Professional Darts Corporation Ends Participation of Trans Women in Female Events
THE HAGUE - The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has announced that transgender women will no longer be eligible to compete in its women's competitions. The decision, which immediately impacts the career of top Dutch player Noa-Lynn van Leuven, is the result of a regulatory change by the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) based on new research into gender-based advantages in the sport.
The new rule means Van Leuven is now barred from the PDC Women's Series, a tour where she has been a prominent competitor and earned qualification spots for the World Darts Championship in London. While trans women can still participate in 'open' tournaments, which are predominantly male, the dedicated pathway for female players is now closed to them.
'Involuntarily Retired'
In a video posted to her Instagram account, Van Leuven expressed her dismay and frustration with the ruling.
"Apparently, I've been retired. Not voluntarily, but because I'm no longer allowed to participate. I've worked so hard for years to get here, but with one decision, I'm told I no longer belong."
She emphasized the wider implications of the decision, stating, "This isn't just about me; this is a new big blow for the trans community. Especially because of decisions taken by the IOC."
The Rationale Behind the Ban
The DRA's decision stems from a review of its policies on transgender athletes, which included a report by developmental biologist Emma Hilton. According to a statement, the DRA accepted Hilton's conclusion that "multiple, small sex differences... lead to a male advantage over women in darts."
The report cited factors such as average differences in height, shoulder width, muscle mass, and motor skills as contributing to a 'gender-influenced' advantage. Despite this, the DRA stated it "strives for inclusivity" and encourages all players to participate in its open tournaments.
The PDC's current position marks a notable change from two years ago, when its chief executive, Matthew Porter, publicly defended Van Leuven against online abuse, saying, "We at the PDC have always been for inclusion and openness." In a new statement, a PDC spokesperson said the organization would follow the DRA's rules and that they "are proud of how inclusive darts is as a sport."
A Widening Pattern in Sports
This decision is part of a growing trend across various sports to restrict or ban the participation of transgender women. Last year, the World Darts Federation (WDF), which oversees the amateur game, enacted a similar policy. More broadly, the International Olympic Committee recently announced that trans women would be excluded from female categories at the 2028 Olympic Games, setting a precedent that other international sports federations appear to be following.
