Trans Women Barred from Female Darts Competitions

The Darts Regulation Authority has announced a new policy, stating that only athletes assigned female at birth can participate in women's darts tournaments. This decision follows a comprehensive review of the organization's Trans and Gender Diverse Policy, which included a report from a developmental biologist and considered extensive legal advice and recent court rulings in the UK. As a result, the DRA has implemented an Eligibility Policy and Rules for open and women's tournaments, effective April 5, 2026. Transgender players, including Noa-Lynn van Leuven, a six-time title winner on the women's tour, will no longer be eligible to compete in women's events but can continue to participate in open tournaments. Van Leuven has expressed her disappointment and frustration with the decision, describing it as a significant setback for the trans community. The DRA aims to be inclusive and will continue to monitor developments in transgender participation in sports, reviewing its Eligibility Policy annually.