Copyright ADO Inc. 2002 c
DARTS--A WORLDWIDE SPORT
The American Darts Organization was one of the founding members of the World Darts Federation, begun in 1976
by representatives of 15 nations. Today, that number has grown to 55 countries, with several more in various stages
of the application process. The WDF ranks international tournaments and awards individual ranking status based on
players’ finish in those events.
Countries are entitled to host one to three ranked tournaments yearly, based on their membership numbers. The ADO
hosts three world-ranked tournaments, including the Virginia Beach Open, the North American Open (Las Vegas) and
the Witch City (Boston) Open.
The WDF holds a biannual World Cup of darts, and several regional events, including Europe Cup, Asia/Pacific Cup,
Viking Masters and Pacific Masters. America is currently the reigning champion for the Women’s World Cup, having
earned that title in Perth, Australia in 1997 among 25 participating nations. The first Women’s World Cup was held in
1983, with American Sandy Reitan taking the singles gold medal there. The Women’s World Cup was also won in 1987
by Kathy Maloney & Kathy Karpowich, in 1993 by Kathy Maloney & Stacy Bromberg; and in 1997 by Stacy
Bromberg
and Lori Verrier. Georgian Eva Grigsby won a gold in singles in 1989.
The Men’s World Cup was begun in 1977. The U.S. hosted the event in 1979, when Californian Nicky Virachkul took
a gold in singles, and in 1993. In 1995, Roger Carter of Atlanta, Ga. won a bronze medal in singles.
The men achieved a gold medal in the team event in 1985, a silver in doubles in 1987, a bronze in both men’s singles
and doubles in 1989 and a bronze in the team event in 1991.
America’s performance in World Cup events is listed below:
BACKGROUND OF AMERICAN DARTS ORGANIZATION
The American Darts Organization, a 501(c)6 non-profit organization, was founded in late 1975 and began
operating in January 1976. It is the national umbrella organizing body for the sport of darts in the U.S. and
grew from 7,500 players in 1976 to over 72,000 in 1992. The advent of electronic darts further expanded the
popularity of the sport (the National Sporting Goods Association puts the darting population at around 20
million). Greater choice for leisure activities, however, has meant a smaller market share for many sports.
Today, the ADO counts roughly 50,000 members.
The ADO exists to promote, organize and sponsor the sport of darts in a similar manner to that presented by
the USGA for golf or the PBA for bowling, and remains the only organization devoted solely to the promotion of
the sport.
Prior to the ADO, there was no national darts body in the U.S. Today, the ADO can claim responsibility for
developing the following:

An annual national tournament calendar

A quarterly newsletter (Double Eagle)

Sanctioning requirements and procedures

Standardized set of tournament playing rules and equipment standards

Recognition awards for perfect scores and perfect games

A national and regional championship points system

A National Ambassadors Team

National Singles Championships for 501 and cricket—two distinct versions of
darts—as well as team championships for All-Stars, U.S. Team and Masters.

A national all-star system

A youth program and scholarship fund (tax-exempt)

Top-notch U.S. teams that compete in the international arena

Helped darts gain a foothold in every state, Puerto Rico, Guam and on military bases throughout the
world.

Playoff programs that enable grass roots darters to develop their skills and
earn awards

A sanctioned tournament schedule that has offered over $1 million in prize money for more than 15
THANKS TO CORPORATE SPONSORS
Over the past 25 years, numerous companies have partnered with the American Darts Organization in sponsorships of specific
events or programs. The ADO would like to thank the following companies (in alphabetical order) for their support.
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Accudart (now part of Escalade Sports)
Alamo Rent a Car
Brackla Nodor Group
Citizen Watch
Destinations (Quest)
DMI
General Sportcraft
Lucky Lights
Pan Am Airlines (since out of business)
Pizzazz
Southern Comfort
Unicorn Darts
USA Hosts Travel Division
Watneys
Special thanks are in order to the following companies for their contributions to the ADO’s 25th anniversary celebration:
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Brackla Nodor Group
Engraved Medals, St. Charles, Mo.
Rick’s Darts & Games, Houston, Texas
THE ADO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Purpose: The American Darts Organization Memorial Scholarship Fund is established as a permanent memorial to those friends of the Sport of darts who have passed away.
May the memories of these individuals and their contributions to the sport of Darts perpetuate as those who will use this fund go on to better lives.
Funding: The Fund has been granted 501(c)(3) tax status with the Internal Revenue Service (Fed. Tax ID#: 33-0689212). Income is provided by the voluntary, tax-deductible
contributions of members of the Darting community, sponsors, manufacturers of Darting equipment, other interested parties, and interest derived from the scholarship account.
It is a goal of this program to be self-sustaining; either through interest generated by an account, sponsorship assistance, or combination thereof. Contributions will be placed in
a dedicated account used for the sole purpose of providing financial assistance towards the expense of a college education of young Dart players throughout the United States.
Eligibility: To be eligible for any portion of this fund a player must meet the following criteria:
A. Must be a United States citizen or must have been domiciled in the United States for a period of two years + one day..
B. Must be a member in good standing of the American Darts Organization.
C. Must be a Regional/National winner in the ADO Youth Playoff Program.
D. Must be under twenty-one (21) years of age as of December 1st of the year in which he/she plans to attend college to be eligible for
the resulting rewards.
Award Structure: A. Scholarship awards shall not exceed 50% of the total available scholarship funds each year. The remaining 50% of the funds will be used to maintain
and expand the scholarship fund account and to provide interest income to the program. Amounts, percentages, and scholarship award ratios are subject to change, as deemed
necessary to perpetuate the program; B. Should overall scholarship funds drop below adequate levels, the ADO Board of Directors reserves the right to make any adjustments
as deemed necessary to perpetuate the program. At no time shall the designated funds exceed the total amount of the fund; C. Scholarship awards will be made to the top eight
(8) finishers in the ADO Youth Championship, based on their performance.
Awards will be divided as follows:
n
Each Quarter-finalist in the National Championship will be awarded a scholarship valued at $500.00.
n
Each Semi-finalist in the National Championship will be awarded a scholarship valued at $750.00.
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The Runner-up in the National Championship will be awarded a scholarship valued at $1000.00.
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The National Champion will be awarded a scholarship valued at $1500.00.
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Any participant/winner who is eligible to compete in more than one ADO Youth Championship may repeat as a scholarship winner, but may not exceed a total of
$8000.00 in scholarship earnings. Any excess awards to a single winner will remain in the fund for future program enhancements.
V. Student Requirements:
A student must be accepted, on a full-time basis (minimum 12 credits per quarter / semester), to an accredited American college curriculum on or before his/her 21st birthday
and must enter that program no later than the next active quarter. The student must select a program or major that leads to the earning of a degree; i.e. Associate in Applied
Science, Bachelor of Science, etc. and must maintain a grade point average of 2.0 on a scale of 4.0.
Certificate and/or Diploma programs are acceptable only if required to obtain minimal educational requirements necessary to enter a degreed program.
VI. Covered Expenses:
Any legitimate college fees are eligible for coverage by this fund. For
example: fees for parking stickers, library, student union, tuition, books, etc.
VII. Administration:
Administration of the ADO Memorial Scholarship Fund will be handled by
a Board of Trustees. A maximum of $500 per quarter/semester (not to exceed
$1000 per year) will be paid directly to the recipient on a quarterly/semester
basis after confirmation of paid enrollment and proof that the minimum GPA
requirement has been maintained.
2002 National Youth Championships
August 16th - Stamford, CT
For information, contact:
ADO National Youth Manager Linda Stockman
4180 E. Lang Dr. - Columbia, MO 65202
(573) 474-4034 - stockman4180@yahoo.com
ADO NATIONAL YOUTH CHAMPIONS
The concept of an ADO youth darts program dates back to 1985. It was conceived to provide a constructive and educational
outlet
for the enthusiasm and competitive spirit of America's youth.
Players earn the right to compete at the national level through regional competitions held in early summer. The top eight
finishers receive scholarship awards as outlined below,
redeemable from the ADO Scholarship Fund.
The National Youth Champion qualifies to compete in England in the Winmau World Youth Championship in early
December,
and his/her name is engraved on a perpetual trophy.
In the fall of 1998, the youth playoff program was expanded to include an 18-20 year old division. The Junior All-stars, as these
regional winners are titled, earn a trip and the opportunity to participate in the East-West All-star challenge. Junior All-stars
receive
a commemorative memento and a special award is presented to the highest achiever.
The ADO hopes to keep those who are reaching the age of adulthood involved and to attract new players to our leagues,
tournaments
and the sport in general.
YEAR
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
CHAMPION
B.J. Preston (TX)
Bethel Strode III (TX) Kevin Luke
Albert Mendoza (WA)
Albert Mendoza
Albert Mendoza
Albert Mendoza
Kevin Luke (WA)
Barry Russell (FL)
Kevin Luke
Brian Watson
Kevin Holden (TN)
Jason Jarvis (OH)
Adam Cable (TN)
Kirt Johnson (TX)
Jim Coon (CA)
Each year, the ADO crowns its “Points Champions” based on outstanding play in singles events at ADO-sanctioned
tournaments throughout the previous calendar year. Since its inception in 1979, 10 different men and seven different
women have held the title. Paul Lim holds the men’s record, with five championships; Stacy Bromberg holds the
women’s record with eight, six of them consecutive. Larry Butler holds the men’s record for most consecutive
championships, with four; although Paul Lim out scores him with five titles overall.. Below are the champions,
by year:
MEN'S POINTS CHAMPION
YEAR
WOMEN'S POINTS CHAMPION
Dan Pucillo (IL)
Dan Pucillo
Dan Pucillo
Jerry Umberger (PA)
Rick Ney (PA)
Rick Ney
John Kramer (CA)
Tony Payne (OH)
Tony Payne
Paul Lim (CA)
Gerald Verrier (OR)
Paul Lim
Paul Lim
Larry Butler (OH)
Larry Butler
Larry Butler
Larry Butler
Mitch Payton (KY)
Steve Brown (MO)
Steve Brown
Paul Lim
Paul Lim
Ray Carver (NH)
1979
1980
1981
1982
Sandy Reitan
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Lois Miller (CA)
Sandy Reitan (CA)
Sandy Reitan
Sandy Reitan
1983
Sandy Reitan
Kathy Maloney (FL)
Kathy Maloney
Kathy Karpowich (PA)
Melanie Rice (TN)
Eva Grigsby (GA)
Eva Grigsby
Stacy Bromberg (CA)
Stacy Bromberg
Kathy Maloney
Sue Qualls (KY)
Sue Qualls
Stacy Bromberg
Stacy Bromberg
Stacy Bromberg
Stacy Bromberg
Stacy Bromberg
Stacy Bromberg
The ADO also crowns a “501” and a “Cricket” National champion each year. The 501 championships are the
culmination of the All-Star portion of the ADO’s playoff system. Spots in the national championship competition are
limited to current National Ambassadors’ Team members (6 men and 3 women with the highest championship point
totals in the previous year) and the top 10 men and five women from the East-West All-Star Challenge, based on pointper-dart averages. This championship was begun in 1990.
Title holders for 501 are listed below on the left. Only two men—Jim Watkins and Rudy Hernandez—hold multiple
501 titles among the men and only Watkins earned those back-to-back. Among the women, Stacy Bromberg holds the
most titles with five, four of them back-to-back.
MEN'S 501 CHAMPION
WOMEN'S 501
CHAMPION
YEAR
MEN'S CRICKET
CHAMPION
WOMEN'S CRICKET
CHAMPION
Rick Ney (PA)
Kathy Maloney (FL)
1990
---
---
Rudy Hernandez (NY)
Kathy Maloney
1991
---
---
Dave Kelly (MA)
Stacy Bromberg (CA)
1992
---
---
Jim Watkins (NY)
Sandy Reitan (CA)
1993
---
---
Jim Watkins
Kathy Maloney
1994
---
---
Rudy Hernandez
Lori Verrier (OR)
1995
---
---
Jim Widmayer (NY)
Lori Verrier
1996
---
---
Paul Lim (CA)
Stacy Bromberg
1997
Paul Lim (CA)
Marilyn Popp (CT)
Steve Brown (MO)
Stacy Bromberg
1998
John Finnegan (MA)
Stacy Bromberg (CA)
Jerry Umberger (PA)
Stacy Bromberg
1999
Steve Brown (MO)
Doreen Berry (VA)
Luis Martinez (TX)
Stacy Bromberg
2000
Tim Grossman (NY)
Lori Verrier (OR)
Chris White (CA)
Marilyn Popp (CT)
2001
Paul Lim
Lori Verrier
mid August
mid August
2002
Shane Meeks (VA)
Marilyn Popp
WHERE PEOPLE PLAY
Darts can be found in many settings -- from the family den to schools and youth clubs to private clubs and public bars and restaurants.
And they can be found from coast to coast in the U.S. and around the world. Below is a sampling of places people play.
In the U.S.
Darts can be found in every U.S. state as well as in Puerto Rico, and on military bases around the world. Some of the larger metropolitan
areas supporting darts are:
West and northwest:
Anchorage, AK; Seattle, WA; Portland, OR; San Francisco, Riverside/San Bernardino, Orange County, Los Angeles, Antelope Valley, Fresno,
Santa Barbara, Stockton, Sacramento and San Diego CA; Phoenix and Tucson, AZ; Albuquerque and Santa Fe, NM; Denver, Colorado Springs,
Ft. Collins and Puebo, CO; Cheyenne, WY; Billings, MT; Reno and Las Vegas, NV; Honolulu, HI
South:
Dallas, Ft. Worth, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, TX; Little Rock, AR; Nashville and Chattanooga, TN, New Orleans, LA; Atlanta, GA;
Huntsville, AL; Charlotte and Raleigh, NC; Aitken, SC; Virginia Beach, VA; Lexington, KY; Miami and Sarasota, FL
Midwest:
Omaha and Lincoln, NE; Oklahoma City, OK; St. Louis and Columbia, MO; Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, IA; Rapid City, SD; Chicago, IL;
Indianapolis, IN; Detroit, MI; Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown, Columbus, Toledo and Cincinnati, OH; Wichita, KS
East and Northeast:
Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, PA; Baltimore, MD; Washington, D.C.; New York City, Long Island, Binghamton, Rochester, NY; Boston, MA;
Nashua, NH; New Haven, CT;
Providence, RI; Portland, ME.
Around the world
Darts are played on every inhabited continent. World Darts Federation members include:
North America: U.S., Canada
Central and South America, Caribbean: Brazil, Bermuda, Bahamas, Cayman Islands Europe: England, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Isle of Man, Italy, Jersey, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Ireland, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Scotland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Wales, Gibraltar
Asia and Pacific: Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Seychelles, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand
Africa: Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Namibia, Uganda,
AMERICANS AT PLAY
Estimated number of participants in leisure time activities, 2000 (in millions)*
Swimming 59.3
Fishing
52.6
Bowling 42.3
Billiards/Pool
Basketball 27.2
Golf
26.2
Hiking
23.7
In-Line Skating
Darts
17.4
Baseball 15.7
32.2
21.8
*Source: National Sporting Goods Association, 2001
DARTS--A WORLDWIDE SPORT
The American Darts Organization was one of the founding members of the World Darts Federation, begun
in 1976 by representatives of 15 nations. Today, that number has grown to 55 countries, with several more in
various stages of the application process. The WDF ranks international tournaments and awards individual
ranking status based on a players’ finish in those events.
Countries are entitled to host one to three ranked tournaments annually, based on their membership
numbers. The ADO hosts three world-ranked tournaments, including the Virginia Beach Open, the North
American Open (Las Vegas) and the Witch City (Boston) Open.
The WDF holds a biannual World Cup of darts, and several regional events, including Europe Cup,
Asia/Pacific Cup, Viking Masters and Pacific Masters. America is currently the reigning champion of the
Women’s World Cup, having earned that title in Perth, Australia in 1997 among 25 participating nations.
The first Women’s World Cup was held in 1983, with American Sandy Reitan taking the singles gold medal.
The Women’s World Cup was also won in 1987 by Kathy Maloney & Kathy Karpowich, in 1993 by Kathy
Maloney & Stacy Bromberg; and in 1997 by Stacy Bromberg and Lori Verrier. Georgia shooter Eva Grigsby
won a gold in singles in 1989.
The Men’s World Cup was begun in 1977. The U.S. hosted the event in 1979, when Californian Nicky
Virachkul took a gold in singles, and in 1993. In 1995, Roger Carter of Atlanta, Ga. won a bronze medal in
singles.
The men achieved a gold medal in the team event in 1985, a silver in doubles in 1987, a bronze in both
men’s singles and doubles in 1989 and a bronze in the team event in 1991.
America’s performance in World Cup events is listed below:
Australia
Bermuda
Canada
England
Germany
Hungary
Italy
Latvia
Netherlands
Philippines
Scotland
South Africa
Taiwan
Uganda
Austria
Botswana
Cyprus
Faroe Islands
Gibraltar
Iceland
Japan
Luxembourg
New Zealand
Portugal
Seychelles
Spain
Thailand
Wales
Bahamas
Brazil
Czech Republic
Finland
Greece
India
Jersey
Malaysia
Northern Island
Rep. Of Ireland
Singapore
Sweden
Turkey
Belgium
Bulgaria
Denmark
France
Hong Kong
Isle of Man
Kenya
Malta
Norway
Russia
Slovakia
Switzerland
U.S.A.
ADO Officers – 2002
President – Roger J. Bick (Pearland, Texas)
Vice President – Buddy Bartoletta (Plainview, New York)
CFO – Charlie Forrester (Columbus, Ohio)
General Secretary – Dennis Aitken (Katy, Texas)
Area 1 Manager – Dee Philip (Portland, Oregon)
Area 2 Manager – Brenda Roush (Denver, Colorado)
Area 3 Manager – Chris Helms (San Antonio, Texas)
Area 4 Manager – Keeth Wilkinson (Newton, North Carolina)
Area 5 Manager – Laurett Meddis (East Islip, New York)
Area 6 Manager – Les Neugebauer (Mitchell, South Dakota)
National Youth Manager – Linda Stockman (Columbia, Missouri)
Director. of Office OPs. – Katie Harris (Anaheim, California)
AMERICAN DARTS ORGANIZATION
TOURNAMENT RULES
GLOSSARY OF TERMS:
The following terms/meanings shall apply when used in the body of these Tournament Rules. ADO: American Darts
Organization
Match: The total number of Legs being competed for between two players/teams
Leg/Game: That element of a Match recognized as a fixed odd number, i.e., 301/501/1001
Scorer: Scorekeeper, Marker or Chalker
Cork: Bullseye or Bull
Masculine: Masculine gender nouns or pronouns shall include female
Singular: Singular term shall, where necessary, include the plural
PLAYING RULES
All darts events played under the exclusive supervision of and/or sanctioned by the ADO, shall be played in
accordance with the following rules. GENERAL
1. All players/teams shall play by these Tournament Rules and, where necessary, any supplemental Rules stipulated
by local Tournament organizers. 2. Any player/team who, during the course of any event, fails to comply with any of
these Tournament Rules, shall be subject to disqualification from that event.
3. The interpretation of these Tournament Rules, in relation to a specific darts event, shall rest with the local
Tournament Organizers, whose decisions shall be final and binding. Protests after the fact shall not be considered.
4. Good sportsmanship shall be the prevailing attitude throughout the tournament.
5. Gambling is neither permitted nor sanctioned by the ADO.
6. The ADO will, in the course of tournament Sanctioning, ensure, to the best of its ability, that the host/sponsor
organization for a darts event has the funding and/or sponsorship necessary to support the advertised cash prize
structure for same. The manner and matter of tournament prize payments shall be the responsibility of the respective
host/sponsor organization and not that of the ADO.
7. The ADO assumes no responsibility for accident or injury on the premises.
8. The ADO reserves the right to add to or amend, any, or all, of the ADO Tournament Rules, at any time for any
purpose deemed necessary at that time.
PROCEDURAL
9. Decisions regarding the prize structure and event schedule, the method of player registration,
and the choice of the match pairing system, shall be left at the discretion of the local Tournament Organizers.
10. Nine darts warm-up is the maximum allowance per player.
11. Tournament boards are reserved for assigned match pairings only. Boards are not to be used for practice,
unless so designated by the Tournament Organizers.
12. Match pairings will be called 3 times only (minimum of 5 minutes between calls). Should a player/team
fail to report to the assigned board within the 15 minute allotted time, a Forfeit will be called. NOTE: Should
a player/team be called to matches in two concurrent events (e,g, a female playing in both a Ladies' Only and
an Open event), that player/team must choose in which event he/they wish to continue play. A Forfeit will be
called, unless that player/team can reach their assigned board within the regulation (15 minute) time period
described above.
13. Should a player's playing equipment become damaged, or be lost during the course of a throw, that player
shall be allowed up to a maximum of 5 minutes in which to repair/replace the playing equipment.
14. A maximum time limit of 5 minutes, under exceptional circumstances subject to the permission of a
Tournament Official, shall be allowed in the instance of a player requiring to leave the playing area, during the course of
match play.
15. Players and Scorers ONLY are allowed inside the playing area.
16. Opposing players must stand at least 2 feet behind the player at the Hockey.
THROW
17. All darts must be thrown by, and from, the hand. 18. A Throw shall consist of three darts, unless a Leg/Match
is completed in a lesser amount.
19. Should a player touch any dart, which is in the dartboard, during a throw, that throw shall be deemed to have
been completed.
20. Any dart bouncing off, or falling out of the dartboard, shall not be rethrown.
STARTING AND FINISHING (ALL EVENTS)
21. All Matches will be begun by THROWING THE CORK. The player throwing the Cork 1st will be decided
by a coin flip, with the winner having the option of throwing lst or 2nd. The player throwing closest to the Cork
shall throw first in the lst Leg. The Loser of the lst Leg has the option of throwing the Cork first in the 2nd Leg.
If a 3rd Leg is necessary, the Cork will again be thrown, with the loser of the original coin flip having the option
of throwing first for the Cork.
22. The second thrower may acknowledge the first dart as an inner or outer Bull (Cork) and ask for that dart to
be removed prior to his throw. Should the first dart be removed without the request of the 2nd thrower, a rethrow
will occur; with the 2nd thrower now having the option of throwing first. The dart must remain in the board in
order to count. Additional throws may be made when throwing the Cork, until such time as the player's dart
remains in the board. Should the 2nd thrower dislodge the dart of the lst, a rethrow will be made with the 2nd
thrower now throwing first. Rethrows shall be called if the scorer cannot decide which dart is closest to the Cork,
or if both darts are anywhere in the inner bull, or both darts are anywhere in the outer bull. Decision of the scorer is final.
Should a rethrow be necessary, the darts will be removed and the person who threw 2nd will now throw lst.
23. In all events, each Leg shall be played with a Straight Start (no double required), and a double will be required to
finish, unless otherwise stated by the local Tournament Organizers.
24. For the purpose of starting and finishing a Leg/Match, the INNER BULL is considered a double 25.
25. The 'BUST RULE' shall apply, (if the player scores one less, equal, or more points than needed to reach zero,
he has "busted". His score reverts back to the score required prior to the beginning of his throw.)
26. Fast finishes such as 3 in a bed, 222, 111, shanghai, etc., do not apply.
27. A Leg/Match is concluded at such time as a player/team hits the 'double' required to reduce their remaining
score to zero. Any and all darts thrown subsequently, shall not count for score.
DOUBLES / TEAM EVENTS
28. It is permissible for the Doubles/Team player finishing a Leg, to throw the
Cork and start the subsequent Leg. It is also permissible for one member of a
Doubles or Team to throw the Cork lst, and have his partner or teammate shoot first.
29. It is permissible for a Doubles or Team to participate with fewer than the required
number of players, provided that team forfeits a turn(s) in each rotation, equal to the
number of missing players. The missing player(s) may NOT join a Leg in progress,
but is allowed to participate in a subsequent Leg(s) of that Match.
30. No player may participate on more than one Doubles or Team, in any respective
darts event. There shall be NO recycling of players (either male or female) under any circumstances.
31. No substitutes shall be allowed after the first round of Doubles/Team play.
SCORING
32. For a dart to score, it must remain in the board 5 seconds after the 3rd or final dart has been thrown
by that player. The tip of the dart point must be touching the bristle portion of the board, in order for that
dart to be counted as score.
33. No dart may be touched by the thrower, another player, scorer, or spectator, prior to the decision of the
scorer. Should this occur, that throw shall be deemed to have been completed, per provisions set forth in Rule 19.
34. A dart's score shall be determined from the side of the wire at which the point of the dart enters the board.
Should a dart lodge directly between the connecting wires on the dartboard, making it impossible to determine on
which side of the wire the dart resides, the score shall always be the higher value of the two segments in question.
This includes the outside double ring for the game shot. Determination as to whether the dart is directly between
the wires shall be made in accordance with Rule 33.
35. It is the responsibility of the player to verify his score before removing his darts from the board. The score
remains as written if one or more darts has been removed from the board. Errors in arithmetic must stand as
written, unless corrected prior to the beginning of that player's next throw. In case of Doubles/Team matches,
such errors must be rectified prior to the next turn of any partner/player on that team.
36. In Doubles/Team events, no player may throw (during a Leg) until each of his teammates has completed
his throw. The FIRST player throwing out of turn shall receive a score of ZERO points for that round and his
Team shall FORFEIT such turn.
37. The Scorer shall mark the board so that scores made are listed in the outer columns of the scoreboard, and
the totals remaining are listed in the two middle columns.
38. The scoreboard/sheet must be clearly visible in front of the player at the Hockey.
39. The Scorer may inform the thrower what he has scored and/or what he has left. He MAY NOT inform
the thrower what he has left in terms of number combinations. It IS permissible for a partner, teammate, or
a spectator to advise the thrower during the course of a Match.
EQUIPMENT
DARTS
40. Darts used in tournament play shall not exceed an overall maximum length of 30.5cm (12in.),
nor weigh more than 50gm per dart. Each dart shall consist of a recognizable point, barrel, and flight.
DARTBOARD
41. The dartboard shall be a standard 18" bristle board, of the type approved by the ADO (Sportcraft/Nodor),
and shall be of the standard 1 - 20 clock pattern.
INTERNATIONAL DARTBOARD
•Double Score (Twice the number)
•Single Score (Face Value)
•Triple Score (Triple the number)
•Inner Bull
•Double 25 or (50 points)
•Outer Bull (25 points)
•Out of Play Area (No score)
STANDARD DIMENSIONS
•Double and Triple rings inside width measurement. = 8mm. (5/16 ins)
•Inner Bull Inside diameter = 12.7mm.(O.5ins)
•Outer Bull Inside diameter = 31mm.(1.25ins)
•Outside edge of Double wire to Center Bull = 170mm.(6.75ins)
•Outside edge of Triple wire to Center Bull = 117mm.(4.25ins)
•Outside edge of Double wire to Outside edge of Double wire = 342mm.(13.5ins)
•Overall dartboard diameter = 457mm.(18.Oins)
•Spider wire gauge (Maximum Standard Wire Gauge) = 16SWG
• 42. The scoring wedge indicated by 20 shall
• be the darker of the two wedge colors and must be the top center wedge.
•43. No alterations/accessories may be added to the board setups.
•
•44. The inner narrow band shall score 'Triple' the segment number and the outer narrow band shall score 'Double' the
•segment number.
•45. The outer center ring shall score '25' and inner center ring shall score '50' and shall be called the 'Bull'.
•46. The minimum throwing distance shall be 7' 9 1/4". The board height shall be 5' 8" (floor to center bull; 9' 7 1/2"
•measured diagonally from the center bull to the back of the raised hockey at floor level).
LIGHTING
47. Lights must be affixed in such a way as to brightly illuminate the board, reduce to a minimum
the shadows cast by the darts, and not physically impede the flight of dart.
HOCKEY/OCHE
48. Whenever possible, a raised hockey, at least 1 1/2" high and 2' long, shall be placed in position
at the minimum throwing distance, and shall measure from the back of the raised hockey 7' 9 1/4"
along the floor to a plumb line at the face of the dartboard.
49. In the event the hockey is a tape or similar 'flush' marking, the minimum throwing distance
shall be measured from the edge (front) of the tape closest to the dartboard.
50. Should a player have any portion of his feet or shoes over the hockey line during a throw,
all darts so thrown shall be counted as part of his throw, but any score made by said darts shall
be invalid and not counted. One warning by the official shall be considered sufficient before invoking
this rule.
51. A player wishing to throw a dart, or darts, from a point either side of the hockey line, must keep
his feet behind an imaginary straight line extending from either side of the hockey line.
•Center Bull Height = 1.73 meters (5ft - 8ins)
•Minimum Throwing Distance = 2.37 meters (7ft - 9 1/4ins)
•Diagonal - Center Bull to back of Hockey = 2.93 meters (9ft - 7 1/2ins)
•Height of raised Hockey = 38mm (1 1/2ins)
•Length of raised Hockey = 610mm (2ft - 0ins)
•Conversion factor = 1cm. (0.3937ins)
SCOREBOARD
52. A scoreboard must be mounted within 4' laterally from the dartboard and at not more than a 45 degree
angle from the dartboard. Approved August 21, 1981
ADO AMERICAN CRICKET RULES
All darts events played under the exclusive supervision of and/or sanctioned by the ADO, shall be played
in accordance with established ADO Tournament Rules. In addition, the following rules shall apply for ADO
Sanctioned Cricket events, effective January 1, 1984.
1. The objective shall be to 'own'/'close' certain numbers
on the board, and to achieve the highest point score. The player/team to do so first, shall be the winner.
2. Cricket shall be played using the numbers 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15 and both the inner and outer bull (cork).
3. Each player/team shall take turns in throwing. (Three darts in succession shall constitute a 'turn'/'Inning'.)
4. To close an inning, the player/team must score three of a number. This can be accomplished with three singles,
a single and a double, or a triple.
5. Once a player/team scores three of a number, it is 'owned' by that player/team. Once both players/teams have
scored three of a number, it is 'closed', and no further scoring can be accomplished on that number by either player/team.
6. To close the Bullseye, the outer bull counts as a single, and the inner bull counts as a double.
7. Once a player/team closes an inning, he/they may score points on that number until the opponent also closes that inning.
All numerical scores shall be added to the previous balance.
8. Numbers can be 'owned' or 'closed' in any order desired by the individual player/team. Calling your shot is not required.
9. For the purpose of 'owning' a number, the double and triple ring shall count as 2 or 3, respectively. Three marks will close
an inning.
10. After a number is 'owned' by a team, the double and triple ring shall count as 2 or 3 times the numerical values, respectively.
11. Winning the game:
a.
The player/team that closes all innings first and has the most points, shall be declared the winner. b. If both sides are tied
b.
on points, or have no points, the first player/team to close all innings shall be the winner.
c. If a player/team closes all innings first, and is behind in points, he/they must continue to score on any innings not closed
until either the point deficit is made up, or the opponent has closed all innings.
12. It shall be the responsibility of the player to verify his score before removing his darts from the board. The score remains
as written if one or more darts has been removed from the board. In accordance with the inherent "strategy" involved in the
Cricket game, no alterations in score shall be allowed, after the fact.
AMERICAN DARTS ORGANIZATION
APPROVED 8/19/83
REVISED 8/14/86
REVISED 11/14/87
REVISED 1/l/89
REVISED 3/10/91
Published by The American Darts Organization
Full Member World Darts Federation
All Rights Reserved
ADO POINTS
The American Darts Organization sanctions tournaments throughout the country and issues ratings points to the top winners
in the singles 501 and singles Cricket events.
ADO Points (or rating points) are issued according to the value of the prize purse and the numbers of entries in the singles
events: How to Earn ADO Championship Points
The ADO promotes, organizes and conducts special national playoff systems for various events including the ADO
International, ADO All Stars/501 Championships, ADO Masters, and the Cricket Championships. These playoffs are open to
all ADO members. Points awards for these events will be made at the Regional level, in accordance with a separate structure,
based on the number of Regional Finalists.
NATIONAL PLAYOFF PROGRAM
All Playoff Program events begin on the local level with affiliated Association qualifiers progressing to ADO Regionals
which send the winners to the National Finals held in conjunction with major domestic tournaments.
The ADO International names two men and two women to a team that will attend the international tournament chosen by the
ADO board for that year.
The ADO All-stars / 501 Championships pits the Eastern All-stars against the Western All-stars in the Challenge Cup on
Friday before the North American Open Tournament in Las Vegas in August. The top 10 men and top 5 women then compete
in an event seeded with the National Team of Ambassadors for the National 501 Championship titles and a cash payout.
The ADO Masters event determines the players who travel to England to represent the U.S. in the World Masters
competition.
The ADO Cricket Championships allow participants from across the nation to compare their skills in this decidedly American
game of strategy and accuracy, naming Champions and providing a monetary award.
CERTIFICATES
Award Certificates are issued and published in DOUBLE EAGLE, the ADO national newsletter. In '01 competition, ADO
recognizes the perfect 9-dart game of 501, the perfect 6-dart game of 301, a 170-on or a 170-out and the perfect score of 180
(3 scoring triple-twenties). ADO acknowledges the following Cricket achievements: the perfect Cricket game, a Round-ofNine (or 3 triples scored in one turn -- all 9 marks must count for closure or score) and a Deadeye (3 double-bulls scored in
one turn).
MAILING ADDRESS:
AMERICAN DARTS ORGANIZATION,
INC.
230 N. Crescent Way #K
Anaheim, CA 92801
ADO OFFICE PHONE #'s
Voice phone: (714) 254-0212
Fax: (714) 254-0214
email: ADOoffice@aol.com
ADO Travel Agent:
RAJA Hand-USA Hosts
5030 Paradise Rd., Ste. B-101
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Voice phone: 1-800-792-9999
Fax: (702) 798-0988/5396
Incorporated 1975