WDF Confirms Eligibility Policy Change for Women’s and Girls’ Events
The World Darts Federation (WDF) has announced a major update to its transgender policy, confirming that entry to its Women’s and Girls’ tournaments will now be limited to players who are female by birth.
The change, which comes into effect on Monday 28 July 2025, follows a similar policy shift announced by the UK Darts Association (UKDA) just 24 hours earlier.
At last, common sense appears to be prevailing across the darting world, bringing long-overdue clarity and fairness to the women’s game. It ensures a level playing field – precisely where it should have been from the start.
The WDF, which governs international amateur darts, stated that the decision was made following a formal vote by its member nations and after legal consultations in California to ensure both fairness and legal compliance.
The changes will affect eligibility for WDF ranking tournaments and lead to the redefinition of several competition categories.If there’s any disappointment, it’s that it took this long for the stance to be made. But now, women can compete against women – in women’s darts.
Not too much to ask for, really.The full WDF statement reads:As an international federation for the sport of darts, the WDF’s role is to facilitate equal opportunity and an inclusive environment for all people to participate nationally and internationally in the sport of darts, as athletes, coaches, officials, staff and other volunteers.
Our existing Transgender Athlete policy was based on this principle. Transgender participation in darts is a complex, evolving subject, and our position has always been that if there was a material change in scientific studies, law, or the wishes of a majority of the WDF’s Member Countries that we would review the policy and make changes where necessary.
At the WDF General Meeting in September 2024, a remit was put forward calling for entry and participation in WDF Women’s and Girls tournaments to be restricted to female by birth only. This remit was voted through by the majority of Member Countries.Since that vote, the WDF has been in consultation with legal representatives in California to understand how and if it could deliver on the vote in a way that ensures the sport remains accessible to all and ensures that transgender participants can enjoy playing darts without fear of discrimination, prejudice, harassment, or any form of discrimination.
Following those discussions, the WDF can confirm changes to our eligibility rules for WDF Ranking Tournaments and Cups. Effective Monday 28 July 2025, entry and participation in WDF Women’s and Girls Ranking Tournaments and Cups will only be open to players that are WOMEN/FEMALE as defined under this Policy.
Accordingly, WDF Tournaments, Cups and Ranking Tables will be renamed and redefined as “Open”, “Women”, “Open Youth” and “Girls” tournaments and cups.
We understand these changes may be challenging for people who want to compete in darts in the gender which they are now registered as.
The WDF has directly contacted its Member Countries so as they can discuss these changes with affected players directly.
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Images: WDF
