Scorekeeper's etiquette

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The chalker is to remain impartial at all times. The chalker is the official for the game, and as such, all calls are the final decision of the chalker.

The basic premise that every scorekeeper must keep in mind is that he or she cannot be a factor in the outcome of the match.

Chalker’s position:

1.  The chalker is to stand facing the dart board to the side by the scoreboard. The chalker must always have a clear sight of the board and the darts, but at no time shall the chalker block the dart player or impede his or her playing.

2.  The chalker must remain still and not distract the dart player. Nor shall the chalker look at the dart player or others while the game is in play. The chalker is not to talk to the players or other people during play.

Chalker’s Duties:

1.  The chalker is responsible for calling the “cork” (which dart is the closest to the bulls-eye), and subsequently, which player shall shoot first. If, in the opinion of the chalker, the darts are both too close to determine a clear winner, the chalker may call a re-do. If a re-do is declared, the players reverse the order in which they threw and the first darter throws second on the re-do.

2.  The chalker shall never touch the player’s darts during play; with one exception. If a bulls-eye is hit by the first player, the second player may request that the chalker remove the dart, so as not to block the field. The chalker can then remove the dart.  At no other time during play shall the chalker touch the darts.

3. Do not mark any hits in cricket or any other game until all darts are thrown.

4. Do not erase the board while a player is shooting.

Scoring:

1. The chalker is responsible for telling the player when the dart is considered “in” such as in the 301 game when a double must be hit first to start the game. A nod, a short, quick hand signal, or verbal verification is acceptable.

2. The chalker will calculate the total scored and mark it under the player’s side on the board. If the player removes one or all the darts before the chalker has verified and tallied the score, then no points shall be given for one or all of the darts.

3. The chalker can tell the direct player what number was hit: a single, a double, in or out, etc. or the total hit. The chalker cannot coach the player, comment on skill, suggest numbers to hit, or suggest a final score.

To error is human; to forgive divine:

1.  Errors can and most likely will occur. If the chalker makes an error, it must be caught and corrected before the next dart is thrown. Errors made early in the game but not detected until late in the game are not changeable. The score remains as is and will be played as is.

The universal theory that we all subscribe to is that darts should be an even blend of competition, sportsmanship, and fun. The score keeping duties should be performed in a way that enhances that blend