Official competition handbook

League Rules 2026/27

North Dorset Darts League · Committee draft · Version 1.0

1. Purpose and authority

These rules govern all North Dorset Darts League fixtures. Entry into the league confirms that clubs, teams, captains and players agree to follow these rules and the decisions of the League Committee.

2. Teams and player eligibility

1. Each team may register a squad of up to six players.
2. Four players are selected for each fixture. Only those four may take part in that fixture's doubles, singles and beer leg.
3. Players must be registered to the team they represent before taking part, unless the Committee has granted written permission.
4. A player may represent only one league team during the same season unless a transfer is approved by the Committee.
5. Captains are responsible for confirming player eligibility and accurate names on the result sheet.

3. Match-night administration

1. Each team appoints a captain for the fixture.
2. Before play begins, captains exchange the names of their four players.
3. Player names must be drawn randomly to determine the order of play. Captains must not arrange the singles order by agreement.
4. For doubles, each captain nominates two pairs and the pair order is drawn randomly.
5. Reasonable practice darts are permitted before a player's first game. Once a game starts, no further practice darts are allowed.

4. Match format

All scoring legs use straight 501 or 1001 as stated below and are played double-in, double-out.

The six doubles and singles games determine the fixture result. The beer leg is recorded separately and does not alter the fixture result or league points.

5. Starting and finishing

1. A player must hit a double before scoring begins. The dart landing in the double counts toward that visit.
2. A leg is won only by reducing the score to exactly zero with the final dart landing in a double.
3. A bust scores nothing for that visit and the score returns to the total held before the visit.
4. The bull counts as double 25 and may be used to start or finish a leg.

6. Order of throw and scoring

1. The home team throws first in the opening leg of the first game. The first throw alternates in subsequent legs and games unless the Committee issues a different season schedule.
2. The scorer must announce and record each visit. A scoring error must be challenged before the next player throws.
3. The score recorded by the marker stands once the next visit has begun, except for an obvious administrative correction agreed by both captains.

7. League points

• Fixture win: 3 league points
• Fixture draw: 0 league points
• Fixture loss: 0 league points

Standings are ordered by league points. If teams are level, the Committee will apply, in order: fixture wins, game difference, games won, head-to-head record, then a playoff or draw determined by the Committee.

8. Results and individual statistics

1. Both captains must check and sign the result sheet.
2. The winning team, or the home team following a draw, must submit the result by the Committee's published deadline.
3. Recorded player statistics are appearances, singles wins, 180s and highest checkout.
4. A 180 or checkout counts only when clearly witnessed and entered on the signed result sheet.
5. The highest possible checkout recorded is 170.

9. Postponements and incomplete fixtures

1. Teams should make every reasonable effort to play on the scheduled date.
2. A postponement must be agreed by both captains and reported promptly to the Committee.
3. The rearranged date must fall within any deadline set by the Committee.
4. If teams cannot agree, the Committee may set a date, award or void the fixture, or impose a sanction after considering the circumstances.

10. Conduct

Players and spectators must behave respectfully, avoid deliberate distraction, and comply with venue rules. Threatening, discriminatory, abusive or violent behaviour is prohibited and may lead to suspension or removal under the Conduct and Disciplinary Policy.

11. Protests and disputes

1. A captain should raise a match-night concern immediately and allow the opposing captain an opportunity to resolve it.
2. Unresolved protests must be submitted in writing with relevant evidence within seven days.
3. The Committee may request statements, hold a hearing, and issue a decision. Anyone directly involved in a dispute must not take part in deciding it.
4. An appeal must identify a procedural error, significant new evidence, or a clearly unreasonable sanction.

12. Divisional knockout cups

1. Each division operates its own knockout cup.
2. Cup ties use the normal match format. If the six doubles and singles games finish 3–3, the 1001 beer leg decides which team advances.
3. Random draws and any necessary byes are administered by the League Committee.
4. Cup rounds are played on designated cup weeks in place of normal league fixtures.

13. Committee powers

The Committee may interpret these rules, correct genuine administrative errors, make emergency arrangements and decide matters not expressly covered. Material changes should be recorded and communicated to all teams.