There may be more than one Judge at an event; in this case the Judges will act as a team.

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1 Rules and Regulations Sportsmanship The Sportsmanship is the basis of the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series. In the interests of sportsmanship, professionalism, tolerance, respect and fair play, all participants in the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects that values of the sport. In the event that behaviour by any participant in the series is deemed to be unsportsmanlike (e.g. inappropriate visual or audible actions directed to the audience or unsafe methods), the Judging Team may impose a penalty (single competitions: -5 points or DQ / team competitions: -15 seconds or DQ). This sportsmanship rule is valid for athletes, helpers, assistants, sponsors and national team representatives. The sportsman rule is also valid for any kind of photo-, video-shooting or PR commitments or any occasion which is related to STIHL TIMBERSPORTS. The international STIHL TIMBERSPORTS committee and subsidiaries can penalize athletes/ teams for unsportsmanlike behaviour also after a competition. The penalization can have effect on finished competitions and on competitions in the future. Judging Judges A Judge is the person of authority in the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series who is responsible for presiding over the competitions from a neutral point of view and making decisions that enforce the rules of the sport. All calls by the Judges will be final, unless a valid appeal is brought to the judges. There may be more than one Judge at an event; in this case the Judges will act as a team. The use of a video camera is determined by the judges. Only Judges will review the video. All acting Judges in the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series need to be approved by the international STHL TIMBERSPORTS committee. Judge Clothes During a competition a Judge needs to be clearly recognizable and distinguishable from the competing athletes. To ensure the Judges visibility they need to wear black pants and an official (black-and-white striped) jersey approved by the international STIHL TIMBERSPORTS committee. Only by the international STIHL TIMBERSPORTS committee approved judges are allowed to wear the official Judge jerseys.

2 Global Sports Director The Global Sports Director is the main contact person for all athletes worldwide. He helps the international STIHL TIMBERSPORTS committee to develop the sport and to represent the athletes' interests. Like a Judge he is completely independent. In person the Global Sports Director is represented by Andrew "Spike" Milton. World Records A world record can only be achieved by an athlete if following criteria are fulfilled: An official timing-/ video-system has to be used during the competition. The system has to be approved by the international STIHL TIMBERSPORTS committee. o Videos of a world record attempt have to be saved and send to the international STIHL TIMBERSPORTS. The videos will be checked by the international STIHL TIMBERSPORTS committee. During the competition two approved judges have to be present. The official wood diameters have to be used during all competitions. The type of wood/ species is not relevant for the world record. Only records are video-checked. The clear video time is used for records.

3 1 Off Stage Rules 1.1 Approval for STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Approval To participate at the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS SERIES, athletes have to be of legal age or need to have the written approval of their legal guardians. The minimum age of an athlete using an axe or a single buck: - Is older than o Europe: 18 or 14 with the permission of the legal guardians o USA and Canada: 18 o In any other country the age has to be authorised by the international STIHL TIMBERSPORTS committee. The minimum age of an athlete using a chainsaw: - Is older than o Europe: 18 or 16 with the permission of the legal guardians o USA and Canada: 18 o In any other country the age has to be authorised by the international STIHL TIMBERSPORTS committee It s up to the official trainers to reject athletes if there are any doubts about his/ her suitability to execute the sport. Moreover the content of the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS framework contract applies and has to be checked with valid laws in each specific country. Athletic Approval The athletic approval of a single athlete needs to be done by an independent trainer during an official training camp. To get information about the athletic approval please contact the STIHL subsidiary in the specific country: Rookies The young talents of STIHL TIMBERSPORTS SERIES are called Rookies. The following rules apply for the approval of Rookies: The ability to master all four relay disciplines within their time limits is a basic requirement (Standing Block, Underhand, Stock Saw, Single Buck) Athletes need to be under the age of 25. o See also qualification rules for the Rookie World Championship (1.2.4)

4 Athletes should not have competed at an official STIHL TIMBERSPORTS competition with all six disciplines. Also the athletic approval of a single rookie athlete needs to be done by an independent trainer during an official training camp. Nationality A competitor must be a citizen holding a valid passport of the country he wishes to represent and he must be a permanent resident for at least three years. Should an athlete wish to compete for a different country he must send an application to the international STIHL TIMBERSPORTS committee for approval. 1.2 Qualification Systems Qualification National Championships Athletes can t be nominated to the National Championship. A fair qualification system approved by the international STIHL TIMBERSPORTS committee must be in place. Qualification World Championship If a STIHL TIMBERSPORTS competition takes place in a country, the result determines which national representative is going to the World Championship. If a National Championship doesn t take place, the subsidiary has to find a fair solution to determine a national representative for the World Championship in approved by the international STIHL TIMBERSPORTS committee. A competition which qualifies for the World Championship is valid only, if two approved Judges run the competition. Nations are able to qualify directly for their participation at the World Championship, dependent upon their placement during the previous World Championship. The first six nations of the previous World Championship, as well as the host country, are automatically qualified. CAUTION: this rule does not allow the personal qualification of an athlete, but only the qualification of a nation. Therefore only one national champion per nation can qualify. All other nations need to participate at the World Championship qualification. If a National Champion is not able to go the World Championship, then the next placed athlete from his national Championship qualifies for the World Championship. He has to be approved first from the international STIHL TIMBERSPORTS committee.

5 Qualification Champions Trophy The first seven athletes of a World Championship qualify themselves for the following Champions Trophy. Additionally the World Championship participant of the host country will qualify to participate at the Champions Trophy. If an athlete is not able to participate at a Champions Trophy, the next placed individual of the previous World Championship will proceed automatically. If the host country s athlete can t participate at the Champions Trophy, the next ranked athlete from the previous National Championship will qualify. Qualification Rookie World Championship Age: Competitors must be under 25 at the point of qualification. The five best European athletes (one per nation) and the best athlete from the USA, Canada and Australia, who fulfill the general rules which determine a Rookie, shall qualify for the Rookie World Championship. Each single Rookie is allowed to participate only once at a Rookie World Championship and he has no possibility to qualify to a following Rookie World Championship. He is still able to participate at national rookie competitions. Europe All European Rookies have the possibility to participate at official STIHL TIMEBRSPORTS Rookie competitions all around Europe. The registration can be done via the representatives in the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS countries. If an athlete wants to be ranked in the all-european ranking, he needs to participate at a competition which uses central wood. USA The winner of the Collegiate Series in the US allows the winner to qualify for the Rookie World Championship. Australia / Canada The Australian and Canadian Rookie Series allow the winners of each competition to qualify for the Rookie World Championship and to represent their country. 1.3 Competition Formats The competition and points format has to be announced prior the beginning of a competition to the competing athletes. The competition format has to be one of the approved formats by the international STIHL TIMBERSPORTS committee. It s not possible to make own formats, mix up the different type of formats or alter how points are awarded. The official formats will follow. If not mentioned differently hereinafter all STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series rules will apply.

6 Team Competition The team competition is basically a relay competition with four athletes. Fifteen seconds will be added to the team s time for every rule infraction. Time Time Starts: when the gun fires. Time Stops: when the last hit was made and the standing block is clearly severed. Disciplines Order: 1. STIHL Stock Saw - STIHL Stock Saw must be turned off immediately, after the cut is finished. 2. Underhand Chop 3. Single Buck 4. Standing Block Chop An athlete may not start until the athlete in the previous discipline has finished. Tagging is not required. All team members must complete at least one relay discipline. If it is necessary for one member to compete in two disciplines, one of the two disciplines must be the STIHL Stock Saw. Each athlete must be in a designated safe area before starting their discipline and move to a designated safe area after they have completed their discipline. Wood: STIHL Stock Saw and Single Buck: 46cm / 18,11 o Each team will receive 5cm (1,97 ) of wood to make one STIHL Stock Saw cut and each team will receive 5cm (1,97 ) for one Single Buck cut. The starting cut (30cm (11,81 ) arc) for the Single Buck will be made on the 10cm (3,94 ) mark as designated by the Judge, if the competition is to be run on one stand. Underhand Chop: 32cm / 12,6 starting the second chance the tops are sawn of to 28cm. Standing Block Chop: 46cm / 18,1 Team members A relay team may consist of 5 members, 4 will compete in a given heat, and substitutions may be made in subsequent heats. At the World Championship a team is allowed to bring an additional Rookie athlete. As a result, a team can consist of up to 6 persons. A maximum of 4 athletes per team are allowed on the stage during competition. The other athlete(s) are replacement. The selection of each can vary from heat to heat.

7 Traditional single competition format Order of Disciplines 1. Springboard 2. STIHL Stock Saw 3. Standing Block 4. Single Buck 5. Underhand Chop 6. Hot Saw Allocation of Points The maximum points awarded for each discipline results from the number of participating athletes (e.g. Place 16 = 1 Point, Place 1 = 16 Points). The overall ranking results from the sum of all points per discipline. Disqualification means 0 points. Single Round Format Order of Disciplines and points The Single Round format is a Knock-Out-System based on three rounds. After each round a number of athletes will be knocked out of the competition. Round 1: In round 1, each of the 12 participating athletes have to compete in the three basic disciplines Underhand Chop, STIHL Stock Saw and Standing Block Chop. 12 to 1 points will be distributed per discipline. The 4 athletes with the least points will not reach round 2. If a competition starts with more than 12 athletes, only the first 12 placed athletes will get points. Athletes placed worse will receive 0 points. Round 2: The eight graduated athletes in round 2 will compete in the disciplines Single Buck and Springboard. The best six athletes will progress to Round to 2 points are distributed for this round. Round 3: The last six athletes compete in the Final round, the Hot Saw. 18 to 3 points are distributed for this discipline. Disqualification means 0 points.

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9 Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Place Underhand Stock Saw Standing Block Single Buck Springboar d Hot Saw aggregate d points

10 Champions Trophy During the Champions Trophy the athletes have to complete four disciplines in the following order: STIHL Stock Saw Underhand Chop Single Buck Standing Block The Champions Trophy is a classic KO-system, which means that a loser of a heat flies out the competition. The heat tree describes the procedure of the completion: Further rules can be found in the Champions Trophy appendix.

11 Rookie and Women Competition Order of Disciplines 1. STIHL Stock Saw 2. Standing Block (Rookies only) 3. Single Buck 4. Underhand Chop Allocation of Points The maximum points awarded for each discipline results from the number of participating athletes (e.g. Place 16 = 1 Point, Place 1 = 16 Points). The overall ranking results from the sum of all points per discipline. Disqualification means 0 points. Unsportsmanlike behavior, e.g. inappropriate visual or audible actions directed to the audience, or unsafe methods, will result in a subtraction of 5 points from the overall number of points of an athlete. This decision can only be made by the Judges. Tie Breakers If at the end of a competition two athletes (or more) have the same amount of points sum up all times for all disciplines. The athlete with shorter time will be ranked better. A DQ will be worth 180 seconds. 1.4 Sponsors Personal sponsoring for single athletes and teams need to follow specific announcements of a certain event and could vary from each event. No clothing or other items that bear the logos, marks, or other product identification of products competitive to STIHL or SERIES sponsors, or any apparel deemed to be inappropriate may be worn by an athlete. STIHL officials and other involved sponsors reserve the right to determine at any time what is considered to be competitive or inappropriate.

12 1.5 Helpers or personal caretakers Athletes have the possibility to register a helper for a competition. The helper s job is to support his athlete during a competition (e.g. take care of the equipment during the competitions). If a helper can support an athlete during a running discipline is mentioned in the discipline rules. If it s not agreed in a different way by the event organizer, an athlete/ team is allowed to have only one helper in the defined backstage area. For any non-approved person (1.1.4) it s not allowed to be a helper. If a helper breaks any of the mentioned rules in this document, the correspondent athlete or the correspondent team can be disqualified or penalized. Any time a helper goes on stage during a competition he has to wear a black bib. The event organizer has to provide these bibs. 1.6 Mandatory Dates: Shootings and Press Dates As part of a competition the event organization/ STIHL (ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG or any subsidiary) will organize mandatory dates for athletes and helpers. In addition to any dates in context to the sport (e.g. wood preparation, safety briefings, Hot Saw checkup, etc.), there will also be obligatory photo and video-shootings or any kind of press dates. The event organization will inform athletes prior to an event about all mandatory dates. If athletes do not attend on time or will hinder the procedure, this will result in a disqualification. On each kind of mandatory date the sportsmanship rule applies.

13 2 On Stage Rules 2.1 General Rules: Chopping & Sawing Disciplines Any athlete that starts before the word Go or the sound of the gun shot will be disqualified. A time limit is placed on all disciplines. If an athlete has not finished their cut at the time limit mark the Judge will stop the competition and the athlete will be disqualified. Time limits per discipline: Springboard = 3 min., Hot Saw, Stock Saw, Single Buck = 1 min., Standing Block Chop, Underhand Chop = 2 min. The Judge will blow a whistle to signal the end of the heat. It is at the Judge s discretion to allow an athlete to continue to compete after the whistle. If there is any doubt as to whether the athlete is finished with the discipline it is the athlete s responsibility to indicate to the Judge that they wish to continue before the whistle blows. Athletes may remove bark, loose fragments of wood or embedded grit from competition wood blocks however this must be under the supervision of either a Judge or the Global Sports Director. Athletes are responsible for the proper and secure mounting of the blocks. No athlete gets a second chance unless the Judge determines that the athlete has been unintentionally wronged. No athlete may be physically assisted by any other person during any of the chopping disciplines. In the results all disqualifications will be evaluated as 180 seconds. 2.2 Chopping Disciplines Starting Cadence Recorded start or live voice: Timers ready, Contestants ready, Three-Two-One-Go If the whistle blows before the word Go all athletes will stand down. It s not allowed to change the official Starting Cadence. Note: Do not touch the block until the Judge has determined that the block is completely cut. Time stops when the last hit was made by the cutting edge of the axe and the block is clearly severed. Wrenching The use of an axe to push or pull a block, or pushing with a foot or hand is not permitted and will result in a DQ. Slabbing A slab is defined as a portion of a log that has been split off as a result of an axe hit which runs to the end of the block. Any athlete who slabs shall be disqualified unless: The athlete cuts the slab while still attached to the block while the block is still attached to the stand.

14 A minimum of six nails have been placed in the block in line with the widest opening of the cut on the chip side and in such a way as to prevent the slab from occurring. The nails must be driven in ¾ of the way and bent over. If a slab occurs the competitor will not be disqualified, unless the judge determines that the slab was produced intentionally. Striking of block An athlete is not allowed to make any cut or mark with an axe or other tool prior to the timed cutting of the block. (A cut or mark is defined as a striking of the block or crushing the fiber, in any manner possible, in the area that is to be cut during the competition.) Axe boxes Axe boxes are not allowed on stage. Only one competition axe and one spare axe are approved. 2.3 The Six Disciplines & their Rules Springboard No striking of the tree in any way prior to the discipline. Exception: peeling bark from the area where you will place your pocket is allowed - under supervision of a Judge or the Global Sports Director. Athletes need to use two springboards to ascend to the top of the pole and chop a firmly attached block from the top of the pole. If the pole has no bark it will be allowed to use tape under each pocket. Nailing under the pocket is never permitted. Athletes cutting into or through existing board holes will be disqualified, unless under certain circumstances i.e., no more room on a given pole. The Judge must determine if the athlete is allowed to move to another springboard pole or to climb at the corner of an existing hole. Slab nails will be used on the bottom of the block in addition to those on the top if the cutter is only using down hits on the back. The first hit will be an up hit. The block must be cut from two sides from the top board while still attached to the pole. Any uncut wood must be severed while the block is still attached to the pole for the athlete to receive a time. The area around the springboard pole has to be clear, except approved weights to secure springboards. STIHL Stock Saw Time: Time Starts: When the gun is fired. Starting Cadence: Timers ready, contestants ready, 15 seconds to warm up your saw, hands on the wood, Get Set. The gun will be fired 1-2 seconds after the words Get Set.

15 In the case that the gun does not fire the Judge will blow the whistle and the warm up process will be repeated. Time Stops: When the last disk is clearly severed. There must be two complete disks, or the athlete will be disqualified. STIHL MS 661 with a 50cm (20 ) bar will be used for this event. The STIHL Stock Saws will be tached (rpm check) by a STIHL designated technician. STIHL will provide all chainsaws for this discipline. Athletes will draw for their saw immediately prior to their heat. The saw must be started with a toe or crotch start. Starting the saw in an unsafe manner (i.e. drop start) will result in a disqualification. If after three pulls the saw has not started the athlete may turn the saw over to the designated technician on deck to start the saw during the warm up period. There are two ways to hold the chain saw during the start: o On the ground Place the chain saw securely on the ground assume a steady stance - the saw chain must not touch any objects or the ground With the left hand on handlebar, press the chain saw firmly against the ground thumb wrapped around the handlebar Step into the rear handle with the right foot or step on the rear hand guard with the heel of the right foot o Between the knees or thighs Clamp the rear handle between the knees or thighs Grip the handlebar firmly with the left hand thumb wrapped around the handlebar. One piece of carpet or one pad (not folded), provided by STIHL, may be used to place under the saw. The saws are to be running, and athlete s hands must be resting on the top of the block until the gun fires. The athlete s hands must be placed in such a way so that 4 fingers (except the thumb) of each hand break the plane of the line drawn longitudinally down the center of the block. If the saw shuts off after the athlete touches it they 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 athlete s time stands. If the saw is determined to be malfunctioning, a new saw will be introduced and the athlete will be granted a re-cut. The wood will be marked with a line drawn around the entire block, 10cm (3,94 ) in from the end of the block. If the line is completely severed or the athlete cuts on the other side of the line the athlete is disqualified.

16 Two complete cuts, first one down cut, and one up cut. An athlete can take a third safety cut, if needed and if he is within the marked 10cm. Standing Block Chop The first hit will be an up hit. The block must be cut from two sides. Single Buck Starting Cadence: Recorded Start or voice Timers ready, Contestants ready, Three-Two-One-Go. If the whistle blows before the word Go all athletes will stand down. Athletes may have a helper to wedge and spray. All helpers must stand on the log side of saw and are not allowed to bend any body parts over the saw. The helper is not allowed to touch the saw at any time of the running competition. No athlete is allowed to use a counter weight on the opposite end of the crosscut saw. Athlete is allowed a 30cm (11,81 ) arc starting cut. 4cm (1.57 ) of wood is allowed to make the cut. The disk 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 Judge. Knots encountered thereafter will be considered luck of the draw. Underhand Chop Any athlete cutting through a foothold shall be disqualified. The block must be cut from two sides. The athlete is not allowed to hit the block while standing on the ground. Hot Saw Technical Rules Before each competition the organization will do a technical check of each saw used in the competition. The athlete has the chance to do a last check up during the technical checkup. Before and after, check up`s aren t allowed. The process is described in more detail (times, place, etc.) in the competition s information. Each athlete is allowed to present one Hot Saw for technical check. After this, the athlete must decide if he wants to switch for a STIHL provided Hot Saw. After a saw is chosen, athlete can no longer switch.

17 The Hot Saw will be of the contestant s choice, limited to one cylinder and equipped with a tuned exhaust. o In case of a rotary engine only one disc is allowed. All Hot Saws must have a sprocket cover and a chain catcher. STIHL recommends that rotor covers be installed on all saws. For the official start a starter cord tether, provided by the organization, will be used for saws that have detachable starter cords. If a second starter cord is necessary a tether is not required however the starter cord must remain within the area as defined by the chain saw screens after starting or it will result in a disqualification. Competition Process Time: o Time Starts: When the gun is fired. o Starting Cadence: Timers ready, contestants ready, 60 seconds to warm up your saw, 30 seconds, hands on the wood, Get Set. The gun will be fired 1-2 seconds after the words Get Set. o In the case that the gun does not fire the Judge will blow the whistle and the warm up process will be repeated. o Time Stops: When the last disk is clearly severed. o There must be three complete disks, or the athlete will be disqualified. Three complete cuts, first one down, and one up, one down. It s in the decision of the competing athlete, if he wants to make more than three cuts to secure three complete discs. The wood will be marked with a line drawn around the entire block, 6 (15 cm) in from the end of the block. If the line is completely severed or the athlete cuts on the other side of the line the athlete is disqualified. Warm Up: 60 seconds allowed to warm up saw. A helper is not allowed on deck or to bring the saw on deck at any time during the heat. This includes the 60 second warm up period. The saw will be shut off at the end of the warm up period and the athlete s hands must be resting on the top of the block when the gun is fired. The athletes hands must be placed in such a way so that 4 fingers (not the thumb) of each hand break the plane of the line drawn longitudinally down the center of the block. There must be three complete disks, or the contestant will be disqualified. STIHL does not recommend altering side plates, tie straps or rivets on the saw chain. While saw is running the saw must be pointing in a safe direction (as designated by the Judge).

18 3 Organisational Rules 3.1 Functionaries Timers and Officials There will be at least two timers for each athlete. The commencement of timing of the Springboard, Standing Block, Single Buck and Underhand Chop occurs when the Judge or Starter s cadence reaches the word Go ; and ends when the block is severed. The commencement of timing for STIHL Stock Saw and Hot Saw occurs when the Judge fires the gun; and ends when the last disk is severed from the log. It is under the discretion of the Judge if an athlete is to be disqualified for Jumping the Gun or cutting in an unsafe manner. Assistants Please note that each athlete is only allowed to have one assistant by his side. This assistant needs to be mentioned by name to the organization of the competition within the announced deadline. Registrations after that date are not possible. If there is no assistant noted until the mentioned date, the athlete will not have any assistant at his disposal. The rules for assistants can differ from competition to competition. If in the competition information it isn t mentioned, the rule above will apply automatically. 3.2 Disqualification Indication of disqualification for any infraction will be made to the athlete concerned at the end of the heat or after review of the video by the Judge. If an athlete is disqualified they will receive 0 points for that discipline (or a fifteen seconds time penalty). There will be no monetary reward or points earned if a competitor does not compete. Single Competitions: In the results all disqualifications will be evaluated as 180 seconds. Champions Trophy: In the results all disqualifications will be evaluated as 120 seconds. 3.3 Appeal Process If an athlete disagrees with the Judge s rule interpretation they can appeal the call by asking a member of the advisory group/ athlete s jury to make an appeal to the Judge. (WCH: Use the Appeal Card) Appeals will only be allowed for rule interpretation issues or for issues not covered in the rules. Appeals must be brought to the Judges attention no later than 5 minutes after the end of the discipline.

19 No appeals can be made on judgment calls. For example: jumping the gun, blocks not severed, cut foot holds, or incomplete disks. If the Judge is unsure about a rule interpretation he may ask for the advisory groups / athlete s jury input. Athlete Decision Zone Stage Info DQ NO YES CCC Stage Judges Backstage Global Sports Director: Spike Video Judge Backstage Judge Athletes jury 3.4 Dress Code ATHLETES Athletes and helpers or assistants must wear long pants (solid black), shirt, and closed-toe shoes. If they don t wear an appropriate shirt, they will get a color bib. Athletes will be issued competition clothing (shirts and/or pants) specific to each competition (submit size on Athlete Application form). Athletes are required to wear the competition shirt during qualifying and competition. Athlete s individual sponsor(s) have a specific location for placement on the T-shirt and/or tank top. No clothing or other items that bear the logos, marks, or other product identification of products competitive to STIHL or SERIES sponsors, or any apparel deemed to be inappropriate may be worn by an athlete. STIHL officials and other involved sponsors reserve the right to determine at any time what is considered to be competitive or inappropriate.

20 During a national championship all athletes will be assigned a number that must be worn in a clearly visible location on the right or left leg. 3.5 Safety Precautions For chopping disciplines foot and leg protection must be worn (including pre-competition log preparations). All axe heads must be pinned and wedged. Hearing Protection, Eye Protection and Chaps are required for the athletes in the Hot Saw and the STIHL Stock Saw disciplines. These will be made available by STIHL at each venue. Personally supplied protective equipment must meet protective standards. Example: regular glasses do not constitute protective eyewear. All Hot Saws must have sprocket covers and STIHL recommends that rotor covers be installed on all saws. Shields must be used in the front and back of the athlete station for the Hot Saw discipline. Hot Saws can only be run on stage during competition or in the designated Hot Saw warm up area. Hot Saws may only be run during times designated by the competition organizers. Weather Conditions If weather conditions are influencing a competition in such a way that makes it unsafe to chop and saw, the Judges in collaboration with the organization may abort a competition. 3.6 Persons on the competition stage NO PERSON other than the participating athlete or wedger/ helper for the Single Buck event may be within the arena during competition. The Judge will clear the arena with the sounding of a whistle, prior to competition. The arena will remain clear until the whistle at the completion of the heat.

21 The reserved athlete area is for registered athletes only or other individuals as approved by STIHL. No other individuals, including family members, will be allowed in this area. 3.7 Wood Wood Diameters Single Competition All wood for the STIHL events will be round wood in the following diameters: Springboard 27cm or 10,63 STIHL Stock Saw 40cm or 15,75 Standing Block 30cm or 11,81 Single Buck 46cm or 18,11 (White Pine) Underhand Chop 32cm or 12,60 Hot Saw 46cm or 18,11 Rookies and Women Standing Block: 27cm or 10,63 Underhand Chop: 30cm or 11,81 all sawing events: 40cm or 15,75 Champions Trophy STIHL Stock Saw: Underhand Chop: Single Buck: Standing Block Chop: 40cm or 15,75 (White Pine) 32cm or 12,60 28cm or 11,02 after top sawn off (poplar) 40cm or 15,75 (white pine) 27cm or 10,63 (poplar) Team Relay STIHL Stock Saw: 46cm or 18,11 (White Pine) Underhand Chop: 32cm or 12,60 Single Buck: 46cm or 18,11 (White Pine) Standing Block: 30cm or 11,81 Spare Blocks If an athlete feels that his block is not cuttable he may make a case to the Judge and a spare block may be provided. Once the exchange is made the athlete may not choose to cut the original block.

22 Drawing for Wood and Stations Each athlete s wood will be randomly drawn by contest officials or athletes. Order of Disciplines Springboard, STIHL Stock Saw, Standing Block, Single Buck, Underhand Chop, Hot Saw Test Wood Prior to a competition athletes will receive test wood (like announced within the competition information). This wood is only for testing and not for racing. It is obligatory to wear all safety protection during wood testing. If not the Judges can disqualify athletes. If the Judges consider that, the wood is being tested in an unsafe manner, it can also result in a disqualification. 3.8 Organization during Disciplines On-Deck Area Every athlete needs to be in the defined athletes waiting area ( on-deck area ) before his heat. When the Judge (or another responsible person), who is responsible for the on deck area, is giving the signal, the athlete needs to move onto the stage immediately. If the athlete is not within the on deck area on time, and therefore is late on stage, this can mean immediate disqualification within the discipline by the Judge team. Only athletes participating in the next heat are allowed to be in the on deck area during the whole competition. Staying in the security area in front or besides the stage is also not allowed for the whole competition! Start Heat Once an athlete has entered the competition stage, there is a maximum of 30 seconds before the heat starts. This applies for all disciplines with the exception of the Single Buck. The Single Buck discipline will start immediately after both athletes finished their starting cut successfully. If an athlete does not meet the time limit, there will be a disqualification. Finish Heat As soon as all athletes / teams have finished their heat, they will gather in a defined zone ( decision zone ) until the Judge has declared that the heats are valid, informs about a disqualification or announces which team is proceeding to the next round and which not.

23 4 Rules Appendix 4.1 Champions Trophy Unless specified here all other STIHL TIMBERSPORTS SERIES rules will apply. Disciplines will be completed by a single competitor in the following order: Discipline Wood Diameter Stock Saw White Pine 40 cm Underhand Chop Poplar 32 cm Single Buck White Pine 40 cm Standing Block Chop Poplar 27 cm 28 cm after top sawn off General Rules As soon as the athletes have entered the stage they have a 1:15 minutes time limit to place their axes, single buck, mark their blocks and to take on their eye and ear protection. The Judge will announce 30 seconds and blow the whistle after 1:15 minutes. The Judge will start after the blow of the whistle the Stock Saw event with the official starting cadence. o Competitors will not be allowed to mark their blocks backstage prior to their heat. It is up to the athlete to mark his blocks during the 1:15 minutes preparing time. The blocks will be brought by the crew on the stage. Starting Cadence: Timers ready, contestants ready, 15 seconds to warm up your saw, hands on the wood, Get Set. The gun will be fired 1-2 seconds after the words Get Set. o In the event that the gun does not fire the Judge will blow the whistle and the warm up process will be repeated. No appeals will be allowed. Judges decisions are final. Rule infractions will result in a disqualification. If a contestant has not finished at the two-minute mark the Judge will stop competition and the contestant will not receive a time for that heat and will be disqualified. Ties will be broken with a Stock Saw tie breaker involving one saw and one piece of wood, 2 cuts. o If both competitors in a heat receive a DQ this will be ruled a tie.

24 o No tie breaks for place 5 to 8. Two axes per competitor are allowed on the stage during the heat. No axe boxes will be allowed. If the axe gets damaged during the Underhand Chop and there is the need for a spare axe the athlete has to take that axe from the Standing Block. After finishing the Underhand the axe has to be placed securely in the Standing Block again. If a competitor loses control of the axe and it leaves his hands this will result in a DQ STIHL STOCK SAW All safety gear will be provided by STIHL and must be worn by the competitor (chainsaw pants, ear protection, eye protection). All competitors will cut from the right side of the block (when facing block). When the last cut is completed the competitor must set the saw down and turn it off. One complete cut is required. The single buck saw will be placed in the starting cut (10 cm from the end of the block) and must remain there during the stock saw cut. UNDERHAND CHOP All underhand blocks will have the top sawn off leaving a flat place for competitors to stand, so the blocks will have thickness of 28cm. No modification of the block by a competitor is allowed. This eliminates the foothold rule. No slab rule will be in effect. The ends of the block will be wrapped to prevent slabbing. This will be completed by the organization. Prior to and at the completion of the discipline the axe must rest securely in the wood block designated to hold the axe. SINGLE BUCK No wedger will be allowed to assist the competitor. No foot blocks will be allowed. The competing athletes are allowed to make a starting cut with a radius of 35cm during the 1:15 minutes preparation time. All competitors will cut from the right side of the block (when facing block). STANDING BLOCK/VERTICAL CHOP No slab rule will be in effect. The ends of the block will be wrapped to prevent slabbing. This will be completed by the organization. Prior to the completion of the discipline the axe must rest securely in the Standing Block.

25 SETUP The arrangement of all stands and the competition wood is fundamental for the Champions Trophy and can t be changed. The time trial and the heat tree decide on which side (A or B) an athlete competes.

26 4.2 Rules Appendix Rookies / Women A time limit is placed on all disciplines. If a contestant has not finished their cut at the time limit mark the Judge will stop competition and the contestant will not receive a time for that discipline. Time limits per discipline: Stock Saw, Single Buck = 1 min., Standing Block Chop, Underhand Chop = 2 min. A DQ will be worth 180 sec. 4.3 Rule Appendix Europe and U.S.A. The following pages contain rules that are specific to Europe and the U.S.A. as specified below. Europe ATHLETE S JURY: Up to 3 athletes will be selected to represent athletes for that day of competition. These athletes will be selected during the athletes meeting. If an athlete s jury is not selected, appeals will not be allowed. JUDGE S JURY: This jury will consist of the Judges and selected qualified representatives from the organization. REQUIRED FORMS: All athletes must complete and submit the following forms to be eligible for SERIES competition: Athlete s contracts, Tax declaration forms TIE BREAKERS: Sum times for all 6 disciplines. A DQ will be worth 180 seconds. HOT SAW: You must submit your saw for a safety check during the first warm up period of the day. The safety check includes taking one mandatory cut with the saw to be used in competition. A certification tag will be provided once the saw is determined to be safe. You will not be able to compete with a saw that does not have the certification tag. Athletes may elect to use a Hot Saw provided by STIHL however the decision needs to be made by the end of the first Hot Saw warm up period of the day. No second chance will be allowed for private Hot Saws. A second chance will be allowed for STIHL provided Hot Saws only if the tank is empty and parts fall off the saw (except chains and saw doesn t start). Only the athlete is allowed to start the Hot Saw in the warm up period during the competition.

27 USA REGISTRATION: There will be a competition field of 40. The finalists from the previous year and the winner of the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Collegiate SERIES from the previous year are automatically included in the field, but must still complete all registration forms by November 10 th, Should a finalist from the previous year fail to register properly, their position will be considered open and will be filled with other athletes. All contestants must be PRE-REGISTERED, including fees paid, with Granite State Lumberjack Shows, Inc. (GSLS) by November 10 th, Registration fees will be refunded at the end of September, by mail, if the athlete competes at all venues qualified for. REQUIRED FORMS: All athletes must complete and submit the following forms to be eligible for SERIES competition: 1) Release, Waiver, Indemnity Agreement, and Covenant Not to Sue, 2) Insurance Responsibility, 3) U.S. Federal Tax Withholding Form, 4) Payment Method Form. INSURANCE: Athletes are responsible for having their own medical and other applicable insurance. No such insurance is provided by STIHL or any other entity associated with the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS SERIES. ADVISORY GROUP: Each year a group consisting of 5 athletes and a representative from STIHL, and GSLS will be formed to act as the Advisory Group. Athlete representatives will be selected from those competing at each regional competition during the athletes meeting for that competition. One athlete will be selected from each region. ATHLETE S JURY: Up to 3 athletes will be selected to represent athletes for that day of competition. These athletes will be selected during the athletes meeting. The athlete selected to be a member of the advisory group will be on the athlete s jury. If an athlete s jury is not selected appeals will not be allowed.

28 ATHLETE NO SHOW: If an athlete drops out prior to round 1 every effort will be made to select the next ranked athlete. No substitutions will be made within 48 hours of any first round event. In subsequent rounds if an athlete drops out of the competition the 5 th place finisher from that athlete s regional competition will be the alternate. SERIES FORMAT: Regional Competitions (Round 1): All athletes (max. 40) will be ranked as to overall ability. The 40 athletes will be seeded into 5 regional competitions. The top 4 athletes from each regional competition will compete in the next round of competition. Round 2: The top 4 athletes from each regional competition will be placed in 2 pools of 10. Ranking of athletes will be completed by Granite State with assistance from the athlete representatives from the advisory group. Top 4 finishers in each pool will advance to the championship. Championship: The 8 athletes from round 2 will compete in each event on matched wood. The order of competition in each event will be seeded by matching the best finishers in each event from previous days results and placing them in the 4th heat.. Next best finishers will be placed in the 5 3rd heat and so on. 8 points will be awarded for first place in each event, 7 points for second place, and so on down to 1 point for 8 th place. Points earned in each event will be summed and the athlete with the highest point total will be the overall champion. SERIES POINTS: Points will be tracked for all STIHL TIMBERSPORTS SERIES athletes and compared to only those athletes in the same pool in the prelims Poor sportsmanship as evidenced by inappropriate audible or visual displays to the general public or actions considered to be unsafe will result in the removal of 2 points from the athlete s total. The Judge will be solely responsible for making this call.

29 Pool A Pool B Table 1: Pool seeding of ranked athletes after regionals TIE BREAKERS: STIHL Stock Saw tie breaker involving one saw and one piece of wood, 2 cuts. Times will not be revealed until the last athlete has finished. This method will be used for: 4 th place points ties in a regional event in 4 th place points ties in round 2 competitions. 1 st place ties in the Series Finals. Repeat discipline: If two athletes receive identical times in a discipline the discipline will be repeated.. Sum times for all 6 disciplines: A DQ will be worth 180 seconds. This method will be used, to break ties that need to be broken but have no other method specified.

30 HOT SAW Hot Saws will be registered with GSLS prior to the first event. Each saw will be given an ID number. A hot saw may be used only once during a given round of competition. SERIES FINALS CHOPPING AND SAWING CHAMPION: Championship: Chopping and sawing champion will be named based upon points in chopping and sawing disciplines. Points Ties: If there is a points tie for a sawing champion then STIHL Stock Saw time will break the tie. If there is a points tie for a chopping champion then standing block time will break the tie.