The United Kingdom Darts Association (UKDA) has released a formal statement outlining its position on the participation of transitioned and transitioning players in the upcoming 2025/26 season.
While many sporting bodies have already set their stall out across various disciplines, darts had, until now, avoided making a definitive call. That changed on 27th July 2025, when the UKDA issued a statement signed by Chairman Paul Marsh. It confirms that player eligibility will now be based on sex at birth, and that the men’s category will be redefined as “Open” – meaning it will be accessible to all, regardless of sex, while women’s categories will be exclusively for female-at-birth players.
The full statement reads:
TRANSGENDER STATEMENT
27th July 2025
Dear National League Organisations
The Board of Directors have been discussing the issues surrounding the inclusion of Transitioned and transitioning players within the UKDA system. This decision has been taken in line with the provisions of section 195 of the Equality Act 2010.
We all believe that darts should be for everyone but there is no doubt that there are some elements of difference when Sex at Birth is taken into account. As part of our commitment to inclusivity we want to make sure that everyone is able to play darts in the fairest way possible.
Therefore, the Board have decided that for season 2025/26 Female Sex at Birth will be required to participate in both the National League and Superleague Ladies matches.We are also taking the opportunity to redefine the men’s game as “Open”. This category will be open to both Male and Female sex at birth participants but Female sex at birth players that register at the beginning of the season to play in the Open will not be allowed to transfer back during that season and cannot play in both categories.
The proposal is open to comment from the floor at the AGM but we would ask that any questions or comments are sent to the directors via email prior to the AGM so that we can collate comments or queries.This is a sensitive decision and one that has required a lot of thought. However, the Board feels that it is in the best interests of players and darts as a whole.
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Paul Marsh
Chairman
The UKDA has invited feedback on the proposal ahead of the Annual General Meeting (AGM), encouraging league representatives and stakeholders to submit any questions or concerns via email to the Board. The move is likely to prompt further discussion across the sport in the weeks to come.
—–ENDS—-
Image: UKDA
