The World Darts Federation has issued a formal warning to players that they could face disciplinary action if they withdraw from the tournament after it has begun.
The warning is likely a response to threats that female darts players will be disqualified if they play against a transgender player who was born male, which has led to several female darts players withdrawing from the sport in recent months.
“Women and girls have the right to fair competition in darts.”
“Ahead of a key period in the WDF calendar – the Regional Cups, World Masters and World Championships – the WDF wishes to clarify its position regarding athlete withdrawals,” the organisation said in a statement. announcement.
“Any player who withdraws from a match after the first dart has been thrown in a tournament will be deemed to be bringing the game into disrepute and may face disciplinary action,” they continued. “This stance has been taken to provide appropriate protection for member countries, their tournaments and tournament sponsors, and to maintain the integrity of the WDF rankings system.”
The statement made no mention of the growing backlash the organization has faced for allowing male players to play against female players.
In particular, Noah Lin van Leuven, ranked 5th in the world, is causing a stir among female players.
In May 2024, BlazeNews reported that world No. 6 Deta Hedman had withdrawn from a match he was scheduled to play against Van Leuven.
After being accused of faking an illness to sit out the game, Hedman explained the situation and made his position clear.
“I didn't fake an illness. I said I wouldn't play against the boys in the girls tournament,” Hedman explained.
At the same time, Dutch players Irene de Graaf and Anka Zijlstra both withdrew from the Dutch national team in protest against van Leuven's selection.
“I have tried to accept this, but there is no way I can condone or justify this,” Zijlstra said at the time.
“At some point you have to make a decision if it goes against your feelings,” De Graaf added. ABC News Reported.
De Graaf and Zijlstra are second and 18th in the rankings. World Rankingsrespectively.
In July, Hedman again withdrew from a tournament for the same reason: she withdrew from the UK Heart of Darts tournament because she was playing against a transgender opponent. Sam Lewis In the third round.
Hedman writes: Facebook She added, “There wasn't much discussion about whether my decision not to play a transgender character was right or wrong, but more attacks on my literacy and choice of words!”
Hedman has been circulating the petition at darts events, including the Welsh Open in late August, and she is urging others to join her in calling for darts to have a women's only division.
“Women and girls deserve a fair competition in darts and that means there needs to be a separate category reserved exclusively for those born female,” she said. Petition “We are women [sic] “The darts section is very important for the growth of darts,” he added.
Hedman said he was surprised by the response to the in-person petition and that an online version is also needed.
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