The Covid-19 pandemic has led to many changes, including those in the world of darts. One of the things that has affected us in particular is the fact that the ADO has been forced into changes in the way that we qualify players for National Championships.

Without having a usable ranking system for players to use to buy-in to a National Finals – instead opening up it up to ALL ADO members – we have seen a marked decrease in the number of National Qualifiers scheduled, which in turn, has led to a decrease in players who actually “qualify”, rather than buy-in. This is not what we want, as we want to make it more attractive for local league players to compete.

We know that the $110 entry fee for National Qualifiers doesn’t always encourage local participation. However, this fee has remained at $110 for many years, and we have fought against raising this. Therefore, it has been decided to make major changes to the system, which will be introduced for the US Team National Qualifiers this year. Of course, we don’t take changes to the qualification system lightly, and certainly not mid-year, but the important thing is that there will be no change to the ADO points system,

Here are the basics:

1. Entry to a National Qualifier is now $60 (reduced from$110). This applies to direct entry to an NQ, or qualification from local playoffs (which means local clubs need fewer participants).
2. One player for every ten players (or $600) qualifies for the National Final. This is a change from one for every eight players (or $880).
3. Players qualifying for a National Final receive travel costs (raised to a minimum of $150) ONLY; there is no expense stipend now.
4. Players qualifying for both National Finals in Las Vegas receive travel, plus $200. From the remaining $400, $200 will be added to the purse.
5. The first alternate from a National Qualifier will still be able to buy-in to a National Final for $50.
6. All ADO members can buy in to a National Final at the cost of $200 (raised from $150).
7. Players who qualify for ONE National Final in Las Vegas can buy in to the other at a discounted rate of $150.

Again, these do NOT apply to any remaining NQ’s for the World Masters which qualify players for Cleveland next month, only to the US Team and beyond.

We are just trying to make National Championships and National Qualifiers more attractive for all players, particularly with regard to participation in National Qualifiers. As always, we will continue to monitor the situation as we strive to move forward.

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