MENS WORLD PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

NOTE: This issue of the Playing Rules and Format is applicable to the 2006 CHAMPIONSHIPS ONLY.

The qualifying conditions for the 2006 Championships were reviewed at the BDO Board Meeting held on the 16th April 2005.

In the Playing Rules and Format for the LAKESIDE World Professional Championships the term 'Promoters/Organisers' shall mean the British Darts Organisation Limited, or a subsidiary of that Company.

1.00 TOURNAMENT INVITATIONS

1.01 Invitations to play in the Lakeside World Professional Championships will be issued by the Promoters/Organisers to those players that have qualified and are eligible to play in the Championships, subject to their commitment to the BDO system, and BDO Eligibility Rule, or being a 'registered playing' member of a WDF Member Darts Body.

1.02 Such invitations will be issued directly to the players, with copies being sent to the player's respective National Darts Body for reference.

1.03 The consideration and determination of eligible players will be made by the Promoters/Organisers in a Meeting convened after the Europe Cup, or World Cup, whichever is applicable, in each Playing Season. {IE: Late October/early November period.} In special circumstances preliminary invitations may be made prior to 1st September in any year. Consideration shall also be given to the conditions contained in the 'Tomlin Order’ dated 30th June 1997 - see Schedule 1 attached and numbered VOL ll: L11.

1.04 Ideally the first round proper shall include '32' players which shall comprise of '24' Direct qualifiers, plus '8' Qualifiers from the International play-offs. These numbers are subject to the result of applying Clause No: 2.06

1.05 The '8' Seeded players in the first round proper shall be determined by reference to the BDO Men's Invitation Table which is issued on the 1st November in the current Playing Season.

1.06 The qualifiers in each category shall be determined in accordance with the qualifying conditions outlined below.

2.00 INVITATION FORMULA - 'DIRECT' QUALIFYING CONDITIONS

2.01 The qualifying conditions for the 2006 Championships were reviewed at a Board Meeting held on the 16th April 2005.

2.02 Players that reached the last '4' in the 2005 Championships shall be the first 'Direct' qualifiers to the 2006 Championships subject to their eligibility.

2.03 The next '20' Direct' qualifiers shall be determined from those players listed in the BDO Invitation Tables. {IE: 1st November 2005 issue for Men}.

2.04 In the instance that a 'listed' player has already qualified within the first '4' under Clause No: 2.02 then the next listed player shall be included until '20' additional players have been determined from the BDO Invitation Table.

2.05 If a number of players are listed at the same position then consideration will be given to 'other' systems to enable a decision to be made on which player, or players are to be included.

2.06 The winner of the 2005 Winmau World Masters Championship shall also be included as a ‘direct’ qualifier. A standby player determined during the International Play-offs shall be included in the instance that the 2005 World Masters is in the ‘24’ players determined under Clauses Nos: 2.02 to 2.05. The 2003 and 2004 World Professional Champions subject to their eligibility and providing that they have not already qualified.

2.07 In the instance that the number of players determined under Clause Nos: 2.04 to 2.06 is greater than '24' then the number of Qualifiers to be determined from the International Play-offs under Clause No: 3.01 will be adjusted accordingly. {IE: From 8 to 7, to 6, or to 5 Qualifiers as required.}

2.08 Each British player must have made a written commitment to the BDO system and be currently playing in the British Inter-County Championships/County Super league, and each Overseas player must be in the 'Top Ten' of his own Member Darts Body's Ranking System.

2.09 Consideration shall also be given by the Promoters/Organisers to those players that have been nominated by their National Darts Body providing that they comply with BDO Eligibility requirements.

2.10 Again if it is necessary to make a choice between players, the nominated orders of preference, or a Ranking System applicable to their country, or the BDO Invitation Tables will be considered to enable a decision to be made on which player, or players are to be invited.

2.11 If no decision has been reached under Clause Nos: 2.09 to 2.10 then reference to the WDF Ranking System shall be made in order to make a choice.

3.00 INVITATION FORMULA - 'INTERNATIONAL PLAY-OFF' QUALIFYING CONDITIONS

3.01 Invitations will be extended by the Promoter/Organisers to approximately '200' players who, upon acceptance, will be required to participate in an International play-off to determine 8; 7; 6; or 5 Qualifiers. The actual number to be determined is dependent upon the application of Clause Nos: 2.04, 2.05 and 2.06.

3.02 All the invited players shall have met at least ONE of the qualifying conditions listed below;

(a) Former World Professional Champions that have not directly qualified subject to currently playing in the British Inter-County Championships/County Super Leagues, or being placed in the Top Ten of his own Country's Ranking Tables.
(b) All players who were in the final thirty two (32) of the last Championship that have not already qualified.
(c) Players from the BDO recognised Champions list that have not already qualified providing that each British player must be currently playing in the British Inter County Championships/County Super League, each Overseas player must in the Top Ten of his own Member Darts Body's Ranking System. {See Appendices One and Two - Lists of BDO recognised Champions}
(d) Full International Squad members from England, Scotland and Wales.
(e) The next '5' players in the June issue of the Men’s BICC DAVE and BDO Grand Prix tables that have not already directly qualified.
(f) Up to '4' representative players, or qualifiers, for the World Masters Championship, plus the listed Singles Champions, determined by a WDF Member Darts Body outside of the BDO.
(g) All the players that have qualified for the World Finals of the 2005 Winmau World Masters Championship through the ‘National’ play-offs held in England, Scotland, and Wales.
(h) '1' male player from each BDO Member County play-off which shall be open to all registered County Super League players, subject to meeting their commitment to the BDO system.
(i) Winmau World Masters Champions for the last '5' years subject to currently playing in the British Inter-County Championships, or being placed in the Top Ten of his own Country's Ranking System.

(j) The 2001 and 2002 World Professional Champions subject to their eligibility and providing that they have not directly qualified.

(k) A player that has been nominated for invitation by a Sponsor or the IDPA must be able to comply with one of the above Clause Nos: 3.02 (a) to (j).

3.03 A Ranking System which is applicable to a Country, or the BDO Invitation Table shall be used to enable a decision to be made on which player, or players shall be invited into the International Play-off when more than one player is eligible to attend.

3.04 The current Winmau World Master will be considered for inclusion in the invitations issued by the Promoters/Organisers and if already qualified then a Standby Player will be invited subject to that player having met the commitment to the BDO system.

4.00 MATCH PLAY FORMAT

4.01 The BDO Playing Rules shall apply to all matches played in the Lakeside World Professional Championships, including the International Play-off, plus any additional Rules that have been printed in the Championships programme.

4.02 Players must be in attendance at least 60 minutes before the commencement of a match play session in order to ensure the formal introduction on stage of all players involved in that session.

4.03 If a player fails to attend to meet the requirement in Clause No: 4.02 then an official warning will be issued by the Promoters/Organisers, and in the instance of a second offence the player will be automatically suspended from a BDO event.

4.04 The International Play-off format shall be the Best of '3' Sets, with each Set being the Best of '5' Legs 501 up, with a straight start, and a Double or Bull to finish.
The Tie-Breaker Rule will apply to the 3rd Set, if played, to determine the result of an individual match.

4.05 Each Set played in the Championship shall be the Best of '5' Legs, and each Leg shall be 501 up, with a with a straight start, and a Double, or Bull to finish.

4.06 The 4th and 5th Leg of each Set shall only be played if they do contribute to the result of that respective Set.

4.07 In the Final Set of each match, after '3' legs have been played and no result has been attained, then the match result must be attained by winning '2' clear legs.

NB: The Final Set of a match shall be interpreted as the following;
- 5th Set in the First Round matches.
- 7th Set in the Second Round matches.
- 9th Set in the Quarter-final matches.
- 11th Set in the Semi-final matches.
- 13th Set in the Final match.

4.08 If no result has been attained by '5' legs each, then the Tie Breaker Rule will apply to the 11th Leg.

4.09 The Tie Breaker Rule shall apply to the FINAL Set in each match played in the Championship. {See Rule No: 5.00 for details.}

4.10 The Matchplay schedule for the World Championship shall be as follows;

First Round = Best of 5 Sets
Second Round = Best of 7 Sets
Quarter-finals = Best of 9 Sets
Semi-finals = Best of 11 Sets
Final = Best of 13 Sets

4.11 The Draw and the Schedule of Matchplay for each round shall be as indicated in the players briefing, and as laid down in the Championships programme.

4.12 The Bracket system will apply to the Matchplay Draw which shall be conducted at the discretion of the Promoters/Organisers in conjunction with the Sponsors.

4.13 The '8' Seeded Players shall be placed in the Draw according to the BDO Seeding Formula.
{IE: 1; 8; 5; 4; 2; 7; 6; 3.}

4.14 The Promoters/Organisers reserve the right to alter the Playing Format, and the Matchplay Schedule to accommodate any circumstances that may occur during the Championships.

5.00 TIE BREAKER

5.01 The terms of the Tie Breaker Rule shall apply to the 11th Leg of the Final Set of a match.
NB: The Final Set of a match shall be interpreted as the following;
- 5th Set in the First Round matches.
- 7th Set in the Second Round matches.
- 9th Set in the Quarter-final matches.
- 11th Set in the Semi-final matches.
- 13th Set in the Final match.

5.02 Each player shall throw for the Bull to determine which player shall throw first in the 11th Leg of the Final Set, but the player that threw first in the match shall throw first for the Bull.

5.03 The decision will be based on the player's dart that enters the board, remains in the board, and is judged by the referee to be nearest the Bull.

5.04 Darts that hit and remain in the Bull, or the '25' bed, shall be retrieved by the player before the opponent throws a dart.

5.05 If a dart rebounds from the board, or falls out of the board during a throw, then the player shall throw a further dart, or darts until one remains in the board.

5.06 If a dart enters, and remains in the board, in such a manner that the opponent's view of the Bull, or the 25 bed, is obscured, then the opponent may request the referee to adjust the angle of inclination of the dart so as to afford a clearer view.

Any adjustment of the angle of inclination must not alter the point of entry of the dart, but must align the dart so that it is perpendicular to the face of the board.

5.07 If the darts thrown for the Bull prove to be a tie, then both players shall retrieve their darts and shall throw again, but in the reverse order, until a decision has been made by the referee.

5.08 The player that wins the 11th leg of the final set is the winner of the match.

6.00 PRIZE STRUCTURE

6.01 In the International Play-offs the Group Winners, {8, 7, 6, or 5} shall be awarded with an invitation to participate in the First Round proper and are guaranteed a minimum of first round losers prize money providing that they participate.

6.02 In the Championships proper each player is eligible to receive a minimum of first round losers prize money.

6.03 Every other player is eligible to receive prize money in respect of the position attained in the Championships.

6.04 If applicable, prize money will also be awarded for the highest Check-out recorded in competitive Matchplay. {IE: The Highest possible Check-out is '170' - [Treble 20 + Treble 20 + Bull]}

In the instance of more than one player achieving the same highest Check-out, then the prize money will be divided equally between them.

6.05 A Special Prize for the first '9' dart leg in the Championships may be made available subject to Sponsorship negotiations

6.06 A BDO Prize for the same achievement is £1000, plus a further £1000 if the achievement is transmitted by television.

6.07 The official stage presentations shall be to the Champions, and the Runners up. The highest Check-out prize will be officially presented in the Sponsor's reception held after the event.

6.08 If a player is not present at the official presentation ceremony to receive prize money, or prizes, without the prior permission of the Promoters/Organisers then that player shall forfeit the right to receive such prize money, or prizes that may be due.

6.09 If a player does not fulfil all playing commitments within the Championships, without reasonable cause, then that player shall forfeit the right to receive any prize money, prizes, or trophies that may be due to that player in respect of the Championships.

6.10 If any expenditure is incurred as a result of such a default then the player, or person deemed to be responsible shall be held liable for the additional costs involved.

6.11 All players participating in the Championships must ensure that they do not play in any darts match, competition, or exhibition, without the prior permission of the Sponsor, at any venue within 100 miles radius of the playing venue during the period of the Championships.

6.12 In the instance that Clause No: 6.11 is contravened, then the Sponsor shall reserve the right to withhold prize monies from the offending player.

6.13 An Overseas player will be subject to UK. Withholding Tax on any prize money won, less an allowance for the cost of hotel and subsistence that is actually incurred by the player.

The allowance being for one day prior to the event, plus the number of days that the player is participating in the event.

7.00 PLAYING ATTIRE

7.01 All the terms of BDO Playing Rule No: 25.00 shall apply in all matches played in the Lakeside World Professional Championships, and are detailed for reference in the BDO Players Dress Code.

7.02 In the Lakeside World Professional Championships the Playing Attire of any participating player shall be subject to BDO approval.

7.03 Any unacceptable Playing Attire must be changed before that player can participate in any introductions, Matchplay on stage, interviews, and introductions.

7.04 Any player refusing to meet with BDO approval shall be liable to forfeit that respective match, and shall be reported to the appropriate darts body for Disciplinary Proceedings to be considered.

8.00 ADVERTISING

8.01 All the terms of BDO Playing Rule No: 27.00 shall apply in all the matches played in the Lakeside World Professional Championships, and are detailed for reference in the BDO Players Dress Code.

9.00 SMOKING

9.01 No smoking shall be allowed by any player, or match official, whilst engaged in a match played on stage which is being covered by television.

9.02 No smoking shall be allowed by any player, or match official, whilst, engaged in the televised introductions to Matchplay, during any televised interviews on or off the stage, and during presentation ceremonies made on the stage.

9.03 Any player found to be in breach of Clause Nos: 9.01, or 9.02 shall forfeit that respective match, and shall be reported to the appropriate darts body for Disciplinary Proceedings to be considered.

9.04 Any match official found to be breach of Clause Nos: 9.01, or 9.02 shall be reported to the appropriate darts body for Disciplinary Proceedings to be considered.

9.05 The British Darts Organisation Ltd., or any of its subsidiaries, shall reserve the right to prohibit smoking in any other matches under its jurisdiction, if it is considered in the best interests of the promotion of the Sport of Darts to do so.

10.00 DRINKING

10.01 No alcoholic drinks shall be allowed to be consumed, or introduced into the area covered by television, by any player, or match official whilst engaged in a match which is being covered by television.

10.02 No alcoholic drinks shall be allowed to be consumed, or introduced into the area covered by television, by any
player, or match official, during televised introductions to Matchplay, during any televised interviews either on or
off the stage, and during presentation ceremonies made on the stage.

10.03 Any player found to be in breach of Clause No: 10.01, or 10.02 shall forfeit that respective match, and shall be reported to the appropriate darts body for Disciplinary Proceedings to be considered.

10.04 Any match official found to be in breach of Clause No: 10.01, or 10.02 shall be reported to the appropriate darts body for Disciplinary Proceedings to be considered.

10.05 The British Darts Organisation Ltd., or any of its subsidiaries, shall reserve the right to prohibit the consumption of alcoholic drinks in any other matches under its jurisdiction, if it is considered in the best interests of the promotion of the Sport of Darts to do so.

11.00 OFFICIALS

11.01 The number of Officials required to organise the Lakeside World Professional Championships shall be determined and appointed by the Promoters/Organisers giving due regard to those persons previously appointed and to the budget for the Championships.

12.00 PLAYERS & OFFICIALS CONDUCT

12.01 Any player's, or match official's conduct which is considered to have brought the Sport of Darts into disrepute shall be liable to Disciplinary Proceedings being taken against that player, or that official.

12.02 Such Disciplinary Action shall be instigated by the Promoters/Organisers, and shall be conducted in accordance with BDO Code of Practice No: 3 as laid down in Volume One of the BDO Authorised Handbook.

12.03 Masters of Ceremonies and Referees shall not allow any player to use the microphone at any time during the Lakeside World Professional Championships without being officially invited to do so.

12.04 During Matchplay any player, or official, using offensive language, or seen to be 'mouthing' any offensive language, shall be deemed to have brought the Sport of Darts into disrepute, and shall the be subject to Disciplinary Proceedings being taken against that player, or that official.

13.00 INCIDENTS

13.01 When an 'incident' occurs which is not specifically covered within the Lakeside World Professional Championships Playing Rules and Format, or the BDO Playing Rules, then the Promoters/Organisers decision shall be final and binding.

13.02 Any decision made under Clause No. 13.01 shall be referred to an ensuing BDO Board Meeting, when that decision shall be considered for inclusion within a revised version of these Rules.

APPENDIX ONE - Lists of BDO Recognised Men's Champions

{Singles events Only - exceptions are listed below this table}

Exceptions to the Singles Criteria

British Open Pairs
British Gold Cup Pairs

Note

This list of BDO recognised Men’s Champions is subject to a player's eligibility and may be augmented during the Season as new events become established and are formally recognised.

SCHEDULE 1

Extract from the 'Tomlin Order’ dated 30th June 1997

The W.D.C. and the B.D.O. agree the following:

1. This Schedule applies to the Embassy World Professional Championship, organised by the B.D.O. and sponsored by Imperial Tobacco plc ( “ the Embassy”), and to the Sky World Championship, organised by the W.D.C. and broadcast by Sky Television (“the Sky”). It applies to no other event.

2. No person may participate in both the Sky and the Embassy in the same season.

3. Any person who, in the 12 months preceding either the Sky or the Embassy, signs a document indicating an intention to participate in one of those competitions, shall not be permitted to enter or participate in the other competition, and may be required to participate in the competition to which the document refers.

4. Nobody shall be required, as a precondition to entry into any competition other than the Sky or the Embassy, or as a precondition to membership of the W.P.D.P.A. or the B.D.O. to sign a document of the sort referred to in paragraph 3 of this Schedule.

5. The top 16 players, and any Home Country players ranked between 17 and 32 in each year’s Embassy (from January 1998), and the top 16 players in each year’s Sky (from January 1998), shall not be permitted to enter the other competition in the immediately following year.

6. No further restriction shall be imposed upon any player than those set out above, except under the ordinary disciplinary codes of practice and rules of play for each tournament.

7. In view of pre-existing contractual commitments, this Schedule shall not apply to the following players until after the conclusion of the Sky in 2001 and the W.D.C. may maintain its existing contractual restrictions upon them:
Bob Anderson, Eric Bristow, Keith Deller, John Lowe, Dennis Priestley and Phil Taylor