WDF statement

The Rooster

In light of PDPA players being banned from BDO and WDF "opens", the WDF have issued a statement. The main purpose I think is to shift the blame away from themselves! Maybe I'm being harsh and their true intention is to bring everyone closer.
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WDF EXECUTIVE STATEMENT

TO: Principal Contacts - WDF Member Darts Bodies
cc: Other Officials and Interested Parties
FROM: WDF Executive

Recently your Executive Board has been apprised of misinterpretations of WDF Tournament Rules & Bye-Laws, which has led to the disqualification of players from several WDF Ranked Events. Based on consultation with professional counsel, following is the history and WDF interpretation of relevant sections of the WDF Constitution, Playing Rules and Bye-Laws.

HISTORY:

The WDF is a federation of darts bodies representing countries throughout the World, safeguarding their status as representatives of their countries and encouraging the promotion of the Sport of Darts. Since 1997, the WDF also recognizes "professional groups, companies, or associations" (e.g. PDC, PDPA, IDPA), so long as they: (1) recognize the WDF as the world governing body; (2) recognize each WDF Member Darts Body as that country's governing authority for darts; (3) cooperate and work through and with the WDF.

Recognition of these organizations was the result of a legal settlement reached between the PDC (WDC), the BDO, and the WDF (Tomlin Order). The BDO recognized the PDC and agreed that all players shall have the freedom of choice as to which open events they wish to play in. The PDC dropped its claim to be a world governing body, and accepted / recognized the WDF as the governing body for the Sport of Darts worldwide, and the BDO the governing body for darts in the U.K. The stated purpose of this agreement was to promote the freedom of individual darts players to participate freely in open competition.

INTERPRETATION:

● The WDF does not make the rules governing eligibility in tournaments run by its member Darts Bodies. That right is reserved to the Member Darts Body or its appointed organizer.

(Playing Rule 9.03 and Bye-Law #32)

● The WDF does control elegibility in WDF run darts events, e.g. Cup events.

(Playing Rule 9.04 and Bye-Law #31)

● Organizations e.g. PDC, PDPA and IDPA are recognized by the WDF and are within the jurisdiction of the WDF. These organizations accept / recognize the WDF as the governing darts body worldwide, and the WDF recognizes them as organizations which represent the professional darts player. The WDF does not restrict them from playing in tournaments run by Member Darts Bodies.

(Playing Rules 20.07 & 20.08 and Bye-Law #11: 7(a)(b) and Bye-Law #33)

In keeping with its position, as stated herein, the WDF Executive will attempt to purge, clarify and / or illustrate any confusing terminology contained in its Constitution, Playing Rules and / or Bye-Laws. Should you have questions relating to this message, please feel free to contact any member of the WDF Executive Board.

Kingp35

Seems to me that the WDF just issued that statement to protect themselves. It doesnt do anything to help clear up th situation if you ask me.

Rented Mule

Did you ever get the idea that some people in Darts take themselves a bit too seriously ?

Since 1997, the WDF also recognizes "professional groups, companies, or associations" (e.g. PDC, PDPA, IDPA), so long as they: (1) recognize the WDF as the world governing body.