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Dear BEN,
Why is it that each one of the dart organizations operate apart from one another?
I am not saying each country should have their own ranking systems and dart organization, but why multiples? I would think that titles like the World Dart Federation would imply that the whole world is involved in those ranking systems. If each country were to adopt a credible system and work in conjunction with one another via a WDF or something of that nature there would be an opportunity for all players around the world to be professional darters.
Similar to this idea it would only make sense that dart companies like Arachnid,
Halex, Nodor, DMI, Unicorn, etc. would be able to help promote the game and make a larger market by working together.
They could help sponsor and promote the game.
The idea may sound strange to have competitors of the same market working
together but it works.
Golf equipment companies do it all the time. They have trade shows and tournaments that are put on by the PGA in which the companies pay for and advertise to get their product to the consumer.
However the dart organizations would need to operate independently from companies
like them to avoid any conflict of interest.
The same system is used with golf merchandising. The PGA of America excepts no donations or partnerships with any equipment manufacturers.
I am not an economist by any means, and I am not a writer, as you can tell, but I
am a golf teaching professional and work in equipment sales. That is how I came up with this information.
I was inspired to write this letter because I am new to darts but have grown very
fond of it very quickly. I attended a tournament In Syracuse, NY, last weekend and was fortunate enough to practice with John Special K Kuczynski, and
had a wonderful time.
The man had TONS of game and for every ounce of game he had real class. Guys like him deserve to be able to play in a professional dart forum.
I hate to say it because I enjoy the fact that an average Joe like myself can go
to a tournament and play with darters like him, but they should not have to spend their time kicking around in tournaments with us. It should be worth
their time and they should not have to sacrifice their livelihood to play professional darts.
With people like Mr. Kuczynski in the game, you will see flourishment, but first
they must be allowed and encouraged to break through into the professional world. People must start thinking of the future of the game and invest in the
game’s future stars. This will give the spark the game is looking for. Media will begin to cover events because it will be worth it to them.
There is a strong enough movement in darts to make something like this
happen. Every city and even many small towns have their dart shops, and dart pubs, and dart leagues.
Unsuspecting viewers will take a gander at what these guys are doing. They might even be inspired to play a game and get hooked just as we did.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter.
I hope it can be used as a tool to inspire others with some thought or better yet action. I am sure I am not the first to come up with this idea, but I really felt the need to get my opinion to someone who could do something with it just in case no one has.
Sorry about all the grammar mistakes, but like I said I am paid to talk not
write.
I would also like to add you are free to do what you will with this e-mail as long as you think it will help. Also, if you see John Kuczynski, you can pass this on for me or thank him for me and let him know that I am thankful for his tips and rooting for him.
—Richard Howard
Rochester, NY
From The Editor
First of all, you bring up some frequently asked questions about ranking systems.
Darts is a sport, just like any other sport. While you probably didn’t mean it, all players around the world cannot become professional darts players. Just like in every other sport, there are the few who become professionals and the rest of us who try our best, regardless of opportunity, but end up enjoying competing at a level far below the professionals.
The different ranking systems you have mentioned each serve
their own purpose, and do work together to satisfy the needs of the players and to provide the opportunity for all players around the world to strive to become
professional dart players.
For instance, the PDC ranking system is used to rank the professional players around the world. Any player can earn these points by participating and doing well in PDC ranked tournaments. The WDF ranking system is used to rank players, world wide, based on WDF ranked tournaments from member organizations that ‘govern’ the amateur steel tip sport in their respective countries throughout the world. In most cases, professional darters can and do participate in events hosted by these organizations. Each of these organizations have their own ranking system to rank their players within their respective organizations. Electronic dart organizations have their own ranking systems to establish a basis for skill level at competitions at their electronic tournaments. The BEN Pro Ranking System is used to define who the top professionals are in North America based on performance at only the largest steel tipped tournaments in North America.
Players can be ranked in any one, or multiple rankings
described above. Each has their own purpose and together they help players reach their own goals, whether on the professional circuit, amateur game, or
electronic game. Without them, players would have all the opportunities available to them they have now to compete in various country and world-wide
tournaments.
Indeed, there have been several disputes between organizations
in the process of growth and development that have strained relationships over the years.
But eventually, the common ground between these organizations will lead to better rules for the game and better competitions for the players.
Regarding the level of professional tournaments in North
America, there are very few. In order for the Kuczynski’s, Young’s, Carter’s and others to give up their livelihoods to pursue professional darts, the
number of professional tournaments in North America must increase to a level that can support them financially.
They will take sponsors at a national and worldwide level, television coverage with good ratings, and a tremendous growth in the sport at the amateur level…and not necessarily in that order.
The PDC has brought the professional game to America through
the $180,000 Las Vegas Desert Classic, which is televised worldwide.
But that is only one tournament. Professional sports need these kind of tournaments every weekend. The task is huge, but it can be done. If there are 1,000 players and spectators at the Las Vegas Desert Classic III this year, the PDC will focus more of their efforts and resources to expanding the American market by adding events elsewhere in the US. They have provided great incentives to amateur and professional players in the US to come out and play against some of the best players in the world and watch some of the most incredible dart performances ever to be staged in the US. Check out the opportunities in Off The Wire in this issue and the Las Vegas Desert Classic III registration forms elsewhere in this issue.
—Editor
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