The Professional Darts Players Association (PDPA) has announced a scheme to help out members financially during the suspension of tournaments during the coronavirus pandemic.
The PDC calendar has been wiped out for the foreseeable future due to the health crisis, with no tournaments currently scheduled until May, but the likelihood of those dates going ahead as planned looking slim.
Darts players are self-employed, with the vast majority of their income coming through prize money from competitions, and without that on offer, some will be struggling and worried about the future.
The PDPA has moved to ease those fears, much like the WPBSA has done for snooker players, and offered those who need it a £1,000 handout to help them through the coming weeks and months.
There is then further help on offer for those in serious need, which they can take as an advance on future prize money earnings.
The PDPA have been keen to point out that this financial support is available to any PDC Tour Card holder, but only those in serious need should be claiming it.
A statement on Tuesday 31 March read: ‘The PDPA has announced measures to assist PDC Tour Card Holders during the Covid-19 pandemic.
‘As always, our Members’ health and well-being is our utmost priority. Additionally, the financial impact on our Members due to the pandemic is something which we and the PDC continue to monitor daily.
‘Therefore, for our Members’ benefit we announce the following:
‘• An Immediate Emergency Fund of up to £1,000 for any Tour Card Holder in real need of immediate financial assistance. This fund is SPECIFICALLY for Members who are currently suffering a real negative financial impact due to the Covid-19 outbreak. This applied-for payment will be non-repayable.
‘• A PDPA/PDC Hardship Fund for any Tour Card Holder who requires further financial support in the months ahead in the form of an advance against future prize money. The details for this fund will be forwarded to all Tour Card Holders in due course.’
World number 116 Steve Brown was one of the first to thank the PDPA for the move, tweeting: ‘Just received my email from the @PDPA_darts – Tip my cap to them and the PDC for doing all they can under these very difficult circumstances to help their members. Great job.’
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