Who can stand near a player in darts?
Officials' detail · The board, the darts and the oche · 4 of 4Each board must be lit by a screened light of at least 1600 lumens, two on a stage, so no light shines in the player's eyes. Only the officials and the players in the match may be in the playing area. The opponent stands at least 60 cm behind the player at the oche, and officials in front keep still.
How it works
- Floor boards: at least one light of 1600 lumens (100 watts).
- Stage finals: at least two such lights, and extra lighting must not cast shadows on the board.
- Screens: lights are shaded so no light reaches the player's eyes at the oche.
- Who may be there: the referee, caller, markers, scorers, electronic score operators and the players.
- In front of the player: only referees, markers and score operators, keeping their movement to a minimum.
- The opponent: at least 60 cm behind the player throwing.
- Stage play: players stay where everyone, including cameras, can see between throws.
- Smoke and alcohol: the playing room is smoke-free and the playing area alcohol-free at ranked events.
The glossary has the lighting (darts), the playing area (darts), the referee (darts), the caller, marker and scorer, the oche and the conduct and disqualification (darts).
Tricky cases
Can the opponent stand beside the player at the oche?
No. They must be at least 60 cm behind.
Can a referee stand in front of the board area?
Yes. Referees, markers and score operators may be in front, keeping still.
A spotlight casts a shadow on the board. What should happen?
The organisers must avoid shadows on the board; the player can raise it with the officials.
Can a player drink a beer in the playing area?
Not at ranked events. The playing area must be alcohol-free.
Why the rule exists
Even lighting with no glare lets a player see every segment of the board. Keeping the opponent behind the thrower stops distraction.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting | 1600 lumens; two on stage | WDF 5.01 to 5.04 |
| Playing area | Officials and players only | WDF 14.03 to 14.07 |
| Smoking and drinking | Smoke-free room, alcohol-free area | WDF 18.01, 18.02 |
From the rule book
World Darts Federation, Playing and Tournament Rules (twentieth revised edition, 28 February 2018), Playing Rules 5.01 to 5.04 and Tournament Rules 14.03 to 14.07 and 18. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the WDF Playing and Tournament Rules.