Female darts players have been warned they face disciplinary action if they withdraw from matches against transgender players.
British female darts star Deta Hedman has twice withdrawn from competitions in recent months when drawn to face transgender opponents.
The World Darts Federation has now issued a statement warning players could be disciplined, claiming they are protecting the ‘integrity of the game’.
‘Ahead of an important period in the WDF calendar with regional cups, the World Masters and the World Championships, the WDF wishes to clarify its position on player withdrawals,’ a statement read.
‘Once the first dart has been thrown in a tournament, any player that subsequently withdraws from playing a match may be considered to be bringing the game into disrepute and could face disciplinary action.
This stance has been taken to suitably protect our Member Countries, their tournaments and tournament sponsors, as well as to preserve the integrity of the WDF ranking system.’
Hedman, 64, a three-time World Championship finalist, hit the headlines in May when she forfeited a match at the Denmark Open after refusing to take to the oche to face trans player Noa-Lynn van Leuven.
She defended her decision by telling German outlet Bild: ‘I’m not playing against a man in a women’s event’.
Hedman, month withdrew from the ‘The Heart of Darts’ women’s singles tournament, run by the United Kingdom Darts Association.
After winning her opening two matches of the tournament – against Patricia Roberts and Barbara Legge – she was matched up to face Sam Lewis and then withdrew.
The World Darts Federation warning comes despite Hedman serving as the chair of the organisation’s Athletes’ Commission.
Last week, Hedman shared a post encouraging fellow players to sign a petition to support ensuring the women’s category is restricted to players who were born female.
‘Women and girls deserve fair competition in darts, and this means we need our own category, restricted to those born female,’ a letter read.
