Stafford Singles Darts League

STAFFORD SINGLES DARTS LEAGUE • 2026/27

RULES & LEAGUE INFO

Everything players need to know for match nights, attendance, marking, promotion and relegation, Finals Night and the SDL League Cup.

MATCH NIGHTTHURSDAY • 8PM
LEAGUE MATCHBEST OF 4
ENTRY£50
FINALS NIGHTTOP 4
01 • MATCH FORMAT

LEAGUE MATCHES

  • Games begin from 8:00pm every Thursday.
  • Standard format is 501, straight in, double out.
  • League matches are best of 4 legs, so results can be 3–0, 3–1 or 2–2.
  • The first player named on the fixture bulls first.
  • A win earns 2 points; a draw earns 1 point.
02 • TABLE ORDER

LEAGUE POSITIONS

  • Players are ranked by Points.
  • If level: Leg Difference.
  • Then: Legs Won.
  • Then: Head-to-Head.
03 • THE SEASON

PROMOTION & FINALS

  • The Top 4 in each division qualify for Finals Night.
  • The Top 2 are promoted to the division above where applicable.
  • The Bottom 2 are relegated to the division below where applicable.
  • Finals Night is an additional end-of-season competition with separate bonus prize money.
04 • FINALS NIGHT

THE SEASON FINALE

  • Each division's Top 4 qualify.
  • Semi-finals are best of 7 legs.
  • Finals are best of 9 legs.
  • Finals Night prize money is additional to league-position payouts.
05 • ATTENDANCE

AVAILABILITY

  • A weekly attendance poll will be posted. Every player must reply YES or NO.
  • Fixtures and running order will be posted before Thursday.
  • If unavailable, tell the organiser as early as possible. The normal deadline is 5:00pm Thursday.
  • Late notice will normally mean a forfeit, except genuine exceptional circumstances.
  • A postponed/missed fixture must be completed within 4 weeks.
  • Where required, a player may play two matches in a later week to catch up.
06 • NO-SHOWS

FORFEITS & LATE ARRIVAL

  • No notice for a no-show or late arrival means the match is forfeited.
  • A forfeit is recorded as a 3–0 loss; the opponent receives the win and league points.
  • 3 no-shows during a season may result in removal from the league.
07 • MARKING

MARKING DUTIES

  • The loser marks the next scheduled game.
  • After a 2–2 draw, the loser of the final leg marks next.
  • Phone scoring is allowed, but scores must still be visible at the board.
  • If leaving early, the player must arrange someone to cover their marking duty.
  • Refusing or failing to mark without cover may result in a 2-point deduction.
08 • LEAGUE CUP

KNOCKOUT FORMAT

  • All eligible league players enter the SDL League Cup.
  • The draw is conducted live and published through the website.
  • Rounds before the semi-finals are best of 5 legs.
  • Semi-finals are best of 7; the final is best of 9.
  • Cup matches are knockout matches — no draws.
09 • ENTRY & PRIZES

WHAT'S AT STAKE

  • Entry is £50 and must be paid by 10th September.
  • Entry fees are non-refundable.
  • Every player receives a payout based on their final league position.
  • Finals Night and the League Cup carry additional separate prizes.
  • Trophies and additional awards are presented at season end.
10 • PLAYER CHANGES

MID-SEASON REPLACEMENTS

  • If a player withdraws and is replaced, all previous results remain.
  • The replacement player takes over the departing player's league position and existing record.
  • The replacement continues that slot for the remainder of the season rather than starting from zero.
11 • CONDUCT & DISPUTES

RESPECT THE LEAGUE

  • SDL is competitive but friendly. Players must respect opponents, markers, organisers, venue staff and the venue.
  • Poor or disruptive behaviour may lead to disciplinary action or removal from the league.
  • If a situation is not specifically covered by these rules, the organiser's decision is final.
IMPORTANTKNOW THE RULES BEFORE YOU PLAY.

Entering and taking part in the SDL means playing under these rules. They exist to keep the league fair, organised and enjoyable for everyone.