DSAB League Rules for Löwen Dart Machines

The DSAB league is played on approved electronic dart machines equipped with a Löwen Tournament Board. The regulations define, among other things, which game formats apply in the individual league divisions, what requirements players and teams must meet, and how a league match is conducted.

Game formats in the DSAB league divisions

The game format varies depending on the league division. In the higher divisions, 501 Double Out is generally played. In the B and C Leagues, other formats are also предусмотрed depending on the applicable regulations.

The team game is played as Sudden Death. The game format depends on the respective league division; the team game is played over four scores in League mode and is Best of one.

Eligibility and team line-up

DSAB league players must be registered with the DSAB and may generally only compete for the team they are registered with during a season. Registration is handled through the league management. The August 2025 version of the regulations recognises both signed team registrations and digital signatures in the league software.

Additional registrations during the season are possible subject to the conditions specified in the regulations. A newly registered player is only eligible to play once they have been entered into the administration system by the league management and appear in the digital team roster. Fees may apply for additional registrations.

Each team must appoint a team captain. The captain is the team's main point of contact and is responsible for ensuring that players comply with the league rules. If the captain is not present at a league match, an attending player must be appointed and registered as deputy captain.

Dart machines, darts and throwing line

According to the regulations, matches may only be played on Löwen dart machines with Tournament Boards that are recognised by the DSAB and approved for league play. The prescribed scoring for segments and the bull is clearly defined.

• Players may use their own darts, provided they meet the required specifications.
• Darts must have flexible plastic tips that remain securely in the board's holes.
• The maximum dart length is 16.8 cm.
• The edge of the throwing line facing the machine must be 2.37 m from the board and parallel to it.
• The board must be illuminated using the lamp specified by the manufacturer.

The information on the maximum dart weight linked in the August 2025 version is not legible in the available text. We therefore deliberately do not specify a weight limit here. Please check this point in the complete regulations or with your league management.

Preparing for and starting a league match

Under the described regulations, the away team is entitled to have a dart machine reserved for it 30 minutes before the official start of the match. Before play begins, the team captains check player eligibility and the entries in the match report or league administration software.

A team may start with three players. The fourth player must be present no later than when their match is called in the third block. A team may play with only three players twice during a season; according to the August 2025 version, a third occurrence results in disqualification.

Substitute players may be used in accordance with the regulations. As a general rule, a player who has been substituted cannot be brought back into the match. Substitutions are not permitted during an ongoing match and must be documented.

Match procedure and conduct at the machine

Before throwing, players must check that the dart machine displays the correct player or score and that the required game format has been selected. If an incorrect format or option is noticed before the end of a leg, the leg is restarted. If the error is only discovered after the leg has ended, the leg stands.

Players must not step over the throwing line when throwing. It is permitted to lean over the line or throw from the side, provided the throw is made within the imaginary extension of the line.

Darts thrown towards the dart machine are generally considered thrown, even if they are not registered or fall out of the board. The score displayed by the machine is accepted. In the event of a disagreement, the team captains should make the initial decision.

Distracting behaviour, repeatedly crossing the throwing line, deliberate delays, misuse of the machine and unsportsmanlike conduct may be penalised as fouls. Under the August 2025 version of the regulations, a player found guilty of a foul loses the game.

End of the match and submission of results

After the matches, the team captains check the result and confirm it on the match report or in the league software. The home team is responsible for submitting the result to the league management as quickly as possible.

Even if the team match has already been decided, all matches listed on the match report must be played according to the August 2025 version. Results must not be entered for matches that have not actually been played.

Failure to appear and disputes

If a team fails to appear, the match is decided in accordance with the provisions set out in the regulations. The August 2025 version also provides for a deduction of league points. Repeated failure to appear may result in a team's disqualification and suspension for the following season. Additional consequences apply to failures to appear during the final three match days.

Disputes should initially be resolved with the assistance of the league management. Protests concerning a league match must be recorded in the match report or in the software. A written justification must be submitted within the deadline specified in the regulations. Separate deadlines and fees apply to further appeals and proceedings.

Promotion, relegation and league groups

According to the prescribed order, league standings are determined by the points record, match record and set record. As a general rule, the highest-ranked team in a group is promoted, while the lowest-ranked teams are relegated. The specific arrangements are determined by the league management in coordination with the DSAB. Relegation play-offs may also be scheduled.

A league group generally consists of six to eight teams. Under certain conditions, different group sizes are possible in the C League. The regulations also specify how vacancies in higher league divisions are filled.

Where can you find the binding regulations?

This page provides an overview of important aspects of DSAB league play. It does not replace the complete regulations. If you have questions about player eligibility, match results, deadlines or protests, please contact your responsible league management and check which version of the regulations they are using.

Visit the website of the German Sports Amusement Machine Association (DSAB)