THE Darts Regulation Authority have released the following statement following their latest meeting:
The Darts Regulation Authority Disciplinary Committee met on Friday 16th January 2009 to discuss a number of matters including cases reported to them alleging collusion by players.
The DRA assesses the facts and the evidence in such cases extremely carefully. Every case is dealt with on an individual basis but it is reasonable to expect players found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute in such circumstances to face a ban 'sine die' from DRA sanctioned events.
Any suspicion of inappropriate gambling or collusion by players to produce a result runs the very real risk of losing the trust of spectators, fans, promoters and sponsors. It is imperative for the future well-being of the sport that there is seen to be open, honest and fair competition at all darts events. It is equally imperative that while demonstrating that darts takes its governance responsibilities extremely seriously the principles of natural justice are followed at all times.
The DRA Disciplinary Committee found that there is no evidence that players have colluded to arrange outcomes of darts matches or that there has been gambling by players or others that would be in breach of DRA Rules.
The DRA reminds all players subject to DRA rules of their responsibility to be totally competitive at all times during play and to consider the effect of their actions and their words before and after games.
It was brought to the attention of the DRA that comments made in television interviews by Darryl Fitton at the 2008 PDC Grand Slam of Darts could have been interpreted as indicating that the player did not put maximum effort into every leg of a darts game.
Interpretation of words is a subjective matter but such perceptions could damage the trust of fans, viewers, sponsors and promoters.
The DRA Disciplinary Committee wishes to express its gratitude for the assistance provided by the bookmaking and betting exchange industries in these enquiries.
The Memorandums of Understanding in place with the industry will continue to allow the DRA to monitor any ongoing concerns.
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