New rules are in bold.

   Kentucky Lumberjack Challenge Rules

General Rules

  1. All contestants need to check in at the lumberjack arena and confirm registration and sign a release before the beginning of the competition.  All contestants must be registered to compete by 10:00 and competitions will begin at 10:30 a.m.

  2. All timing will be done by multiple stop watches and any times resulting in a tie for any of the top places that decide points will require a saw-off.

  3. Timing on all chain saw and crosscut events will begin with the starters signal and end when the last piece of wood is sawn free from the log.

  4. There will be an area set aside in the arena for competitors' family and friends and competitors who are not in the current event.

  5. Leg, hearing, and eye protection must be worn in all sawing events.

  6. Event decisions are up to the discretion of the judge.  All judges decisions are final

Crosscut Sawing

An individual contestant may enter the crosscut sawing contest only once in each event.  Pieces to be sawn will be 8 X 8 yellow-poplar cants.  One line will be sawn through the log.  Each sawing team may have one "second" or manager.  Any chip, slab, or "hang" with an uncut end of 1/2 inch or more will cause contestants to receive "no time".

Chainsawing Competition

Stock Appearing Chainsaw

  1. Only one contestant in each class may run an individual saw, and each contestant may only run once in a class.  Saws will be limited to one cylinder, pull started, and must be STOCK APPEARING ( oversized mufflers, etc. ,and must have all factory plastic attached.)  Oversized handles are permitted in all classes. Contestants will supply their own fuel.  Saws will be checked for classes and pieces to be cut will be 8 X 8 yellow-poplar cants.
  2. Saws will have a maximum of one minute to be started and warmed up, with mechanical adjustments and/or malfunctions included.  Contests will be started with the saws off and resting at ground level with contestant's hands flat on top of the wood.
  3. Three lines will be cut -- down, up, down.
  4. The judges will mark a 6" wide area completely around the log, and the cuts must produce three complete pieces of wood.  Cutouts will cause contestants to receive "no time".
  5. The judges will assess a 3-second penalty for false starts.
  6. Leg, hearing and eye protection must be worn.  Any contestant not wearing proper protection will be disqualified.

Underhand Chop

  1. Using a single-bit axe, competitors will chop through a horizontal 8 X 8 yellow-poplar cants.  Cuts are made with the competitors standing on the log and will begin with the starter's signal and end when the log is severed.

  2. Competitors may construct footholds on the log but no wood can be removed from the chopping area of the log.

  3. Competitors will have a maximum of two minutes to chop a Underhand block. After that time will be called.

Axe Throwing

  1. Three throws from behind a line 20 feet from the target, with a bulls-eye about five (5) feet above ground level.  We will count the best three out of four.   Ladies can throw from 15 feet. 

  2. Only one point of the axe in the wood counts.  Double point stick is a "no score" for the throw.  Points of scoring (by judges) are 5 points for a bulls-eye, 4 points for the next outermost circle, 3 points for the next outermost circle, 2 points for the next outermost circle and 1 point for the outermost circle.  A cut line between circles is awarded the higher circle points.

  3. If a competitor's foot hits the ground past the throwing line before the axe hits the woor, that particular throw will receive a "no score".

  4. Ties will be broken by throw off.  The loser of tied score throw off takes over the next scoring place, bumping contestants score along to fill the first five finishing places.  Axe should be double bitted, at least 2 1/2 pound head, with a minimum 24" overall handle length, the face of the blade not to exceed 6 inches.

Standing Block Chop

Using a single-bit axe, competitors will chop through a vertical  standing 8 X 8 yellow-poplar cant.  The contest will begin with the starter signal and ends when the top piece is severed. Competitors will have a maximum of two minutes to chop their Standing Block.

Husqvarna Stock Chainsaw

Chainsaws for this contest will be provided and adjusted by Oakley's Lawn and Garden Incorporated.  The competitor may not adjust the saw in any way.  Leg, eye, and hearing protection will be provided if needed.  The saws will be started and running at ground level and will require two vertical cuts -- down and up, in a four (4) inch wide space marked completely around the log.  The pieces will be cut from 8 X 8 yellow-poplar cants, producing two complete pieces of wood.

Hot Saw

Must be a serial numbered production chain saw engine with any modifications allowed.  Contests will be started with the saws off and resting at ground level with contestants' hands flat on top of the wood.  The contest will require three (3) vertical cuts - down, up, and down within a six-inch wide space marked completely around the log.  The pieces will be cut from 8 X 8 yellow-poplar cants, producing three complete pieces of wood.

Event Rules  |  Show Bill  |  Event Workers