished, the team will be disqualified. Once the first feller has completed the notch, he/she may not assist the second feller in any way. Pushing the pole with any part of the body will result in disqualification; however, the pole may be twisted with the axe while its head is in the cut. The two fellers may not assist in any way once the pole has fallen.

  2. During the felling operation, the remaining four team members must wait behind the finishing line, 20 meters (65 feet 7 inches) away, until the pole strikes the ground. If they cross the line before the pole has struck the ground, there will be a 30 second penalty awarded.

  3. The rope to be used by the twitching crew must be freely coiled on the ground behind the base line made by the felling poles. No knots or loops may be tied in the rope prior to its use by the twitchers.

  4. Ropes will be supplied by the host school and will be uniform for all teams. This includes rope diameter, length, type and burning the ends of each rope.

  5. In the event of pole breakage, the largest part of the pole must be twitched across the line. No penalty will be awarded if a breakage takes place.

  6. Each of the four members pulling the log must have a hand on the rope. If at any time a member lets go of the rope the team must drop the log to the ground and may not begin pulling it again until all four members have regained grip on the rope. If a team continues to pull the log when one or more of their members are not holding the rope, there will be a 30 second penalty awarded to that team.

  7. Any and all pole preparations must be completed before the beginning of the first heat.

  8. The spike/stake will be placed by the pole judge at a distance of 3 meters (9 feet 10 inches) from the base of the pole.

  9. Pole shims or wedges are not permitted to aid the direction of the felled pole.

  10. The team with the fastest time will receive 50 points. A maximum of 50 points may be awarded for pole felling accuracy.

  11. If, during the actual felling of the pole, the pole shears as opposed to hinges, the competing team receives a zero for accuracy.