Scout Rules
Scout Policy, Organisation, and Rules (POR)
- 9.11.6 Target Sports: Tomahawk throwing
- 9.11.6.1 Follow the guidance
- The throwing of tomahawks and small hawks must follow Tomahawk Throwing (FS120011) this in now a live web document..
- 9.11.6.2 Prohibited targets
- Throwing at targets representing human beings or animals is not permitted as a part of any Scout activity, or on property owned or leased by, or used in the name of, the Scouts.
- 9.11.6.3 Prohibited equipment
- Throwing knives is not permitted within The Scout Association (see POR 9.1.1.2 Banned Activities).
Lets Look @ Rules and Important Safety Measures
The throwing of tomahawks and small hawks must follow the guidance in the Tomahawk Throwing factsheet (FS120011) this in now a live web document.
An appropriate activity leader is a competent individual who regularly takes part in the activity. It is recommended that a tomahawk throwing. Activity Leader should have a minimum of one day’s (7 hours) practical experience before being deemed competent to lead a session.
Throwing at targets representing human beings or animals is not permitted as a part of any Scout activity, nor on property owned or leased by, or used in the name of, the Scout Movement.
Tomahawk throwing is referring to the use of tomahawks, small hawks (such as throwing angels) Throwing knives is not permitted within The Scout Association (see rule 9.67 Banned Activities). This also explicitly excludes use of conventional axes and felling axes and Double headed throwing axes.
- Activity leaders must ensure that each person taking part has the strength and are able to do so safely according to their own training. The age, maturity and ability of each participant should be considered. The Activity Box has a 16” Tomahawk handle without the head, throwing this as a guide is safe, you can get the young person to throw with a handle, and if they do that easily they should be reddy it move onto using a hawk.
- Only tomahawks, small hawks and other specifically designed throwing axes can be used (as outlined Throwing equipment)
- Tomahawk throwing must only take place under the supervision of an appropriately knowledgeable activity leader, as outlined in the previous slide.
- All or walking boots) should is part of the risk assessment. people throwing must wear suitable footwear and clothing to minimise the risk of any injury resulting from accidentally dropping the equipment or a rebound from the target. The wearing of appropriate clothing and footwear (such as wearing trousers
- When transporting a tomahawk, the participant should walk and hold the tomahawk to the side of their body with sharp edges downwards and away from the body and other people.
- Only one thrower at a time is to aim per each target each target.
- Only one tomahawk should be thrown at a target at a time before being collected; or if using metal small hawks, a maximum of four small hawks should be thrown (at four/five 100mm spots on the target) at time before being collected.
- Participants should wait until instructed by the activity leader before retrieving the tomahawk(s).
- To avoid accidental head or upper body injury when retrieving tomahawks; it is important to remove tomahawks that are embedded into a target before picking up those lying on the floor.
- The activity leader is the only person who can instruct a thrower to remove a tomahawk from a target unless they have explicitly delegated or shared this responsibility.
- Any observers should be instructed to stand in the safe location by the activity leader per the tomahawk throwing range layout.
- Participants deemed to be deliberately throwing too aggressively should be managed appropriately by the activity leader to ensure their own and others safety.
- if any equipment is damaged it must not be used - either repair or replace the damaged item in accordance with the manufacturer of the device.
- If Angles/Small Hawks hit each other when throwing they should be inspected by the instructor before the instruction to collet is given. You can use a file to remove any sharp damage to make them safe or replace the Item.
- A tomahawkshould always be pased safle handle first to another person.
- The transport of equipment to and from a throwing area should be managed by the activity leader. Tomahawks must be stored in a locked toolbox or similar in a secure place whne not in use and when in transit between throwing sessions.
Scout POR FAQ
What does POR mean in Scouting?
POR stands for Policy, Organisation and Rules. It sets out the rules and requirements that Uk Scout leaders and volunteers need to follow when delivering activities.
Do Scout POR rules apply to tomahawk activities?
Yes. Tomahawk activities withing scouting must be organised and delivered in accordance with the current Scout rules and activity requirements that apply to the activity.
Can Scouts take part in tomahawk throwing?
Tomahawk throwing may be permitted when the activity is run within the requirements of the current Scout rules, with appropriate equipment, supervision, training and risk controls in place.
Does a Scout leader need to be trained to run tomahawk activities?
The person responsible for the activity should have the appropriate knowledge, competence and qualifications or permissions required for the activity being delivered. The person responsible for the activity should have the appropriate knowledge, competence and qualifications or permissions required for the activity being delivered.
- Practical Training: You must complete a minimum of one full day (7 hours) of practical tomahawk throwing experience. Formal training courses are strongly recommended.
- Regular Competency: You must be a competent individual who regularly throws/participates in the activity to maintain your skills.
Does every tomahawk activity need a risk assessment?
The activity should be properly risk assessed as part of the planning process. The risk assessment should consider the equipment, participants, location, supervision, range layout and emergency arrangements.
Can a Scout group run tomahawk throwing at its own campsite?
Potentially, provided the location is suitable and all applicable Scout rules, permissions, risk controls and safety requirements are met. The site should be assessed carefully before the activity takes place.
Can tomahawk throwing take place indoors?
Only where the venue has been specifically assessed and is suitable for the activity. There must be sufficient space, appropriate targets, controlled access and a safe throwing area.
Do parents need to give permission for Scouts to take part?
Can visitors or non-Scouts take part in a Scout tomahawk activity?
Scout tomahawk throwing activity if the session is hosted at a facility such as an official Scout Activity Centre that permits external bookings and public participation under controlled supervision.
At a public event can i run tomahawk activities?
- Physical Barriers: Do not rely on plastic hazard tape alone. The Scout Association recommends a 6-foot (1.8m) perimeter fence for outdoor ranges to physically prevent children or onlookers from wandering behind or beside the targets. [1, 2]
- Controlled Access: Set up a single, clearly marked entry and exit gate that can be closed securely. Only the active throwers and instructors should ever step past this gate. [1]
- While a standard section night only requires an Activity Leader, a busy public event requires you to split your staff roles:
- Instructors: Must focus 100% of their attention on coaching the person holding the weapon.
- Range Master / Safety Officer: Must stand back and monitor the entire area, managing the queue, enforcing the safe waiting zone lines, and watching for anyone approaching the perimeter fencing. [1, 3]
- Check Your Liability: Before running the session, you must confirm that your event insurance covers members of the public participating in target sports.
- The "Try-Axe" Screening: You will have public participants of all shapes and sizes. Instructors must explicitly check that a participant has the physical strength and maturity to handle a hawk. Use a "try-axe" (a 16-inch length of broom handle) to test their arm extension and control before handing them a live weapon. [1, 2]
- Strict "No Closed-Toe, No Throw" Policy: Public events often attract people in flip-flops, sandals, or Crocs. You must strictly deny entry to anyone without sturdy, fully enclosed footwear (trainers, boots, or strong shoes).
- Loose Clothing & Hair: Ensure public participants remove loose scarves, tuck in their Scout neckerchiefs, and tie back long hair so nothing catches on the axe during the overarm swing. [1, 2]
- Lock It Down: Never leave tomahawks sitting on tables or on the throwing line unattended. When a target is not actively being used, the weapons must be locked away or held directly by a leader. []
Can tomahawk throwing be included in a Scout camp programm?
Yes, where the activity meets the current requirements and has been properly planned. The activity should be included in the event's programme and appropriate arrangements made for supervision and safety.
Does the activity need to be supervised at all times?
Yes. Participants should not be left unsupervised while tomahawks are being used. The level of supervision should be appropriate to the age, ability and experience of the participants.
Can one leader supervise several tomahawk targets?
- Target Limit: Each qualified leader can oversee up to three targets with a range master.
- Group Size: No more than five participants are allowed per target (one person throwing and up to four waiting).
- Range Master Requirement: If a session uses more than two targets, a separate Range Master must be appointed to maintain overall safety, control movement, and prevent distractions.
- Maximum Range Capacity: A single Range Master can supervise a range with up to six targets and two activity leaders. Larger event will need more that one range.
What should a leader check before starting a tomahawk session?
The leader should check the equipment, target construction, throwing distance, range layout, safe areas, participant numbers, supervision arrangements and emergency procedures. The activity should only start when the range has been confirmed safe.
Are there specific rules about tomahawk equipment?
Yes. Equipment should be appropriate for the activity and maintained in a safe condition. Tomahawks should be inspected before use and any damaged or defective equipment removed from service.
Can Scouts bring their own tomahawk?
This should only be permitted where the equipment is suitable, has been checked by the responsible instructor and is permitted under the arrangements for the activity. Leaders should not assume that privately owned equipment is automatically suitable.
Can Scouts throw tomahawks at any type of target?
No. Targets should be suitable for the equipment and activity and positioned securely. The target area should also be included in the activity's safety assessment.
- Soft woods only: Targets must be made of softwoods like poplar, pine, willow, or larch/Wellingtonia so the blade can stick properly without damaging the edge. Very hard woods like oak, beech, or ash are forbidden.
- No human or animal shapes: Targets must never resemble any human or animal form. This is strictly prohibited in Scouting.
- Design: Standard targets use circular marks or concentric scoring rings.
- Structure: Log slices must be at least 100mm thick and securely mounted to a wooden frame or tripod that will not fall over when pulling out an axe.
What happens if a Scout does not follow the safety instructions?
Throwing should stop and the situation should be dealt with by the instructor or leader. A participant who cannot follow the safety rules should not continue throwing until the leader is satisfied that the activity can be carried out safely.
What happens if the weather makes the activity unsafe?
The leader should reassess the activity and stop or postpone it if conditions create an unacceptable risk. Weather conditions can affect the range, targets, footing and participants' ability to carry out the activity safely.
Who is responsible for checking the current Scout rules?
The leader responsible for organising the activity should ensure that they are working from the current Scout rules and guidance. Rules and guidance can change, so older information should not automatically be relied upon.
- Check the official Scout website before every major event.
- Verify current adult-to-youth ratios for your specific section.
- Review updated risk assessment templates.
- Confirm valid permits for adventurous activities.
Does this website replace the Scout rules?
No. This website is intended as a practical resource to support leaders and instructors. It does not replace the current official Scout rules, guidance, activity requirements, local policies or the leader's own risk assessment.
What should I do if the rules are unclear?
If you are unsure whether a proposed tomahawk activity meets the current requirements, stop and seek clarification from the appropriate Scout authority or qualified person before proceeding. Never assume that an activity is permitted simply because it has been done before.
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