Historic Recognition: International Dart Federation (IDF) is WDF Associate Member — Soft Darts, e-Darts and Para Soft Darts Officially Recognized!

The International Dart Federation (IDF) proudly announces an historic milestone for the entire darts community. Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the World Darts Federation (WDF), during the WDF General Meeting held on 20 September 2025, the IDF has been officially recognised as an Associate Member of the WDF.

The recognition of IDF as Associate Member of the WDF is more than an agreement between two federations — it is a turning point for the entire sport. By formally acknowledging Soft Darts, e-Darts, Virtual Darts and Para Soft Darts as official disciplines, the darts community has taken a decisive step toward unity, professionalism and growth.

“This is a milestone for everyone who loves darts,” stated Marco Tomasini, CEO and General Secretary of the IDF. “For decades, soft tip and electronic formats have grown into hugely popular and highly skilled disciplines played by millions of people. Now they finally have the governance, structure and recognition they deserve. On behalf of the IDF, I want to thank the WDF and our member organisations for the trust they have placed in us. This partnership brings unity across all formats, strengthens competition pathways, boosts opportunities for athletes — including para athletes — and opens new doors for development, anti-doping alignment and global tournaments. We will work tirelessly to honour this responsibility and to grow the sport at every level. I would Like to thank the WDF President Buddy Bartoletta, the Vice President for Finance Sabine Shanahan, the Secretary General Nick Rolls and the Membership Officer Dietmar Schuhmann. They are solid partners for IDF and a guide for the World of Darts.”

The agreement between WDF and IDF sets the basis for a unified governance model in which the WDF, as the global governing body for darts, delegates the technical management and authority over soft-tip, electronic and para soft darts to the IDF. This alignment of membership procedures and governance will ensure that athletes and national federations can participate seamlessly across both steel and soft darts, while gaining access to harmonised rules, ranking systems and international events. This recognition establishes the IDF as the sole governing body for Soft Darts, e-Darts, Virtual Darts and Para Soft Darts worldwide under the WDF Umbrella, marking the long-awaited official inclusion of soft darts among internationally recognized sports.

Founded to govern and develop soft darts globally, the International Dart Federation is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, and is dedicated to providing a strong and transparent structure for players, organisers and national bodies. The IDF oversees rules, tournament regulations, anti-doping compliance, international calendars and membership systems, supporting both grassroots participation and elite competitions. Through its mission, the federation aims to ensure that Soft Darts, e-Darts and Para Soft Darts enjoy the same credibility and pathways as other major sports.

The World Darts Federation, based in the USA, is the Recognized World Governing Body for Darts. Established as the umbrella organisation for national darts federations, it is responsible for the development of the sport globally, organising major world and continental championships and overseeing the international ranking system. It is member of AIMS and signatories of the WADA Agreement.