New Policy Bars Transgender Females from Women's Darts Competitions

The Darts Regulation Authority has announced a significant change to its Trans and Gender Diverse Policy, stating that only females assigned at birth will be eligible to participate in women's darts tournaments. This decision was made after a thorough review, including a report by an academic developmental biologist and consideration of extensive legal advice and recent UK court rulings. The DRA believes this change is necessary to ensure fair competition in the sport. The new Eligibility Policy and Rules will come into effect on April 5, 2026, and will apply to all affiliated organizations, including the PDC. While transgender players will no longer be able to compete in women's tournaments, they are still welcome to participate in open tournaments. The DRA aims to be inclusive and will continue to monitor developments in transgender participation in sports, reviewing its Eligibility Policy annually. A report commissioned by the DRA in 2025 found that darts is a 'gender-affected sport,' with multiple physical differences contributing to superior scoring among male players. This change has been met with criticism from the trans community, including Noa-Lynn van Leuven, a prominent transgender female darts player who has won six titles on the women's tour since joining in 2022. Van Leuven expressed her disappointment and frustration with the decision, stating that it is 'another huge hit for the trans community' and that she is being forced into retirement.