Darts Safety

Darts: a safe sport with a few sensible precautions

Darts remains one of the most accessible sports in the UK. You can find boards in pubs, social clubs and homes across the country. The equipment costs relatively little, the rules are straightforward, and players of most ages can take part.

The professional game has grown considerably, with top players competing for substantial prize money at televised events. The sport has also moved on from its old image of heavy drinking during matches. Modern professionals are generally more focused on fitness and performance than their predecessors were.

Given that darts involves throwing pointed metal objects, it makes sense to follow a few basic safety practices. Injuries do occur, though they are usually minor and preventable with a bit of common sense.

Children and supervision

Young children should not play with standard steel tip darts without adult supervision. The points are sharp enough to cause puncture wounds, and younger players may not yet understand the need to stand clear while others are throwing.

For families with small children, soft tip darts and electronic boards offer a safer alternative. These use plastic points that are less likely to cause injury if mishandled. They also tend to bounce out of walls and furniture rather than embedding themselves.

If you have a dartboard at home and young children around, consider mounting it in a room that can be closed off. Store the darts somewhere out of reach when not in use.

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Setting up a safe playing area

A dartboard needs enough clear space around it. The standard throwing distance is 237cm from the board face, and you will want a bit of room behind the oche as well. Players waiting their turn should stand well to the side, never behind the thrower or near the board.

Mount the board securely on a wall that can handle stray darts. Plasterboard and thin partitions may not stop a dart, and you do not want points coming through into another room. A backboard made from cork or a purpose built surround can protect the wall and catch any throws that miss.

Good lighting helps accuracy and reduces eye strain. A dedicated dartboard light that illuminates the board without creating glare or shadows makes a noticeable difference.

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Avoiding common injuries

Most dart related injuries are minor: small cuts, bruised toes from dropped darts, or the occasional dart bouncing back and catching a hand. These can usually be avoided by paying attention to what you are doing.

Never walk towards the board while someone is throwing or about to throw. Wait until all three darts have been thrown and the player has stepped back before approaching to retrieve them. This sounds obvious, but a moment of inattention in a busy pub can lead to accidents.

Check your darts regularly. Loose flights, bent shafts or damaged points can affect how the dart flies and increase the chance of a bounce out. Replacing worn parts is inexpensive and straightforward.

Repetitive strain can affect regular players, particularly in the shoulder and elbow. If you play frequently and notice persistent discomfort, consider adjusting your technique or taking breaks during longer sessions.

Playing in pubs and clubs

When playing in licensed premises, be mindful of other customers. Boards in busy areas can create hazards for people walking past. If the pub has a designated darts area, use it. If space is tight, you may need to pause between throws to let people pass safely.

Alcohol does affect coordination and judgement. If you are playing socially with a few drinks, take extra care with your throws and be aware of your surroundings.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Pre-Sport Safety Checker lets you enter your sport and situation to get a personalised safety checklist. Covers equipment, warm-up, environment, and common risks. Try it now →