Darts Regulation Authority Disciplinary Committee Hearing
Friday 2^nd July 2010

The Disciplinary Committee made determinations that:-

Paul Nicholson  at the UK Open on Saturday 5^th June 2010 acted in a manner which may reasonably be considered to bring the game of darts into disrepute viz acting in a threatening manner and making inappropriate gestures towards the crowd during a television broadcast (Contrary to Section 4.1 of the DRA Code of Conduct;)

Mr Nicholson was fined £1000

Comment

The DRA Disciplinary Committee took account of the fact that Mr Nicholson, through the DRA, apologises to both the PDC and Sky Sports for any harm caused to the sport. However, in the light of a previous finding of guilt in 2009, the DRA has warned Mr Nicholson that any such further indiscretion will inevitably lead to an immediate suspension from DRA sanctioned events.

Colin Osborne at the Austrian Open in May 2010 failed to mark his game in accordance with the rules of the tournament

Mr Osborne was fined £100. 

Toon Greebe Mr Greebe was fined £100 at a DRA Disciplinary meeting of 10^th May 2010 for the offence of failing to mark at the Pro Tour Event in Crawley in March 2010. Mr Greebe has failed to pay his fine within the time provided by the DRA. He is therefore not eligible to enter any DRA sanctioned events until the Disciplinary Committee hears the further offence of failing to pay a fine within the given time period.

Right of Appeal

Anyone affected by a determination of the DRA Disciplinary Committee has a Right of Appeal in accordance with Rule 6.8(a) of the DRA Official Rule Book. Such an appeal must be made within 14 days of the person being served with a notice of sanction.

NB All money raised from players’ fines is used to support the DRA Drug Testing Programme.

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

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.

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

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.

"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" 

ANDY JENKINS and Jason Clark have been suspended by the Darts Regulation Authority. Andy Jenkins has been banned for one year, with nine months suspended, following complaints over his conduct at the PartyPoker.net German Darts Championship in December.