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AMERICAN
DARTS
ORGANIZATION
Incorporated
1975
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1997 ADO
PRESS RELEASES
- National
Youth Champion Takes Joint 3rd At
Masters -
December
19,1997
- Australia's
Hunt, England's Solomons Take World Masters Titles, ADO
Announces 1998 Playoff Program Dates - December
9,1997
- Blueberry
Hill To Host ADO Internationals - November 23,1997
- ADO Offers
$10,000 Prize At Cricket Nationals - November 8,
1997
- ADO Board
Institutes Changes For 1998 - October
30,1997
- WOMEN BRING
HOME THE GOLD FROM WORLD CUP - October
13,1997
- ADO-World
Cup notes about Sponsorship - September 19,
1997
- Cricket
Purse Raised; Calendar Revamped - September 11,1997
- Statement in
response to Bull's Eye New Commentary, September 7,
1997
- Frequent
Darters Prefer
Steel-Tip;
also 1997 World Cup - August 2, 1997
- Dart Settlement Tightens World Cup
Race; Masters Finals in New York - July 13,
1997
- All-Stars Ready To Compete -
June 21, 1997
- Dartoid Joins Double Eagle/Pre Paid
Phone Cards On The Line - June 7, 1997
- New Safety Data - May 20,
1997
- Busy Summer Ahead For ADO Members -
May 3, 1997
- ADO Plans For Future At
Semi-Annual Board Meeting - April 14, 1997
- First Cricket Singles Draws
Positive Response - March 29, 1997
- Cricket Gets Positive Response -
March 8, 1997
- Cricket Singles Under Way;
All-Stars Next 1996 Points Plus Updates Needed - Feb 22,
1997
- Revisions To Dart Board
Program/First Cricket Regionals Approaching - Feb 9,
1997
- Carter Makes Mark At Embassy, ADO
Phone Card Tested - Jan. 21, 1997
ADO PRESS
RELEASES
December
19, 1997 - Press Release
Contact: Sandi Cain (714) 497-2680
NATIONAL YOUTH CHAMPION TAKES
JOINT 3RD AT MASTERS
Anaheim, CA: Tullahoma, Tenn. native and 1997 national
youth champion Kevin Holden took London by storm,ending up the only
representative from outsideEngland in the top four of the World Youth
Masters. Holden played his semi-final match on stage, where he was
defeated by England's Leon Womack by a score of 3-0. Though admitting
some first-time jitters in the event, Holden said it only took him
about three darts to settle down and throw his darts. "I knew the
Brits were born and raised playing darts," he said, "but I still had
confidence in myself".
He was presented a medal on stage by representatives of the
British Darts Organization for his efforts, and later told other
members of the American team that he plans to return next year, which
will be his final year of eligibility. Holden earned his trip to the
U.S. Youth Championship through Area IV playoffs, where 29 youths
took part. He also earned $1,500 in scholarship money as a result of
his U.S. title.
The 1998 Youth playoffs leading to the National Championship in
Las Vegas next August are scheduled as follows:Association deadline
is May 31 Area Youth Playoffs: June 19-21 National Finals: August 14.
Those interested in taking part should contact their Area Manager or
Area Youth Coordinator for further details.
Youth managers are: Nacho Avila in Area II, Charles McDonald in
Area IV, Marcy Regan in Area V and Linda Stockman in Area VI. the
National Youth Manager is Savannah, Georgia resident Kerry Buchan,
who can be reached at 912-351-0162 for further information.Youth
players must be under the age of 18 as of December 1, 1998 to qualify
for the World Youth Masters. While the ADO currently does not have a
program for youth 18-20, the board plans to add a bracket for that
age group in the near future.
December
9, 1997
Contact: Sandi Cain (714) 497-2680
AUSTRALIA'S HUNT, ENGLAND'S SOLOMONS TAKE
WORLD MASTERS TITLES
ADO ANNOUNCES 1998 PLAYOFF PROGRAM
DATES
Anaheim, CA Australia's Graham Hunt, veteran World
Cup team member and two-time Australian Singles Champion, captured
the Winmau World Masters title last weekend, defeating England's
Ronnie Baxter in the final for the title. On the women's side, it was
England's Mandy Solomons who came away with the title after defeating
Wales' Sandra Greatbatch in the final match. Semi-finalists were Les
Delderfield and Ted Hankey, both of England for the men, and Crissy
Howat of England and Francis Hoenselaar of the Netherlands.
America's team of Roger Carter, Lyle Herrick, Glenn Silva, Davis
Snider, Stacy Bromberg, Leigh Dalager, Nancy Huntoon, Julie Nicoll
(sponsored by Accudart) and youth champion Kevin Holden ran up
against tough competition early on in the event. Huntoon had the best
showing, finishing in the final 16 in a field of approximately 64.
Both Carter and Herrick finished in the final 32 in a field of
approximately 150 top national players. Youth results have not yet
been received. The Winmau World Masters attracts top-notch talent
from around the globe each December in London. Next month, the
prestigious Embassy World Professional Championships will be
contested. Roger Carter will once again represent the U.S. in this
invitational world event. Carter placed in the final eight of the
event last January.***
The 1998 playoff schedule for Internationals (formerly Pacific
Cup), All-Stars, Youth, Masters and Cricket have been announced.
There are two date changes. One involves the youth, whose area
playoffs have been moved to June instead of July to enable finalists
to more easily book air travel and hotel rooms for the August events.
The other is the Masters, whose regionals have been moved to July to
better accommodate those leagues that do not conduct league
activities in the summer and to allow more time to arrange travel to
national finals in the early fall. The schedule is as follows:
ADO Internationals (formerly Pacific Cup):
- Association deadline Feb. 8
- Regional playoffs March 6-8
- National Finals at Blueberry Hill in St. Louis April 24.
All-Stars:
- Association deadline April 12
- Regional playoffs May 8-10
- East-West Challenge Aug. 14, Las Vegas.
Masters:
- Association deadline June 14
- Regional playoffs July 10-12
- National Finals: TBA (Sept. time frame)
Cricket Singles:
- Association deadline Oct. 4
- Regional playoffs Nov. 6-8
- National Finals TBA (Jan. 1999)
National Finals for the 1997 Cricket Singles will be held at the
Bluebonnet Open in Houston in Jan., 1998.
The ADO board thanks its members for continued support of the
playoff program during the past two years as traditional playoff
dates were adjusted to allow for a fourth event to be added each year
(cricket singles). Now that the adjustments are complete with the
1998 calendar, the board hopes to maintain the same weekends for
playoffs in future years. Tournament hosts interested in hosting
national finals should contact their Area Manager for detailed
requirements.For information, contact, Sandi Cain (714)497-2680
November
23, 1997- Press Release
Contact: Sandi Cain (714) 497-2680
BLUEBERRY HILL TO HOST ADO
INTERNATIONALS
Anaheim, CA The ADO International playoff (formerly Pacific
Cup) finals will be contested in conjunction with the 26th Blueberry
Hill Open on April 24,1998. As announced Oct. 29, the Pacific Cup has
been disbanded by vote of theWorld Darts Federation and will be
combined with the Asia Cup beginning in the year 2000. For 1998, the
ADO will stage an International Playoff whose winners will receive a
trip to the Canadian Open in June. The 1999 event will be chosen at a
later date. Beginning in 2000, the International Playoff will be held
to choose representatives for the Asia/Pacific Cup in even-numbered
years and for a rotating international event in odd-numbered years.
For the 1998 International Playoffs, associations must choose their
representatives for the regionals by Feb. 8. Association reps should
contact their regional directors for information concerning the
regional playoffs, currently scheduled for early March.
***
The following tournaments have been accepted for World Darts
Federation ranking for 1998:
Virginia Beach Dart Classic ($20,000) March 13-15; the North
American Open($45,000) Aug. 14-16; and the Witch City Open ($30,000)
Nov. 13-15. Singles events at those tournaments will carry world
ranking points. Currently, ADO members Roger Carter (No. 24) and
Stacy Bromberg (No. 18) are the only world-ranked players. The ADO
was forced to give up world-ranked tournaments because of legalities
that existed during the now-settled dispute between the British Darts
Organization and members of the PDC (formerly WDC). The addition of
these events once again gives top players a chance to attain world
ranking during play in their home country, and gives other players
the opportunity to mingle with and learn from additional world-class
players sure to attend these events.
***
Fourth quarter Double Eagles and the 1998 Interim Calendar should
be delivered to clubs within the next two weeks. Clubs are reminded
that, to be on the new, full-year calendar that will run from April
1-March 31,1999,their 1998 membership dues must be paid and calendar
information submitted in writing to the ADO office by Feb. 1, 1998.
The Interim Calendar will cover tournaments from Jan. 1-Mar. 31, 1998
as well as any other 1998 tournaments hosted by clubs who filed
tournament information and paid their 1998 dues by Nov. 10. The
Interim Calendar is being issued for 1998 as a one-time publication
that will enable the organization to change to a new calendar
schedule more in keeping with the needs of the member clubs and to
betterserve tournament hosts with events scheduled in the first
quarter of theyear.
All clubs are reminded that membership expires yearly on Dec. 31
(except for newly organized clubs that joined the organization in the
fourth quarter of this year), and are urged to renew effective Jan.
1.
November
8, 1997 - Press Release
Contact: Sandi Cain (714) 497-2680
ADO OFFERS $10,000 PRIZE AT CRICKET
NATIONALS
Anaheim, CA The American Darts Organization has just
concluded negotiations that will allow it to offer a $10,000 prize to
the first person to shoot a perfect cricket game during the Cricket
National Finals at the Bluebonnet Classic in Houston next January.
The prize is the first of its type to be offered by the ADO, though
the organization hopes to offer a similar prize for the National
Championships in August.
The addition of a major prize for a perfect game also adds to the
allure for television coverage of the event and adds value for
players competing in the cricket playoff program. Because of the
success and popularity of the game of cricket in the U.S.,there is
talk of it being added to championship formats in Australia, leading
to the possibility of international cricket championships in the
future. A prize purse such as the one to be offered for this Cricket
National Championship is likely to be alluring to future
participants.
***
Correction: The press release issued on Oct. 29 contained an
error. On the subject of entry fees for regionals, it should have
said that the fee will be $110 per player, or $880 per region to
advance a player to the national level. This increase will take
effect for playoffs that begin in 1998 and is guaranteed to remain
the same at least through 1999.
***
In response to player requests, the ADO board will make every
effort to have at least one member of the Executive present at each
national playoff.Players are reminded, however, that most of the
Executive Board is employed outside the ADO as well, and may not
always be available to attend. In those cases, there will still be
one or more Area Managers present to direct the national playoffs.
CFO Bob Ditzler has been designated to attend the Cricket National
Finals in Houston.
October
30,1997 - Press Release
Contact: Sandi Cain (714) 497-2680
ADO BOARD INSTITUTES CHANGES
FOR 1998
Anaheim, CA In addition to the new tournament
calendar format previously announced that will see the calendar year
shift to April 1 through March 31with an interim calendar issued for
the first quarter of 1998, the ADO board considered and adopted
several other changes for 1998 at its annual fall meeting held Oct.
24--26 in Gulfport, Miss. A summary of the changes follows.
1) In response to player and club input, the ADO has reconsidered
its increase in fees for Regional Playoffs. As a compromise to the
many who saida $25 increase was a burden, the board rescinded its
previous action and instead will raise regional fees to $900 per
region to advance one player instead of the current $800. This
amounts to $110 per player. In addition, expense money for players
advancing to nationals will remain at $150. These fees will remain in
effect through 1999.
2) The board also responded to concerns of Regional Directors and
Area Managers in regard to 'float' money -- those funds collected
above the amount required to advance a player from a regional. In the
past, all float money not used by the end of the calendar year by an
Area could not be carried over to the new year. In an effort to allow
more flexibility for regionals during the first quarter of the year,
the board approved a change that will allow 'float' money to carry
through the first quarter of the following calendar year (March
31).
3) In reviewing problems associated with four tournaments that did
not meet sanctioning contracts during the past year, the board found
the Default Policy to be lacking in several areas and established a
committee to review and revise this policy. Because the policy is
under review, all actions against tournament hosts who had defaulted
in the past year (Nov. 1, 1996 forward) were waived. However, should
any of these hosts wish to reapply for tournament sanctioning,
absolute proof of funds in the bank to cover the tournament purse
will be required for sanctioning to be considered.
4) At the recent meeting of the World Darts Federation, the
Pacific Cup, which had been held on nine previous occasions, was
disbanded due to dwindling interest. Beginning in the year 2000,
there will be a combined Asia/Pacific Cup to take its place. In the
interim, the ADO will replace Pacific Cup playoffs with the ADO
Internationals, which will send two men and two women (the same as
for Pacific Cup) each year to a different international event. For
1998, the team will receive a trip, entry fees and a team shirt and
compete in the Canadian Open in June. The 1999 international event
will be chosen at a later date. Beginning in the year 2000, the ADO
International team will compete in the combined Asia/Pacific Cup in
even-numbered years and in another event of the ADO's choosing in
odd-numbered years. Full details of this program will be available in
the upcoming issue of the Double Eagle.
October
13, 1997 - Press Release
Contact: Sandi Cain (714) 497-2680
WOMEN BRING HOME THE GOLD FROM
WORLD CUP
Anaheim, CA The Women's World Cup team, sponsored by
Accudart and consistingof world-ranked No. 9 Stacy Bromberg and
national teammate Lori Verrier brought home the gold from Perth,
Australia, edging out second-place New Zealand by winning the Women's
Pairs in a field of 27 teams. The team bested a fine Filipino team
4-2 in the final to claim the cup for America once again. Only three
countries have ever won the Women's World Cup - America, England and
New Zealand. America and England each now have three victories,while
New Zealand has two. New Zealand's Noeline Gear claimed the Women's
Singles title over Northern Ireland's Denise Cassidy, but the win
left them one shy of victory in overall points. Bromberg and Verrier
triumphed while averaging 23.44 and 19.46 points per dart
respectively.
The Accudart-sponsored men's team of Roger Carter, Paul Lim, Jason
Lucas and Jim Widmayer, finished in the eleventh spot in a field of
26 teams. The team finished in the final 8 of the team event
(contested as single matches, best of 17), and Carter finished in the
same spot in the singles, as well as stacking up the most individual
wins, the highest average (27.62), the most out shots and the most
score of 100 or more.
The World Cup championship went again to Wales, as it did in 1993
in Las Vegas. Men's singles gold medal winner was Raymond Barneveld
of the Netherlands; silver medalist was Peter Hinkley of Australia.
The Netherlands last claimed the singles title in 1993 when Roland
Scholten took home the gold.
The World Cup, which is contested semi-annually, will next be held
in Durban, South Africa in 1999, followed by the 2001 World Cup XIII
in England.
In other international news, the U.S. will send the following
players to the Masters in London in December: Stacy Bromberg, Leigh
Dalager, Nancy Huntoon,Roger Carter, Lyle Herrick, Glenn Silva and
Davis Snider. Herrick, Carter and Bromberg have competed previously
in the event. Silva last represented the U.S. in the 1995 World Cup
in Basel, Switzerland. Dalager, Snider and Huntoon will be making
their first international appearance for the U.S. in this event, as
will National Youth Champion Kevin Holden.
September
19, 1997 - Press Release
For information, contact: Sandi
Cain (714) 497-2680 or Katie Harris (714) 254-0212
ADO ISSUES CLARIFICATION ON WORLD
CUP
Anaheim, CA
The American Darts Organization
wishes to clarify the front page article in the summer 1997 issue of
the Double Eagle concerning the World Cup team. The article led some
readers to incorrectly believe that Accudart was sponsoring only the
Womenís World Cup team, when it fact, the company is
sponsoring the entire World Cup team.
In addition, the article should have stated
the team will be managed by Julie Nicoll representing Accudart and
Sandi Cain representing the ADO. The terms "captain" and "manager"
are often used interchangeably, creating some unintentional confusion
about the role. Team managers share the duties of supporting the team
throughout the World Cup and of representing our country on an
international level.
The American Darts Organization
apologizes for any confusion the article may have created among our
readers. We in no way intended any slight to our sponsor. This is the
first time that a World Cup team has been sponsored, and it is hoped
the darting community will recognize the efforts put forth by
Accudart to sponsor this team.
September
11,1997 - Press Release
Contact: Sandi Cain (714) 497-2680
CRICKET PURSE RAISED; CALENDAR
REVAMPED
Anaheim, CA Due to the positive response to the first
cricket singles championships conducted last spring and won by
Marilyn Popp and Paul Lim, the ADO Board of Directors has voted to
increase the purse for the second event by 50%. Cricket singles
playoffs will be conducted again this fall and then will remain a
yearly event in the fall of each year. Association playoff deadline
for this fall's cricket singles is October 5, with entry fees due to
regional directors by Oct. 24. Regionals are scheduled for the
weekend of November 7-9. Unless prior arrangements have been made
with Regional Directors, this date is firm. The National
Championships will be held in conjunction with the Bluebonnet Classic
in Houston in January 1998.
Total purse for the cricket championships will be $3,600, evenly
split between men and women. First place in each will receive $600;
second place $400; joint third $200 (each) and 5-8 $100 each. These
payouts are in addition to the trip to Houston and associated expense
money. Should the cricket singles show positive growth, the board
will again evaluate the payout for the finals to be held in 1999.
The board hopes to be able to offer an additional prize for a
perfect cricket game; however, details are not confirmed at this
time.
***
At its August meeting, the ADO board discussed concerns and
logistics revolving around the yearly tournament calendar. The
concerns included clubs that list a tournament for the coming year
and then don't join, and/or don't sanction the event. The logistics
concerned being able to better serve tournaments held in the first
quarter of the year by getting calendars out to clubs earlier.
As a result of the discussions, the board will test a new approach
for the tournament calendar. For next year, this means an interim
calendar will be issued for the first quarter of 1998. The full
calendar will then run from April 1, 1998 through March 31, 1999. For
those wishing to be included on the interim -- or first quarter --
calendar, dues for 1998 and the tournament scheduling form must be
received in the office by November 10. Other clubs wishing to list
tournaments scheduled for April 1-December 31 1998 may also be
included on the interim calendar if tournament information and dues
are received by November 10.
To be included on the full calendar for April 1 1998 through March
31, 1999, clubs must have tournament information and dues to the
office no later than February 1. This plan will be in effect for one
year during the transition to a new calendar schedule. The board
hopes it will also help those clubs whose own calendar years create
logistical problems in scheduling and sending in fees during the
month of December.
Calendar forms are being sent to clubs this week. Anyone with
questions should contact their Area Manager or the ADO office.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for both calendars this
year.
***
For 1995 and 1996 regional winners, it has been a long wait for
awards. For that, the board apologizes and thanks those who have
awards coming and have waiting patiently for them. A negative cash
flow resulting in a net loss of approximately $7000 (much of it in
uncollectable NSF checks) over those two years was responsible for
the delay. Awards for both years have been ordered and are expected
to ship before the end of the year. First place winners will receive
shirts, while second and third place winners will receive engraved
glass mugs. Anyone who placed in the top three in their region during
1995 or 1996 and has moved should contact the ADO office with updated
address information, or send e-mail to Sandi Cain at
Scainado@aol.com.
September
7, 1997 - Press Release
For information, contact: Sandi
Cain (714) 497-2680 or Katie Harris (714) 254-0212
ADO ISSUES STATEMENT
IN RESPONSE TO BULL'S EYE NEWS COMMENTARY
Anaheim,CA The American Darts
Organization strongly objects to the misleading information
published as an ìeditorís noteî to Mark
Goodwinís
letter in the September issue of
Bullís Eye News. In their apparent aspiration to be the
tabloid press for darts, the management of Bullís Eye News not
only chose to run a letter instead of news under ADO Newsline, but
did yet another disservice to the darting public by errors of fact
and omission in their own comments accompanying the letter as
follows:
Error of fact: BEN states that no response
was received to Mr. Goodwinís letter. Mr. Goodwin, however,
verified that he received an answer in July via a recorded phone
message this past weekend. (The letter was written July 5, two days
after receipt of his letter, and copied to BEN and the Area
Manager).
Errors of omission: Though one member of the
BEN staff is a former executive of the ADO, BEN conveniently chose to
publish the income for the 1995 All-Star program without publishing
related expenses. The total income that year for all playoffs was
$132,990. The expenses, however, totaled $116,174.32 in 1995. An
additional $14,296.84 in 1995 playoff expenses were actually paid in
1996 and reflected in that financial report (which appears in the
current issue of Double Eagle due to arrive to members any day). That
brings the total expense for 1995 playoffs to $130,471.16 -- leaving
only $2,518.84 in ìprofit.î for that year. The
ìprofitî from the playoff system (which includes all
playoff events) is used to defray administrative costs of the
organization, including (but not limited to), insurance, rent,
utilities, hourly help, workersí compensation, taxes and
office supplies.)
The fact that this fee has never been raised
in 20 years was also conveniently omitted.
ADO operating revenue has declined by 11%
since 1994, while playoff costs have risen 9% for the same period,
representing a net change of 20% in revenue. The fee increase passed
by the Board of Directors is a 25% increase, with an accompanying 15%
increase in expense money, reaping a net fee increase of 10% for
regional playoffs. The Board of Directors has considered this move
for the past two years and studied numerous variables in
consideration of the effect on the playoff system. To state that any
board member would willfully ignore the concerns of a player on such
a major issue is nothing short of shoddy journalism.
Further action on this issue is pending.
Those wishing to receive the full text of the ADOís response
to Mr. Goodwin may do so by contacting the ADO office, the above
phone number, or by submitting an e-mail request to Scainado@aol.com.
August
2, 1997 - Press Release
For information, contact: Sandi
Cain (714) 497-2680 or Katie Harris (714) 254-0212
FREQUENT DARTERS PREFER STEEL
TIP
Anaheim, CA In a members survey of
Points Plus participants, 80% indicated they prefer steel tip darts.
In addition, these frequent darters play in an average of eight
tournaments per year and regularly take part in darting activities an
average of three times per week.
When it comes to game preference, 50% say cricket is their first
choice. And, a surprising 49% say that their favorite tournament game
is singles. These darters also practice in a public setting an
average of 2.5 times per week.
Points Plus members are scattered over 15 states across the
country. The program was begun in 1995 to reward frequent darters for
simply participating in the sport of darts, even if they never win.
Members earn points for serving as an officer of a local club, as ADO
representative, serving on a tournament committee and participating
in ADO playoffs. Members can also earn points by staying at
tournament host hotels, or by using ADO affinity plans such as Alamo
Rent a Car or the Quest program. ADO members in good standing may
join Points Plus by obtaining an application from the ADO office,
completing the questionnaire and returning it with a one-time $2
administrative fee. Points Plus will distribute its first list of
points rewards at the end of this year.
***
World Cup - Perth,
Australia
For the first time since 1993, the ADO will be able to select its
World Cup team from all ADO members in good standing. The settlement
between the BDO and professional players of the WDC (soon to be PDC)
removes the following ADO players from the ineligible list: Steve
Brown, Larry Butler, Sean Downs, Dave Kelly, Paul Lim, Jason Lucas,
Tony Payne, Jerry Umberger, Gerald Verrier, Jim Watkins, Whit
Whitley. While all the aforementioned players were members in good
standing of the ADO throughout the controversy, a World Darts
Federation rule made them ineligible for play in WDF events.
The World Cup will be contested in Perth, Australia on October 2,
3 and 4. The American team will be sponsored in part by Accudart, and
will be presented just prior to the start of the North American Open
on August 15.
July
13, 1997-Press Release
Contact: Sandi Cain (714)
497-2680 or Katie Harris (714) 254-0212
DART SETTLEMENT TIGHTENS WORLD CUP RACE
Masters Finals in New York
Anaheim, CA: The recent settlement
between the WDC and BDO in England came more quickly than anticipated
and has brought a sense of relief to the international dart
community. In addition, this means that all darters can once again
compete on the same playing field without fear of reprisal. And, for
Americans, it means that the race for the World Cup team has
tightened, as those previously ineligible to represent the U.S. in
Perth may once again do so. The World Cup team will be announced at
the completion of the National Championships in Las Vegas next
month.
The ADO is pleased that all its members are once again able to
participate at a level they have earned, and thanks those players who
were ineligible due to their participation in WDC events for their
patience and understanding during trying times. The board of
directors hopes that everyone in the darting community has learned
from this experience and that we can all move forward in promoting
the sport we love.
***
Players with urgent business can e-mail the ADO executive via the
following: President Sandi Cain: scainado@aol.com;
Vice President Jim Dickinson: adogs2@scescape.com;
CFO Bob Ditzler: bdwill@juno.com.
The ADO office will have e-mail in the near future as well. Please
check with your regional directors and area managers for e-mail
addresses. The ADO will publish those addresses as we receive
them.
***
In response to concerns about the ADO default policy and rules for
those representing the ADO at national playoffs, the board of
directors will address clarifications to those items at its
abbreviated meeting in Las Vegas in August. While only urgent
business is addressed in this four-hour session, anyone with such
business to be brought to the board is urged to contact their Area
Manager as soon as possible.
***
The Masters national finals will be held at the Empire State
Challenge Sept. 19-21. Regional finals were held this past weekend
for most regions, and final numbers will be announced when results
are received.
June
21, 1997-Press Release
Contact: Sandi Cain (714) 497-2680 or Katie Harris (714)
254-0212
ALL STARS READY TO
COMPETE
Anaheim, CA: The annual
East-West All-Star duel will be contested among 86 all-star finalists
at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, prior to the start of the North
American Open. Those with the highest pont-per-dart averages during
the competition will be seeded into the National Championships, along
with the nine members of the National Team to determine the 1997
National Champions. The annual National youth Championship will be
contested at the the same time as the East-West All-Stars, with all
finalists earning scholarship awards and the winner earning a spot on
the ADO Masters finalists earning scholarship awards and the winner
earning a spot on the ADO Masters team to compete in London in
December. For full details on August activities, contact an ADO board
member or the ADO office at (714) 254-0212.
The American Darts Organization is pleased to announce Accudart as
a sponsorof the 1997 World Cup team that will travel to Perth in
October. The team will be announced at the conclusion of the National
Championships on August 15 in Las Vegas. For the first time, the team
members will be determined by their best 12 point finishes earned
between August 1, 1996 and July 31, 1997. Representatives of Accudart
will be on hand in Las Vegas to present the team. Accudart sponsors
on a regular basis two of the current top contenders for the
team.
June 7, 1997-Press
Release
Contact: Sandi Cain (714) 497-2680 or Katie Harris (714)
254-0212
DARTOID JOINS DOUBLE EAGLE
Pre-Paid Phone Cards On The Line
Anaheim, CA: Paul Seigel, the wandering darts minstrel who
has gained notoriety with his articles in Bull's
Eye News as "Dartoid"
will begin appearing in the Doubles Eagle on a space-available basis
beginning with the next issue. Dartoid adds a light touch to the
quarterly newspaper and helps those with the craving for travel to
build a repertoire of tested dart locations around the world.
Member clubs each received a phone card with their membership
packets earlier this year. The card provides 120 minutes of
unrestricted usage for $25 and averages $.19 per minute of phone
time. This is a test program for the American Darts Organization®
If enough cards are activated, the ADO will consider purchasing these
with the ADO logo and be able to program updated messages that
members using the cards would hear each time they use the card. In
order to proceed, however, the test program must be a success. To
date, response has been weak, and clubs are urged to take advantage
of this price break that could lead to better communication within
the organization.
The most recent edition of "Fun*dart*men*tals" by Clevelander
Frank Pratt contains testimonial from the ADO and an individual
membership application that readers can use to join the organization.
It is hoped that this publicity will assist in bringing new members
into the ADO.
May 20,
1997-Press Release
Contact: Sandi Cain (714) 497-2680 or Katie Harris (714)
254-0212
NEW SAFETY DATA GOOD NEWS FOR
DARTS
Anaheim, CA: Updated information from the Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC) is good news for darters, as it reveals a
decrease in the number of reported injuries due to darts
since the last results were published in 1992.
Only 43 injuries due to darts were reported either directly to the
CPSC or picked up by that organization's electronic surveillance of
injuries treated during hospital visits from January 1994 through
April, 1997. This represents only 1.08 injuries per year
nationwide, or .9 per state in that period of time. It also
represents an injury rate of only .02 per state per month - a figure
that should serve to reassure insurance companies of the safety of
the sport of darts. What's more, 60% of the reported injuries were to
individuals under the age of 18 and occurred at home. Amoung adult
injuries, 51% occurred at home. Only 14% occurred in a "public place"
- a categorization that would include pubs. And only 2% were directly
related to the use of alcohol. Another 14% of the reported injuries
took place when the individuals used darts in a manner for which they
were not intended, such as chewing on the dart or putting it in the
nose or ear. In addition, 7% occurred as a result of a board falling
off the wall and 7% occurred while using soft tip darts.
Of the reported injuries, the average severity ranked 2.2 on a
scale of 8. None of the injuries required treatment beyond "treated
and released" or "examined and released". Five injuries (12%) were of
the muscular variety, with patients citing sprains, strains and
pulls. Only five (12%) involved actual puncture wounds, and only two
of those occurred in a bar.
The fact that 60% of the total injuries were to minors and
occurred at home points to the fact that there is still a pressing
need for teaching proper handling and participation in darts to youth
participants - a goal of the youth program sponsored by the American
Darts Organization.®
A recent news brief in U.S. News & World Report cited the
American Darts Organization® as an organization of players who
"approach the game with the sobriety of professionals", a refreshing
change from the oft-cited pub aspect of the sport. Still, even this
news brief cited steel tip darts as the "more dangerous" variety. The
above data from the CPSC should go a long way to dispel such
misconceptions across the country. In a poll of pub owners involved
with darts in the early '90s, the ADO could find no dart-related
claims that had ever been filed as a result of an on-site injury. The
American Darts Organization® welcomes input from pub owners
converning this issue so that it may continue to emphasize the safety
statistics of the sport.
May 3,
1997-Press Release
Contact: Sandi Cain (714) 497-2680 or Katie Harris (714)
254-0212
BUSY SUMMER AHEAD FOR ADO
MEMBERS
Anaheim, CA: With the Cricket National Championships just
complete, and the All-Star regional qualifiers scheduled for May
9-11, ADO member clubs will have to hustle to make certain that youth
and masters qualifiers are completed on schedule. The All-Star
regionals will be the first one to be conducted under the newly
passed format rule: groups of 12 or less will play a straight round
robin while groups of 13 or more will play a modified round
robin.
Local youth qualifiers are scheduled to be complete by June 22,
with Area playoffs scheduled for July 18-20. The location for each
Area youth playoff will be published in the upcoming issue of the
Double Eagle, due out in June. Local qualifiers for the Masters are
scheduled to be complete by June 15, with Regionals scheduled for
July 11-13. Information concerning location for any of these playoffs
should be obtained from your Regional Director or Area Manager.
***
Anyone planning to attend the East-West All-Stars, National Youth
Championships, the National Championships or the North American Open
to Las Vegas is advised to book their flights early. The ADO has been
advised by USA Hosts, our official travel agency, that summer flights
are filling fast. The above events will be contested at the Aladdin
Hotel and Casino, located mid-Strip in Las Vegas within easy walking
distance of major attractions. Players will find the Aladdin
attractive for tournament participants, as the tournament hall is
just steps from the casino and elevators to the rooms.
***
ADO members who plan to visit Perth, Australia to cheer on our
World Cup team this fall are also advised to book early, as this is
the spring season in Australia that draws tourists to the Perth area
for wildflower season. Complete details on the week in Perth are
available from Sandi Cain at the above number. World Cup spectators
may also wish to stop in Honolulu on the way back from Perth to take
part in the Aloha Classic, scheduled for the weekend following World
Cup. Honolulu is a frequent stopover for those returning to the
States from Australia.
***
The American Darts Organization® is proud to announce that we
will be able to send one additional woman to the Masters this year,
per agreement with the British Darts Organization. In recent years,
we have been invited to send four men and one woman from our playoff
system, as well as our Youth Champion and the female North American
Open Champion. The additional invitation is for a woman champion from
another event. The board will decide the selection criteria for the
additional person within the coming month.
April
14, 1997-Press Release
Contact: Sandi Cain (714) 497-2680 or Katie Harris (714)
254-0212
ADO PLANS FOR FUTURE AT
SEMI-ANNUAL BOARD MEETING
Anaheim, CA: At its first meeting of 1997, the ADO board of
directors addressed a number of items important to the future health
of the organization. In addition, it began planning for this year's
East-West All-Stars in Las Vegas, analyzed the first cricket playoff
and looked at proposals for future fund-raising endeavors and
incentive playoff programs.
In an effort to provide more diversified advertising
opportunities, a rate card for flyer inserts in the Double Eagle will
be developed in time for the third issue of 1997 (July 15). In
addition, sponsorship programs for Double Eagle features are in the
development stage and will be released in the near future.
Organizations wishing to ship Double Eagles to more than one
association location should contact the ADO office with their
request. Split shipments are permitted, within reason, providing the
office has details of the split on file.
In action related to playoffs, and in response to player requests,
the board voted that, beginning with All-Star regionals, groups of 12
or less will play a straight round robin. Groups of 13 or more will
play the modified round robin format. This is being undertaken in an
effort ot reduce the amount of playing time while still giving
players the maximum number of matches possible for their
investment.
Rising costs have taken their toll on darting activities as well
as the general economy. Still, the ADO has been almost infamous in
toeing the line on playoff fees. In fact, ever since its inception in
1976, regional entry fees have been $100 per player. In contrast,
housing, postage, gas and many other items of daily life have more
than doubled in cost in that same time period. With that in mind, the
board voted that, beginning in 1998, entry fees for regional playoffs
will be raised to $125 per player. In addition, expense money, which
has also remained stagnant for many years, will be increased to $175
per player beginning with the Pacific Cup playoffs in 1998.
In an effort to stimulate timely tournament reporting, the board
also passed a resolution stating that any club more than 30 days
delinquent with a tournament report will not be eligible to send
players to any regional unless the delinquent tournament reports are
received by the financial deadline for that regional.
March
29, 1997-Press Release
Contact: Sandi Cain (714) 497-2680 or Katie Harris (714)
254-0212
FIRST CRICKET SINGLES DRAWS
POSITIVE RESPONSE
Anaheim, CA: Twenty-three out of 24 regions of the AMERICAN
DARTS ORGANIZATION held playoffs for the first national cricket
singles championships in March. A total of 67 finalists (45 men and
22 women) will compete for the cricket singles title in Cleveland
prior to that club's Cleveland Extravaganza tournament in May. It is
estimated that more than 4,000 members competed on a local level in
this event, illustrating the popularity that American cricket has
achieved in recent years.
The heaviest participation came from Areas IV and V (both east of
the Mississippi). In Area V, two regions sent five players each on to
the national championships. Those two regions alone accounted for 81
regional competitors.
National finalists, whose way is paid to Cleveland for the finals,
will compete for cash prizes at that venue, which will be contested
on Friday, May 2 prior to the start of the Extravaganza.
***
East-West All-Star competition deadline for associations is April
13, with regionals scheduled for May 9-11 -- just one week after the
cricket finals. These dates represent a schedule shift this year that
was made in order to allow the ADO to move to a quarterly schedule of
events and to ease airline booking problems that have arisen as
airlines improve their profitability at the expense of available
low-fare seats. Clubs are urged to contact their Regional Directors
as soon as possible after the April deadline to let these officials
know how many players to expect in the East-West regionals.
Regional winners in this event proceed directly to the East-West
All-Star Challenge in Las Vegas prior to the North American Open,
this year to be held at the Aladdin Hotel August 15-17. While the
East team has dominated the competition over the years, last year the
West was victorious in a hotly contested battle that was decided by
just a few points.
March
8, 1997-Press Release
Contact: Sandi Cain (714) 497-2680 or Katie Harris (714)
254-0212
CRICKET GETS POSITIVE
RESPONSE
- ADO hopes to see enthusiam
carry over for new quarterly schedule
-
Anaheim, CA: Early reports from Regional Directors
concerning the first Cricket Singles playoffs were encouraging from
across the country, a good sign in the wake of weak response to the
grass-roots Mixed Triples initiated two years ago, but abandoned in
1996. Interest in the Cricket Singles was high all along, and
numerous record-breaking point scores and 9-counts are anticipated
from the regionals. This should lead up to a truly spectacular
exhibition of darts for the Cricket finals in Cleveland in May!
Association representatives should remind their members of the new
playoff dates this year. The association deadline for all-stars,
traditionally the most popular playoff event, is April 13, while
completed by June 15. The new schedule was developed in an effort to
meet both the demands of those whose summer dart participation is
weak and the desire to establish a quarterly playoff opportunity for
members. Correct playoff date information can be found on page 8 of
the Double Eagle and in the yearly tournament calendar.
The entry fee for youth contestants has been increased to $35 per
player this year. It has long been known that the $25 fee did not
come close to covering costs for the youth. However, the ADO is aware
of the travel demands some parents meet so youth can compete, and
wanted to keep the cost at a reasonable level while generating a bit
more income to cover the progra.
The East-West All-Stars will be contested this year on August 15
at the Aladdin Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The Aladdin was very
well received by players from across the country at the Las Vegas
Open. The venue is located mid-Strip, within walking distance of many
Las Vegas attractions as well as small restaurants and shops. Room
rates have not yet been announced.
***
Host clubs for tournaments have been reporting difficulty in
renegotiating contracts with hotels. Members are advised that there
has been a dramatic change in the hotel industry in the past two
years. Occupancy rates for hotels nationwide have increased by
double-digit percentages. leading to higher room rates and fewer
perks available. The national average room rate is approaching $75
per night and occupancy rates nationwide are approaching 80%. This
means tournament committees should take a close look at their own
list of demands before approaching hotels for negotiations. Instead
of asking for comp rooms, for instance, ask if breakfast is included
in the room rate. Alternately, check your city for Elks, Eagles,
Moose and other non-hotel venues that may be more cost-effective for
your event.
***
As more Americans acquire cell phones and on-line services, the
number of area codes in the the U.S. multiplies daily. Because many
of these area codes are unfamiliar to all, please include the state
you are calling from when leaving a message or sending a fax to the
ADO office or to an ADO board member. This will assist us in updating
records and in knowing when to return the call! The ADO Executive can
also be reached through vice-president Jim Dickinson at
adogs2@scescape.com. he is the only member of the Executive with
e-mail at this time. Check with your Area Manager or Regional
Director for e-mail contact information before sending messages.
***
Please note the following corrections to information in the Winter
1997 Double Eagle:
1) The World Cup team consists of 4 men and 2 women, not 1 woman
as listed. In addition, points listed for some of those in contention
for World Cup were incorrect. All affected players received letters
from the office with their corrected totals.
2) Due to a typographical error, the prices listed for the
NADS/ADO board program on page 27 are incorrect. Clubs hosting
tournaments are urged to call (508) 384-4100 for correct
information.
***
Points Plus members have been sent statements of their 1996 points
earned as reported. Only those belonging to clubs that paid 1997 dues
prior to January 1 showed 1997 credit for membership. Those belonging
to clubs joining after January 1 will receive their Points Plus
membership points as those clubs are added to the master list. Points
Plus members are urged to report changes of address to Sandi Cain.
Any member of this program who has not received a 1996 points
statement should contact Sandi Cain with current address
information.
Feb.
22, 1997-Press Release
Contact: Sandi Cain (714) 497-2680 or Katie Harris (714)
254-0212
CRICKET SINGLES UNDER WAY
All-Stars Next 1996 Points Plus Updates Needed
Anaheim, CA: In the wake of a positive response to the
first Cricket Singles Championships of the AMERICAN DARTS
ORGANIZATION, members are reminded that qualifiers for our most
popular program - East/West All-Stars - must be completed by April
13. Regionals are scheduled for the weekend of May 9 - 11. Only
members in good standing with the ADO are eligible to participate in
the playoff programs; clubs that have not yet paid 1997 dues are
urged to do so as soon as possible to avoid missing out on ADO
benefits.
***
Points updates for 1996 have been sent to all Points Plus members.
Those belonging to clubs that joined the ADO for 1997 prior to
December 31, 1996 will also see their 1997 membership points
included. Those belonging to clubs that pay 1997 dues after March 31
will not receive 1997 membership bonus points. Points Plus members
need to mail in updates of their status as board members, officers,
tournament committee members, or users or ADO programs (Alamo, Quest,
etc.) to receive points for those items. Members must also send in
proff of participation in local qualifiers for ADO playoff programs
to receive additional points. Some Points Plus members earned almost
half the points necessary to qualify for the first rung of rewards
(250 points) in the first year. A list of available awards will be
published later this year. Clubs wishing to donate membreships or
tournament entries to the Points Plus program should contact Sandi
Cain.
Points Plus is a program through which grass roots members can
earn reward points for participating in the sport of darts through
the ADO, whether or not they ever win a match.
***
The next meeting of the AMERICAN DARTS ORGANIZATION board of
directors will take place April 4 - 6 in Denver, Col. Anyone with
items that should be brought up at that meeting should contact their
respective Area Managers by March 10 in order to have those items
added to the agenda.
***
Please note: Correct e-mail for ADO board is c/o Jim Dickinson.
Address: adogs2@scescape.net
Feb. 9,
1997-Press Release
Contact: Sandi Cain (714) 497-2680 or Katie Harris (714)
254-0212
REVISIONS TO DART BOARD PROGRAM
ANNOUNCED
First Cricket Regionals Approaching
Anaheim, CA: North American Dart Supply (NADS), the
distribution arm of General Sportcraft, has announced new guidelines
for the ADO dartboard program. Under the 1997 program, only Nodor
SupraBull and the Unicorn board will be offered at special pricing to
ADO-sanctioned tournaments due to lack of demand for other boards.
Boards must be ordered three weeks in advance; orders should be faxed
to (508) 384-4141. The name of the sanctioned tournament must be
included as well as how payment will be made (open credit if account
has been established and is in good standing; COD or credit card with
number and expiration date. Freight charges must be included; boards
will ship from either New Jersey or California. Minimum order is
still one case (4 boards). A small price increase has been applied
for the first time since 1995. Tournament organizers are urged to
support this program as it is one way that sponsors can gauge support
of their products.
***
Cricket singles regionals will take place March 14-16. Local
associations still wanting to qualify players for regionals need to
contact their Regional Directors immediately! Regional winners will
compete in the national finals at the Cleveland Extravaganza in
May.
***
The 1997 World Cup team will compete in Perth, Australia in
October. This year, team members will be determined by a new method
put into place early in 1996. This method looks at the top 12
tournament point finishes for eligible players. Those with the most
tournament points through July 31, 1997 will make the team. Regional
Points are not included in the new system.
***
At this time of year, many requests are received for tournament
calendars and club packets. Calendars are shipped to clubs as current
year dues are paid; club packets traditionally go out around the end
of February. Inquiries concerning information for prospective clubs
should be directed to the ADO office at (714) 254-0212 or fax (714)
254-0214.
Jan.
21, 1997-Press Release
Contact: Sandi Cain (714) 497-2680 or Katie Harris (714)
254-0212
CARTER MAKES MARK AT
EMBASSY
Anaheim, CA: Roger Carter, whose name is becoming a
household word to dart players across the US, started 1997 with a
bang, advancing to the quarter finals of the prestigious Embassy
World Dart Championship in London, England in early January, becoming
one of only a handful of Americans to ever advance to this level in
the Embassy. Carter, who played in his first Embassy in 1996,
returned by invitation of the British Darts Organisation.
In his first appearance last year, Carter was defeated by Northern
Ireland's Geoff Wylie in the first round. This time, Carter first
upset no. 1-ranked Englander Martin Adams, then polished off no.
14-ranked John Part of Canada before succumbing to second-place
finisher Marshall James of Wales, 3-4. Though James is not as well
known as other players in the Embassy, he polished off no. 2-ranked
Andy fordham before meeting Carter in the quarter finals.
Carter was in world-class company at the final eight, with
Belgium's Leo Laurens, The Netherlands' Roland Scholten (the 1993
World Cup men's singles champion) and England's Paul Williams also
coming out on the short end that round. Carter picked up £4,400
(about $6,000) for his efforts.
Only one month earlier, Carter finished in the final 16 at the
Winmau World Masters also in London. In 1995, he was a semi-finalist
in the men's singles at World Cup X in Basel, Switzerland.
Players earn their way into the Embassy either through invitation
(24 players worldwide) or through an international playoff held prior
to the Winmau World Masters. Each year, the AMERICAN DARTS
ORGANIZATION provides a list of leading eligible points players upon
request of the British Darts Organisation, which, as hosts of the
event, chooses whom to invite.
***
The AMERICAN DARTS ORGANIZATION has elected to test market a
pre-paid telephone calling card that offers holders a flat 19-cent
per minute calling rate any time, any day. Cards will be sent with
1997 member packets to organizations and can be activated for a $25
fee. If enough positive response is received, the program will be
expanded later in 1997. Clubs are asked to provide feedback on the
card to Area Mangers or to the ADO office.