Trans women are no longer allowed to participate in tournaments of the darts association WDF. The second-largest darts association announced this on Monday. Due to the measure, the Dutch darts player Noa-Lynn van Leuven is no longer welcome at WDF tournaments.
That decision was made after a vote during the general members meeting of the association. The proposal was already submitted in September 2024. But the majority of votes had to be approved by legal authorities.
Almost a year later, the admission criteria of the WDF are being adjusted. The measure takes effect immediately. “We understand that these changes may be a challenge for people who want to participate in these tournaments,” WDF writes. “Those involved will be contacted.”
One of those involved dart players is Van Leuven. Despite the fact that the Dutch trans woman meets the gender requirements of the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA), she is no longer welcome at the women’s tournaments of the WDF.
Van Leuven is still allowed to participate in tournaments at the largest darts association PDC. Last year, Van Leuven was the first Dutch woman ever to qualify for the World Darts Championship (PDC). On Sunday she participated in the PDC Women’s World Matchplay in Blackpool.
The participation of trans women in women’s sports has been a topic of discussion in the sports world for some time. Athletics association World Athletics, swimming association World Aquatics (formerly FINA) and the English Football Association FA have already come up with the rule that trans athletes who have gone through puberty as a man are not allowed to participate in (international) women’s competitions.