- Rules -

TIMING:
The Starter will attempt to make the cadence as consistent as possible to ensure that no competitor is advantaged or disadvantaged.

• The commencement of timing of the Underhand and Single Buck occurs when the Head Judge or Starter’s cadence (“Timers ready, Contestants Ready, Three-Two-One-Go) reaches the word “Go”; and ends when the block is severed.
• The commencement of timing for Stock Saw occurs when the Head Judge or Starter’s cadence (“Timers ready, Contestants Ready, Get Set……Go) reaches the word “Go”; and ends when the second “Cookie” is severed from the log.
• It is under the discretion of the Head Judge if a contestant is to be disqualified for “Jumping the Gun”.
• In sawing events, failure to cut complete disks or cutting over the line marked on the wood will result in disqualification and no points awarded.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
• All axe heads must be pinned.
• Contestants must wear foot protection in the Underhand Chop event.
• Hearing Protection, Eye Protection and Chaps are required for the STIHL Stock Saw event.

WOOD:
All wood for the STIHL events will be round wood (white pine) in the following sizes:
• STIHL® Stock Saw ~ ~ 40.6 centimetres (16 inch) diameter
• Single Buck/Crosscut ~ ~ 48.3 centimetres (19 inch) diameter
• Underhand Chop ~ ~ 33.0 centimetres (13 inch) diameter

TIE BREAKERS:
• For ties in individual events, each contestant will be given the higher amount of points.
• Contestants with overall point ties will both be given applications.

UNDERHAND/HORIZONTAL CHOP:
• Time Starts: On the word “Go”
• Time Stops: When the block is clearly severed.
• The block is chopped from both sides until completely severed.
• Foot protection must be worn.
• Note: Upon completing and stepping off the block, do not touch the block until the head judge has determined that the block is completely cut.

STIHL^® STOCK SAW:
• One down cut, one up cut in order.
• STIHL® MS 440 Magnums will be used for this event. The stock saws will be provided by a STIHL designated technician. Immediately prior to the first heat the ring foreman will use each saw to make one cut on the contest wood to warm the saw up.
• The wood will be marked with a line drawn around the entire block, 10 centimetres (4 inches) in from the end of the block. If this line is completely severed or the competitor cuts on the other side of the line the competitor is disqualified.
• The saws are to be running, and competitor’s hands must be resting on a line drawn on the top of the block until “Go”.
• Warm Up: 15 seconds to warm up the saw. The countdown will begin 15 seconds after the end of the warm up period.
• Time Starts: On the word “Go”.
• Time Stops: When the second (2nd) disc is clearly severed.
• All discs must be complete, “cutting-out” results in disqualification.
• Hearing Protection, Eye Protection, and Chaps are required.
• The saw must be started in a safe manner. Drop starting will result in disqualification. The STIHL technician will start the saw for you, if requested.
• If the saw shuts off after the contestant touches it the contestant can restart it and finish the cut and then turn it over to the saw technician who will determine if the saw is still working correctly.
• If the saw is determined to be in working order, then the contestant’s time stands.
• If the saw is determined to be malfunctioning, a new saw will be introduced and the competitor will be granted a re-cut.

SINGLE BUCK / CROSSCUT SAW:
• Contestants may have one helper to wedge and spray/lubricate the saw. All helpers should stand on the log side of saw.
• No competitor is allowed to use a counter weight on the opposite end of the crosscut saw.
• Time Starts: On the word “Go”.
• Time Stops: When the disc is clearly severed.
• Competitor is allowed a 30.5 centimetres (12 inch) arc starting cut on 48.3 centimetres (19 inch) wood.
• 3.8 centimetres (1.5 inch) of wood is allowed to make the cut.
• The disc must be complete, or the contestant will be disqualified.
• Contestants may question the location of starting cuts designated on or near obvious knots. Alternative location of the starting cut will be decided by the head judge. Knots encountered thereafter will be considered luck of the draw. Cut-outs will disqualify the cut.

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