Rules

CONSTITUTION
1		The association shall be called the Aberdeen Darts Association.
2		Its objects shall be to foster the game of darts and to raise the standard of play in Aberdeen.
3		The annual subscription for each term shall be determined by the Committee and will be made payable 7 weeks before the AGM.
4		The management shall be invested in a committee consisting of President and ten others to be elected at the AGM. If the Committee falls short of 11 members the President will have the right to co-opt anyone onto the Committee, six to form a quorum. No more than two officials shall be appointed from any one club. Within 14 days of the AGM, the elected Committee will appoint, from within those elected, the members to serve as Office bearers.
5		The chairman of all meetings of Committee shall have a deliberate and casting vote, except on matters relating to his own club, when he shall not have a casting vote.
6		The committee shall have power to call special meetings should they think advisable and shall also be bound to call special general meetings of the association on receiving a request (specifying the object) from no fewer than 10% of clubs.
7		Each club will appoint a representative to attend the general or special meetings; the appointed representative shall be the only person from each club who will be permitted entry to the meeting. No two clubs to be represented by the same individual. A fine of £50 for non-attendance at annual meeting or special meetings. Apologies will not be accepted.
8		50% of the number of representatives eligible to attend shall form a quorum at all meetings. In the event of the number of representatives present during the meeting falling below that required for a quorum then no further business shall be transacted, and the meeting shall be deemed to be closed.
9		The committee reserves the right to refuse registration of any person from taking part in the association tournaments – No reason need be given.
10		The committee shall have power to arrange matches to be played under the auspices of the ADA as they may think desirable, the selection of teams for such matches to be in their hands.

RULES OF COMPETITION
1		Aberdeendarts.co.uk and the ADA Facebook page to be the official publication of all ADA material.
(a)		All fixtures to be published on the website as soon as possible.
(b)		All games to be played as per fixtures. Changes of dates will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances.
(c)		Changes of dates must be published on the website and Facebook page giving new date and reason for change.
(d)		All dates for competitions to be published on the website within 4 weeks of the AGM.
(e)		Changes of dates must be published on the website and Facebook page giving new date and reason for change. There will be no changes to dates once venue stages are reached.
(e)		Extensions to games will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances. Where extensions have been granted, the reason for extension to be published on the website.
(g)		All cup and singles competition results to be published on the website within 7 days of the closing date of competitions.
(h)		All league results to be published on website by Thursday after game has been played and notification of updates put on the Facebook page.
(i)		All 180’s, top averages (15 darts or better), top check outs (101 or better) from League, cup and singles/pairs matches to be published on website within 14 days of results being sent to the match secretary and notification of updates put on the Facebook page.
2		Each player must complete an approved registration form and pay a fee of £3 to the association, before becoming eligible to play in any ADA competition. Only an elected committee member can accept registration forms, but where the committee cannot be contacted, the opposing team’s captain may counter sign the registration form thus enabling the player eligible to play in that match.
3		Players may transfer to one other team within the first 6 weeks of the season provided the following criteria are met;
(i)		The original team will not be left with less than 12 signed players
(ii)		The team captain agrees to the transfer
(iii)		A transfer fee of £20 is paid.
		Any players found to have signed for more than one team without prior consent and out with the 6-week window will be expelled from the association for 2 full years from the date of the offense.
4		All teams must register a minimum of 6 players, which must include the team captain and secretary, by completion of the appropriate forms, 3 weeks before the start of the season. Where teams have not registered enough players, they will be contacted by the committee 5 weeks before the start of season and given 2 weeks to raise the required players. If teams still do not have the required players, they will not be included in that season's fixture list. Where divisions fall short of teams the committee has the option to promote a maximum of two teams from each division. If fixtures are changed, they are to be published on the official website before the season starts and teams to receive a new fixture list.
5		All teams must register a captain & secretary before the season starts as per rule 4. If a team has to change their captain and/or secretary during the season the committee must be informed before the team’s next game by the new captain/secretary completing a new captain’s / secretary’s form.
6		The league shall consist of five divisions. There shall be 12 teams in the super premier, premier, 1st & 2nd divisions and 14 teams in the 3rd division.
(a)		All divisions shall play one home and one away game. The committee shall be informed if premises are closed or normal playing area is unavailable before next scheduled match.
(b)		If the home venue is unavailable the committee shall have the discretion to agree to a suitable alternative venue to be used until the home venue is available. Where a suitable alternative venue cannot be found, the home team shall forfeit home advantage for those matches.
(c)		Where a team’s premises ceases trading, a team may move to an alternative venue, at the discretion of the committee, allowing them to retain their league position in the following season.
7		No team may play a league, George Baxter, Scott Campbell, Embassy, Fountain or Legends Trophy match with less than 6 players. No more than two players arriving late can be included to bring a team up to full strength, provided a legal line up of at least 6 players are present and have signed the team lines when the match commences, and that play is not held up awaiting the arrival of the late comers. In the event of a team having less than 6 players, the opposing side shall sign team lines in normal way and record the maximum score possible for that match in their favour. When a team claims a game because the opposition has less than 6 players, the team claiming must show the opposing side the match lines to verify that they have a legal line-up of at least 6 players. Only after doing so can the game be claimed. All players must personally sign the match lines.
8		All matches shall commence at 8pm unless the officials for some reasonable cause extend the time.
(a)		In all league matches the away team shall have the throw in all odd sets.
(b)		In all team cup matches the away captain shall call on the toss of a coin and the winner shall throw first in all odd numbered games and the loser of the toss shall throw first in all even numbered games. All matches shall be deemed started at 8pm. Only six practice darts are allowed after the two players are at the oche, the team with the throw to put their player up first.
9		In league matches, teams may utilize the service of 16 players provided they are not in breach of rule 7, and are to be played as follows:
(a)		The super premier to be played as 8 singles and 4 pairs best of three legs.
	(I)	A blind draw to be carried out to determine order of play for the singles.
	(II)	The 8 players from each team for the blind draw are to be chosen by the team captains and must be in the venue at the time the draw takes place.
	(III)	The draw for the pairings to be carried out by the captains before the match commences.
	(VI)	The 4 pairs to be selected at the captains’ discretion.
(b)		The premier division to be played as 8 singles and 4 pairs best of three legs.
(c)		The 1st & 2nd divisions to be played as 8 singles best of three legs and 4 pairs best of one leg.
(d)		The 3rd division to be played as 8 singles and 4 pairs best of one leg.
10		Two points shall be awarded for a win and one point for a draw. Where teams withdraw from the association before the first half of the season is completed any points gained against that team will be deducted. If a team withdraws after the start of the second half of the season only points gained in the first half will stand.
11		At the end of each season the bottom team from the Super Premier division and the bottom two teams from the Premier, 1st and 2nd divisions will be relegated, this will include teams who have withdrawn or been expelled from the association but not teams failing to complete the first four league matches. The team in second bottom place of the Super Premier division will play the runner up of the Premier division for the second promotion spot. Two or more teams from the Premier, 1st, 2nd and 3rd divisions shall be promoted, depending on the number of teams applying for membership. League winners will be awarded £200 and annual trophy. League runner-up will be awarded £100 and an annual trophy.
12		In the event of two or more teams having the same number of points at the end of the season, thus tying for championship, promotion or relegation, a head-to-head count of match points shall decide the winner. If teams still tied then a play-off of one match shall be played at a neutral venue chosen by the committee. The play-off between the team in second bottom place of the Super Premier division and runner up of the Premier division will also be played as one match at a neutral venue chosen by the committee. All play-offs to be played as 8 singles and 4 pairs, straight start and double finish. If the match is a draw, then a deciding leg of 1001 to be played with a new toss of the coin. Teams to be notified within 7 days of final league match.
13		League Results. An electronic copy of the team lines, including players’ names/signatures, the result and any 180’s, high finishes and quick legs to be sent to the match secretary no later than 10pm Tuesday following the match. Lines to be sent either by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or through WhatsApp or Messenger to 07759543855. The Winning team is responsible for sending in their result and the home team is responsible for results of drawn games. Teams failing to comply with this rule shall forfeit point or points gained in that match, no exceptions.
14		All teams will be entered into all competitions unless committee has been informed otherwise by the team submitting the appropriate form, before the draw has been made. Team cup games to be played on fixed dates arranged by committee and advertised on the website, when cup games reach venue stages all teams/players to be present on first night with winners returning on the second night. The names of all players/teams involved in any cup draws to be published on the official website 2 weeks before the actual draw is published, to allow the names to be checked, verified or challenged. If a team cannot raise a team for a cup match, they should telephone the opposition on the Monday telling them the situation. See also rule 33.
15		Teams in the Super Premier & Premier division shall play for the Embassy trophy. Teams in Divisions 1 and 2 shall play for the Fountain Trophy. Teams in division 3 shall play for the Legends trophy. Matches shall be played as 8 singles and 4 pair’s games of 501 up, straight start and finishing on a double. In the event of a draw one game of 1001 to be played straight start and double finish (with a new toss of the coin). Teams may utilize the service of 16 players provided they are not in breach of rule 7.
16		In the Brig Inn, Donald Taylor and Tipsy Cow Trophies, teams must have the required number of players before the match commences.
17		In the Brig Inn trophy competition, teams must consist of 4 players but may utilise the service of 5 players. 6 games must be played as follows: 4 singles and 2 pairs’ games of 501. In the event of a draw, a foursome of 1001 with a new toss of the coin will be played. All games straight start and finishing on a double.
18		In the Donald Taylor trophy competition, teams must consist of 3 players a side and played on a round-robin as follows: 1v1, 2v2, 3v3, 1v2, 2v3, 3v1, 1v3, 2v1 and 3v2, of 501 straight start and finishing on a double. When the cup reaches venue stages a toss of the coin shall decide home and away team.
19		In the Tipsy Cow Trophy competitions, teams must consist of 5 players, and 2 pairs sets followed by 5 singles sets of the best of 3 legs to be played with the 1st singles set to be played by the person who did not play in either pair set. All legs to be played 501 straight start and finishing on a double.
20		In the Scott Campbell trophy competition seven singles games of 501 must be played, double start and double finish. Teams should consist of seven players a side providing they are not in breach of rule 7.
21		In the George Baxter trophy competition 7 singles and 4 pair’s games of 501 must be played, straight start and double finish. Teams may use 16 players during the match provided they are not in breach of rule 7.
22		The Bill Masson trophy will be contested by captains and secretaries in the Super Premier, Premier and 1st divisions. Captains and secretaries in divisions 2 and 3 will contest the Joe Horne trophy. Games shall be arranged as per rule 27. Unregistered secretaries will not be entered. Format will be the best of 5 legs of 501, all games to be played straight start finishing on a double with closest the bull determining who has the throw in odd legs, away player to throw first for the bull.
23		The Royals Shield shall be competed for by a champion of each team and shall be arranged as per rule 27. Format will be the best of 5 legs of 501, all games to be played straight start finishing on a double with closest the bull determining who has the throw in odd legs, away player to throw first for the bull. Each team shall play their own qualifying competition for this trophy and the name of the player competing must be given to the match secretary by the closing date for the results of the 1st round, this will not be allowed to be changed. The previous year’s winner shall be granted automatic entry into the current year’s tournament.
24		The Leonard Pairs shall be competed for by the pair’s champions of each team and shall be arranged as per rule 27. Format will be the best of 5 legs of 501, all games to be played straight start finishing on a double with closest the bull determining who has the throw in odd legs, away player to throw first for the bull. Each team shall play their own qualifying competition for this trophy and the name of the pair competing must be given to the match secretary by the closing date for the results of the 1st round, this will not be allowed to be changed.
25		ADA Singles Trophy matches format will be the best of 5 legs of 501, semi-final best of 7 legs of 501 and final best of 9 legs of 501. All games to be arranged as per rule 27. Matches to be played straight start and finish on a double with closest the bull determining who has the throw in odd legs, away player to throw first for the bull. Entry fee will be £3.00 per player. Only players registered with the ADA on or before the closing date of the singles will be accepted. The ADA match secretary to disregard any names not registered.
26		ADA Pairs trophy matches format will be the best of 5 legs of 501, semi-final best of 7 legs of 501 and final best of 9 legs of 501. All games to be arranged as per rule 27. Matches to be played straight start, finishing on a double with closest the bull determining who has the throw in odd legs, away player to throw first for the bull. Entry fee will be £6.00 per pair. Only players registered with the ADA on or before the closing date for the pairs will be accepted. The ADA match secretary to disregard any names not registered.
27		Home team/player must make arrangements for playing games by contacting the opponent on the first Monday following publication of draws. All calls must be made by 9:30pm, giving opponent choice of all available dates. If the away player does not receive notification on the first Monday, he then becomes the home player and must make contact on the second Monday by 9:30pm giving opponent choice of remaining dates. Any player having difficulty arranging a match MUST contact Players Rep before 10pm for assistance or they will lose home advantage. On the arranged date of the match, should a player be going to be at the venue later than 10:30pm, they should contact their opponent to make them aware by 10pm. If no contact can be made, the player should contact the Players Rep on 07415330053 for assistance. If at the venue and no contact has been made and your opponent is not there by 10:30pm you should contact the Players Rep on 07415330053 at 10:30pm for assistance. Claims: Forms to be completed stating reason for claim and who was contacted to arrange game. Where contact has not been made, please state reason. No Contact. Players/teams must contact the player’s rep before making claim. Contact: Where contact has been made and player/team has been told to claim game, please state reason. Player/team does not need to contact player rep before claiming game. Double Claim: Will be dealt with by the committee on the information provided on the claims form. Players/Teams must provide a contact number on all claims.
28		Cups, Singles & Pairs Results. An electronic copy of the team lines, including players’ names/signatures, the result and any 180’s, high finishes and quick legs to be sent to the match secretary no later than 10pm Tuesday following the match. Lines to be sent either by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or through WhatsApp or Messenger to 07759543855. The Winning team is responsible for sending in their result. Teams/players failing to comply with this rule shall be eliminated, no exceptions. All players must personally sign match lines.
29		The committee will nominate markers for quarter-final, semi-final and final matches at neutral venues. Where teams are involved, they will alternate.
30		Teams should be suitably dressed at quarter-final and semi-final matches. Football or offensive clothing is not allowed. Players competing on finals night should be suitably dressed, jeans or cords will not be permitted on stage.
31		If a player or players do not fulfill a fixture without prior consent of the committee, they will forfeit any prize money and trophies due to them. If a player or players are not at the presentation of trophies on finals night, they may forfeit all prizes.
32		Teams and individuals awarded annual trophies are responsible for the return of all trophies to the appointed place and time allocated by the committee. Teams or individuals will be fined £20 if this is not done. Team or player awarded trophies are responsible for trophies until returned to ADA officials. All damages to be repaired at no cost to the association.
33		Any team failing to fulfill an engagement without sufficient reason shall be dealt with by the committee and on the offence being repeated shall be liable to expulsion from the association. A team that has been expelled from the association may not be granted automatic entry in the season following the expulsion.
(a)		Teams that fail to turn up for a league match will be fined £50 and deducted 2 match points and;
(b)		Teams that fail to turn up for a cup match will be fined £50
(b)		When they do not telephone their opposition and the ADA Match Secretary with notification by 7pm on the night of the match. The fine to be paid by that team to a charity chosen by the committee.
34		All matches under the jurisdiction of the ADA shall be played on a standard board. Any measurement within an ⅛th of an inch to be standard. (Reconditioned boards are not suitable).
35		Teams shall supply suitable playing materials (not including darts).
36		The board shall be 5ft 8ins (173cms) high from the floor to the center of the “bull” and the throw line or “oche” 7ft 9¼ins (237cms) in a plumb line from the face of the board measured along the floor. The diagonal distance from the centre of the bull to the back of the “oche” shall be 9ft 7½ins (293cms). No player may throw from a distance less than 7ft 9¼ins (237cms).
37		The throw line shall be a raised “oche” at least 2ft long and 1½ins high.
38		Dartboards used in the ADA shall be adequately lit by either:
(a)		A commercially manufactured low power LED board surrounding lighting system or;
(b)		By suitably positioned light fittings of 1600LM (100W) minimum intensity.
39		Home teams must provide a marker and the visiting team a checker. Where Darts for Windows is used the home team must provide a marker and caller and the visiting team a checker.
40		All scoring boards shall be fixed so that the score can be clearly seen and the individual scores to be shown at side for checking.
41		No automatic marking boards to be used for matches with the exception of Darts for Windows, providing teams are not in breach of rule 38.
42		Only darts actually touching or in the board are counted. If darts fall out before darts have been retrieved only darts remaining in the board will count. A “game shot” called by the referee/caller or marker is valid only if the darts thrown achieve the required finish and remain in the board until retrieved by the thrower (darts shall be retrieved by the thrower except in those circumstances when a physical disability or physical injury requires a player to have assistance, but only after the score has been called by the referee or caller and recorded by the scorer or marker at the time “game shot” is called).
43		A dart counts what it indicates at point of entry irrespective of the position it is in the board.
44		A player is not bound to go for the double required but may obtain the number in his own way provided he obtains the exact number required and finishes on a double which completes the exact number to finish the game. During a throw a player may ask the checker his score to date, or what remains and may be told either. He may only be told the amount and not the double required i.e., 34 but not double 17.
45		Three doubles or trebles or three darts in any one bed is not game unless the three doubles constitute the exact number required.
46		A bull (50) shall count as a double.
47		In disputes regarding playing conditions, viz: position, type, height or condition of the board, length of throw, “oche”, lighting etc. A protest must be made before play commences, otherwise, once play has commenced this will be regarded as signifying that the playing conditions are satisfactory and agreed by both teams. Failing settlement of any complaint on the spot, the match shall be played “under protest” and the match results sheet marked accordingly and signed on behalf of the protesting team. If a match is played under protest, the captains must sign the official match lines prior to the match commencing and have the time and writing, full reasons being stated to the association match secretary within two days of the match taking place. No protest concerning the playing conditions will be considered unless this is made in accordance with the procedure detailed above and also complies without the procedure governing protests generally.
48		All matters concerning the eligibility of players and interpretation of rules or other disputes shall be referred to the committee whose decision shall be final.
49		Any protest regarding the legality of a throw must be made at the time of such throw.
50		All protests must be accompanied by a deposit of £2 and lodged with the committee within two days of the concerned, protesting team must name player or players protested against.
51		In the event of a protest being upheld by the committee the successfully protesting team shall be awarded the game (in league matches a 12-0 victory recorded in their favour) and the £2 deposit refunded.
52		Where the protest is overruled, the fee is forfeited.
53		No alterations to the foregoing constitution and rules shall be made except at the annual general meeting or a special meeting for that purpose. Any team desiring to submit a motion proposing changes in the constitution and rules shall give notice of such motion in writing, specifying the changes proposed, to the General Secretary of the Association no later than twenty-eight days before the date of the annual general meeting or special meeting: providing however that this rule shall not apply to any alteration which the committee shall at any time authorize to be placed on the agenda. Rule changes to be published on the ADA website at least 14 days before the AGM or special meeting.

N.B. In bars where radios, television sets, juke boxes or other musical instruments are installed, the association would greatly appreciate same being switched off or a reduction in volume during matches. League Results. An electronic copy of the team lines, including players’ names/signatures, the result and any 180’s, high finishes and quick legs to be sent to the match secretary no later than 10pm Tuesday following the match. Lines to be sent either by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or through WhatsApp or Messenger to 07759543855. The Winning team is responsible for sending in their result and the home team is responsible for results of drawn games. Teams failing to comply with this rule shall forfeit point or points gained in that match, no exceptions. Cups, Singles & Pairs Results. An electronic copy of the team lines, including players’ names/signatures, the result and any 180’s, high finishes and quick legs to be sent to the match secretary no later than 10pm Tuesday following the match. Lines to be sent either by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or through WhatsApp or Messenger to 07759543855. The Winning team is responsible for sending in their result. Teams/players failing to comply with this rule shall be eliminated, no exceptions.