Section 7: Violations & Penalties
Dartboard abuse (Rule 1.08): A player who deliberately abuses the dartboard while retrieving darts is given a verbal warning by the match Referee. A second incident in the same match draws a further warning; a third incident causes the player to forfeit that leg, set, or match.
Oche foot faults (Rule 6.06): A player in breach of Rule 6.04 or 6.05 (treading on the raised oche, or failing to keep both feet behind the oche line) is first warned by the Referee in the presence of the player's captain or team official. Any dart subsequently delivered in breach of these clauses does not score and is declared invalid by the Referee.
Disqualification (Section 8): Rule 8.06 makes any player who fails to comply with the WDF Playing Rules during a tournament liable to disqualification. Where a player, pair, or team is disqualified mid-match under Rule 8.09, the opponent is awarded the match and advances to the next round; under Rule 8.10, a disqualification imposed after a completed and won match removes that player from the bracket, giving their next opponent a bye.
Conduct (Rule 15.01–15.02): Players must conduct themselves with respect toward opponents, refraining from annoying behaviour, offensive language or gestures, and unsportsmanlike conduct such as deliberately losing a leg or match, delaying play, or interfering with another player's throw. A breach is deemed to bring the sport into disrepute and results in disqualification from further participation, subject to appeal.
Attire and advertising: Rule 16.01 bars jeans, and trousers or skirts fashioned in "jeans style" from denim or corduroy, along with training shoes and tracksuit-style attire absent written medical justification; Rule 16.06 makes a player who refuses to meet attire requirements liable to forfeit that match. Rule 17.05–17.06 allow Organisers to require removal of unauthorised advertising before a televised match, with forfeiture of the match for non-compliance or for introducing prohibited advertising material on stage.
Smoking and drinking (Rule 18.01–18.02): The entire playing room at WDF Ranked events is smoke-free and the designated playing area is alcohol-free; a breach is liable to forfeiture of the match in progress and referral to the appropriate darts body for disciplinary proceedings.