Drug testing in professional darts-Does it happen?
The simple answer is yes, and news broke today (19th December) of a player testing positive at the ongoing Darts World Championships.
The player in question, Dom Taylor becomes the second player to test positive in 2025 after Rusty-Jake Rodriguez earlier in the year. Sadly this is a second offence for Taylor after a positive test in 2024 forced a suspension which meant he missed the flagship event in the December.
PDC statement on the positive test
As published on the official website:
The PDC’s governing body, the Darts Regulation Authority, has released the following statement in regards to Dom Taylor on Friday December 19:
In line with its ongoing anti-doping procedures the PDC and DRA are conducting drug testing during the 2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.
On 19 December, the DRA was notified of an adverse analytical finding in respect of the player Dom Taylor resulting from a test conducted on 14 December.
As a result of this and in line with relevant DRA processes, Dom Taylor has been suspended from participating in any DRA regulated events with immediate effect.
This matter will now be the subject of a disciplinary process in line with the relevant DRA Anti-Doping Rules.
The DRA will not be making any further comment pending the outcome of this confidential process.
ENDS
As a result of this, Taylor’s scheduled opponent in round two at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship, Jonny Clayton, will receive a Bye through to round three.
The PDC will be making no further comment on this matter.
Image @pdc
Official drug testing rules of the PDC
The Professional Darts Players Association (PDPA) and the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) implement a random drug testing program in line with World Anti-Doping Authority (WADA) guidelines to ensure darts remains a drug-free sport.
- Testing Procedures: Any player competing in a DRA-sanctioned event may be selected for a random drug test, which can occur at any time, including in-competition and out-of-competition testing.
- Prohibited Substances: The tests check for substances on the WADA Prohibited List.
- Player Responsibility: It is the player’s individual responsibility to ensure that any medication they are taking is not prohibited. Players can check this using the Global DRO reference tool.
- Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE): If a player requires a prohibited medication for a legitimate medical condition, they must obtain a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) from the DRA before competing.
- Penalties: Failing a drug test is a breach of the rules and can result in significant penalties, including fines, suspension, or a ban from competition.