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On January 1 st our sport of darts took a major step forward when the American Darters Association introduced thirty-six Certified Professionals!
After three-years of research & development the Professional Darters Certification Program (PDCP) was launched. Glenn Remick, president of the American Darters Association adds, "This professional status and recognition is long overdue for conscientious competitors who are serious about playing darts.
Please don't misunderstand; being a professional is far more than simply throwing great darts. It means 'characterizing and conforming' to approved technical and ethical standards. It also means exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner on and off the dart board. The ADA created the PDCP to recognize the high standards of play, commitment & conduct by members and it gives the amateur dart enthusiasts something to aspire to."
The ADA Professional Darter program is also designed to help promote the sport of darts by further enhancing its appeal and qualification as a newsworthy subject for TV sports network programming. "This is really exciting news," Remick said. " Darts are already a proven popular and growing focus for television. Our ADA Professional Darter certification program will compliment television programming and raise our sport to new heights!"
Fox Sports Network (FSN) has been broadcasting darts for the past three-years. National Programming Director Jeremy Langer advises that viewer response to darts programming remains "extremely positive.[and] continues to be very well received by the general public." In addition, he said, sports broadcasters generally would look even more favorably upon the potential opportunity to showcase certified professional American darts players.
Fred Schreyer, CEO & Commissioner of the U.S. Professional Bowlers Association (PBA), has confirmed this analysis. "The sport of darts is evolving along the same lines as bowling," he said. "The ADA is following a proven path to success that will advance darts into the front ranks of participatory sport and broadcast entertainment alike.
Schreyer adds, "Corporate sponsorships, TV coverage, and a greatly expanded player base all followed as direct result. A professional certification program will give darts a big shot in the arm, too".
Bowling created its professional certification in 1959 with 33 Pro Bowlers and the sport took off like a rocket as a result. Today there are over 4100 Pro Bowlers. The top 64 compete on the tour with the top four competing on ESPN every Sunday for thousands of dollars in prize money.
Based on the views of Langer, Schreyer, and other experts, Remick believes the ADA Professional Darter designation will represent a huge advance for the entire sport of darts as well. "I met with Fred during the PDCP's development stage. He and his staff were very helpful providing the ADA guidelines."
The ADA PDCP is a key building block designed to attract corporate sponsorship and media coverage. For example it took Remick and the ADA only 21 days to enroll their first sponsor for a Pro event! Jim Beam Black is the titled sponsor for the Region IV Professional Darts Challenge held in New Orleans Saturday, March 4 th . Six Pros will compete for $1500. in cash & prizes! Each one has secured an associate sponsor who has paid their entry fee! Media coverage has already been secured as the Times-Picayune, New Orleans largest newspaper, will report on this historic event.
"With 18 million U.S. players enjoying darts, our sport remains a popular mainstay in countless neighborhood gathering places nationwide," Remick continued. "And now the ADA Professional Darter designation allows every tavern to be a qualifying location for aspiring ADA members. It truly is a natural outgrowth of our sport's ongoing evolution".
The ADA is the only national organization providing all darters the ability to qualify as a Professional in the confines of their host tavern. It's easy to become an ADA-certified Professional Darter. The first step is to join the ADA if you haven't already, and enter into the Open Division. After one full calendar year of sustained play at Pro skill levels you are notified by the ADA of your eligibility for Professional status.
A profile of each Pro with a photo will be posted to the ADA web site soon.
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