Expert: Dr Darts Date: 1/20/2008 Subject: Kids distance regulations
Question I have a grandson that is 8, he got a nice magnetic dart board for Christmas and I was wondering if children play by the same distance and height that adults do. If they don't could you break it down by age group.
Answer There is no difference in the distance thrown by Juniors. If this is his first board then get him to stand as far away as he can, whilst still being able to hit the board.
Place the board at a height that is suitable - too easy and he will get bored, too hard and he will get bored!!!
As he practices more and gets more skilled the height of the board and the distance can be lengthened.
As soon as you believe he is safe with them, buy him a bristle dartboard and some steel points. Then the set up for the dartboard should be as follows
The dart board is hung so that the centre of the bullseye is 1.74m (5'8") from the floor.
The throw line, which is also referred to as the oche (pronounced "ockey")is generally located 2.37m (7'9.25") from the face of the dartboard measured horizontally. This is the recognized world standard asset by the World Darts Federation and is played as such in most areas.
There are variations in distance and some people play from 2.29m (7'6"), 2.44m (8') and as far as 2.74m (9'), In Beeston in Nottingham UK I played in a 6ft league!!!.
Since most dart boards are about 11/2" thick it is important to measure to the oche from the front of the board and not the wall. By far the easiest way to do this is to pin some string to the centre of the bull then measure diagonally to the floor 2.931m (115-3/8"). This will reduce the margin of error as long as the bullseye has been placed at the correct height and the floor and the wall make a right angle.
When fixing the board to the wall consider investing in som proper brackets . The small clip that comes with most boards needs wedges to hold the board firmly in place….this looks unsightly and if a wayward dart hits them they fall out.
Rotating the board on a regular basis massively increases its life, and so being able to do so quickly and easily is a big bonus. I use this spring loaded system to hang my own board.
