Biological men who self-identify as female will no longer be allowed to compete against women in professional darts tournaments.
Yesterday, the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA), the UK-based regulator of professional darts, said it had changed its official rules to exclude trans persons from women’s competitions.
The DRA said it had started a review of its policy on gender and trans players in 2025 and commissioned a report from Dr Emma Hilton, a developmental biologist.
The report found that it was unfair to let biological males compete against women, as several differences in male and female physiques amounted to an undue advantage for such trans players.
The report said: “There are several physical characteristics that provide males with an advantage over female players.
“Male advantage includes greater height, longer limbs, broader shoulders, more muscle mass, and stiffer tendons.
“These factors enhance reach, stability and throwing mechanics, affecting consistency and precision.”
The DRA also said that the scientific findings meant that darts was a so-called “gender-affected sport” for the purposes of the UK’s 2010 Equality Act. This means the exclusion of trans people is legal and does not breach the country’s equality laws.
The DRA added that it sought to be inclusive and would encourage all players irrespective of their biological sex to compete in open tournaments.
Prominent Dutch transgender darts player Noa-Lynn van Leuven expressed her frustration with the rules change.
In an Instagram video message, the 29-year-old said: “Apparently, I just got retired. Not by choice, but because I am no longer allowed to compete. The DRA decided that trans women are no longer allowed in women’s events, which basically means I’m out.
“I have worked so damn hard for years to get here … And now with just one decision I am told I don’t belong anymore.
“This isn’t just about me. This is another huge hit for the trans community. Every day it’s getting harder and harder for trans people just to exist.”
British feminist activist Jean Hatchet countered Van Leuven’s criticism, writing on X yesterday: “Noa Van Leuven is not a victim. He’s been cheating women darts players out of places and prizes. He is a man and shouldn’t have been in women’s competitions.”
Van Leuven has won six titles in the Professional Darts Cooperation (PDC) Women’s Series as well as three gold medals in the 2024 Women’s Darts Federation Europe Cup.
