Darts to be part of 2012 Olympics
Or maybe not. Should darts be included in the Olympic Games? asks the Guardian.
Whilst thirteen-times World Darts champion Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor argues strongly in favour, based on the sports popularity around the world there seems to be some way to go before Darts is recognised by the Olympic Comittee.
Former director of coaching for British Athletics, Tom McNab puts forward the case against:
I think the most important point is that for a sport to be considered for the Olympics it must represent a minimum level of physical activity. I know people will say that darts does entail a certain level but then so does marbles. Look at the bellies on these guys; some of them are more like places than people.
Actually, McNab’s most important point is his first one. To get on the Olympic programme darts would need to:
- establish an international federation to govern the sport
- have that federation recognized by the IOC
- get added to the list of ‘Olympic sports’ in the Olympic charter, which requires two-thirds majority approval of IOC members
- get added to the Olympic programme for a particular games, which requires majority approval of IOC members
‘Some way to go’ indeed.
In order to achieve the third or fourth point the international federation would have to convince the IOC members that darts was more deserving than all the other candidates. Ask rugby and golf how that’s worked out for them, so far.
And all this was actually decided for 2012 six months ago. So I think you should change your ‘maybe not’ to ‘not a hope.’
Amateur - January 5th, 2006 at 9:23 amActually, there is a International body, The World darts federation, foounded in the mid seveties, we now have over 70 countries as members. We hold a world cup every 2 years, with typically 45 to 50 countries competing. We also have several million dollars worth of tournaments each year. While darts is not as physical as fencing or basketball, it does require great skill and stamina to win a major tournament. I have played for as long as 13 hours in 1 event before myself. Not all dart players are heavy drinkers, some not at all. There will be a world series of darts with a possiable 1 million dollar prize this year in the USA. Sorry if I ramble, just see a lot of potential to increase the sport past the ” pub game” apperance.
professional - January 31st, 2006 at 9:38 pmChris