Darts body WDF bans trans women from women’s tournaments, affecting Dutch player
Dutch darts player Noa-Lynn van Leuven has been barred from competing in women's tournaments organized by the World Darts Federation (WDF) following the implementation of a new eligibility policy. The regulation, approved by WDF member countries on Monday, states that only athletes who were assigned female at birth may compete in WDF women’s tournaments.
The ban takes effect immediately and applies to all transgender women, who will now only be allowed to participate in the open category, which includes male players. The WDF confirmed that its member nations have been informed and instructed to speak directly with players affected by the policy shift.
“We understand that these changes may be challenging for individuals wishing to participate in these tournaments,” the WDF stated. “The WDF has directly contacted its member countries so as they can discuss these changes with affected players directly.”
Van Leuven, one of the few openly transgender players on the international darts circuit, had previously been eligible to compete in WDF women’s events under broader standards used by the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA), which still permits transgender participation under its gender guidelines.
Although she is now excluded from WDF women’s tournaments, Van Leuven remains eligible to compete in Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) events. She made history in 2024 as the first Dutch woman to qualify for the PDC World Championship and played in the Women’s World Matchplay in Blackpool this past Sunday.
