The impact of Fallon Sherrock and the increasing prominence of women within professional darts events: a call for future research

Abstract

ABSTRACT Rationale/Purpose This positioning paper is a call to action for future research regarding the roles of women in the male-dominated sport of professional darts. Women have been present at darts events for over 80 years; however, the success of Englishwomen Fallon Sherrock and Lisa Ashton at the male-dominated Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) events placed the sport into the global spotlight in the early 2020s. Sherrock’s successes in particular have been a catalyst, bringing increased exposure to women players competing in mixed draw professional darts tournaments against their male counterparts. Following a historical exploration of women in darts, the article explores the contrasting roles of women at contemporary live darts events. Practical implications Theoretically, the article draws on gender essentialism and Kane’s (1995) sports continuum to consider how the sport can challenge notions of men’s “natural” superiority. Research contribution We propose a number of areas for future research, including: the rise of women players in professional darts; women’s fandom at live professional darts events; the changing roles of women in media and broadcasting; critiques of meritocracy in the game; men’s responses to the increased visibility of women in this male-dominated arena; and strategies to strive for gender equity.