Darts players have been handed firm new walk-on guidelines after the PDC moved to crack down on delays caused by extended fan interaction, singalongs, and slow stage entrances. The changes, briefed to players during the Grand Slam of Darts, mark one of the most significant alterations to pre-match protocol in recent years.
According to multiple reports, stars have now been told to speed up their walk-ons, stop pausing for selfies mid-corridor, and be ready to step onto the stage immediately when their names are called.
Why the Rule Change? TV Schedules Under Pressure
The PDC’s concern is simple: walk-ons are taking too long, and broadcasters are feeling the strain.
Some players have developed a habit of turning their walk-ons into mini meet-and-greets — stopping for photos, autographs, high-fives and chants, especially during big sessions. While fans love these moments, the cumulative delays have caused TV scheduling headaches and forced producers to rush match introductions.
Players were specifically told:
- No stopping for autographs or photos during the walk-on. Save it for before or after.
- Be positioned and ready when the MC calls your name — no wandering backstage.
- Keep walk-ons continuous, with no unplanned stoppages or detours.
The Sun reported that some walk-ons had become so drawn-out that they threatened to push sessions beyond TV cut-off times — prompting the PDC to issue the warning.
What Players Can Still Do
This isn’t a ban on fan interaction.
Players are still free to sign items and take quick photos, but only at appropriate times — not during the televised walk to the stage, where every second now counts.
The PDC’s message emphasised that the walk-on should remain part of the show, but must be executed with more discipline and awareness of production demands.
Who’s Affected?
According to reports, a handful of big personalities — known for crowd-pleasing entrances and extended fan engagement — were directly addressed in the briefing. Sources note that some players were told that their walk-ons had become “too slow” and needed tightening up.
No fines, sanctions, or punishments have been issued, but the memo makes clear that continued delays may lead to formal rules.
Fan Reaction: Mixed But Predictable
While many supporters understand the need to keep sessions running smoothly, others fear the new approach may “sterilise” one of darts’ most iconic traditions.
Walk-ons are part of the sport’s identity — the music, the choreography, the players embracing the crowd. It remains to be seen whether these new limits will dampen that energy or simply streamline it.
What This Means Going Forward
The PDC is prioritising professionalism and broadcast reliability, especially with global audiences growing and major events expanding.
Expect:
- Shorter, sharper walk-ons
- Fewer autograph stoppages
- Quicker turnarounds between matches
- A more TV-friendly presentation
With the World Championship around the corner, these rules will shape the biggest walk-on stage of the year. How players adapt — and whether the spectacle suffers — will be closely watched.
