The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) has banned transgender players from women's tournaments, permitting only biological females to compete. The decision follows a review by developmental biologist Dr. Emma Hilton, who concluded that darts is a "gender-affected sport" with sex differences conferring a male advantage.
The DRA stated its goal is fair competition, while encouraging all players, regardless of sex or gender identity, to participate in open tournaments.
This ruling mirrors recent changes by the International Olympic Committee regarding female category events. Dutch transgender player Noa-Lynn van Leuven, a multiple women's tournament winner, announced her retirement at age 29 due to the ban, calling it a significant blow to the trans community.