STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® is synonymous with exciting competitions in which athletes demonstrate their axe and saw skills. To ensure that every competition runs fairly and in line with the same standards, a precise and globally valid set of rules has been developed which applies to all STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® competitions.
The rules and regulations for STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® competitions have been constantly evolving since the sports series began. This process is now handled over the course of the year by an international team of judges (“Global Judge Team”) and two Global Sports Directors (GSDs), which have been established to continuously contribute to the further development and optimisation of the rules and regulations. The STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® judges and sports directors meet annually to discuss possible changes to the rules. Spike Milton (Global Sports Director STIHL TIMBERSPORTS®) says, “If the team feels that a rule needs to be amended, we discuss it together and then decide how to implement and formulate it within our rules. "It can take up to two years before a new rule is fully implemented.” New rules regarding safety always come into force immediately and are directly implemented in all the countries that the sports series takes place in. Some proposed rules are presented to athletes for discussion after consultation with the sports directors. The sports directors discuss these with the athletes. By combining the abundant experience of all involved parties, it is possible to reach a solution which is appropriate for all sides.
STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® results can often hinge on hundredths of a second. To support the judges in decision-making, advanced technology is used in competitions. This equipment is comparable with the video systems used in professional football and for time measurement at the Olympic Games: high-speed cameras record what is happening on the stage, and the judges can use these recordings to immediately check the last heat and officially confirm the time.
