Darts Regulation Authority Disciplinary Committee Hearing

Andy Jenkins has been charged with behaving in a manner likely to bring the sport of darts in to disrepute. Mr Jenkins is banned from playing in DRA sanctioned events for 24 months, 20 months of this ban is suspended. For more information please visit the cases page

Posted on 27 Nov 2009 by Chris Sargeant

Drug Tests

There were 4 primary drugs tests coducted in association with UK Sport during competition in June. All proved negative. Further un-announced tests will be conducted on an ongoing basis. The Darts Regulation Authority Anti-Doping programme is officially recognised as being 'code compliant' by UK Sport

Posted on 03 Aug 2009 by Chris Sargeant

Amended the penalty guidelines

Following the DRA Council meeting on Friday 17th April 2009 the Council has amended the penalty guidelines for the offence of failing to mark. Details of the new guidelines which take effect from Monday 20th April 2009 can be found in the 'Case' section of this site

Posted on 20 Apr 2009 by Chris Sargeant

The Darts Regulation Authority Disciplinary

The Darts Regulation Authority Disciplinary Committee met on Friday 16th January 2009 to discuss a number of matters including cases reported to them alleging collusion by players. The DRA assesses the facts and the evidence in such cases extremely carefully. Every case is dealt with on an individual basis but it is reasonable to expect players found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute in such circumstances to face a ban ‘sine die’ from DRA sanctioned events.
Any suspicion of inappropriate gambling or collusion by players to produce a result runs the very real risk of losing the trust of spectators, fans, promoters and sponsors. It is imperative for the future well-being of the sport that there is seen to be open, honest and fair competition at all darts events. It is equally imperative that while demonstrating that darts takes its governance responsibilities extremely seriously the principles of natural justice are followed at all times.

The DRA Disciplinary Committee found that there is no evidence that players have colluded to arrange outcomes of darts matches or that there has been gambling by players or others that would be in breach of DRA Rules.

The DRA reminds all players subject to DRA rules of their responsibility to be totally competitive at all times during play and to consider the effect of their actions and their words before and after games. It was brought to the attention of the DRA that comments made in television interviews by Darryl Fitton at the 2008 PDC Grand Slam of Darts could have been interpreted as indicating that the player did not put maximum effort into every leg of a darts game. Interpretation of words is a subjective matter but such perceptions could damage the trust of fans, viewers, sponsors and promoters.
The DRA Disciplinary Committee wishes to express its gratitude for the assistance provided by the bookmaking and betting exchange industries in these enquiries. The Memorandums of Understanding in place with the industry will continue to allow the DRA to monitor any ongoing concerns.

Posted on 25 Jan 2009 by Chris Sargeant

The DRA Disciplinary Committee

The DRA Disciplinary Committee met on Friday 16th January 2009 to discuss a number of cases reported to them. Some of those cases now require supplementary enquiries to be conducted with bookmakers and betting exchange companies. When those enquiries are complete, which it is anticipated will be within the next week, this site will be immediately updated with the findings of the Disciplinary Committee.'

'The DRA today electronically publishes the revised DRA Rule Book. Developed principally in response to practical issues and questions arising from darts events, as well as developments in the sport itself, these new Rules apply to all DRA sanctioned events. There are no fundamental changes to the Rules - after all they have stood the test of time over many years and are familiar to all - rather there are some clarifications and updates to the previous Rules.
The DRA wishes to express its gratitude to all those who contributed to the consultation process, particularly those members of the PDPA and PDC who expended much time to scrutinise and contribute to the draft versions.
Hard copies of the Rule Book, distinguished from its predecessor by its blue cover, will soon be distributed to all PDPA members through their Association. Anyone else can request a copy of the book by writing to the DRA Council, Ollerenshaw Solicitors, 59 Holly Walk, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 4JQ enclosing a cheque for five pounds made payable to the Darts Regulation Authority to cover the cost of printing and postage.

Posted on 18 Jan 2009 by Chris Sargeant

Current Complaints

In the light of recent media coverage the DRA can confirm that it has received official complaints relating to what is commonly referred to as ‘game fixing’. The DRA is investigating the circumstances that prompted suspicion that collusion between players or other malpractice may have taken place. It is working in close co-operation with members of the bookmaking and betting industry to ascertain all of the facts surrounding these allegations. The DRA has Memorandums of Understanding with regulatory bodies to exchange and share relevant information for the good governance of the sport.

The DRA assesses the facts and the evidence in such cases extremely carefully as, while every case is dealt with on an individual basis, it is reasonable to expect that players found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute in such circumstances may face a ban ‘sine die’ from DRA sanctioned events. The DRA will make no more comment on these issues until investigations are complete.

Posted on 11 Dec 2008 by Chris Sargeant

Darts Regulation Authority Disciplinary Committee Hearing

Colin Lloyd has been fined for his behaviour at this year’s Grand Prix. See the cases page for more details

Posted on 11 Dec 2008 by Chris Sargeant

DRA Official Rule Book

The DRA Official Rule Book is currently being revised and updated. The new Rule Book will come into effect at the END of this year’s World Championships. The DRA website will contain the new rules from that date.

Posted on 11 Dec 2008 by Chris Sargeant

Drug Testing

The independent drug testing team have tested a number of players at venues including Bolton, Blackpool and Wolverhampton. The testing programme continues during the rest of the season.

So far ALL tests have been negative and all the venues' facilities praised.

Posted on 11 Dec 2008 by Chris Sargeant

Darts Regulation Authority Disciplinary Committee Hearing

Adrian Lewis and Kevin Painter are the latest players to be suspended by The DRA. See the cases page for more details

Posted on 15 Jul 2008 by Chris Sargeant

British Bookmakers Association

"On Tuesday 18th March 2008 the DRA Chair David Douglas attended a seminar held in London by the British Bookmakers Association(ABB). Along with representatives from sports such as football, cricket, horse racing and others discussions were had on formulating Memoranda of Understanding with the ABB so that any 'suspicious' gambling activity is reported directly to both the Gambling Commission (the Statutory body) and the relevant sport's Regulatory Authority (DRA). The Trading Directors of Ladbrokes, William Hill, Corals and other independent bookmakers described in detail their very sophisticated systems for identifying unusual betting patterns in sport. Under the new licensing regime brought in by the Gambling Act 2005 all bookmakers' significant employees have to be individually licensed. They clearly take their obligations under the Act very seriously and have the DRA as a specific point of contact for any concerns they may have arising from tournaments sanctioned by the DRA. The dialogue between the ABB and DRA will continue with further meetings"

Posted on 21 Mar 2008 by Chris Sargeant

Message From the Chair of the DRA � David Douglas

I am very fortunate to be taking over the chair of the Darts Regulation Authority at a time when the future of darts has never looked so exciting. Following the very sad death of my predecessor Graham Ollis it is my job to take forward the DRA from the springboard Graham created