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Beginning with this American Dart League Fall Season the new minimum throwing distance changes from 7’6” to 7’9 ¼”. Why the change? To put this in its proper prospective, a history of how these throwing distances came about is in order.
It was in the late ‘60’s when our sport of darts became organized here state side. At that time there was only one national dart club, the United States Darting Association (USDA). Headquartered in New York City, the USDA set the standard for tossing darts at eight feet. As darts became more popular worldwide it was apparent an international darts club was needed to develop competitions between countries. In 1975 the World Darts Federation (WDF) was formed and one of the first objectives was to set a worldwide throwing distance.
Determining a standard throwing distance was no easy task. Back then most United Kingdom countries (they had the most darters) tossed from 7’6”. Throw lines in the United States and Canada were marked at eight feet. It was agreed the new distance would be an even split between these two distances. With most of the world measurements determined in metrics a distance of 2.37 meters was agreed upon. When converting to feet and inches this distance became 7’9 ¼”.
In 1976 the American Darts Organization (ADO) was formed and immediately recognized this new throwing distance. Local darts clubs followed and it appeared the problem was solved. Then along came Electronic “soft tip” darts. Machine manufacturers set the throwing distance at eight feet. In 1985 the National Dart Association (NDA) was formed and adopted this distance as their official throw line.
In 1991 the ADA was founded. Now our club was different! We represent both English steel tip and Electronic soft tip darts. So what would be the throwing distance? ADA President, Glenn Remick decided the ADA would also have its own distance and set a minimum of 7’6” with a maximum eight foot line. With this margin all ADA members, steel or soft, could throw darts and still recognize the other national organization’s distances.
Because the ADA had no international ties there were no conflicts (other than multiple throw lines in the local tavern). This will change in 2004. The ADA will officially enter into an agreement with the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). The PDC develops and manages English steel tip competitions for professional darts players worldwide. They also recognize the international throwing distance of 7’9 ¼.
Remick adds, “With darts growing internationally and electronics playing an important development role, it now makes sense to follow the standard set by both the PDC and the WDF. We look forward with great anticipation to our alliance with the PDC and the many benefits that will follow from it.”
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