Can a darts referee tell you what to aim for?
A · Advanced · Matches, officials and conduct · 1 of 3The referee runs the match and may also call or mark. The caller announces each score; the marker writes scores and what remains on the board; the scorer keeps the record. Officials say the number left, never the double to aim at. Arithmetic errors stand unless corrected before the player's next throw, and score protests end once darts are retrieved.
How it works
- Referee: in charge at the board; may also act as caller or marker.
- Caller: announces the scores as they are made.
- Marker: marks scores made and remaining; may also call, except on stage.
- Scorer: records the scores and results on the scorecards.
- On the board: the score needed must be shown, easy to read and at eye level, in front of the players.
- No hints: officials say "32", never "double 16".
- Marker as umpire: on the playing rules, consulting tournament officials if needed.
- Arithmetic errors: stand unless corrected before the player's next throw.
- Score protests: not after the score is recorded and the darts retrieved; a wrong score that won a leg stands.
- After a leg: no questions on scores or subtractions.
- Disputes: the match stops until an official rules; late protests are not accepted.
The glossary has the referee (darts), the caller, marker and scorer, the score protests (darts), the bust, the game shot and the leg.
Tricky cases
The marker subtracts wrongly and nobody notices for two throws. What happens?
The error stands, because it was not corrected before the player's next throw.
A player is given 60 when they scored 100 and pulls the darts out. Can they protest?
No. Once the score is recorded and the darts retrieved, it cannot be protested.
Can a player ask what they need during a throw?
Yes. They may ask the referee the score made or needed at any time.
Will the caller say which double to go for?
No. Only the number remaining is given.
Why the rule exists
Working out the finish is part of the skill, so officials must not help. Time limits on protests stop a leg's result being reopened later.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Officials | Referee, caller, marker, scorer | WDF Definition |
| Score display and hints | Score shown; no double named | WDF 3.07, 3.08 |
| Errors and protests | Time limits | WDF 3.05, 3.06, 14.09, 14.10 |
From the rule book
World Darts Federation, Playing and Tournament Rules (twentieth revised edition, 28 February 2018), Definition, Playing Rules 3.05 to 3.09 and Tournament Rules 14.08 to 14.10. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the WDF Playing and Tournament Rules.