Is it forbidden to drink while playing darts? Germany only wants down-to-earth actors on stage

As the World Darts Championship continues in full swing, an age-old debate about alcohol consumption in sport is being reignited. The German Darts Association wants to see only sober darts players on stage from now on. Is this the beginning of the end of a marriage that seemed to last forever?

“Without alcohol I probably wouldn’t have won anything,” two-time world champion Dennis Priestley (73) said shortly before the World Cup. “It’s just doping, it keeps the nerves under better control,” Co Stompé (61) previously said. “One time, when I didn’t drink alcohol as a test, I was shaking like a straw.”

The roots are open. Darts started in the bar. It quickly grew from a game into a serious sport attended by millions of people. But liberal drinking continued.

lazy on stage

Not only are thousands of fans in the hall enjoying their drinks, but many actors are also drinking some spunk backstage. Although the excesses (the late Andy Fordham drinking a case of beer on game night) appear to be over.

Experienced Vincent van der Voort, who will not be able to participate in the World Cup this year for the first time since 2001, says, “It is no longer possible for players to be helpless on the stage.” “The best have to travel a lot, play a lot. “This is no longer possible.”

To clarify, darts players are checked for doping but alcohol is not on the list. Actors are free to use it, although it is strictly prohibited on stage.

Although darts players don’t like to talk about it, it’s no secret that beer and bacon are still widely consumed during competitions. DDV (German Darts Association) plans to introduce alcohol control in the tournaments it organizes in the near future. The association is examining the options together with the German anti-doping authority.

“We stand for clean and fair sport and expect our members to be able to play darts under these conditions. “When it comes to alcohol, it’s not just about the impact it has on performance, it’s also about the role models athletes play.” Inform the German association.

PDC does not follow the Germans

Will Michael van Gerwen have to take a breath test before appearing on stage in Germany in the future? NO. Top international players host tournaments organized by PDC, a British trading company. They are not considering introducing alcohol control. After all, what do they gain from this?

“The German association is an amateur organization that has no affiliation with us,” explains the PDC. “While we recognize that the roots of the sport are closely linked to pubs, this bears no resemblance to the modern, professional game that the PDC represents.”

Especially amateurs show off their skills in small tournaments in Germany. They are used to participating in competitions at the bar, which often involve beer.

In theory, a possible German ban could mean the beginning of the end for alcohol in darts. In practice, this will not be the case. Because there is a lot of resistance. From amateurs who don’t want their beer taken away, but also from senior players for whom this is part of their preparation.

“I don’t see it as a problem,” says Van der Voort, currently No. 42 in the world. “I think this is a good initiative by the Germans. From where? You have to start somewhere. “I wonder how many more players will show up there.”

“I would come too,” answers Berry van Peer shortly after reaching the third round of the World Championship. “Would such a ban have any effect? Maybe, maybe not. “I can’t say anything about that,” he said with a knowing wink.

Source: NOS

follow:
\