“You have to suspend her and say that she, of all people, is no longer welcome” - Vincent van der Voort believes that Deta Hedman should have been suspended

The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) recently decided to tighten the rules for entry into the PDC Women's Series, making transgender players no longer welcome on this circuit.

For Noa-Lynn van Leuven, the decision marks a profound turning point in her career. Former professional darter Vincent van der Voort calls it an extremely painful situation for the Dutch player, though he stops short of declaring her career over.

Van der Voort discussed the issue on the podcast Darts Draait Door and stressed that the human impact should not be underestimated. "It is a momentous decision for her," he says.

"A personal tragedy, that much is clear. She 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."

With the PDC’s change of course, Van Leuven loses her spot on the women’s circuit at a stroke. That means not only the end of her sporting opportunities in that category, but also the financial security that came with it. According to Van der Voort, that is precisely what makes the decision so heavy on a personal level.

At the same time, he also sees that this development had been in the air internationally for some time. Many sports have debated the structuring of categories for a while, and the former top darter believes it was not unthinkable that darts would eventually go the same way.

Van der Voort also thinks the debate would never have grown so large if Van Leuven had not played a prominent role on the circuit. Precisely because she was good enough to get results, the topic increasingly came to the fore, he says.

"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?"

According to Van der Voort, the PDC has not done itself any favours in this debate either. The federation first allowed participation, but now comes with a strict demarcation. As a result, he believes the confusion has only grown.

"Then it wouldn't have become such a big deal either, because nobody would have cared. No statement would even have been released. However, the PDC hasn't handled it skillfully in recent years. 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."

With the amended rules, the PDC has now opted for a clear but strict line. Anyone born male can no longer compete in women’s competitions. That also sets the framework for future cases.

For Van der Voort, it’s clear that Van Leuven bears no personal blame. She simply competed under the rules in force at the time. "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."

Van der Voort is not yet willing to say whether the decision definitively ends Van Leuven’s career. He believes much depends on how she processes this blow and which route she chooses next. "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."