Darts Regulation Authority Bans Transgender Women from Women's Events

The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) has implemented a new policy that bans transgender women from competing in women-only events, effective April 5, 2026. This decision follows a review of the DRA's Trans and Gender Diverse Policy, which included a report by Dr. Emma Hilton, a developmental biologist. The DRA concluded that only biological females would be eligible to compete in women’s tournaments to ensure fair competition, citing "multiple physical differences" that provide males with advantages in darts. The ruling affects players like Noa-Lynn van Leuven, who has been a prominent figure in the PDC Women's Series, having won six titles since 2022.

Transgender women darts players no longer able to compete in women's tournaments after Darts Regulation Authority rulingVan Leuven banned with immediate effect from PDC women's tournaments; federation adopts new guidelines on transgender eligibilityDaily MailThe GuardianMirror - UKDaily Mail

Noa-Lynn van Leuven, the first openly transgender woman to compete in the PDC World Championship in 2024, has expressed her dismay at the ruling, stating that she has been "retired" from the sport against her will. In an emotional video posted on social media, she shared her feelings of exclusion, saying, “I just got an email. Apparently, I just got retired, not by choice, but because I am no longer allowed to compete.” Van Leuven emphasized that this decision is not just about her but represents a broader issue for the transgender community, particularly following recent decisions by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to limit female categories to biological women.

Mirror - UKDaily MailThe GuardianTransgender women darts players no longer able to compete in women's tournaments after Darts Regulation Authority rulingVan Leuven banned with immediate effect from PDC women's tournaments; federation adopts new guidelines on transgender eligibilityDaily Mail

The DRA stated that the new eligibility policy aims to achieve fair competition in darts and will be reviewed annually. They noted that all players, regardless of biological sex, legal sex, or gender identity, are encouraged to compete in open tournaments. The DRA's decision has been met with mixed reactions; while some support the ruling for ensuring fairness, others, including van Leuven, view it as a significant setback for transgender athletes.

Transgender women darts players no longer able to compete in women's tournaments after Darts Regulation Authority rulingDaily MailVan Leuven banned with immediate effect from PDC women's tournaments; federation adopts new guidelines on transgender eligibilityThe GuardianMirror - UKDaily Mail

Critics of the DRA's decision, including van Leuven, argue that it further marginalizes transgender individuals in sports. Van Leuven highlighted the emotional toll of the ruling, stating, “Every day it’s getting harder for trans people just to exist, to compete.” Additionally, some female players, such as Aileen de Graaf and Anca Zijlstra, have previously expressed discomfort competing alongside van Leuven, leading to their withdrawal from the Dutch national team.

Van Leuven banned with immediate effect from PDC women's tournaments; federation adopts new guidelines on transgender eligibility

Despite the ban from women's events, van Leuven remains eligible to compete in open tournaments, where she hopes to continue her career. The DRA has committed to monitoring developments in transgender participation in sports and will adjust its policies as necessary based on new insights and legal frameworks.

Van Leuven banned with immediate effect from PDC women's tournaments; federation adopts new guidelines on transgender eligibility

• “Apparently, I just got retired, not by choice, but because I am no longer allowed to compete.” — Noa-Lynn van Leuven

Van Leuven banned with immediate effect from PDC women's tournaments; federation adopts new guidelines on transgender eligibility

• “This isn’t just about me, it is another huge hit for the trans community.” — Noa-Lynn van Leuven

The Guardian

• “satisfied that to achieve fair competition in darts, only biological females should be eligible to compete in women's tournaments regulated by DRA Rules” — Darts Regulation Authority

Transgender women darts players no longer able to compete in women's tournaments after Darts Regulation Authority ruling

This ruling marks a significant shift in the landscape of competitive darts, reflecting ongoing debates about gender identity and fairness in sports.

Transgender women darts players no longer able to compete in women's tournaments after Darts Regulation Authority ruling