RULES
Rules of Play (Amended at AGM 2026)
1. Committee Structure & Governance
The committee shall consist of: Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Fixtures Secretary, and all Team Captains.
Any player may voice their opinion at the AGM; however, only committee members may vote.
Any dispute brought to the committee will be settled by majority vote.
If a dispute involves one or more teams, the relevant Team Captains shall not take part in the decision.
In the event of a tied vote, one of the following (provided they are not involved in the dispute) shall have a casting vote: Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, or Fixtures Secretary.
Only proposals submitted before the AGM will be discussed.
Proxy votes are permitted if a committee member cannot attend.
All committee decisions are final.
2. Registration Fees
Registration monies must be paid by the second game of the first half of the season. From 2027 season onward, this will be in cash only and must be submitted with the registration form at the AGM.
3. Prize Money
Monetary payouts will be as agreed at the AGM.
Competition payouts will be split on a 60/40 basis.
4. Team Composition
A team shall consist of four players, with no restriction on gender.
5. Match Format & Scoring
A match consists of:
4 Singles
2 Doubles
1 x 701 game
Scoring:
Each singles leg win = 1 point per player
Each doubles leg win = 1 point per player
701 win = 1 point
All legs count, win or lose
League standings:
The team with the most points at the end of the season is the winner.
6. Game Formats
Singles: Best of 5 legs, 501, flying start, double finish
Doubles: Best of 3 legs, 501, flying start, double finish
701: Single leg, 701, flying start, double finish
1001 competition: See Rule 21 (if played on a league night)
7. Player Selection
Singles matches are drawn and played in order.
Up to four reserves may play in doubles and 701.
Separate draws will be made for doubles and 701.
8. Match Start & Player Availability
The draw should be made as close to 8:00 PM as possible, with play starting immediately after.
If a player is unavailable, matches may be rearranged by agreement of both captains.
The opposing captain determines the deadline, with consideration for fairness and sportsmanship.
9. Results Submission
Results must be fully completed (e.g., 3–2). “W/L” is not acceptable.
Tons (100+) are marked with an asterisk (*) unless:
High checkout (e.g., 116 out), or
180 (recorded as “180”)
Both captains must sign the sheet and THEY SHOULD MATCH.
A photo must be posted to the league Facebook page on the night of the match.
Late submissions result in a 2-point deduction (starting from singles).
10. Disputes During Matches
Matches must still be played if disputes arise.
The Fixtures Secretary will consult the committee, whose decision is final.
11. Equipment & Setup
Throwing distance: 7 ft 9¼ in (2.37 m) from board to oche
Players must throw from behind the oche (no foot on the line)
Board height: 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) to bullseye centre
Board must be well lit (no shadows)
The ‘20’ and ‘3’ segments must be dark coloured
12. Scoring Rules
Scores must be clearly displayed and visible.
Players may ask for their remaining score, but not checkout advice.
The chalker and player must agree on scores before darts are retrieved.
Disputes after retrieval may not be upheld.
All score queries must be made before the player’s next throw.
The leg ends immediately when the winning double is hit.
The chalker is the match official and their decision is final.
13. Communication During Play
Only the player at the oche may question the chalker.
14. Player Assistance
Players may ask for scores at any time during their throw.
The chalker must not advise on finishing combinations.
15. Protests
Must be made immediately to the chalker.
A decision must be given before play continues.
16. Player Registration
All players must be registered.
Players signed during the season must pay £1, which goes to league funds.
17. Player Transfers
After 3 matches, a player cannot transfer without:
Agreement of both clubs
Committee approval
£5 transfer fee
Before 3 matches:
Transfer allowed with consent
£1 fee applies
18. Registration Rights
The committee reserves the right to refuse any player registration.
19. Failure to Fulfil Fixtures
A team missing two consecutive matches forfeits all points for that half.
They may also be liable for costs incurred by the opposing team.
20. Rearranged Matches
Must be played within 4 weeks, except:
End of season: within 1 week or before competitions
Opposing team must offer two dates within 1 week
Cancelling team must accept one
Fixtures Secretary must be informed
If no agreement is reached, the committee decides
21. Match Cancellations
A. Notice
Minimum 48 hours’ notice required
Failure = match must still be played or all points awarded to opponents
Exceptional circumstances may be considered
B. Squad Responsibility
Teams should register enough players
Captains should maintain contact details
C. Costs
Teams are responsible for any costs (e.g., food) if cancellation is not communicated properly
22. Competition Venues and Organisation
Must have sufficient boards to complete events in one night and will be run by the captains attending.
23. Trophies
Held at the winning pub/club.
If a venue closes, trophies transfer to the new venue or Fixtures Secretary
The winners of the trophies must deliver the trophies to LEX Print in St Austell ONE MONTH before the presentation night for engraving (dates will be published on the league Facebook page and WEBSITE).
There will be no medals for 180 achievers.
24. Mixed Doubles Competition
Drawn pairs from all entrants
Best of 3 legs, 501, flying start, double finish
Entry: £1 per player
Registration by 8:00 PM
Must be completed on the night
25. Mini Mackie Cup
Teams of 5 players
5 singles matches (best of 3 legs, 501)
Entry: £1 per player
Played and completed on the night
26. 1001 Competition
Format agreed at AGM (round robin or knockout)
Entry: £1 per player
Must be completed on the night
27. Doubles Competition
Teams may enter multiple pairs
Best of 3 legs (final best of 5)
Double start and double finish
Entry: £1 per player
Completed on the night
28. Trebles Competition
Best of 3 legs, 501
Double start and double finish
Completed on the night
29. Finals Night
Singles competition for all league players
Matches: Best of 3 (final best of 5)
Entry: £1 per player
Completed on the night
30. Rule Changes & Complaints
Any proposed fixture change must be submitted at least 24 hours before the presentation night. The committee may make changes if required or as agreed at the AGM.
All unresolved issues must be referred to the committee, whose decision is final.
31. Communication
Weekly results will be posted on the league website page.
See Rule 9 for result submission requirements.
32. Food on League Nights
Providing food is optional for pubs/clubs.