Famously renowned for his complete aversion to fence-sitting, former professional Vincent van der Voort has weighed in with characteristic forthrightness on the recent Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) ruling prohibiting male-born players from competing in PDC women-only events.
Furthermore, the Dutchman suggested that reigning Lakeside Champion Deta Hedman should have faced suspension for refusing to play a transgender opponent in an official PDC match prior to the sanctions being implemented, even going as far as to claim the Caribbean Queen should be “no longer welcome”.
Since the DRA’s announcement last week, the ruling has ignited a wave of fervent and often polarised discourse, with fans firmly pitching their allegiances into one of two entrenched camps. It is fair to say that, judging by the vast volume of commentary across social media platforms, the decision has been widely welcomed.
MORE ELITE DARTS COVERAGE: Check Out Our Devoted PDC Area
However, as far as Van der Voort is concerned, he appears to have pitched his tent firmly in the minority field.
The Dutch Destroyer’s discontent seemingly stems from the ramifications the judgement has for compatriot Noa-Lynn van Leuven, comfortably the most high-profile player impacted by the decision. Speaking on the Darts Draait Door podcast, and in his typically blunt and unfiltered manner, Van der Voort articulated his stance with emphatic clarity:
“A personal tragedy. She [Van Leuven] worked her way up and secured her place among the women, and now that is gone in an instant. Everything is changing for her; her income is disappearing as well, and she now has to find a different route. For her, it is a great tragedy, but if you look at the big picture, it was bound to happen worldwide. That everything has to remain separate.”
Whether this perspective is rooted in Van der Voort’s personal relationship with Van Leuven or reflects a broader philosophical stance on transgender participation in women’s events remains unclear. Regardless, he has unequivocally nailed his colours to the mast, continuing:
“If she couldn’t play at all, then it doesn’t matter and you don’t hear anyone complaining about it. That’s how it works. I have always understood that other women complain about it, because they feel like they have to play against a man. But on the other hand, I also understand Noa-Lynn. She feels like a woman and feels that she belongs there. One moment you are allowed to participate, and then suddenly you aren’t anymore. That must feel awful, but there are no perfect rules. In which box should you put someone then?”
There’s no disputing Van Leuven’s tungsten credentials. Securing a Challenge Tour title is no trivial feat and is demonstrative of genuine, high-calibre ability. For Van der Voort, however, the principal grievance appears to lie in the inconsistency of governance – permitted to compete for an extended period, only to be abruptly excluded.
In a statement unlikely to curry favour with a significant proportion of the darting public, the Dutchman also directed criticism towards the widely revered Deta Hedman, suggesting punitive action should have been taken for her refusal to compete against Van Leuven:
“If you first have a rule that someone is allowed to participate and someone like Deta Hedman refuses to play against her, then there must be sanctions. You have to suspend her and say that she, of all people, is no longer welcome.”
“You can’t blame Noa-Lynn for anything. She was allowed to participate, but not anymore, so now it’s over. But she didn’t make the rules. You can’t blame someone for participating in a tournament they are allowed to participate in.”
“She has to process this blow, and then we’ll see how mentally strong she is and what she does next. She was already doing well on the Challenge Tour, and that is also just a mix of everyone.”
Van der Voort is entirely correct in asserting that his fellow Dutch arrow-smith did not author the regulations. As long as participation was permitted, Van Leuven merely operated within the established framework.
FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE TO DARTS’ SEX AND GENDER RULES
That framework, however, has now been fundamentally altered. This was not a decision reached lightly or arbitrarily, but rather the culmination of extensive deliberation, comprehensive research, and expert consultation conducted by the DRA. It was never intended as a personal slight, although Van der Voort’s interpretation suggests otherwise.
Whether one agrees with the ruling or not is ultimately immaterial. Opinions will invariably diverge – sometimes vehemently – even when a clear majority appears to lean in one direction, as is arguably the case here.
DARTS PLAYER MERCHANDISE AND COLLECTABLES AT OUR DARTSWORLD STORE!
The debate will undoubtedly persist, perhaps for some time. Yet one point remains unequivocally clear: Noa-Lynn van Leuven is a highly capable and accomplished darts player. The DRA ruling may have closed certain avenues, but it has by no means extinguished all opportunities for the Dutch thrower.
—–ENDS—–
Images: Main image Sky Sport | Vincent Van Der Voort from Winmau | Deta Hedman from
