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1998 ADO PRESS RELEASES

ADO PRESS RELEASES

 


November 1, 1998

Contact Sandi Cain (949) 497-2680 or
Katie Harris (714) 254-0212

ADO ANNOUNCES 1999 PLAYOFF VENUES

Anaheim, CA ADO Playoff Program participants in 1999 can earn trips to venues almost from coast to coast as well as the Land Down Under. At its recent meeting, the ADO board of directors approved the following venues for national playoffs for next year.

The International Finals will again be hosted by Blueberry Hill in St. Louis in conjunction with the Blueberry Hill tournament at the end of April.

Winners of the International Finals will earn a trip to the Australian Grand Masters scheduled for Canberra, Australia in early June. Plans are already under way for the International team to compete in an exhibition match during their stay in Canberra. ADO member clubs wishing to be represented in the International Regionals need to conduct their qualifiers prior to Feb. 14, 1999.

The East-West All-Stars, National Championships and National Youth Finals will once again be contested in Las Vegas prior to the start of the 30th North American Open. For the first time, more than one representative per area will be permitted to take part in the National Youth Finals based on participation at the regional level. In addition, youth 18-20 will be able to advance to the East-West All-Stars as a result of the expanded youth program approved at the same meeting.

The National Masters Finals will be held in conjunction with the Empire State Open in New York in September. Winners of this event, as well as the National Youth Champion, will advance to England in November or December for the Winmau World Masters.

The 1998 Cricket Finals, scheduled for January, 1999, will also be contested in New York in conjunction with the New York Open. That venue was approved last year by the board.

Tournament hosts interested in bidding to host national finals are urged to contact their Area Managers for details and a form to complete for that purpose.

Also in 1999, the National Team, determined by the best championship points finishes, will sport a new name and a new look. Beginning next year, the national team will be known as the ADO National Ambassadors and will play a more active role in promoting ADO activities in their travels. Details will be forthcoming by the end of the year.

All ADO memberships expire on Dec. 31. Renewal forms have been mailed to each member club's representative, along with tournament calendar forms. To be included on the 1999-2000 calendar, tournament information must be received by the ADO office no later than Jan. 31, 1999. Any club that has not received this information should contact the ADO office at the number above or at ADOoffice@aol.com.

 


October 20, 1998

Contact Sandi Cain (949) 497-2680 or
Katie Harris (714) 254-0212

EXPANDED YOUTH PROGRAM TO BEGIN IN 1999

Anaheim, CA At its fall meeting held in St. Louis, Mo., the ADO board of directors voted to align youth playoffs to the same system as other portions of the ADO playoff program in order to decrease travel for youth competition and enable more youth to participate in the yearly national finals. At the same time, the board realigned youth age groups, added an 18-20 age group and set parameters under which younger players may enter regional competition at a lesser entry fee without eligibility for advancement.

The moves came in response to numerous pleas from young players, former youth finalists and club representatives to allow those areas with high youth participation to send more than one player to the National Finals, and for those 18-20 to have a forum in which to compete. Guests at the board meeting who spoke on behalf of youth issues included former youth finalist Kari Stevenson, Mark Lacombe, father of 1998 finalist Ken Lacombe, and Area 6 youth director Linda Stockman. Input was solicited from all attending guests regarding the new structure.

In aligning youth playoffs to the rest of the program, the ADO took a step to allow youth darts to be self-funding by moving youth playoffs to regional rather than area playoffs. In age groups up to age 18, one player per $600 entry fee will be able to advance to the National Youth Finals. (Regional entry fees may be set at the regional level, but must be a minimum of $50 per player to qualify the player for advancement to the national level -- a figure set to go into effect next year per a previous vote.) Advancing players in age groups up to 18 will receive entry to the National Youth Finals, transportation to the finals, a finalist's shirt and $75 in expense money.

For the new 18-20 age group, one player per region may advance for every $700 collected in regional entry fees. Advancing players will receive entry into the East-West All-Star Challenge, transportation to same, a shirt and $100 in expense money.

In groups for ages under 13, a limited number of players may enter the regionals without eligibility to advance to the nationals for a $15 fee and a recognition memento to enable younger players to gain experience at the regional level before competing for a trip to the finals.

In other action concerning youth, National Youth Manager Kerry Buchan was replaced by Linda Stockman for the balance of the term (through Dec. 31). Buchan was unable to complete his term for personal reasons. The National Youth Manager will be elected per ADO By-Laws for a two-year term beginning Jan. 1, 1999. Stockman may be reached at Stockman@computerland.net or (573) 474-4034.

***

Newly released World Darts Federation rankings revealed two American players within the top players in the World. Paul Lim is tied for No. 13 on the men's side, while Stacy Bromberg is tied for No. 10 among the women. Lim captured the Cricket Singles crown at the North American Open; Bromberg captured titles in all the women's events at that tournament, as well as the MVP award. In addition, Roger Carter was once again invited by the British Darts Organisation to participate in the Embassy World Professional Championships in January in England. This will be Carter's fourth appearance; his best finish has been at the top 8.

***

Those wishing to contact the ADO office via e-mail may do so by sending queries to ADOoffice@aol.com. Members are urged to keep messages as short as possible, to identify themselves by name and ADO club (if already affiliated), and to allow 48 hours for responses due to the high volume of messages anticipated.


October 19, 1998
Contact Sandi Cain (949) 497-2680 or
Katie Harris (714) 254-0212

ADO ISSUES POLICY REMINDERS, UPDATES

 

Anaheim, CA The ADO board of directors, in response to member questions, wishes to make clear the organization's policy regarding the following:

Eligibility for Playoff Program

Those participating in the ADO Playoff Program must be members of the ADO, either on an individual basis or through a member organization. In either case, the member/member club must be in good standing for any player points accrued to be awarded. Should it be discovered after a playoff that such a player or club was not in fact a member at the time of participation, that player/club will be required to pay the requisite membership fees for the year in question before any subsequent playoff participation is permitted. Until such time as the back fees are paid, that player or club will not be in good standing with the ADO until such restitution is made.

Participation in Playoff Program

Players who have been ejected by the management of any venue at which any portion of the Playoff Program for which they have qualified will be held are solely responsible for the consequences of the actions that led to the ejection. (Refer to ADO By-Laws Article 6 Section 1a).The ADO will not intervene on behalf of the player for reinstatement, nor will the ADO ask its officials to relocate a regional or national event to permit such players to participate.

Misconduct at Tournaments, or Playoff Events

The official in charge of any ADO-sanctioned tournament or playoff has the right to take steps to remove any player from the competition for willful disruption of the tournament or playoff event. (See ADO By-Laws, Articl 6, Section 1). Officals should document the cause for such action to the ADO board for possible ADO censure, probation, suspension or expulsion. Officials should make prior arrangements with the host facility on the proper steps to follow in the unlikely event that such wanton misbehavior should occur.

Travel Policy Revision

The following section has been added to the ADO travel policy: Changes to travel precipitated by natural disasters, airline schedule changes or cancellations or hotel changes or cancellations are not the responsibility of the ADO. ADO-sponsored travelers are advised to be prepared to obtain emergency funds should they be delayed by such events.

In addition, all ADO personnel are reminded that under no circumstances are ADO funds to be used by any individual for the purchase of alcohol, either for personal consumption or for entertainment. A copy of the entire ADO travel policy for those who travel on ADO business can be obtained from the AD office.

 


Sept. 28, 1998

Contact Sandi Cain (949) 497-2680 or
Katie Harris (714) 254-0212

A.D.O. SELECTS MASTERS TEAM
Veterans, newcomers will make trip to England

Anaheim, CA Forty national finalists toed the line last Friday to vie for positions on the 1998 Winmau World Masters team at a playoff in Lake Tahoe held in conjunction with the Truckee Meadows Autumn Open Dart Tournament. The resultant team is a mix of veteran international players and those breaking into the international ranks for the first time and will see players from across the U.S. compete in England over Thanksgiving weekend.

The men's team is comprised of National Team members Brian Dougherty (Ocala, Fla.) and David Marienthal ((Bloomingdale, N.J.) as well as rising stars Al Dorn (Henderson, Nev.) -- who racked up the third-highest point-per-dart average in the recent East-West All-Star Challenge -- and Scott Wollaston (River Ridge, La.), a member of the All-Star team who recently was recognized for a perfect 170 finish in the East-West Regional Playoffs. They will be joined by Brad Wethington (Dayton, Ohio), who landed an invitation to participate by virtue of his North American Open Championship in August.

The women's team will consist of reigning World Cup ladies' champions Stacy Bromberg (Las Vegas, Nev.) and Lori Verrier (Salem, Ore.), veterans of the Masters event, as well as Nancy Huntoon (Reston, Va.) and Marilyn Popp (Milford, Conn.). Bromberg earned her invitation as North American Open champion; Verrier earned hers by virtue of her win at the Canadian Open. As a result, Huntoon and Popp will represent the U.S. from the Masters playoff. Three years ago, Bromberg was runner-up in the Women's World Masters, losing to Sharon Colclough in a close final. Last year, Huntoon finished in the final 16.

American youth will be represented at the Masters by Jason Jarvis (Dayton, Ohio), making his first international appearance. Jarvis is the current National Youth Champion, a title he earned in August at the National Youth Finals, along with $1,500 in scholarship eligibility.

The four top-ranked players as of Oct. 1 will also have the opportunity to play in the open qualifier for the Embassy Professional Dart Tournament contested in January each year and offering approximately $257000 U.S. in prize money. (The Embassy is an invitational tournament that fills its least eight slots from the winners of the open qualifier.) The Winmau World Master offers approximately $28,000 U.S. in prize money, with the men's champion receiving over $10,000 U.S. and the women's champion receiving over $2,500 U.S.


Sept. 12, 1998

Contact Sandi Cain (949) 497-2680 or
Katie Harris (714) 254-0212

ANNUAL SURVEYS DUE!

Cricket Deadline Approaches

Anaheim, CA ADO members are urged to fill out and return the organization 's annual survey of members to assist the board in planning for 1999. Surveys are available in the Double Eagle and through CyberDarts online and may be returned to the ADO office or to any board member. The surveys are used to gauge changing member opinion on a variety of dart topics.

***

In response to numerous questions concerning the new ADO Deadeye and Round of Nine awards, please note the following definitions: Round of Nine is three triples in one turn that count to close or for score in cricket; Deadeye is three double bulls in one turn Clubs may submit names for the above awards along with 180s for recognition in Double Eagle and to receive certificates for members achieving these milestones. Special Achievement kudos can also be submitted to the office for such things as a perfect game or a 170 out.

***

The local playoff deadline for cricket championships is the first weekend of Oct. Contact your regional director for the date/location of the regionals, to let that official know how many players your club will enter in the regionals or to request an extension of the local qualifier deadline. Cricket regionals are scheduled for the first full weekend in November on the ADO calendar.

***

Per a request from the World Darts Federation executive, the ADO is seeking information on any clubs that cater to darters with disabilities. If you know of a dart organization geared to special needs individuals, or if your organization has a division or a special program for such players, please notify the ADO office or e-mail Sandi Cain at scainado@aol.com. The WDF has plans to create an international darts body for those with disabilities.



August 22, 1998

Contact Sandi Cain at (949) 497-2680

or Katie Harris at (714) 254-0212

AMERICAN DARTS ORGANIZATION CROWNS NEW CHAMPIONS

Member survey seeks input for future

Anaheim, CA The American Darts Organization crowned its new male, female and youth champions during festivities last weekend at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas. Repeating as women's champion was Stacy Bromberg, a Las Vegas resident, who defeated doubles partner Lori Verrier of Salem, Ore. in the final match for the title. Bromberg went on to win both women's singles events in the North American Open, as well as both women's doubles with Verrier. She also claimed the Most Valuable Player award for the weekend. Bromberg and Verrier are also the reigning women's world champions. Meanwhile, Steve Brown, who last year narrowly missed landing a slot on the World Cup team, defeated Dayton, Ohio resident Brad Wethington to claim the title of National Champion on the men's side. Brown, who resides in St. Louis, Mo., is a native of England and follows his father's footsteps with his achievements in darts. Meanwhile, Wethington went on to claim the 301 singles championship in the North American Open, while Brown was a semi-finalist in that event.

It was a good weekend for Ohioans, as 17-year-old Jason Jarvis, also of Dayton, claimed the National Youth Championship against five other finalists (two of whom were female) who earned their way to Las Vegas through victories in regional youth playoffs. Jarvis will represent America at the Winmau World Youth Masters in England in November. Last year's champion, Kevin Holden of Tennessee who was a semi-finalist in England last year, was defeated by Jarvis for the trip to Las Vegas. Jarvis is also a high school baseball player at Centerville who enjoys all sports and loves the competition in darts. Runner- up, 17-year-old Robbie Eshelman of Casper, Wyo. later finished as a semi-finalist in the Blind Draw 301 event of the North American, an event dominated by adult players.

***

After a successful weekend of events in Las Vegas, the ADO was saddened to learn that Region IV-5 director Bill Jervis passed away of a coronary on Aug. 17. He had attended the events in Las Vegas and returned home. He will be missed by many friends in darts, and the ADO expresses its sympathy to his family and friends.

***

A survey for ADO members has been distributed through the Double Eagle, Bull's Eye News, and CyberDarts. Members wishing to respond are asked to do so by Sept. 15. The next meeting of the board of directors will be Oct. 3 and 4. Any items members wish to bring to the board should be directed to an officer or Area Manager by Sept. 15.


August 3, 1998

Contact Sandi Cain (949) 497-2680

ADO LOOKS TO FUTURE WITH MEMBER SURVEY
Masters Finalists to Shoot it Out in Lake Tahoe

 

Anaheim, CA The Board of Directors of the ADO is doing committee work to revamp our systems for the new millennium and offer new programs to start the organization's second 25 years with a bang in 2000. To that end, the board is conducting a member survey to help structure events and programs that will satisfy the needs of today's players. The survey, which requires less than five minutes to complete, will be distributed in Las Vegas at the ADO events there and will be published in the upcoming issue of the Double Eagle, due out in just two weeks. It has also been sent to Bull's Eye News and to CyberDarts. All board members and Regional Directors will have copies.

Any member who would like to participate in this survey may obtain a copy from one of the above-mentioned people or sources, or may contact their local officer for a copy. All surveys are due back to the ADO office or to any board member no later than Sept. 15 to allow time to compile results prior to the board's fall meeting.

***

Forty finalists will compete at Lake Tahoe in late September for a slot on this year's Masters team which will travel to England in November. These regional finalists will play the National Masters Championships on Sept. 25 prior to the start of the 16th Annual Truckee Meadows Autumn Open. The four men and two women who comprise the Masters team will participate in the Winmau World Masters outside London on Nov. 27 and 28 along with the ADO Youth Champion. At least four of the players will also have the opportunity to compete in the open tryouts for the last eight slots in the Embassy Professional Championships to be contested in England in January.

***

Clubs planning to enter players in the Cricket Regionals need to begin planning now, as the deadline for local playoffs is the first weekend in October, with Regionals slated for the first weekend in November. Contact your Regional Director or Area Manager for details about Regional Playoff locations. The National Cricket Championship will be contested prior to the start of the New York Open on Jan. 29, 1999 in New York City.


July 15, 1998

Contact Sandi Cain (949) 497-2680

ADO to Host Exhibition Match With Canada

Three U.S. players earn 1998 world ranking

Anaheim, CA The American Darts Organization today announced that it will host a rematch of the International Challenge with Canada at its Welcome Party on August 13 at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas. The challenge will pit four top-ranked Canadians against the National Team of six men and three women who will compete in a best-of-17 legs singles competition. The format, a version of that used by the World Darts Federation in World Cup competition, is fast-paced and suspenseful, as each match consists of just one leg for a point.

And, there is no gender bias in this version, so men and women will compete on equal footing. Should the match come to an 8-8 tie, there will be one team game to determine the championship team, which will also pick up $400 for their efforts.

Though America won the match 9-7 in Montreal in June, it was a see-saw battle that narrowly missed coming down to a tie-breaker. Each member of the team contributed to the winning total. In Las Vegas, each member of the National Team will be guaranteed at least one match against our neighbors to the north. The Welcome Party begins at 7 p.m. The party honors the ADO East-West All-Stars, National Team and National Youth finalists and enables them to meet fellow members of their respective teams and get to know one another outside the competitive arena. This year, visiting players from other World Darts Federation countries have also been invited to the party. Following the exhibition match, a limited-entry blind draw doubles will be held, with half the proceeds going to the Memorial Scholarship Fund . Media personnel interested in attending should contact the ADO office at (714) 254-0212 or the contact number above to make arrangements to cover the event. Snacks, photo opportunities and a chance to learn the game will be provided to members of the press with valid identification.

***

Three ADO members are world-ranked at the mid-point of the competition year. Women's World Cup title holders Stacy Bromberg and Lori Verrier are tied with three others for the No. 10 spot on the women's side, while current National Champion and World Cup team member Paul Lim is ranked No. 19 on the men's side, tied with two other players. Players earn world ranking by placing in WDF-ranked tournaments and WDF-sponsored events like World Cup. The rankings are as of July 5, and may not include WDF tournaments contested in June. On the domestic front, players have begun to accrue points toward the next World Cup, slated for Durban South Africa in 1999, as of July 1. The four men and two women with the best 12 tournament point finishes between July 1, 1998 and June 30, 1999 will comprise the next World Cup team.

***

ADO officials are not exempt from the vagaries of today's rapidly changing technology and we've been subject to a rash of area code changes among regional directors, area managers and the executive board members. The most recent change has caused some confusion, because it split the area code where three board members and the ADO office are located. President Sandi Cain's area code has changed from 714 to 949. The ADO office, General Secretary Katie Harris and Area II Manager Bill Turner continue to have the 714 area code. As of October, the 949 area code will be required to contact President Cain.

 


June 27, 1998

Contact Sandi Cain (949) 497-2680

INTERNATIONAL TEAM BESTS CANADA

National Championships Offer Increased Payout

Anaheim, CA The ADO International Team of Stacy Bromberg, Steve Brown, Lori Verrier and George Walls bested Canada's team of Shawn Brenneman, Gayl King, John Part and Kim Whaley in an exhibition match on Saturday night of the recent Canadian Open in St. Hyacinthe (Montreal), Canada. The match was a first for U.S. players in that men and women competed equally using the World Cup team format. That format sees the teams play a round robin of singles matches consisting of one leg each for a best-of-17 result. (If an 8-8 tie had been reached, these teams would have played one team game as a tie-breaker.)

The match, which lasted 1-1/2 hours, kept the attention of the audience as it was a see-saw battle. Canada jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, but the ADO team evened the score at 2-all. At the half-way point, the score was again tied at 4-4. Canada again pulled ahead, but the ADO won its last three matches to win the match 9-7. Along the way, both Bromberg and Verrier were successful in defeating their male counterparts. (Gayl King of Canada also defeated one of the American team's men.). Each member of the team contributed to the total wins on the American side.

The ADO hopes to stage a re-match in August in Las Vegas. Arrangements are pending and will be announced when complete.

The International Team was sent to compete in the Canadian Open this year in lieu of the Pacific Cup, which is undergoing reorganization into an Asia/Pacific Cup that will commence in 2000. There is no Pacific Cup competition this year. Lori Verrier was successful in claiming two singles titles, the mixed doubles title with teammate George Walls and the ladies doubles with teammate Stacy Bromberg at the Canadian Open.

***

As part of the ADO's development of parallel championships in 501 and cricket, the National 501 Championships will offer a bigger purse this year for the first time since its inception in 1990. In previous years, only finalists received cash payouts for the National Championships. This year, semi-finalists will also receive cash, and the payout for the finalists has been increased. First place (both men and women) will be worth $600; second $400 and joint third $200 each.

As an added incentive, the ADO is offering a $10,000 prize to the first person who throws a perfect 501 game (9 darts) during the National Championships. Officials will be on hand to verify any such occurrence, and those participating in the National Championships will be required to sign a form verifying the number of darts used for each game played.

***

Players are once again reminded that World Cup points for the 1999 World Cup team will begin on July 1 and end on June 30, 1999. For purposes of World Cup competition, a player's 12 best points finishes determine his/her final World Cup standing during that time period.

Those competing in the Masters regionals in July are reminded that the National Finals are slated for Lake Tahoe in September. The Winmau World Masters will be contested in London, England November 27 and 28, with Embassy qualifiers to be held November 26.

 


June 13, 1998

Contact Sandi Cain (949) 497-2680

ALL-STAR TEAMS SET TO FIRE VOLLEYS; MASTERS COMPETITION SLATED IN JULY

Anaheim, CA The 1998 East-West All-Star Team will have something extra to cheer about this year, as they compete for a slot in the National Championships and a chance to earn a cool $10,000 bonus if they can muster a perfect 501 game during the Championships portion of the day's competition. This year, 78 all-stars, plus the nine-person National Team and the six youth finalists will converge on the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas to slug it out in the annual geographic rivalry. While doing so, the youth will compete for scholarship funds and a trip to the Youth World Masters in November. All qualifiers will also be feted at the annual Welcome Party slated for Thursday, August 13. As the North American Open which follows the ADO events is a WDF- ranked tournament this year, visitors from WDF countries have also been invited to the Welcome Party.

ADO members in town for the annual celebration will have another chance to quickly acquire cash during the North American Open, whose organizers have just announced a $50,000 prize for the first perfect cricket game scored during the final eight of the cricket singles in that tournament. This is the first time the NAODT and its new sponsor, Accudart/Winmau, have offered such a prize to competitors. Though a tough mark to meet, the prize is attractive goal for all competitors to reach for. Specific rules prevail to meet the requirements for the $50,000 prize. These are available from Triple Crown Productions, the promoters of the tournament.

***

For the first time, regional qualifiers for the Winmau World Masters will be held prior to the ADO's August festivities, on the second weekend in July. The change was in keeping with the quarterly schedule the ADO has developed over the past two years. It was also made with an eye to the deadlines for information required by the Masters organizers, and the need to book travel arrangements well in advance. National finals will be held at the 16th annual Truckee Meadows Autumn Open in Lake Tahoe/Reno.

This year, the Winmau World Masters will be held on November 27 & 28, with Embassy qualifiers to be held November 26 for this world professional event slated to be held in January in England. (Four slots in the Embassy qualifiers for those who have not already earned a spot in the event are open to members of the American team.)

The Masters will take place outside London at Lakeside, a popular darts venue in Britain. The change was made due to rising costs within the city of London. Lakeside is approximately the same distance from Heathrow Airport as the previous location in the Earls Court section of London. The American team, which includes the National Youth Champion , will travel there together to pit their talents against some of the worlds finest dart players. Numerous U.S. players have made their first foray into international terrain via the U.S. Masters Team, and it is the hope of ADO officials that players will continue to strive for this honor by supporting the Masters playoffs.

***

Players are reminded that World Cup points for 1999 begin July 1, 1998.

 


June 1, 1998

ADO AREA III YOUTH TOURNAMENT UPDATE

This is the latest information that I have on the 1998 Area III youth tournament. As mentioned in the previous bulletin, the tournament will be held in Houston Texas on June 20th. The location of the tournament is at the Compaq Center (formally known as the Summit), the arena that the Houston Rockets Basketball team, the Aeros hockey team and the Houston Thunderbears arena football team play in.

The youth tournament is being offered as part of a package plan. The plan consists of the following:

  • Entry into the Compaq Center with parking.
  • A $500.00 blind draw tournament to be played in conjunction with the youth tournament. (There is a $5.00 entry fee into the blind draw).
  • 1 free soda and pizza during the tournament.
  • Special seating for the Thunderbears football game at 7:30pm.

The arena will become available at noon, June 20. I would like to start as soon as everyone is signed up, certainly before 1pm. The blind draw tournament is scheduled to start a 1pm.

Cost of the package is $11.00 (plus $5.00 to play in the blind draw). As mentioned before, the American Darts Organization is going to pick up the $11.00 entry fee to those youths entering the youth tournament only. Family and friends accompanying the youth players must pay the $11.00 entry fee, and if they play in the blind draw, the $5.00 entry fee for that.

As before, the entry fee for the youth tournament is $35.00. The winner of this tournament will win a trip to Las Vegas in August for entry into the National youth tournament taking place at the North American Open. The age requirements are as before, the youth must not be 18 before January 1st, 1999. Boys and girls play together.

I must have the entry fee monies and a listing of participants by Sunday, June 7th. This is so we can purchase the tickets and get them back to you in time for the trip.

As this type event can draw the media, both printed and television, a dress code will be enforced. PLEASE don't travel a long distance and not be able to play. Cut-offs, pants with holes in them and tee shirts with inappropriate pictures or words will NOT be allowed. The better we look to the public the better it is for all of us.

I am including a flyer put out by the Thunderbears for those players not involved with the youth tournament. If you would like to come to play in the blind draw and watch the football game you can use the entry form on the reverse of the flyer. Remember though, those involved in the youth tournament MUST send their entries to me. If you are not pre- registered in the youth tournament, you will not play. Make all youth entry fees payable to the ADO. Make the other entry fees payable to the Houston Darts Association. You can still send them to me and I will forward them on in time for you to get your tickets.

I'm trying to add to the youth tournaments, hopefully making them more fun to enter, both for the youth players and those who have to haul them around. I hope this meets with everyone's approval. Next year I hope to have the tournament at NASA, at the Johnson Space Center. I'm still working on that one, trying to get some bugs out.

 

Here is how you can reach me. Dennis Aitken, ADO Manager, Area III

103 Asheboro
Katy, TX. 77450-1711
281-390-0103 evenings
281-392-0190 fax
kvgp42a@prodigy.com
e-mail.

Hope to see a great turnout.
Dennis


May 18, 1998

Contact Sandi Cain (949) 497-2680

ADO RELEASES NEW MEDIA KIT; PREPARES FOR YOUTH PLAYOFFS

Anaheim, CA The ADO has developed a new media kit for use in soliciting sponsorships and promoting National Team members and National Champions. Increasing interest from magazines, television programs and potential sponsors set the wheels in motion late last year, and the first kits were sent out this week. Each board member has also been supplied with a copy for use within the various geographic regions. The kit contains background on the ADO, demographics of players, geographic distribution of member clubs, the international scope of the sport, a "Hall of Champions" listing and biographies and photos of the National Team and National Champions.

The media kit will be used by the board in solicitation of sponsorships for existing and future programs as well as for tournament efforts. Members working with potential sponsors who would find the media kit useful should contact their Area Managers for a copy. Requests from publications or broadcast media will be handled from the office and/or with the ADO Executive. The kit will be updated after the National Championships in August and again next January.

***

The annual ADO Area Youth Championships are scheduled for the weekend of June 19-21. Clubs interested in sending youth to the playoffs need to select those youth players by May 31and notify the Area Manager. In turn, the Area Managers are responsible for setting the location of the Area Playoffs and are the people to contact for details of those events. Area Youth Champions earn a trip to Las Vegas to compete for scholarship money (all finalists earn scholarship eligibility in varying amounts). The National Champion will also advance to the World Youth Masters in London, England this December.

The Youth Championships were established in 1987 for players under the age of 18. Washington native Albert Mendoza won the championship an unprecedented four times in 1989-1992 and was followed by Kevin Luke, also from Washington, in 1993 and 1995. Last year's champion, Tennessee native Kevin Holden, was a semi-finalist last year at the Winmau World Youth Masters.


April 30,1998

Contact Sandi Cain (714) 497-2680

INTERNATIONAL TEAM CHOSEN AT BLUEBERRY HILL

Anaheim, CA The ADO International competition for 1998 was held in conjunction with the 26th Annual Blueberry Hill Dart Tournament in St. Louis, Missouri last weekend. The winning team, which will represent the ADO at the Canadian Open in June includes: Stacy Bromberg (Las Vegas), Lori Verrier (Salem, Ore.), Steve Brown (St. Louis, Mo.) and George Walls (Smyrna, Tenn.). Alternates are Julie Nicoll (Clifton, NJ) and Anthony Miera (Albuquerque, NM). The team will also play an exhibition match against a team of Canadian international players on Saturday night at the tournament. The ADO International competition replaces the Pacific Cup, which was abandoned by the WDF last year due to declining participation. The ADO will resume participation in the WDF cup when the Asia and Pacific Cups are combined beginning in 2000. That cup will be held in even-numbered years, and the ADO will send players to alternate international events in the odd-numbered years.

***

The ADO board of directors approved changes to the By-Laws at its recent meeting in Anaheim, Ca. While some of the changes were made for the sake of clarity only, several revisions could directly affect players. These are:

1) Section 6-1-a concerning censure, probation, fines, suspension or expulsion due to events at non-ADO or Non-association-sponsored tournaments and matches was changed to read, "Problems in public or private bars, lounges and taverns or other public or private playing venues are the province of the injured part, the owners or bartender who may seek redress under local state law by ejection, police intervention or arrest.

2) Section 6-2-e concerning censure, probation, fines, suspension or expulsion. The following sentence was added to the section. "Should verification of any infraction at an ADO event be received within one year of such vote, suspension of the player from the ADO playoff program for one year without appeal will be automatically invoked."

3) Section 9-8 concerning duties of officers. The following sentence was added, "Regional Directors are also responsible for sanctioning tournaments in their regions according to current sanctioning policy."

4) Section 17-4 was changed to require review of the By-Laws on a bi-annual rather than an annual basis.

***

The Board of Directors is actively seeking ideas for our 25th Anniversary celebration in 2001. The board is also seeking sketches of logos to be used for that event. The board hopes to turn this into a nationwide contest that will generate interest from every corner of the country. Winning entry or entries will receive prizes to be determined at a later date.

***

Letters seeking size and shipping information from 1997 regional winners will be sent out by the end of this week. Those who placed in the top three in their regions last year are encouraged to return the information to the ADO office quickly to expedite the shirt orders. The balance of the 1995 and 1996 awards that were delayed due to default by the original contractor are complete and are being shipped from the office. If you placed in the top 3 in one of those years and have moved, please notify the office of your current address.


April 11, 1998

Contact Sandi Cain (714) 497-2680

$10,000 PRIZE FOR PERFECT 501 GAME TO BE OFFERED IN LAS VEGAS

Anaheim, CA The American Darts Organization will offer a $10,000 bonus to the first player to hit a perfect 501 game in the National Championships during ADO activities prior to the North American Open slated for the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas this August. Only two players -- John Finnegan of Massachusetts and the late Glenn Silva of Florida -- have ever attained this feat in ADO- sanctioned tournament play. The award is offered in memory of Glenn Silva, a recent member of ADO international teams, who was killed in an auto accident earlier this year.

The National Championships are the culmination of the East-West All-Star team competition. The nine National Team members are automatically seeded into the competition based on their 1997 points finish. The remaining 10 men and five women gain entry to the National Championships by attaining the highest point per dart averages in the East-West All-Star competition. Both events will be held on August 14. All Regional winners from the ADO All-Star competition earn a trip to Las Vegas to compete in the East-West All-Stars. Regionals are slated for the weekend of May 8-10. Members of the press wishing to cover the National Championships should contact the ADO office at (714) 254-0212 or Sandi Cain at the above number or scainado@aol.com.

The National Youth Championships will also be held on August 14 at the Riviera. Association deadline for youth qualifiers is June 21, with Area Playoffs scheduled for the weekend of June 19-21. Contact Area Youth Managers or the ADO Area Manager for details.

The National Playoffs for this year's Winmau World Masters in London will be held Sept. 25 in Lake Tahoe in conjunction with the Truckee Meadows Autumn Open. The third annual National Cricket championships, for which regionals will be contested this November 6-8, will be held at the New York Open next January.

Because playoff dates have varied in the past two years as the ADO worked to adjust to a four-playoff system, the organization is making every effort to notify members and tournament hosts well in advance of future playoff dates for 1998 and 1999. The slotted weekend should now remain the same into the foreseeable future.

 


March 28, 1998

Contact Sandi Cain (714)497-2680

ADO BOARD LOOKS TO FUTURE NEEDS AT SPRING MEETING

Anaheim, CA The Board of Directors of the American Darts Organization had its eyes on the millennium at its recent spring meeting, taking action on a number of items designed to strengthen the grass-roots base of the organization over the next two years. A summary of major items addressed at the meeting follows:

Awards: The "deadeye" (3 center bulls) and "nine count" (three scoringtriples in cricket) that were tested at the recent Cricket National Championships were given the go-ahead by the board and will be available to clubs in the same manner as the 180 certificates are available. In addition,the 180 certificates will be redesigned this year to give them a new, updated look. In addition, awards (shirts) were chosen for the 1997 regional winners. Order information will be sent out shortly to those who placed first, second or third in their regions. The balance of the 95/96 awards, delayed again through default of the contracted provider, have been ordered through another provider and will be available for shipping by April 15.

Youth: The Board voted to expand the youth program to bring more youth through the playoffs to the finals in Las Vegas beginning in 1999. In addition, Area Managers will undertake to establish a youth series of tournaments in Areas for which these do not currently exist. Funds permitting,the ADO will send a team (one boy and one girl, as mandated by World Darts Federation rules) to the first Youth World Cup to be contested in Durban South Africa in 1999. Sponsorships for next year's World Cup teams will be sought.

Membership cards: The issue of ADO membership cards that would enable the ADO to provide more discount opportunities to the general membership will again be considered at the fall meeting.

Regional/Area alignment: Shifting dart demographics will result in the board looking at any needed regional or area boundary changes that would be beneficial to the membership at the fall meeting. Any member clubs that would like to suggest changes may submit those to their Regional Directors or Area Managers by Sept. 15 so that reasonable realignment plans may be drawn up ahead of the October meeting.

National league format: A committee was formed to present a proposal for anational ADO league format that would be an option for clubs to use in their own operations. In a survey two years ago, an overwhelming number of members indicated a desire for this type of program. The program would offer new clubs a built-in format to begin operation, and would allow existing clubs to add an ADO league night if they so choose. The league structure will encompass point per dart averages in some form. Any input on structure for this format may be sent to Area IV Manager Charlie Forrester.

Tournament default: The default policy, suspended for reworking last October, was reinstated with minor revisions that include assistance from the ADO with any legal steps necessary to obtain guaranteed funds for players who are not paid on site as promised by the advertised purse. New copies of the default policy will go out to members hosting tournaments.

World Cup point year: The calendar point year for World Cup points was altered by one month to better accommodate submission deadlines imposed by host countries. World Cup points will now run from July 1 through the following June 30 instead of August 1 through the following July 31. For the 1999 World Cup, points will begin to accrue on July 1, 1998 and conclude on June 30, 1999. The 12 best finishes will still be the basis on which the team is selected.

 


March 24, 1998

Contact Sandi Cain (714) 497-2680

1999 World Cup Qualifing Tournaments Changes

Due to logistic deadlines and booking requirements for World Cup participants, the ADO has moved the dates for qualifying tournaments for the 1999 World Cup to include July 1, 1998 through June 30, 1999. The system, which uses the 12 best finishes during that time frame, will remain the same as for the last World Cup. Only the dates have been adjusted by 30 days.

 


March 17, 1998

Contact Sandi Cain (714) 497-2680

ADO STATEMENT CONCERNING LOSS OF GLENN SILVA

Anaheim, CA The board of directors of the American Darts Organization was shocked and saddened to learn of the untimely accidental death of one of its top players, Floridian Glenn Silva, last Saturday.

Silva's enthusiasm, devotion and passion for the sport of darts was contagious, and he inspired others to strive for the same perfection in the sport that he demanded from himself. Silva was a valued member of the ADO World Cup team that traveled to Switzerland in 1995 and of the most recent American team that traveled to England to compete in the Winmau World Masters. He played hard for his country and represented us well at every opportunity. Recently, he became one of only a select few players in the U.S. to achieve a perfect 501 game.

In recent conversations, he said he hoped to make another World Cup team, perhaps in 1999. Silva accomplished much in the sport of darts, and though his dreams for the future in the sport were cut short, he was an example that up and coming darters throughout the country would do well to emulate. The dart world will miss Glenn, and we pray that his family can find some consolation in the kindness and friendship that darters always display to help those in distress.

 


March 21, 1998

Contact Sandi Cain (714) 497-2680

ADO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND BENEFITS YOUTH

Anaheim, CA In 1995, the ADO entered into a standard Trust Agreement with three non-board member trustees (two former National Youth Managers and Della Fleetwood) to administer the ADO Memorial Scholarship Fund. To date, the trustees have completed the steps to achieve 501 (c) (3) tax exempt status for the fund whereby donations are now deductible under Section 170 of the IRS code. They have deposited the funds into an interest-bearing PaineWebber account. They have also developed a communications plan by which young players will be reminded of the value of the scholarship awards they have won and how to claim them, both after they participate in the National Youth Championship and -- if unclaimed -- again six months prior to the youth's 21st birthday.

Currently, there are 24 youth darters eligible to receive funds, and potentially eight could be added each year, requiring donations to meet or exceed $6,000 per year to maintain the pace. For the last three years,donations to the fund has averaged only $3,759.29 per year. Still, the total value of the Scholarship Fund currently stands at $33,909.84. This money is in a separate account from general ADO funds, is managed by different individuals, and has never been touched for any purpose other than payment of scholarship money -- nor is it the intent to ever use it for another purpose besides to the benefit of young darters.

ADO members are reminded that the Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in the memory of darters who have passed away. Frequently, donations to the fund are received in memory of a friend or loved one.

With donations lagging over the past three years, it is the ADO's wish to reverse that trend and encourage members to run charity boards, raffles, special challenge shoots or other activities, or to donate in memory of someone special, to benefit our future darters. The Trustees and the ADO board express particular gratitude to the Savannah Area Darting Association and the Portland Area Dart Association for their ongoing commitment to and support of this program.


March 8,1998

Contact Sandi Cain (714) 497-2680

Fox Sports World to broadcast PDC Skol World Championships

Fox Sports World will broadcast the PDC Skol World Championships beginning March 23 (Mon.) at 10:30 pm PST (one hour) -- it will run weekly for 15 weeks, and repeat on Fri., beginning March 27 at midnight PST. For access or advertising information, call (800)fox world. To contact the programmer, e-mail jglassell@foxsportsinternational.com. This information came from the PDC


March 1, 1998

Contact Sandi Cain (714) 497-2680

DOUBLE EAGLE, CALENDAR, PLAYOFF SCHEDULE GET FACE LIFT FOR 1998

Anaheim, CA The first Double Eagle of 1998 should be arriving at members' doorsteps within the next week -- an issue that is new in more ways than one.The ADO has given its quarterly newspaper a facelift with new color, more graphics and photos galore. It's an issue members won't want to miss. Double Eagles are shipped to clubs according to information provided on the membership application. Any changes in shipping instructions (quantity or location) should be reported to the ADO office.Clubs may ask that Double Eagles be dropped shipped to two different locations by submitting this request to the office. Individual members receive their copies directly. While many clubs deliver Double Eagles through pub drop, members are encouraged to ask their ADO representatives for a copy to keep upon the latest news. Advertising in the Double Eagle is available in the form of a display ad, classified 'service directory' or through advertising sponsorships. Information about advertising is available by contacting the editor at the ADO office.

***

The yearly tournament calendar for 1998/99 will be shipped before the end of March. Member clubs received an 'interim calendar' listing tournaments for the first quarter of 1998 last December. When the full calendar comes out, it will provide information on tournaments scheduled by member clubs from April 1,1998 through March 31, 1999. Calendars for future years will be produced on an annual basis from April through the following March. The shift in dates was an effort by the ADO board to more accurately reflect which events are hosted by member clubs during the ensuing year. Any club with a tournament scheduled for the first quarter of 1999 that has not already submitted information to the office should contact Katie Harris at the office immediately to be included on the 1998/99 calendar. Club memberships must be current to be listed on the calendar.

***

With the first ADO Internationals event heading into regionals next weekend and the national playoffs scheduled for April 24 in conjunction with the Blueberry Hill tournament, members are reminded of 1998 playoff dates for All-Stars and youth competitions. Associaton qualifiers for All-Stars are to be completed by April 12, with regionals scheduled May 8-10; youth qualifiers are to be complete by May 31, with Area competition scheduled for June 19-21.The Board of Directors is aware of scheduling difficulties some players have faced due to changing playoff dates over the past two years. Any fine tuning needed for the future based on the 1998 playoff schedule will be addressed at the upcoming meeting on March 13-15 in California. Any member with specific suggestions concerning playoff dates should address those to his/her Area Manager prior to March 13.

 


Febuary 11, 1998

Contact Sandi Cain (714)497-2680

CRICKET CHAMPS, NATIONAL TEAM ANNOUNCED

Anaheim, CA The ADO's second annual Cricket Championships saw 47 players compete for the 1998 title prior to the Bluebonnet Open in Houston, Texas. When the smoke cleared, new champions were crowned on both the men's and women's side. New men's cricket champion is Minuteman Dart League star John Finnegan, who defeated World Cupper Roger Carter in the finals to clinch the title. For the women, it was Stacy Bromberg garnering her first Cricket title over doubles partner and fellow World Cupper Lori Verrier. Last year's champion, Marilyn Popp, succumbed at the quarter finals of this year's event.

Other money winners included rising Las Vegas star Al Dorn and Florida's Brian Dougherty finishing joint third for the men. Quarter finalists were Chris Helms, who was competing on his home turf of Houston, Jeff Todd, Jerry Umberger and Steve Brown. Semi-finalists on the women's side were Paula Delp and Holly Boynton, with Lorraine Keyser, Deb Lewis and Nancy Huntoon rounding out the quarter finalists along with last year's champion.

Though no one claimed the $10,000 prize offered for a perfect cricket game, feedback from the event, which this year began as a modified round robin that fed into a knockout bracket was positive from players and spectators alike. The Board of Directors will review the national finals at its March meeting and hopes to add even more excitement to the event for 1999.

***

The 1998 National Team, based on the official year-end total of ADO Championship Points earned in 1997, has been finalized. The team, which is made up of six men and three women, will represent the U.S. throughout the year at various media events and will be seeded into the National Championships in August. Plans are also in the works for an additional exhibition match during 1998. The team earns special shirts designated for the National Team as well as their trip to Las Vegas. In addition, this year the team's dart bios and photos will be assembled into a new media kit under development by the ADO that will be made available to groups or individuals interested in scheduling seminars, exhibition matches or consultations with America's top team representatives. National cricket champions and 501 champions will also be included in the media kit.

The 1998 team consists of: Steve Brown, Roger Carter, Gerald Verrier, Jerry Umberger, David Marienthal and Brian Dougherty for the men, and Stacy Bromberg, Nancy Huntoon and Lori Verrier for the women. Congratulations to all on a brilliant 1997!

 


February 1,1998

Contact Sandi Cain (714)497-2680

ADO CRICKET SINGLES NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

On Friday, January 30,1998 the American Darts Organization held the Cricket Singles National Championships in Houston, Texas in conjunction with the $15,000 Bluebonnet Classic. Forty eight dart players, 31 men and 17 women from across the nation competed for the title as the best singles cricket player in the country.

Friday morning a short meeting was held to go over the rules and the procedure that would be followed during the tournament, followed by the draws for the two ladies and four men's brackets. For the first draw a round robin format was to be used. The ladies were divided into one bracket of eight and one bracket of nine. The men were divided into three brackets of eight and one bracket of seven. The top two finishers out of each of the men's brackets and the top four women from each of their brackets would advance to the top eight finals where a knock out bracket format was to be used to save time.

After some very close competition and several ties the top eight ladies and men advanced to the final series. They were as follows;

 

Men
Ladies
Alan Dorn, Henderson, Nv.
Lori Verrier, Salem, Or.
Chris Helms, San Antonio, Tx.
Stacy Bromberg, Las Vegas,Nv.
Roger Carter, Warner Robins, Ga.
Lorraine Keysler, New Orleans, La.
Jeff Todd, Tucker, Ga.
Deb Lewis, Powell, Oh.
Brian Dougherty, Oscala, Fl.
Holly Boynton-Part, Nashua, Nh.
John Finnegan, Weymouth, Ma.
Paula Delp, Frederick, Md.
Jerry Umberger, Schuylkill, Pa.
Nancy Huntoon, Reston, Va.
Steve Brown, St. Louis, Mo.
Marilyn Popp, Milford, Ct.

What followed has to be some of the best cricket games ever thrown. Five and seven counts were common and 27 nine counts were recorded. Scores of over four hundred were common and had the chalkers sweating to keep up.

In the men's division Alan Dorn and Brian Dougherty finished tied for third and fourth while Roger Carter finished second. the winner and Men's Singles Cricket Champion for 1998 is John Finnegan from Weymouth, Ma. His mastery of the game of cricket is phenomenal. No matter what his opponent threw at him he was able to overcome with hardly a noticeable change in his posture or throwing rhythm.

In the ladies division Paula Delp and Holly Boynton-Part were the semi-finalistswhile Lori Verrier finished second. The Women's Singles Cricket Champion for 1998 is Stacy Bromberg of Las Vegas, Nv. So much has been written about Stacy's skill as a dart player, it would be hard to add anything new. I will say this though, although she is the ultimate lady socially, she sure is bad news if you meet her on a dartboard. No prisoners!! Then she gets you to thank her for letting her beat you. Go Figure.

Besides trophies for the first and second place, the finishers in the top eight each recieved $100, third and fourth recieved $200, second place received $400, and the winner received $600.

Later this year the next singles cricket series will see regional tournaments the weekend of November 6-8 with finals scheduled for early 1999. If things work out the way we hope, the cricket champs might get another chance to show their skills in an invitational event in the works. Hope to see you there!

 


January 10, 1998

Contact Sandi Cain (714)497-2680

PLAYOFF DEADLINES FOR FIRST ADO INTERNATIONALS APPROACH

Anaheim, CA ADO member associations have until Feb. 8 to choose their representatives for the first ADO International Playoff (formerly PacificCup). Regionals for this revised playoff are scheduled for the first week in March. This is the first playoff for which the new fee structure -- $110 per player -- will be imposed. The fees, originally scheduled to go to $125 per player this year with an accompanying increase in expense money, was revised due to player and regional director response. The $110 fee will remain inplace for all playoffs through 1999 and expense money will remain at $150 per player at the national level. This is also the first time that regional directors can carry over "float" monies from the previous year through the first quarter of the new calendar year.

The ADO Internationals replace the former Pacific Cup, which was discontinuedby vote of participating countries at the last meeting of the World Darts Federation. The new event, tentatively called Asia/Pacific Cup, will begin in 2000 and will be held on alternate years from World Cup. For 1998, 1999 and subsequent odd-numbered years, the ADO will conduct the International Playoffs to select a team of two men and two women to attend a rotating schedule of international events. For 1998, eventual national winners will receive a playing shirt (for those who don't already have them), airfare, hotel and some entry fees for the Canadian Open in June. Details will follow once regionals are complete. Preliminary talks are also under way with representatives of the NDFC to schedule a challenge match in Canada during the team's visit.

Only current ADO members may participate in the playoff program. With the exception of first-time members who joined in the fourth quarter, all 1997 dues expired on Dec. 31, 1997.

***

Interim calendars for 1998 have been shipped to current ADO members. Clubs wishing to have tournaments scheduled for April 1, 1998 through March 31, 1999 appear on the new-format full-year calendar, must submit dues and tournament information to the ADO office no later than February 1.

***

State and inter-state competitions are once again growing in popularity. In response to that, the ADO has been approached by a potential sponsor to stage a market test of an interstate challenge south and southeast. The format wouldbe modeled on (though not necessarily identical to) the current Texas State Championships and would carry entry fees and prize money. Clubs located in those geographical areas that already take part in state championships or who would be interested in participating in such an event should contact Area III Manager Dennis Aitken to obtain details of the Texas format and to be added to a list of prospects the ADO can use in sponsor negotiations. Aitken can bereached via e-mail at KVGP42A@prodigy.com or by phone at (281)392-0103.

***

Roger Carter, the sole U.S. representative in the prestigious Embassy World Professional Darts Championship in England, was eliminated from the competition at the final 16, losing two sets to one to 1995 World Cup Singles Champion Roland Scholten. In his previous match, Carter defeated England's Bob Taylor three sets to one with games ranging from 14 to 18 darts and a 29.96 point per dart average. In his loss to Scholten, Carter averaged 29.77 per dart, compared to Scholten's 30.49. Last year, Carter finished at the final eight in the event. The Embassy concludes this weekend.