Transgender Women Banned from Competing in Female Darts Tournaments

The Darts Regulation Authority has announced a significant policy change, stating that only individuals assigned female at birth will be eligible to participate in women's darts tournaments. This decision follows a thorough review of the authority's Trans and Gender Diverse Policy, which included a report by a developmental biologist and consideration of extensive legal advice and recent UK court rulings. As a result, the DRA has replaced its Trans and Gender Diverse Policy with an Eligibility Policy and Rules, effective April 5, 2026, which will apply to all affiliated organizations, including the PDC. Notably, transgender players will still be allowed to compete in open tournaments. The first transgender woman to compete in the World Championships, Noa-Lynn van Leuven, has expressed strong criticism of the decision, describing it as a significant setback for the trans community. Van Leuven, a 29-year-old with six titles on the women's tour since joining in 2022, has won numerous awards and was a semi-finalist at the 2025 Women's World Matchplay. The DRA has stated that it seeks to be inclusive and will continue to monitor developments in transgender participation in sports, reviewing the 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. The report's author, Dr. Emma Hilton, noted that while no single sex difference is overwhelming, the accumulation of small differences generates a male advantage in darts. Van Leuven has expressed her disappointment and frustration with the decision, feeling that it undermines her hard work and dedication to the sport. She has also highlighted the broader impact on the trans community, emphasizing that this decision is not just about her, but about the rights and opportunities of all trans individuals to participate and compete.