Rules - West Waterford Darts
West Waterford Darts
1.         All darts shall be thrown deliberately, one at a time, by and from the hand.
     All darts must be thrown with the needle point aimed towards the face of the dartboard,
     If a dart is not thrown in this manner then the ‘throw’ will be declared a foul throw and will not count.
2.         A throws shall consist of a maximum of ‘three’ darts.
3.         If a player, during a throw, touches any dart that is in the board, then that throw will be deemed to have been completed.
4.         Any dart bouncing off or falling out of the dartboard shall not be thrown again.
5.         A player deliberately abusing the dartboard when retrieving at the end of a throw will be given a verbal warning by the match referee, another warning will be given if a second incident occurs in the same match.  If a third incident occurs in the same match then the player in question will forfeit that respective leg, set or match.
1.         Each player is entitled to (9) practice darts at the assigned dartboard before the match commences.
2.         No other practice darts may be thrown during a match without the permission of the referee.
Starting and finishing
1.         Each match or leg shall be a straight start. IE: to begin scoring the player need only land a dart in the dartboard inside the outer Doubles wire of the dartboard.
2.         Each match or leg shall be played with a double finish (Double Ring or Bull) bull equals double ‘25’.
3.         A ‘Game Shot’ called by a caller is valid only if the darts thrown achieved the required finish and remain in the dartboard until retrieved after the ‘Game Shot’ has been called.
4.         If a ‘Game Shot’ called by a caller is invalid, then the player shall have the right to continue that throw. IE: If all three darts have not already been thrown.
5.         If as a result of an error in rule 3 the player has retrieved any of the darts and not all three darts have been thrown, then the referee shall replace the retrieved dart or darts in as near as is practicable the same position and allow the player to complete the throw.
6.         A dart thrown by a player after finishing shall not count.
1.         The playing rules of a tournament will provide for a draw or toss of a coin for a throw for the Bull to determine the order of play in each match.
2.         In all league matches the home Team has choice of who throws first for the Bull.
3.         A dart which enters the Bull or ‘25’ section may be removed before the opposing player takes his or her throw in the event of both darts being equal the throw will be retaken, in the reverse order until a decision is reached. Any dart that falls out of the board can be re-thrown immediately before the opposing player takes his/her throw.
4.         Only referees markers or callers will be allowed to be situated in front of the players when playing.
5.         Officials situated in front of players must restrict their movements to a minimum during each throw.
6.         A player’s opponent(s) must stand at least 60cm. to the rear of the player on the Oche.
7.         A player at the Oche is entitled to consult with the referee on the amount scored or required at any time during a throw.
8.         Any enquiries on scores recorded or subtractions made will not be entered into after the conclusion of a leg or match.
9.         Any protest concerning the score must be made to the referee before the protesting player’s next throw.
Any protest concerning the decision of the caller or marker, the alleged misconduct of a player, or any other matter must be made immediately to the 0ffical or committee members.
A judgement shall be given on the spot before the leg or match is allowed to continue.
Any late protests will not be honoured.
10. In the event of a team fielding out less than 6 X players at a fixture any byes given must be where they can't field a player ie 4 X players first double then 3 X singles,Middle double and then just 1 X single the rest of the games are  conceded/byes.
 
Scoring
1.         If a player’s equipment becomes damaged or lost during a throw the player will be allowed up to ‘3’ three minutes to repair or replace the equipment.
2.         A dart shall only score if the point remains in or touches the face of the dartboard, within the outer double wire, until after the throw has been completed, and the score has been called and recorded on the scoreboard.
1.         The score is counted from the side of the segment wire in which the point of the dart enters or touches the face of the dartboard.
2.         Darts shall be retrieved from the dartboard by the thrower, excepting only in those circumstances when a physical disability. Or physical injury requires a player to have assistance. But only after the score has been announced by the referee, and recorded by the marker.
3.         A protest about the score attained, or called, after the retrieval of the darts shall not be upheld.
4.         Errors in arithmetic shall stand as written on the scoreboard unless corrected prior to the next throw of the player whose score is in error.
5.         The actual score required by a player must be shown on the scoreboard, clearly visible, at eye level, in front of the players and the referee.
6.         No indication of the ‘double out’ shall be given by the referee, caller, marker or scorer. EG: ‘32’ not ‘double 16’. 
7.         If, during the course of a match a player has an urgent reason for leaving the playing area, the referee may, in his or her sole discretion, allow the player to depart the playing area for up to ‘5’ minutes. 
All dartboards to be manufactured from Sisal.
           ‘Bull’ inside diameter                                       = 12.7mm
           ‘25’ ring inside diameter                                    = 31,8mm
Outside edge of ‘Double ‘wire to Centre Bull         = 170.0mm
Outside edge of ‘Treble’ wire to Centre Bull          = 107.4mm
           Outside edge of ‘Double’ wire to outside edge
Of ‘Double’ wire                                               = 340.0mm
Overall dartboard diameter {+/- 3.0mm.}           = 451.0mm
1.         The dartboard shall be fixed so that the ‘20’ segment is the darker of the two segment colours and is at the top of the dartboard.
2.         The dartboard shall be fixed in such a manner that the vertical height from the floor, at the same level as the Oche, to a horizontal line through the centre of the 'Bull' shall measure 1.73 metres.
3.         A player or team official shall have the right to request that the dartboard be turned before or during the course of a match always providing that the opposing player or team official agrees with the request.
4.         Such change or move shall only be made before a match, or between legs of a match.
1.         In tournament play each ‘floor’ dartboard shall be adequately lit by a suitably positioned light fitting of at least 80 Watts minimum intensity.
2.         All light fittings shall be fitted with screens to divert the light away from the player’s eyes when standing at the Oche.
3.         In staged finals the general level of illumination may be augmented by the use of flood or spot lights, but care should be taken to prevent the introduction of shadows on the dartboard.
Oches
1.         A raised Oche, 38mm high and 610mm long, shall be placed in position at the minimum throwing distance and shall measure from the back of the Oche 2.37 metres along a horizontal line to a plum line at the face of the dartboard.
2.         The diagonal distance from the centre of Bull to the back of the Oche at floor level shall measure 2.93 metres 115.5 inches.
3.         The height of the board, from floor to the centre of the Bull shall be 1.73 meters ‘7 feet 9.25 inches’.
4.         During a match no player shall tread on any part of the raised Oche, nor shall the player deliver any dart with his or her feet in any position other than behind the raised Oche.
5.         A player throwing a dart from a position on either side of the raised Oche shall keep his or her feet behind an imaginary straight line extending on either side of the raised Oche.
6.         Any players in breach of rules 4/5 shall first be warned by the referee in the presence of the player’s captain or team official.
     Any dart subsequently delivered in breach of these rules shall not score and will be declared invalid by the referee.                                                                                         
League
1.         Any team looking to postpone a fixture cannot and will not be allowed unless it is in the event of a funeral and must be played before the next league game.
2.         In the event of a postponement the opposing team will decide which night the game will be played. The game will stay in the same venue and must be played by the following Friday/Game.
3.         Any team conceding a walkover will be fined €100 and deduced 3 points.  The opposing team will be Awarded 6 points.  In the event of a second walkover the team will be suspended for the rest of that season.  A team cannot re-enter the league until all fines have been paid.
4.         All games to start at 9.00pm A League.
9.30pm B & C Leagues.
Any team not on the Oche by 15 min after start time will lose a game at that point and every 15 minutes after.
5.         All teams playing in league finals must have dart shirts no exceptions a fine of €100 will be incurred on the offending team and the public house cannot rejoin west Waterford darts, until the fine is paid in full.
6.         All teams must have a raise oche in the A League only.
7.         All games in the A League only, will be 501 Best of 5.
     B & C Will is the best of 3 games.
8.         All games to start with a throw for the bull.  Home team to have choice of who is to throw first for the bull, if in the event of a draw in legs, the winner of 1st bull throws 1st in deciding leg.
9.         In all matches No player can play 2 singles and 2 doubles on the same night, they can however play one of each.
10.         All matches must be played on the night approved by the committee.
Regrading & Grading
1.         Any player who wishes to be regraded from A, B or C must apply to the league committee.  They will then decide if the player’s application is successful.
2.         Any player or teams fighting or arguing at any match or any darts event will be severely dealt with by the committee.  Examples include fines, suspension and expulsion.
3.         Any results not in by 5 o'clock on a Saturday, clubs will be fined €25 first offence and €50 for every offence after. Results must be text to both Tommy (087-4146890) and Mockey (086-2482093) if only one receives a text the result will not be accepted (reason being there was a lot of confusion last year).If the wrong result is Text in the fine will be €100. 
4.         Any player barred from a pub will not be allowed to play darts in that pub without the consent of the publican concerned.
5.         A team will be required to register as an A league team, if after transfers have been completed, are found to have 3 players that have played A league darts within the last 3 years.
6.         A team will be required to register as an A league team, if after transfers have been completed, are found to have 3 players who have played in and won a B league final but have not played A league darts within the last 3 years.
7.         A team will be required to Register as an A league team, if after transfers have been completed, are found to have 3 players who have either played A league darts or who have played in and won a B league final but have not played A league darts within the last 3 years.
8.         Any player requesting a transfer or to be regraded will apply to the committee.  The transfers and regrading in any given year will be read out at the AGM so that all clubs are aware of the transfers and regrading.
Transfer’s & General Rules
1.         If a second transfer is requested by a player then this player must remain with this club for a three year period before requesting another transfer.  The only exception to this rule will be if the public house concerned closes or if there are not a sufficient number of players to make up a team.
2.         Teams can not register players after names are submitted unless they have a good reason i.e. can’t field a team.
3.         All electronic score boards are forbidden all league games must be now be on a chalk blackboard or whiteboard with proper markers.
4.         A Team must have at least four players to Field a Team or Else it is deemed a Walkover.
5.         Any Team conceding Two Walkover's Will Be Fined and Suspended for The rest of the Season, and All the Match Points from Any Games they played will be voided.
6.         Any West Waterford Dart League finals of singles, doubles or Team events the raffle tickets will be sold by West Waterford Darts League.
7.         In home and away league and cup matches the board must be declared open at 15 minutes before official starting time.
8.         If an away team has not arrived by 15 minutes after official starting time and not phoned to say that they will be late a walkover can be claimed by the home Team.
9.         Clubs holding perpetual trophies are required to return the trophies one month before the final, and they are responsible to ensure that the trophy is engraved in the same style as previously done.
10.         It is the responsibility of the home team in the League to text in results and the wining Team in any cup or knockout competition.
Team Entry & Registration fees
1.         All public Houses are allowed more than one Team; all Teams will enjoy the same status and parity of esteem.
2.         Affiliation for the League for a season is €    for one Team €    for two Teams and €50 for every Team after that.
3.         Affiliation for the six singles is €    per Public house.
4.         Singles Tournaments €10 pp entry fee.
5.         Doubles tournaments €10 pp entry fee
6.         All players must be registered in the West Waterford Darts League.
7.         Registration Fees for players is € per person.
8.         Non registered players are ineligible in West Waterford Darts League, only paid up League players may play in League or Cup competitions.
9.         Any club or Team who pays the required entrance fee into the West Waterford Darts League automatically accepts there rules.
10.         It is the responsibility of the club captains/secretaries to check that players playing for their team are valid before the start of the season.
11.         Any new Teams entering the West Waterford Darts League will be vetted by the Committee for the new season.
12.         Teams that play non registered players will automatically be deducted points.
13.         The League will not accept any responsibility for injuries to players or spectators at any game.  It is the responsibility of the pub or club and No legal representation of any kind will be accepted by West Waterford Darts.
14.         Registered players are not allowed to transfer from one Team to another during the course of the season.
Annual General Meetings
1.        The AGM shall be held every year at such time and place as the committee may determine.
2.        Any member wishing to have any business placed on the agenda shall contact the chairman, in writing at least 21 days prior to the AGM, motions will only be accepted from registered members or the committee.
3.        Any motion carried at the AGM shall be binding on the committee and registered players.
4.        All votes for committee members shall be by secret ballot.
5.        A seconder must be received at the meeting for a motion to be tabled for discussion.
6.        Only members are allowed to vote at the AGM.
7.        (Definition of a member: a registered player, Publican or an officer/member of the outgoing committee, who at the time of the AGM, is not subject to any disciplinary action for non-compliance of any of these rules.
8.        A notice setting out the time, date and venue of the AGM, shall be posted up on the West Waterford Darts Website and placed in the Dungarvan Leader 4 weeks before the AGM.
9.        The committee must inform all clubs connected with the league of any proposals received, at least 7 days before the AGM.
10.        Am EGM may be called by the committee at any time, but 7 days notice and an agenda must be issued to all clubs in the league either by letter or phone call.
11.        An E.G.M. may be called by a majority of clubs involved in the league or by a minimum of 40 participating members whose signatures must be given to the motion calling the E.G.M.  The reason for the E.G.M. must be given to the committee when calling the E.G.M.
12.        The E.G.M. may only deal whit the matter as stated on the 7-day notice and agenda as issued.  
1.        The position of Chairman, Hon. Secretary, Treasure P.R.O and Registrar shall be deemed to be the officers of the league.
2.        At the AGM the following Committee shall be elected:
 
·         P.R.O.
 
3.        All officers and Committee Members shall be elected in the first instance by the AGM.  Where the AGM fails to elect any of the officers, P.R.O. or Registrar the elected Committee may seek to fill the positions from their own number or from other members of the league of the league who subsequently put themselves forward.
4.        The Committee may also if they see fit elect a Vice-Chairperson, assistant Secretary or assistant Treasurer from its members. Any of these positions are deemed to be an officer of the League.
5.        Any member genuinely interested in serving on the Committee, who has a valid reason for not attending the AGM, may have their name put forward for a Committee position, provided a signed and written request is presented at the AGM.
6.        A maximum of 2 members from any one club may be elected as Committee members or officers.
7.        That the incoming Committee be allowed to make Amendments to the existing rules voted on at the previous AGM and that all such amendments be sent out to every participating clubs in the League or if the need arises and they consider the rule to be contentious. 
Committee Meetings
·        Meetings shall be held on such date and time as decided by the Chairperson.
·        A special meeting of the Committee may be called either by the Chairperson or by a notice in writing to the Chairperson signed by no less than 3 members of the Committee stating the business to be considered.
·        All Committee Members shall receive notice prior to any meeting.
·        The business shall be decided on by a majority of the Committee present and entitled to vote.
·        The officers of the League shall be entitled to vote and the Chairperson shall, upon equality of votes, have a second casting vote, and all votes shall be by secret ballot.
·        When an issue before a Committee meeting directly involves a Committees members Club that member may participate in the discussion but must abstain from any vote on the matter.
·        A Committee member missing more than 3 meetings without a valid reason shall be dismissed and may be replaced by co-option.
·        Dismissal from the Committee does not mean that the person is no longer a registered member of the League.
·        Any Player/Club/Publican with outstanding monies owing to the League will not be allowed take part in the followings years competition until such arrears/monies owed are paid in full to the League.
·        In the absence of the Chairperson the Vice-Chairperson (if any) shall assume the role and if he/she is unavailable a Chairperson shall be elected from among those members present at the meeting.
·        The Committee's decision on all matters is final.
Disciplinary Action
 
1.         The Committee shall have the right if they see fit expel or suspend from the League any Member, who in the opinion of the Committee, has acted in breach of any of these rules or against the interests of the League.
2.         Misconduct will not be tolerated.  Offenders can be fined €100 with a verbal warning or expelled or both.  This decision will be made by the Committee of West Waterford Darts and not the club the player plays for.
3.         Any player found to be disrespectful to either the WWDL or players within the WWDL by the use of Facebook, Twitter ect, or verbally could find themselves facing a ban or expulsion from the WWDL the minimum being one month Depending on the severity of the issue may be extended at the discretion of the WWDL Committee.
4.         Teams that fail to pay fines will result in future Team fixtures being cancelled until the fined are paid all fines must be paid before next game is played.
5.         If a player is barred from a pub it is the responsibility of the Team Captain to come up with a resolution, the final say in this matter is with the Publican.
6.         The duration of all suspensions shall be decided by the Committee.
7.         Clubs failing to have 2 members present at meetings will be fined.
8.         No player can play for two teams in the WWDL. Should this happen the match will awarded to the other Team, the player suspended and Team fined?
9.         If a club or clubs alter or reverse a result of a game, the perpetrators will be fined expelled or both.
10.         Any rules or matters omitted in the rules and any complaints put in writing regarding the League, the League Committee have the right to act in the interest of the League by enforcing by-laws.
11.         Each Club will be furnished with a copy of the rules and shall be bound by same.
12.         Failing to have a copy of rules will not be accepted as plead of ignorance of the rules. 
 
     West Waterford Darts is an Organization involved in organising; regulating and promoting the game of Darts and to ensure the on-going growth of the sport for all its participants.