Welcome to BLUE WATER AMUSEMENTS, where we’re dedicated to bringing you the best soft-tip darts experience around! Our dart leagues and tournaments are designed with you in mind, offering not just fun competition but also incredible opportunities.

By participating in our sanctioned leagues, players who meet specific criteria can even earn a chance to compete in Major Tournaments!

Here’s a quick breakdown of our league sanctioning and fees:

• Fall Leagues are proudly NDA WAMO and PPD Sanctioned.
• Summer Leagues count for PPD/NDA, but please note they are not WAMO sanctioned.
• League fees are $10 per person each night you shoot.
• Just a heads-up: if for any reason one of your scheduled league nights isn’t completed, you’re still responsible for the $10 fee for each player on your team for that night.

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Need Assistance During Leagues?

We’ve got your back! Our BLUE WATER AMUSEMENTS League Coordinator monitors a dedicated “League Assistance” phone to help you through any immediate situations.

You can reach them at 254-226-4140. This line is monitored daily between 9 AM CST and 9 PM CST. Please leave a detailed voicemail or text message, and the Coordinator will respond as soon as possible.

 

Section A – Team Captain Responsibilities

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As a Team Captain, you play a vital role in ensuring a great experience for everyone in our leagues! Please familiarize yourself with these key responsibilities.

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Getting Started & Information Access

• League Start-Up: Expect a text at least two days before league begins. On the first day, find your schedule and captain’s list on the Blue Water Amusements Facebook page or at www.bluewateramusements.com. Contact the League Coordinator if you need help.
• Captain’s List Purpose: This list is solely for scheduling contact. Please ensure your number is accurate.

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Match Communication & Etiquette

• REQUIRED Pre-Match Contact: You must contact opponents 15 minutes before every match (text or call).
• Before Starting: Do NOT add money or start the match without confirmed contact. Call/message opponents to confirm the match and again upon arrival.
• Respectful Interaction: Always treat opponents with respect. If issues arise with a team, contact the League Coordinator immediately at 254-226-4140 or 262-357-1442. Opponents should never argue; involve the Coordinator for resolution.

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Captain’s Role & Team Management

By submitting a team, you accept responsibility for:

• Collecting team fees.
• Setting up each league match.
• Resolving league issues.

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Key Policies & Penalties

• No Call, No Show (NCNS) Enforcement:
  • Rescheduling: Teams must contact opponents at least two hours prior to match time to avoid NCNS penalties (verbal warning up to a 30-day suspension from Major Tournaments/Leagues).
  • Remote League Dropouts: Dropping without a verifiable emergency results in a one-year suspension from all Blue Water Amusements activities (leagues, DRTs, Major Tournaments).
• Updating Phone Number: Captains must update their contact number by calling the League Coordinator.
  • Failure to Update:
    1. First Offense: Verbal warning.
    2. Second Offense: Verbal warning + one-week league suspension + probationary period.

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Finding League Information

Stats, schedules, and captain’s lists (with phone numbers) are available on the Blue Water Amusements Facebook page and at www.bluewateramusements.com.

• • Section B – Playing Order, Roster & Substitutes

    1. Playing Order & Official Rosters

    • Change Order: Team captains have the authority to adjust the shooting order before a match begins.

    • Official Rosters: Current team rosters and player stats are maintained on the Stat Report, located on the Blue Water website.

    2. Manual Entry & The Team Cap System

    Manual entry of substitutes at the dart board is permitted. Blue Water Leagues operate on a Team Cap System to ensure balanced competition.

    • How the Cap is Calculated: To provide flexibility for substitutes, each division’s cap is set 10 points higher than the rating of the highest-ranked team in that division (rounded to the nearest multiple of five).

    • Staying Legal: The combined ratings of all players competing on a given night must be equal to or less than this division cap.

    • Responsibility: It is the captain’s sole responsibility to ensure the team is legal. Specific cap limits are listed in the League Message on the board and on the official Stat Report.

    • Mandatory Notification: The captain adding a sub must notify the opposing captain before the match begins. You do not need the opponent’s permission to add the sub, provided the team total remains under the cap.

    3. Board Entry & Stat Hierarchy

    When adding a new sub manually, accuracy and transparency are required:

    • Entry Process: You must enter the player’s first and last name with correct spelling. Once entered, highlight the name and tap the bullseye to begin entering their stats.

    • Stat Source Hierarchy: You must use the following sources in this specific order and must send the source (link or screenshot) to the opposing captain before shooting:

      1. Primary: Player’s Blue Water historical stats (via the website).

      2. Secondary: Player’s best-known stats from Darts TOC.

      3. Third: Any other reliable recorded source. (Note: This DOES NOT include screenshots from the Bullshooter app.)

      4. Default Stats: If no history exists, use Men: 2.0 MPR / 20.00 PPD or Women: 1.5 MPR / 15.00 PPD.

    4. General Substitute Regulations

    • Approved Use: Once a substitute is added to a team roster, they may be used at any time. However, the specific combination of players competing on any given night must never exceed the team cap for that division.

    • Cross-League Play: Players are permitted to substitute for another team in the same division, provided the team they are subbing for remains under the division’s team cap.

    • End-of-Season Cutoff: No new substitutes may be added during the final two weeks of league play for either half.

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    Note: There are no cap rules for the Masters League or any Express Leagues.

 

Section C – Reschedules, No Call/No Shows, and Match Forfeits

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We understand that sometimes things come up, but keeping your matches on schedule is vital for a smooth league! Here’s what you need to know about reschedules, no call/no shows, and match forfeits.

Rescheduling Matches

• Completion Deadlines:
  • First Half: All matches from the first half of the season must be completed before the second half begins.
  • Second Half: All second-half matches must be completed by or on the official end of the season date.
• Flexibility for Make-Ups: Makeup matches can be shot any time, any day of the week that works for both teams.
• Team Responsibility: It is every team’s responsibility to reschedule a match, regardless of why it needs to be moved.
• Crucial Warning: If a team has three (3) matches to reschedule without having communicated with the League Coordinator, that team will be expelled and converted into a “bye” team. This will result in the forfeiture of all Blue Water Amusements privileges for the team, and a one-year program suspension for all players on that team.

Match Forfeits

• Forfeit Score: If a rescheduled match isn’t completed by the mid-season, end-of-season, or designated make-up night, a match forfeit score of 10-5 will be issued against the non-cooperative team.
• Fee Deduction: Forfeited matches will also result in league fees being deducted from the non-cooperative team’s league payouts.
• Discretion: Blue Water Amusements’ decision to enforce penalties for no call/no show matches, failed reschedules, or match forfeits will be based on both teams’ willingness to resolve and reschedule the match.

No Call/No Shows

• Unobtainable Contact: If your attempts to contact an opposing team result in a disconnected number, no answer, no voicemail, etc., your next step is to contact the Blue Water Amusements Assistance Line.
• Proof Required: If contact with a team remains unobtainable, you must send all details, including proof of all contact attempts (e.g., screenshots of text messages and/or call logs), to the League Coordinator.
• Penalty Determination: The League Coordinator will review the information and determine the appropriate penalties for the team.
• No Call, No Show Penalties: If a team needs to reschedule, they must contact opponents at least 2 hours prior to the match start time. Failure to do so will result in No Call, No Show penalties, ranging from a verbal warning up to a one-year suspension from Blue Water Amusements Major Tournaments/Leagues.
• Actual No call, No Shows WILL RESULT IN A FORFIET!!!!!!!!! – the no call no show team will lose the match 5-10 and league fees will still need to be collected from everyone.
• “Emergency” Reschedules: Any “emergency” reschedules (with less than 2 hours’ notice) will be at the sole discretion of Blue Water Amusements.

Delay of Match / Abuse of Shot Clock Feature

• Shot Clock Limit: The shot clock allows up to 45 seconds per dart.
• Ready to Throw: Each player is expected to be at the throw line and ready to throw when it’s their turn. 45 seconds is ample time for the first dart.
• Clock Reset: Once a dart is thrown, the shot clock resets to 45 seconds for each of the remaining darts in that turn.
• Penalty for Delay: If a dart isn’t thrown before the shot clock reaches zero (0) during a player’s turn, that player loses all remaining darts for that turn.
• Mismarked Dart/Discrepancy: If a missed dart doesn’t register, or any other discrepancy occurs, you can stop the shot clock by pressing the backup button. This allows both teams to communicate and correct the issue. If no correction is needed, simply continue the game. For non-registering darts, immediately contact your opponent and apply the shooter’s advantage rule (see Section E).

Contesting a Match

• Submitting a Contest: If you believe a match outcome should be contested, you must send all details to the League Coordinator using the contact information found at the bottom of the rules booklet. This must be done within 48 hours of the match.
• Review Process: The League Coordinator will first refer to the rules to ensure there is a reasonable dispute, then apply the appropriate rule to address it.
• Potential Penalties: If your grievance is found to be made in error, a penalty may be applied to the team that submitted the grievance.

Section D – Machine Errors and Remote Camera Malfunctions

We want your darting experience to be seamless! Here’s how to handle machine errors and camera malfunctions during your matches.

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Common Courtesy: Pre-Match Setup

• When you arrive at your home location, please set up your league board early.
• Check to ensure your cameras are working and your board is functioning properly. This gives Blue Water Amusements Techs and the League Coordinator time to help fix any issues that might arise.

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Dart Machine Errors, Suspending, or Canceling a Match

If a dart machine isn’t operating correctly, Team Captains must communicate to discuss the problem and decide on the best course of action:

• a. Resolving Miss-Scored Darts (Using the Backup Feature):
  • Press the up arrow to pause the game. DO NOT remove your darts.
  • Take a picture of the miss-scored dart and send it to the opposing team.
  • Once they confirm, you can simply tap your dart to register the miss-scored dart.
• b. Suspending the Match (Moving to Another Machine/Location):
  • This option is used if a team has a malfunctioning machine and needs to move to another machine/location or make up the match later.
  • Both teams must unplug their boards.
  • Do not select “Cancel Match” from the machine menu, as this discards all match data. If there isn’t a suspend option, simply unplug the board.
  • The team on the good machine must finish the suspended match on the originally selected machine used in the first match effort.
  • A suspended match can be completed at any time or date, as long as at least one team is using the original machine.
• c. Canceling the Match:
  • Notify the League Coordinator if you wish to save and count any win/losses from the canceled match.
  • Upon request and details provided to the League Coordinator, a refund can be made.
  • The match can be re-played from the beginning or picked up where it was canceled if both teams agree.
  • Early match-games can be “pressed through” on the machine, provided details are reported to the League Coordinator to enable the deletion of those stats.
  • To “cancel a match,” pause the game first, then follow the on-screen instructions.

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Remote Camera Malfunctions

If a camera fails during a match, follow these steps:

1. Stop the Match: Press the backup button.
2. Contact Opponent: Immediately notify the other team that their camera is not working.
3. Attempt Router Reboot: Work with them to reboot their location’s internet router. This often solves the problem.
   • Note: Most camera failures can also be due to inadequate internet upload speed at the location. A G3 dart board requires at least 3mb of Download/Upload speed.
4. If Rebooting Doesn’t Work:
   • a. Suspend the match.
   • b. Inform the League Coordinator so that a speed test can be performed at the location with the defective camera. Players can also perform a speed test at a location by visiting www.speedtest.net on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop and following the instructions. Knowing your location’s speed is crucial for preventing future issues!
   • c. Evaluate Speed Test Results:
     • If the test shows >3mb download/3mb upload speed per machine: The malfunction is likely just a faulty camera. The match can then be:
       • Moved to another available dart board in that location or another available location.
       • Suspended until the camera has been repaired.
     • If the test shows <3mb download/upload speed: The location’s internet access is not strong enough for camera functionality. The match must be:
       • Moved to another location.
       • Suspended until the upload speed has been corrected by the location.

• Internet Usage Consideration: When evaluating download/upload speed for each dart board, remember to account for other equipment at the location that also uses internet (e.g., jukebox, POS systems, public Wi-Fi). In locations with many devices on one connection or multiple teams playing on multiple machines, the location may need to provide a dedicated internet service for dart board connectivity.

Section E – General Rules of Play and The Shooter’s Advantage

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These rules ensure fair play and provide clarity on how to handle various situations that may arise during your matches.

Throwing Line & Dart Specifications

• Throw Line: Players must stand at the “throw line,” which is 96 inches (8 feet) horizontally from the dartboard. It is legal to lean over the line, and players may step on the line, but not across it.
• Dart Specifications: Players may use their own plastic-tip darts, provided they meet the following criteria:
  • a. Must be plastic-tip darts.
  • b. Flights may be any length, not exceeding eight (8) inches in total length.
  • c. Flights may be no wider than ¾ inch (as measured from shaft to flight edge) and may not have more than four wings.
  • d. Flights that block, impede, or prevent competitors’ throws during the “diddle” (cork) are not allowed.
  • e. Complete darts may not exceed 20 grams in weight.
  • f. Darts may not have broken or cut-off tips.
  • g. Darts may be inspected upon request by the opposing player/team captain.

Dart Throws & Turns

• Darts Per Turn: Each player throws a maximum of three darts per turn.
• When to Throw: Darts must only be thrown when the machine displays “Throw Darts” and the correct player’s number is lit.
• Fewer Darts: It’s not required to throw all three darts; a player may pass or throw fewer. A player will always be allowed to throw all three darts unless a foul occurs.
• Counting Throws: Any dart thrown counts as a throw, regardless of whether it registers on the machine, bounces out, or misses the board completely. A player may not re-throw these darts.
• Dropped Darts: Darts that are dropped (before being thrown) may be thrown again.
• Touching Darts on Board: Darts on the board may not be touched until the turn is over, “Player Change” is activated, and the machine recognizes the end of the turn.
  • Exception: If a dart is in the board and the machine reads “Stuck Segment,” that dart may be removed if both teams agree.
• Round Definition:
  • A “round” is the period from the end of a player’s turn to the start of their next turn.
  • For games with stacked teams (players on one score), a round is defined as the end of the player’s turn to the start of their partner’s turn.

Rules of Play – ’01 Games

• Game Type: ’01 games are always “Any In-Any Out.”
  • Open In Open Out: The Bull’s Eye counts as 50 points (full bull).
  • Masters ’01 (Double In, Double Out): Players can double bull-in or double bull-out, and the bull will be a 25/50-point split bull.
  • Important: Using DI/DO or OI/MO stats to qualify for Team Dart will automatically place you at a master level.
• Scoring: All players start with 301/501/701 points and aim to reach zero.
• Busting: If a player scores more than the total needed to reach zero, they “bust,” and their score returns to what it was at the beginning of that turn.
• Winning: When a player reaches zero, the game is over. The winning team is the one with the lowest combined score (both team members).
  • Tie Score: If the game score ends in a tie, the player/team that reaches zero wins.
  • “Blocked” or “Frozen” Win: If a player reaches zero while “blocked” or “frozen,” the win will be credited to the opposing team as a team win only.
• All general rules of play will apply.

Rules of Play – Cricket

• Game Type: Cricket is played with a double Bull’s Eye.
• Objective: The goal is to close the numbers 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and the Bull’s Eye in any order before your opponent(s).
• Winning: The player/team that closes all numbers and the Bull’s Eye first, and has a greater or equal point score, wins.
• Bull’s Eye Scoring: An outer Bull’s Eye counts 25 points, and an inner Bull’s Eye counts 50 points.
• All general rules of play will apply.

Scoring on the Electronic Dart Machine

• Machine is Right (Generally): The score recorded by the machine is the score the player receives. Players accept that the machine is “always right.”

• Exception: The “Last Dart-Winning Dart”

  • a. Dart Must Stick: The “Last Dart-Winning Dart” must stick in the board.
  • b. Machine Awards Win (Even if not stuck): If the dart does not stick but the machine awards the win, the machine is right, and the game is over.
  • c. Machine Fails to Score/Scores Incorrectly: If the machine was displaying “Throw Darts,” all other rules were followed, and the dart sticks, then no matter if the machine fails to score or scores incorrectly, the player/team will be credited with the win in that game.
    • Example: Player’s score is 24. First dart hits single 9 but doesn’t register. Second dart scores single 15 (score 9). Third dart hits single 9 but doesn’t register. Since this was the “Last Dart-Winning Dart,” that player/team wins the game.
  • d. Unregistered but Stuck Dart: Any dart that sticks in the board but does not register that segment will be manually scored upon agreement by both players/team captains. A dart that deflects off a beneficial mark but sticks in another segment will not be manually un-scored. If darts are removed, play continues, and the score remains the same.
  • e. Duplicate Scoring: Any dart that sticks in the board and registers two or more times will be corrected by removing the extra points awarded by that one dart. (This assumes the league allows and uses backup darts and correctable features. If not, the “board is

Section F – Fouls, Errors, Solutions

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We aim for fair and smooth matches! Here’s how to ensure proper throwing and address any mix-ups during play.

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Understanding the Throw Line

• The Line: Your throw line is precisely eight feet (96 inches) from the dartboard.
• Where to Stand: Always throw from behind this line.
• Leaning is Okay! You can lean over the line as you throw, but make sure your foot doesn’t touch the floor on the board side of the line until after your dart has left your hand.

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Oops! Someone Threw Out of Turn?

It happens! If a player throws when the machine clearly shows their partner’s name (meaning it’s not their turn):

• A) Quick Catch: If you catch it right away, simply reach out to the other team and use the machine’s “back-up” feature to get the correct player throwing.
• B) Missed It at First: If it wasn’t noticed immediately, contact the opposing team to figure out the best way to back up the game so the score is accurate and the right player is up next.
• How to Handle It: In either case, press the back-up button and communicate with the opposing team to work together and resolve the issue.

Section G – Player Etiquette, Good Sportsmanship, and Ethics

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At Blue Water Amusements, we believe that respect, positive conduct, and good sportsmanship are at the heart of an enjoyable darting experience. We have zero tolerance for poor sportsmanship or unethical behavior.

Expected Player Conduct & Sportsmanship

• Positive Behavior: Players are always required to conduct themselves in a positive manner.
  • No Excuses: Misguided competitiveness or drinking alcohol are never an excuse for misbehavior.
  • Problem Solving: Always work with the opposing team to resolve any problems as quickly and reasonably as possible.
• Respectful Environment:
  • No Distractions: Throwing practice darts or standing at the throw line during your opponent’s turn is considered poor darting etiquette. You are not allowed to stand on the line while an opponent is shooting.
  • No Camera Distractions: Do NOT distract or irritate opponents in the camera by waving hands or similar actions. This is common courtesy—treat others as you wish to be treated.
• Scope of Conduct: Any negative, aggressive, or abusive behavior of any kind will result in a penalty. Blue Water Amusements reserves the right to address any misconduct reported, whether it stems from a sanctioned league match, a tournament, or any other dart-related activity (sanctioned or not).

Breaks During a Match

• Regular Doubles League ONLY: This is the only format where scheduling breaks becomes necessary. For these leagues, you must communicate about when and for how long breaks will be taken.
• All Other League Formats: These formats do not include scheduled breaks, as each player sits out for three games each night. Players can take breaks during the games they are not actively playing in within the match.
• Keep Breaks Short: All breaks should be brief and agreed upon. Taking an unscheduled break is considered an unnecessary match delay and may result in penalties at Blue Water Amusements staff’s discretion.

Ethics & Unethical Conduct

Unethical conduct includes, but isn’t limited to, abuse of equipment, poor sportsmanship, unwillingness to make up a scheduled match, or any attempt to manipulate league standings. Such actions are unethical and will result in penalties at Blue Water Amusements’ discretion.

Violations may lead to:

• Forfeiture of a match.
• Probation.
• Expulsion from the league, including forfeiture of all league prize earnings.
• A tournament suspension.
• Suspension from all tournaments.

Penalty System – “3 Strike Rule”

The severity of a penalty is assessed by the League Coordinator.

1. First Offense: Verbal Warning
2. Second Offense: 2-Week Suspension
3. Third Offense: 1-Year Suspension

Depending on the severity of the violation, it could result in a PERMANENT BAN from Blue Water Amusements leagues, tournaments, and any Blue Water dart-related activities!

An expelled team or player forfeits all Blue Water Amusements privileges for the timeframe deemed appropriate by the League Coordinator.

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Our Core Philosophy

These rules are here to provide a solid foundation for an enjoyable dart-playing experience. Please never use any rule out of context from its original intent, as doing so can create more problems than it solves.

Never allow misplaced competitiveness to overshadow the real purpose of our dart leagues, which is to HAVE FUN. Common sense and good sportsmanship will almost always solve a problem if you let them.

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THROW DARTS, RELAX, AND HAVE FUN!

 

 

Section H – Handicapping

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Great news for all our handicapped league players! We’re rolling out a new, more robust system to ensure handicaps are as fair and accurate as possible.

Introducing Our Historical Stat-Based Handicapping!

• Your Average, Our System: Moving forward, all Blue Water handicapped leagues will calculate your average using a historical stat system. This means your performance data from your active Blue Water Leagues, along with your past results stored in our system, will determine your average.
• What Data We Use (Starting Summer 2025): For the upcoming Summer 2025 season, all your data from September 2024 onwards will be factored into this new historical system to establish your average.
• When We Look Elsewhere: We’ll only pull stats from PPD or other external sources if a player doesn’t have any Blue Water system data from September 2024 onwards.
• Yearly Refresh: This system gets a fresh update every year with the start of summer leagues. So, when Fall 2025 kicks off, the data used will still start from September 2024, ensuring continuity.

Understanding Maximum Handicaps

To keep competition balanced, here are the maximum handicaps you might see in our leagues:

• Cricket: Your handicap won’t exceed 11 marks.
• For ’01 Games:
  • 301: The highest handicap is 421.
  • 501: The highest handicap is 701.
  • 701: The highest handicap is 981.

 

Section I – League Payout Structure and Fees

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We know you’re eager to see the full picture of our league payout structure and any associated fees!

These exciting details are currently To Be Announced (TBA).

Rest assured, we’re working on finalizing all the specifics, and we’ll be sure to share this information with you as soon as it’s ready. Please stay tuned to our website and social media channels for the official announcement!

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Section J – League Coordinator Contact Information

Should you need to reach out, here is the contact information for our League Coordinator and the main Blue Water Service Line:

• Blue Water Service Line: 920-521-9010
• Isaac Schwartz (League Coordinator): 254-226-4140
• PLAYER COMMITTEE contact them via Facebook messenger
• Steve Deicher 78 votes
• Nikki Moses 56 votes
• Eric Leyendecker 42 votes
• Dawn Novitski 32 votes

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Important Updates & Page Overhaul:

We’re excited to announce that this entire rule page underwent a significant overhaul on June 1, 2025, to make everything easier to read and understand! We’ve also incorporated some recent rule adjustments:

• This page was last updated on September 1st, 2025, for specific rule changes including:
  • New player committee members
  • Loser first format during league