WATL Certified Head Judges are held to the highest standard in understanding and implementing our rules when overseeing sanctioned events such as leagues, tournaments, qualifiers, and more. Certified Head Judges are qualified to manage other Certified WATL Judges in any and all sanctioned leagues or tournaments, and make final calls in gameplay & code of conduct situations to the highest standards and best practices. 

This Certification Program fee has a valid period of 1 year. The renewal fee for Certification is $34.99 USD (which also covers League & Tournament renewals), and is due annually from the date of Certification.

Head Judge Certification

*An active Tournament Judge Certification is required to obtain a Head Judge Certification.*

• Oversee and manage all Tournament Judges during WATL-sanctioned tournaments to ensure consistent application of rules and procedures
• Serve as the final authority on rules interpretations, challenges, and scoring disputes during competition
• Lead or assist in Judge training and certification sessions
• Coordinate with Tournament runners to maintain scheduling efficiency and competitive integrity
• Qualified to ensure that lane setups, targets, and equipment meet WATL standards before and during competition
• Can conduct Qualifying Throws (Open & Closed) for Major and Televised Tournaments
• Have a deeper understanding of the rules for:
• Hatchet
• Big Axe
• Hatchet Duals
• Able to renew or update the League and Tournament Judge Certification in future years when rule changes occur
• Serve as a substitute that may assist other venues in hosting Leagues or Tournaments