"I have my period and my level drops... trans players don't experience that" - Aileen De Graaf welcomes WDF's ban on trans players in women's darts

The World Darts Federation has drawn a line in the sand on one of the sport’s most contentious issues – and Aileen de Graaf is firmly in support.

In a landmark move, the WDF has ruled that only players assigned female at birth will be eligible to compete in its women’s and girls’ tournaments. The change, ratified at September’s general meeting and formally written into the rulebook late last month, ends the organisation’s previous policy of allowing transgender women to compete if their passport listed their gender as female.

That previous rule enabled Dutch player Noa-Lynn van Leuven to appear in the women’s game – but also triggered a fierce debate within the sport. In March last year, De Graaf and fellow Netherlands international Anca Zijlstra resigned from the national team in protest, sparking headlines and heated discussion far beyond darts circles.

For De Graaf, who has been part of the world’s elite since 2008 and is a former Lakeside finalist, the decision brings closure to a long-running dispute. “I understand it’s not easy for the federation to put such a rule in writing,” she told AD.nl. “Not many sports have managed it yet. But it’s good that it’s happened, because if we all think logically, there is a difference between men’s and women’s sport.”

While darts is less physically demanding than other disciplines, De Graaf insists the differences are tangible. “The gap in averages is often at least 15 points. Hand–eye coordination, concentration and the natural physical build are in men’s favour,” she said.

She also highlighted factors rarely discussed in public debate. “I get my period once a month, and when I do, my level drops significantly. Trans women can’t experience that. There are clear differences. For me, it’s about fairness in girls’ darts. There’s a reason sport has a split between men and women.”

Speaking out, however, comes at a cost. “If you stand up for women’s rights, you’re quickly labelled ‘transphobic’ and can lose sponsors. I’ve had threats, and that’s why I stayed quiet for a while. That’s also why many players don’t speak up now.”

De Graaf also credits England’s Deta Hedman as a key figure in pushing the issue forward. “This was about one trans woman, but in ten years there could be many more,” she warned.

Her stance on Van Leuven remains clear – the dispute was never personal. “When I used to play for the Dutch national team, Noa represented the Netherlands in the boys’ category. When she switched to the women’s, we felt it was unfair. Don’t get me wrong – everyone deserves to live freely and happily. Noa did nothing wrong and followed the rules. It’s just unfortunate it’s always about Noa, because she’s the only high-level example. We’re fighting for our rights just as much. Fairness always comes first.”

Whether this ruling will open the door to her returning to the Dutch side remains uncertain. “Normally the NDB adopts WDF rules, but they haven’t said anything yet. If they do, I’d be more open to playing for the national team again.”

With the WDF’s position now clear, attention will turn to how national federations respond – and whether other sports follow suit. For De Graaf, at least, the dartboard feels a little more level.