In this blog post, we want to touch on a topic that hasn't played a particularly significant role in darts so far. Surprisingly, because darts, in particular, contains numerous substances that can lead to performance enhancement .
The talk is about doping. Even darts is not immune to doping cases, although positive test results among stars have been limited so far.
There have been no major doping incidents to date, especially among the world's elite. Nevertheless, some incidents have already caused a stir. Darts should not downplay doping, but rather take decisive action against it before it becomes a major issue.
Doping at the German Masters – both finalists tested positive
The year is 2017. The German Masters are already half a year behind us, and the PDC Darts World Championship is underway in England at the same time. At this point, no one is thinking about doping in darts. But that's far from the case.
The final of the German Masters darts took place in June 2017. The National Anti-Doping Agency , or NADA for short, tested both finalists for banned substances – the results were positive in both cases.
It was particularly bitter for the finalists: the prize money, the titles and a nomination for the national team were thus given away carelessly.
In addition, both finalists were given long bans from darts. DDV President Johann Peltzer said at the time: "That makes you lose faith in humanity. That was a huge blow for me." It was certainly a huge blow to all darts fans, too, as darts is considered a popular sport for everyone.
The DDV (German Darts Association) has now established an anti-doping commission . However, the main problem isn't always with the players. Because the issue of doping in darts hasn't been addressed for a long time, many players still don't know exactly what they're allowed to take and what they're not .
This often leads to players reacting with surprise to positive test results – but ultimately, this shouldn't be an excuse. Ultimately, every darts player has to inform themselves about what they can and can't legally take .
In case of doubt, an exemption from “Nada” is necessary – for example, if certain substances must be taken to maintain health.
What exactly is doping supposed to achieve in darts?
Doping can also significantly contribute to a darts player's success. Unfortunately, there are actually some crucial factors that make darts particularly attractive for doping. Therefore, a doping test in darts is no longer unusual, especially for professionals.
Let's start with concentration. Darts is a sport that requires enormous concentration . There are numerous substances that can help maintain maximum concentration over a long period of time, i.e., several hours .
But it's not just concentration that can be significantly affected. Quite a few players suffer from nervousness . Here, too, there are plenty of remedies that ensure the arm remains relaxed and calm – even in crucial game situations when your heart rate is actually racing.
These two factors, in particular, lend themselves to doping. One more reason for the world's largest and most powerful darts association, the PDC , to take decisive action against doping before this issue makes a bigger splash among the professionals.
Doping controls in the PDC
Doping in the PDC hasn't been a major issue so far, partly because the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) conducts regular tests to ensure that the professionals are strictly monitored .
The DRA is legally responsible for conducting PDC doping tests. However, the DRA does much more to ensure that darts is not "tainted."
Even inappropriate language in interviews or a player's behavior in front of cameras that could cast darts in a negative light will be severely punished. A major advantage for the PDC, as no exceptions are made here.
So far, the strict enforcement has resulted in fines of just a few hundred pounds . However, the record here is 4,000 pounds against Mervyn King – also for using profanity and withdrawing interviews from partner SkySports.
The DRA can also enforce bans, although these have been imposed very rarely so far. In these cases, the financial damage is usually even greater, as players are also unable to earn prize money during this period.
WDF and DDV Anti-Doping Regulations
On the homepage of the German Darts Association, the DDV, it is clearly stated that the DDV also follows the clear regulations of the WDF , the World Darts Federation, in order to combat dart doping.
After the doping incidents in the final of the German Masters 2017 became known, the Executive Board of the DDV passed an amending resolution on 23 September 2017, which resulted in a new anti-doping regulation , which has been rigorously enforced and prosecuted ever since.
On the homepage, you can also read the guidelines of the Anti-Doping Regulation and the prohibited list of all substances without authorization with just one click.
Alcohol in darts – why there is a ban on alcohol on stage in darts
Darts and alcohol. For many amateur players or those in lower leagues, alcohol and darts still go hand in hand. As many amateur players have discovered, alcohol makes you noticeably more relaxed and relieves tension .
This is also noticeable in darts. However, there is a limit here. Too much alcohol can lead to a decrease in accuracy .
So, there's a certain limit to how alcohol consumption can be beneficial in darts and lead to improved performance. But is this even allowed?
Alcohol is not on any anti-doping list. First of all, let's be clear. Each player can decide for themselves whether to consume alcohol . However, there are clear regulations that prohibit this, at least in professional sports.
The PDC prohibits the consumption of alcohol on stage , partly to gradually shed darts' image as a pub sport. Only still water is available for players. However, players are free to choose what they consume before the match.
Alcohol guidelines also in lower leagues
A doping test for alcohol is therefore not possible. Even in the lower leagues, the regulations now often state that only as much alcohol may be consumed during a league match as is necessary to ensure that it does not disrupt the flow of the darts game.
If a player is no longer able to act as a scorer, this would be grounds for the opponent to abandon the game . It's a fine line that each player must define for themselves.
A few beers are certainly okay for amateur players, but as with alcohol, you shouldn't overdo it!
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