In September 2006 I attended the annual meeting of the World Atlatl Association at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, in Collinsville, Illinois. Approximately one hundred members arrived and participated in accuracy contests over a 3-day period. During that time the park was open to the public and many spectators gathered to watch the contests. A Powwow was held in the park on that weekend, also. Fortunately the Austin Police Department was not there, because they would have arrested everybody.
Officers recently informed members of the Austin Atlatl team to stay out of city parks. They would have arrested us, but they didn’t know what to charge us with. The problem is that they lack understanding. Atlatl accidents are very rare. Accidental discharges are unheard of with the atlatl. Another factor contributing to safety of the atlatl is its limited range. I recommend that APD stop harassing the atlatl public.

so what are the limitations that can be applied to using atatls in a park

It is important to be beer free in the city parks.

I also was at Cahokia Mounds for the annual WAA meeting and shot in the ISAC's.
I'm from New York and have started the New York Atlatl Association, Inc. made up of 5 local organizations. I also am a member of the local group called the Genesee Valley Atlatl Assoc.
We competed against two boys from Texas and I see they are now holding events in your state. I would like to mail out our NYAA, Inc. quarterly newsletter to someone down there. We would like to see all states have a state organization, and since we are the only ones who have gone through the not-for-profit, incorporation bull shit, we would be willing to help anyone interested. The eye on the future is to have state competitions and maybe way down the line have a Federation of State Organizations to act as a mediator with the WAA.
The sport is growing slowly. I have talked with a couple of guys about college competition - so far it only works in Iowa thanks to John Wittaker at Grinnell Uni. and in Vermont. Oh well, some day.
Yours in Atlatlin
Linda

That was us!
We are the Austin atlatl team!!!:
http://www.boganstrictor.com/atlatl.html

I was just bopping around and happened to read the posts on this subject. It is sad how the police are handling the park situation down there. Especially considering that the atlatl is looked at as a "non weapon" atleast for hunting purposes. The way I handled it here was to 1st give a lecture to our County Legislators (it has to be scheduled into their meeting). Next we reserved the town park for 3 days for our "Living History Weekend". It included the SCA group giving a demo on sword fighting with armour etc. and atlatlists with our ISAC competitions. We also had a mountain man encampment complete with muzzleloaders and knives etc. on display.
I do not know as we could ever have league throws on a weekly basis there (although the SCA has their weekly fight night at the park), but for one weekend a year we get to educate the public in that city. Another thing that helped is that I was working for the County at the time and gave regular demo's in the parking lot - including to the deputies. Hate to say this, but I do believe being female is also useful sometimes.
Anyway, unless they are complete dicks, there are ways around them and working with them.
If you want something else that is strange but true - the biggest thing the atlatl world needs is a one-armed vet who wants to hunt. He can't manage a bow, but could an atlatl. If he was denied, it would be discrimination!!!!!!!! Think about it.
Yours in atlatlin
Linda

I heard that up North they have insurance for atlatl competitions. Do we need that in Texas, also?