Youth
organizations of any sort face a number of issues during their setup and youth
darts clubs are no different. Numerous other organizations offer activities for
kids, some of which are more popular than darts, such as football or rugby.
Then there are
the more readily available pastimes such as computer games and the internet at
home, which all compete for kids time and attention.
Darts needs to make it's self more available to these
kids and a more attractive prospect than other activities.
The benefits of
playing darts are numerous and can sometimes be quite subtle.
The
obvious benefit is it improves numeracy. Kids can learn the relationships that
numbers have with each other, and become more competent and confident at adding
and subtracting while playing.
Somehow
learning seems much easier when your
having fun! It allows individuals to compete on an even level, regardless of
physical stature, sex and age and can also be used to greatly improve numeracy
in participants, as well as coordination, mental agility, concentration and sportsmanship.
Presently
used as a teaching tool in schools in the Netherlands and forward thinking
schools here in Britain, darts has been proven to assist in the development of
basic arithmetic, particularly in boys who often struggle when taught in the
traditional classroom setting, allowing them to develop their skills without
realising they are learning. A sport like darts shows that maths isn’t a dry
subject, and it’s astonishing how fast darts players can calculate their score
and deduct it from a target such as 501.
Darts, now recognised as a sport, is now the second most viewed
programme on Sky Sports, second only to Premiership football and annual BBC
coverage of the Lakeside World championships from Frimley Green regularly reach
millions of viewers worldwide.
Darts is not only one of the fastest growing sports in
Britain, but is finding a wider audience across the globe. So much so, in fact,
that there mounting pressure on the Olympic Sports committee, to include a Darts
event at a future Olympic Games.
English
darts player Bobby George believes the game is also an ideal way to help children
understand maths.
He said:
"I've been
going into schools for 20 years. And they love it. They pick it up so fast. On
a blackboard they don't pick it up so quick. The game
of darts is 33 per cent maths, if cannot count you cannot win."
Research
by the National Research and Development Centre for adult literacy and numeracy
shows that people who lack GCSE level maths will struggle to get half of the
jobs available, whereas those with the qualification can earn up to £50,000 moreover
their lifetime.
Playing
darts will assist youngsters in improving their mathematics as they will learn
to count and score games. It also gives them the opportunity to participate in
a sport that involves commitment and team spirit and encourages them to
integrate with other youngsters.
Awards will be given to league and competition
winners, as well as most improved player, highest check outs, quickest games
and 180’s. We would be looking at teaching the rules of darts, how to play the
game, technique, counting and percentage out-shots as well as the history of
the game and its many characters.
Darts
is fantastic for helping to build confidence in kids. It sounds a little odd,
that such a simple game can do this but due to the very nature of the game
progress can be easily monitored and measured.
Through working out percentages and toting up
scores it is possible to see the improvement in your game, and by setting
achievable goals, (say finishing a leg of 501 in 30 darts), then by trying to
better that goal once you've achieved it, (lowering the target to say 25 darts
next time, then 20 darts and so on), you can get an enormous sense of achievement
and this in turn breeds confidence.
Having conducted
a little "market research" into whether this scheme would be popular,
we were inundated with emails and phone calls, and instantly got around 10
kids, from across Fife, desperately keen to play. All that from one facebook page and a small article in the Local papers! Fife
Youth Darts
(F.Y.D) was born
Fife Youth Darts
The
School of Darts
The school of
darts is aimed at younger dartists, who have no experience of Throwing darts before.
The
idea is to teach the basics of the game, developing a good solid throw and aiming
& hitting targets. The idea of the School of Darts is to give kids a solid
foundation in darts and to bring their game up to standard ready for the
grading process in the Darts Academy. There will still be prizes and
competitions in the school of darts and of course participants will be able to
enter the “open competitions” as well.
There is no obligation to start off in the
School of darts and if you feel your child is ready for the Darts Academy, then
fantastic, that's where they can start. There is also no set length of time for
someone to spend in the School of Darts; as long as they enjoy the games then
they can take their time, to develop their throw without the extra pressure of
competition. It is good to set goals however, and there is a real sense of
pride and achievement when they “graduate” to the Darts Academy!
The
games involved in the School of Darts are quite simple compared to some of the
games played in the Darts Academy." High Score will encourage youngsters
to count up their score and try to beat it with their next turn. "Round
the Clock will assist them in developing their aim and familiarise them with
the board
School
of Darts sessions will be run at the same time and venue as the Darts Academy.
We’d
like to charge a nominal fee to the participants, £1 per School of Darts
session, this will allow us to make the scheme self-sustaining, and allow us to
invest in equipment, prizes for the competitions and perhaps even sponsoring
some of the kids to go to competitions further away.
All participants
would be required to complete a registration form before taking part in the
events. These forms can be downloaded from our website (http://www..Fifedarts.co.uk) or
picked up from Fife Darts sessions. This form basically covers emergency contact
details, photographic consent, and injury liability.
Fife Youth Darts
The Darts Academy
Membership of the Darts Academy is open to everyone under the age
of 18.
We aim to cater for all darting abilities, from total beginners to
more advanced players. We can help you work out practice regimes, averages, and
give you information about competitions both in the local area and further
afield.
Basically at the Darts Academy we will be teaching youngsters
everything about darts. How to stand, how to throw, how the setup of a dart can
make a difference (yes even something a simple as
this can make a huge difference to how a dart flies). We'll be encouraging
basic arithmetic as they learn to score their own games, percentage finishes
(the best way to finish games to give themselves a chance if they throw a stray
dart), the rules and values involved in playing darts and of course arranging
competitions for them to play in!
What will make the Darts Academy different from other youth
set-ups is the grading system we are looking to put into operation. (this is outlined further on in this booklet). Under our
grading system youngsters would be able to compete with others of a similar
standard and still have an objective to aim for. Darts, although a very simple
game, is actually quite difficult to teach due to the varying levels of skill
each participant has. What we want to do is keep the challenges fresh for each
individual, while maintaining a level playing field for the group as a whole.
We’d like to charge a nominal fee to the participants, £2 per
Darts Academy session, this will allow us to make the scheme self-sustaining,
and allow us to invest in equipment, prizes for the competitions and perhaps
even sponsoring some of the kids to go to competitions further away. ALL monies
raised will go back into the Darts Academy, the School of Darts and developing
youth Darts in the Fife area.
All participants would be required to complete a registration form
before taking part in the events. These forms can be downloaded from our website
(http://www..Fifedarts.co.uk) or
picked up from Fife Darts sessions. A copy of these forms is also included in
this booklet. The form basically covers emergency contact details, photographic
consent, and injury liability. These can be returned to the address above
(these are also available online).
Fife Youth Darts
Grading
To our knowledge this is the only grading system of its kind being
used in darts
coaching
anywhere in Scotland. A similar scheme used in the south of England as shown
impressive results and we have built onto the basic blueprint of what they are
doing and expanded somewhat on the range and types of games that are played.
The grading system works along the same lines as the one used in
martial arts, whereby participants compete against those of a similar standard
then move up a grade when their standard of play improves. (Beginners would
wear a white shirt, and then progress through yellow, green, blue, red and
black). This not only enables them to compete on an even level, but most
importantly gives them something to aim for. We think it's important to have
goals that are demonstrable and achievable. Just as in martial arts where the
ultimate goal is to achieve a black belt, the kids in our scheme would be
striving to wear the black shirt.
The grading’s will take place every 8 weeks We will pick three of
the 5 training games, and work our way through them. (The current list of 5
games will hopefully be expanded on once we have trialled new games and
calculated the scoring grades they will merit.)
There are five grading’s. Each time you earn the next colour
shirt, they ascend in this order: white, green, blue, and red, black, they will
become progressively more challenging.
There
will also be various competitions held throughout the year, where players will
can compete against players within their own grading’s and also “open”
competitions which would include participants from all grading’s. By doing this
we will open up the opportunity for competition and allow every individual the
opportunity to test themselves at the appropriate
level.
During
grading we will run through the 3of the following training games. (The rules
for these games are available online from http://www..Fifedarts.co.uk)
"Bob's 27”
This
game was devised by Bob Anderson (1988 World Champion). Bob used this game as
part of his preparation for all the big events. It’s a game based on Doubles 1
to 20. This game can be played with friends but is just as rewarding to play by
yourself.
The way the scoring works is
as follows:
Each player starts with a
score of 27 and takes turns by throwing 3 consecutive darts at each double in
ascending order, starting from Double 1 through to Double 20. At the end of
your turn you add the value of your score to your previous score of 27, so if
you hit two darts in Double 1 you would add 4 to 27 and your new score would be
31. However, if none of your 3 darts went into the Double 1, you deduct the
value of the double from your score, so you'd subtract 2 from 27 and your score
would now be 25. You carry your score into the next round, when you throw 3 darts
at Double 2, and so on up until Double 20.
Usually with Bob's rules if
your score gets as low as 0 you either lose the game or just start over again
if playing on your own. However, for the academy's benefit we've slightly changed
the rules and allow players to play with minus scores and give the players a
chance to redeem themselves. The reason we do this is because after every game
the academy needs a player to register a score for the sake of league tables
etc., be it a big score or a minus one. Maximum points available for this game
is 1287
FYD POINTS GUIDELINE
0-200
=YELLOWSHIRT
200-300
= GREENSHIRT
300-400
= BLUESHIRT
400-500
= REDSHIRT
500-1287
=BLACKSHIRT
121's
One of
the most common forms of practice on the Pro Tour. The aim is to go through 3
dart finishes in ascending order from121 to170. The twist is,
you get nine darts to complete each checkout. If you successfully hit
121,122,123,124checkouts within the nine darts permitted, but fail to hit 125 in
nine darts you go all the way back to the start on 121. 170 is
the maximum score for this game.
FYD POINTS GUIDELINE
121-130 =YELLOWSHIRT
130-140 =GREEN SHIRT
140-150 =BLUE SHIRT
150-160 =RED SHIRT
160-170 =BLACK SHIRT
"A
variation of this game is 61's.
In this version you would start with a finish of 61, however you
would only have 3 darts to complete the finish. When you hit 61 you would move
onto62, 63, 64 and so on. This is a great practice
game and really sharpens up your finishing, but due to the nature of the game, (too
few darts), it would be difficult to use in grading. Worth practising
though.
•301/500 In
this game the player plays a game of 301, with the usual intention of finishing
as quickly as possible. However, the difference is that this game has two
scoring brackets. When you begin the game your 301 score begins on 301, and
your game score begins on 500. In addition to subtracting your throw from 301
to try to reach 0, you subtract 10 points from your game score for every dart
thrown. This is designed to add pressure to the player, making them concentrate
on every dart thrown because wasted darts make their total score suffer. For
example, if on your first throw you were to hit 45, your 301 score would go
down by 45 to 256 and your game score would go down 30 points (because you
threw 3 darts at -10 points each) to 470. If you were to then hit 60 your 301
score would go down to 196 and because you threw 3 more darts, your 500 score
would go down another 30 points to 440. The maximum points
for this game is 440 (a six dart leg).
Here's an
example of the two scoring brackets
301 500 (score 45)
256 470 (score 60)
196 440 (score 100)
96 410 (checkout 96 in 2 darts) 0 390
FYD
POINTS GUIDELINE
0-100 =YELLOWSHIRT
100-200 =GREEN SHIRT
200-300 =BLUE SHIRT
300-400 =RED SHIRT
400-440 =BLACK SHIRT
ROUND THE WORLD DOUBLES
Each
player throws one dart at each double from 1 to bulls-eye. Every time a double
is hit the equivalent score is added to the total score. For example, if you
miss Double 10 but hit Double 11 and Double 12, 46 points will be added to your
running score. Maximum points for this discipline are 470.
ROUND 1 D1=2 D2=4 D3=6 maximum for round 1 is 12 points
ROUND 2 D4=8 D5=10 D6=12 maximum for round 2 is 30 points
ROUND
3 D7=14 D8=16 D9=18 maximum for round 3 is 48 points
ROUND 4
D10=20 D11=22 D12=24 maximum for round 4 is 66 points
ROUND 5
D13=26 D14=28 D15=30 maximum for round 5 is 84 points
ROUND 6
D16=32 D17=34 D18=36 maximum for round 6 is 102 points
ROUND 7 D19=38
D20=40 BULLSEYE=50 maximum for round 7 is 128 points
FYD POINTS GUIDELINE
0-50
=YELLOWSHIRT
50-150
= GREEN SHIRT
150-250
= BLUE SHIRT
250-350
= RED SHIRT
350-470
= BLACK SHIRT
Shanghai (15s to 20s)
Shanghai
is achieved when a player hits a single, then double, then treble of the same
scoring segment, ie Single 15, Double 15, and then
Treble 15. In other versions of the game, the game ends when someone hits
shanghai. In this version each player gets a chance to hit shanghai for the
numbers 15 through 20. If the player hits shanghai, a 100 point bonus is added
to the score that they've hit. For example, if a player hits Single 18, Double
18, and Treble 18 they would score 108 + the shanghai bonus of 100, so for that
visit the player scores 208. The player must complete all six rounds from 15to
20. Maximum points for this game is1230.
FYD POINTS GUIDELINE
0-200YELLOWSHIRT
200-400
GREEN SHIRT
400-600
BLUE SHIRT
600-800
RED SHIRT
800-1230
BLACK SHIRT
Then after the
disciplines are completed we add it all up and form a final score. This final score
will give the grading.
As
in the School of Darts, there is no set time for how long each player spends in
each grading, and you will probably find that if you practice each of these
games you will notice the standard of play required for each grade is quite
challenging. The weighing of the points has been derived from the standard of
play from county and national darts. So do not be disheartened by the challenge.
Format
of the Sessions
The actual format of the sessions is difficult to specify. This is
due to the nature of youth groups and the unknown number of participants each
week, also the skill mix involved has to be taken into consideration. However
we appreciate that there needs to be some kind of structure to the evenings,(especially if it's costing £2 a session!)
One of the options open to us is to have a “pentathlon” style
event.
Each week we would choose 5 games to play, participants would be awarded
points for competing in these games, and bonus points for certain criteria. The
list below of games is not exhaustive and can be added to all the time. (the rules for these games are outlined later on in appendix
1). The less popular games can be left out and we can introduce more of the
games that the kids want to play.
Another option is to have a league table for each of the games, with
these leagues starting one week apart. This would mean that any new players
would always have the opportunity of joining in at the start of a league. Each
league would be run over a 5 week period, and at the end various prizes
awarded. Then the league would start again, and so on.
Games
Standard 501
Bonus Points :(180 points for a 180, 140 points for 140, 100 points for
100 thrown )
The value of the
finish to win a leg(170 points for a 170 finish, 32 points for a double 16 and
so on)
Bob's 27
Bonus Points: Value
of the points won during the game.
121
Bonus Points: The
value of the finish, less 10 points for every dart used
.
301/500
Bonus Points: (180
points for a 180, 140 points for 140, 100 points for 100 thrown)
The value of the
finish to win a leg(170 points for a 170 finish, 32 points for a double 16 and
so on. Whatever the value left in the right hand column (the 500 one) add them
to your overall score)
Round
The Clock
Bonus Points: value
of the double hit
Shanghai 15 to 20's
Bonus Points: value
of the score plus 100 point bonus for a shanghai
And finish off with a
game of killer with everyone involved!
Once
we have run a few sessions we will see what formats are working, what games are
popular and what isn't working. The sessions themselves are works in progress
and will take time to evolve.
One of
the ideas is to use these games to form the basis of leagues and competitions,
giving prizes for various elements of each game. The basic idea is to have a
league table for each of the games. With these leagues
starting one week apart. This would mean that any new players would
always have the opportunity of joining in at the start of a league. Each league
would be run over a 5 week period, and at the end various prizes awarded. Then
the league would start again, and so on.
Future plans for Fife Youth Darts
Here are some of the ideas for the future of Fife Youth Darts:
" Find a larger venue with a view to erecting permanent fixtures "
Assist in the formation of and encourage the start up
of other youth darts organisations in the area (either on another night, or in
a different part of the Fife County boundaries) " Foster formal
links/affiliations to Fife Darts " Encourage the formation of a youth
county team, competing within a recognised youth county set-up." Raise
money for trips to competitions such as Scottish open, Granite city open, and Youth open comps. “Friendlies against other
youth set-ups (e.g. Stirling, Perth, Aberdeen) "Set up other sessions
(perhaps on another night, in another venue/location)" Look into
possibilities of taking darts into schools (once a format has been devised that
is suitable, with
clear objectives, outcomes etc.)" Register and affiliate with: Sport Fife (leads
to advertisement, access to funding streams, access to schools and out of term
curriculum) " Register Fife Darts with Disclosure Scotland ( to allow us
to recruit own volunteers more easily) " Complete the Quality control
program (gives a stamp of approval and ensures objectives are met, this would
allow us to “kite mark” our programme and make it suitable for school based
activities) " Foster relations within the local and wider media to promote
darts as a whole and raise awareness of youth darts schemes.
