By James Pryer
Darts is a relatively simple sport: players stand 2.73m from a board set 1.73m high and aim to score 501 points in as few darts as possible. However, the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) has some peculiar rules that even experienced players and die-hard fans may not know about.
From the weight of the dart to players’ car insurance, here are five surprising rules in darts.
1. Alcohol Consumption
Darts has deep roots in pubs, and many players believe they perform better after a few drinks. While it’s not openly discussed, there’s speculation that players enjoy a drink or two in the practice room before stepping on stage.
The DRA’s stance is clear:
“6.18.1 – No alcoholic drinks shall be consumed or taken outside the designated practice area by any Player or Official whilst engaged in any Darts Event.”
This rule prohibits drinking on stage but does not prevent players from having a beverage while practicing backstage.
2. Dimensions of the Dart
With thousands of barrel shapes, weights, stems, flights, and points available, players have millions of dart combinations to choose from. While the DRA allows flexibility, there are still regulations:
“6.1.1 – Players shall provide their own darts which shall not exceed an overall maximum length of 200mm nor weigh more than 40 grams and shall consist of a metal point and a minimum of a barrel, stem, and a flight.”
“6.1.2 – Where darts are deemed by the Tournament Director to be causing undue damage to the dartboard, he shall prohibit the use of those darts in the event.”
Ryan ‘Heavy Metal’ Searle comes close to pushing these limits with his 32-gram darts, while Luke Humphries’ 43mm-long barrel and 65mm stems put him near the 200mm maximum length.
3. Dress Code & Banned Accessories
Darts is known for its flashy outfits, with players like Peter ‘Snakebite’ Wright sporting bold designs. However, there are strict dress code regulations:
“6.17.1 – Players are not permitted to wear jeans; neither shall they wear trousers or skirts made with denim or corduroy material which have been fashioned in a ‘jeans style.’ No non-formal footwear will be allowed unless the Player has obtained permission from the Tournament Director prior to the Match.”
Another unusual rule involves headphones and ear defenders. This was introduced after Gerwyn Price wore noise-reduction headphones during his 2023 PDC World Darts Championship quarter-final against Gabriel Clemens.
“6.17.4 – Players are not permitted to wear earphones, headphones, or headphone-type ear defenders during the throw at the Bull prior to the match or during Match play. The use of ‘in-ear’ earplugs is permitted.”
4. Car Insurance for Darts Players
One unexpected requirement for professional darts players is their car insurance. Since all PDC players must be members of the Professional Darts Players Association (PDPA), they are officially classified as professional athletes.
As a result, they must purchase a professional athlete’s car insurance premium, which is typically more expensive due to frequent travel to tournaments.
5. Loose Darts & Bounce Outs
Darts only count once a player retrieves them, which is why players rush to remove any that appear loose before they fall out.
This rule also applies to bounce-outs. A famous example occurred in the 2015 PDC World Darts Championship final when Gary Anderson faced Phil Taylor. Anderson’s first two darts landed in the treble 20, but his third dart bounced out—knocking the other two with it.
Since no darts remained in the board at the end of his throw, the score was zero, proving that in darts, sometimes bad luck can be costly.