Dart dress code – the truth about the dress code [PDC rules]

In this blog post, we would like to address a topic that is always a topic of discussion – not only among professionals, but also among amateur players.

It's about the darts dress code. Some newcomers to darts may already be asking themselves at this point: Is there really a dress code in darts?!

Yes, there are! And for good reason . But more on that later. We'll go into a little more detail here about what's allowed and what's not .

Because not every item of clothing finds its place on the big PDC stage or even in small amateur tournaments.

The darts dress code – how did it come about?

Darts hasn't always been the sport it is today. Quite the opposite. In the past, darts had the reputation of being a pub sport , where people only smoke, drink, and party.

Okay, maybe this still applies to some extent today, at least to the audience, but not to the performers on stage. The PDC has introduced rules that should lead to a uniform darts dress code .

The main reason was to make the sport more professional. To give players the opportunity to earn money from darts, it was necessary to get rid of its bad image .

And the dress code was a first step in this direction, as it is now considered dart etiquette that a player should not violate .

Only if the sport presents a serious image can it succeed in attracting major sponsors willing to invest in the sport. And that's exactly what happened after darts became professionalized.

The rules of the PDC Dart dress code

The PDC, in cooperation with the DRA, the Darts Regulation Authority , has drawn up very specific PDC rules that apply equally to every player.

For example, players are n't allowed to wear jeans , but should opt for what are known as "fabric trousers," which are somewhat more elegant. Sports shoes are also discouraged . Pay attention the next time you're at a TV tournament, and you'll notice that most players are wearing elegant patent leather shoes .

Tracksuits, regular T-shirts, or even shorts are also considered a no-go in the PDC. An interesting fact, considering that temperatures on stage can easily reach 50 degrees Celsius. Nevertheless, the PDC makes no exceptions.

If there is any doubt as to whether an outfit is appropriate for a tournament, the tournament management can even make a decision and, in the worst case, exclude the player from the tournament .

The classic player outfit is: a collared shirt, black trousers, and dark patent leather shoes.

Another interesting fact about shoes: so-called business sneakers are permitted, unlike regular sports shoes. It's important that the shoes are black and have a dark sole .

Dart clothing: How much sponsorship is allowed on the shirt?

The shirt, in particular, plays a special role here. The player's shirt should resemble a shirt , or at least a shirt with a collar . Each player is usually supported by various sponsors .

This is done to ensure visibility on television, via so-called patches that are embroidered onto the shirt. To prevent advertising mania, the PDC has very clear rules about what is and isn't allowed. We'll now go into this in more detail.

• Players may wear up to 4 of their own patches on a shirt
• In addition, the PDC offers players the opportunity to wear two additional patches (obviously from sponsors and partners of the PDC) in return for a financial contribution.

The PDC even has recommendations regarding the layout. For example, different recommendations apply to right-handed players than to left-handed players .

Infobox: A lot of money is made through betting providers, especially in darts. The PDC also sets clear regulations here, as bookmakers often hold the rights to an entire tournament . For example, the World Championship. William Hill is the main sponsor and namesake of the tournament.

The rules of the Darts World Cup regarding the dress code state that no other betting provider may be worn as a patch on the shirt – subject: non-competition clause .

Infobox: A Unibet patch should never be visible due to the dress code at the PDC World Championship.

PDC Dress Code: The consequences of violating the regulations

The PDC also stipulates that players are not allowed to wear similarly colored jerseys to avoid confusion . Even the manufacturer's name (e.g., Nike, Adidas, etc.) must not be visible.

These should be covered with an official advertising patch. Advertising on the collar, entire slogans, or other items are also not permitted.

Many will now ask: why does Peter Wright look so completely different and colorful? There's an explanation for this, too. The PDC says that players who define their identity through their outfit are allowed to do so to a certain extent.

If the PDC's strict dress code regulations are violated, the DRA, which monitors such matters, reserves the right to punish the respective players accordingly - financially or by excluding them from a tournament or competition.

The comparison to the DDV: What are the differences in the dart dress code?

The German Darts Association also has its own dress code, of course. However, the DDV dress code differs from the PDC's in some respects.

For example, the DDV dress code states that "decent" clothing must be worn. So, no sweatpants, but instead, unlike the PDC, jeans.

However, black trousers must be worn in all team competitions. Closed-toe shoes and a matching top are also required for team competitions.

Headgear , including hats, is strictly prohibited . Advertising prints are also prohibited if a DDV tournament sells rights to a sponsor.

Other darts associations: How do BDO and WDF handle darts clothing?

The BDO doesn't have quite as strict rules regarding dress codes. They simply state that dress codes should be appropriate and, if necessary, subject to referee approval.

Ultimately, however, there are hardly any differences in the dress code of the BDO players and those of the PDC on stage.

An absolute no-go in the darts dress code: sweatpants

And, because this question is often a concern for darts players, we'll provide a short and concise answer here. Sweatpants are an absolute no-go in official darts competitions, whether for amateur or professional players!

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