The DRA issues new Eligibility Policy and Rules for open and women’s tournaments, effective immediately

Noa-Lynn van Leuven has been ruled ineligible to compete in the PDC Women’s Series with immediate effect, following the introduction of new eligibility guidelines by the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA), which have also been adopted by the Professional Darts Corporation.

Under the updated policy, which came into force in April 2026, entry into DRA-sanctioned women’s competitions is now restricted to biological women. This includes the Women’s Series, meaning Van Leuven will no longer be able to participate in that circuit and must instead compete in open events moving forward.

The revised framework follows a review process that began in 2025. The DRA has stated that its decision was informed by a combination of scientific research, legal guidance and recent court rulings within the United Kingdom. A key component of the review was a report by developmental biologist Emma Hilton, which examined potential performance differences in darts.

The DRA issues new Eligibility Policy and Rules for open and women’s tournaments effective immediately

According to the findings referenced by the DRA, even relatively small physical variations between males and females may accumulate to create a measurable competitive advantage. On this basis, darts has been classified as a “gender-affected sport” under the Equality Act 2010. This classification permits restrictions on participation in women’s categories where it is deemed necessary to ensure fair competition.

As a result of these changes, the previous policy regarding transgender and gender-diverse players has been withdrawn and replaced with a new, more clearly defined structure. The updated rules apply across all affiliated bodies, including the PDC and the Professional Darts Players Association.

For Van Leuven, the decision marks the end of her involvement in the Women’s Series, where she had established herself as a regular competitor against some of the sport’s leading players. Her exclusion represents one of the most high-profile outcomes of the new policy to date.

Despite the restriction in women’s events, the DRA has reiterated its commitment to inclusivity within the sport. Open tournaments will remain accessible to all, regardless of biological sex, legal sex or gender identity. These events provide an alternative competitive pathway outside of gender-specific categories.

The governing body has also confirmed that the policy will not be static. It intends to review the regulations on an annual basis, taking into account any new scientific evidence, legal developments or broader changes in sporting governance.

The topic of transgender participation in darts has attracted considerable attention in recent years. In 2025, Dutch players Aileen de Graaf and Anca Zijlstra withdrew from the national women’s team, citing concerns about competing alongside a transgender player. Meanwhile, Deta Hedman had previously voiced her opposition publicly and withdrew from multiple matches rather than face Van Leuven in women’s competition.

The introduction of the DRA’s new eligibility criteria represents a significant shift in policy and is likely to remain a focal point of discussion within the sport. As the landscape continues to evolve, the balance between fairness in competition and inclusivity is expected to remain at the centre of ongoing debate.