01/05/2024

WDF to continue allowing transgenders in women's darts citing no significant or convincing scientific evidence that a transgender person has any advantage

The World Darts Federation (WDF) has no plans whatsoever to bar transgender people from entering women's tournaments, the federation has confirmed in a newly-released statement.

In recent months there has been a lot of fuss around Noa-Lynn van Leuven's participation in the PDC Women's Series tournaments. These tournaments do not fall under the banner of the WDF, yet this association felt it necessary to go public with a message.

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Last year, a membership meeting took place during the WDF World Cup. At that time, a report was prepared on the issue. That report took into account existing research from strength and precision sports and the potential violations of legal rights and human rights that could occur if transgender participation were withdrawn. Thereupon, the WDF decided to continue to allow transgender people access until there are clearer studies on any potential physical differences.

According to the WDF, there is no significant or convincing scientific evidence that a transgender person has any advantage. Should definitive studies be provided in the future, they will be appropriately reviewed amid broader discussions with legal representatives and other darts regulatory bodies.

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The WDF does have some conditions in place to determine whether a transgender person may compete in a WDF tournament however:

- Male-to-female (MTF) transgendered persons, to compete as a female, must submit documentation from a medical practitioner that gender reassignment has been ongoing for at least one year.

- Female-to-male (FTM) transgendered persons, to compete as a male, must submit documentation from a medical practitioner that gender reassignment is ongoing.

Any Transgender person who wishes to participate in any WDF event will be required to show an official government-issued ID that indicates their gender.

Athletes, coaches, officials, etc. must be aware that they may be subject to doping control testing and will be subject to the WDF Anti-Doping Policy according to the gender provided at registration or after declaration, as applicable.