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The World Darts Federation has warned female players of disciplinary action if they refuse to compete against trans-identifying males, according to a new Daily Wire report.
This follows a statement ahead of the World Championship, clarifying that forfeiting matches due to playing against biological males will not be tolerated, after British player Deta Hedman did so earlier this year, according to Yahoo News.
“The WDF wishes to clarify its position on player withdrawals,” the statement read. “Once the first dart has been thrown in a tournament, any player that subsequently withdraws from playing a match may be considered to be bringing the game into disrepute and could face disciplinary action… This stance has been taken to suitably protect our member countries, their tournaments and tournament sponsors, as well as to preserve the integrity of the WDF ranking system.”
In May, Deta Hedman withdrew from a darts competition in Denmark after being scheduled to play transgender competitor Noa-Lynn van Leuven, stating on social media that “biological men” should not compete in women’s sports. Last month, Hedman pulled out of another event upon learning she would face a transgender opponent, according to Yahoo News.
Following the release of the WDF’s statement, Hedman told Telegraph Sport she felt that it was directed right at her, claiming:
“When that statement went out, I felt it was aimed at me. They haven’t shown any regard for the mental health of anyone female-born at all. It’s all about the mental health of transgender women. They have not once come to us ladies and asked how we are feeling about it. We’re having to stand up to say, ‘This is how we feel.’”
The World Darts Federation is now threatening female players who refuse to play against men who pretend they’re women. One of the best female darts players in the world, Deta Hedman, has taken a stand by refusing twice to compete against these men who identify as trans. pic.twitter.com/smRj6cfF8b
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) September 3, 2024
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