Official rules & regulations · 2026–27 season

The rules
of the game

The complete gameplay rulebook, illustrated, plus the 2026–27 League Rules for certified clubs: league play, sanctioning, scoring and championship rules.
Jump to gameplay
League Rules
Quick reference

The numbers you’ll ask about

Pulled straight from the rulebook below.
17ft
throw line · marker to the front edge of the box
3×4ft
player box · two, side by side
24×47.5in
table top, minimum · 36 in high
10ft
minimum vertical clearance
recommend 12-15 ft indoors / covered
10sec
shot clock · after the previous dart rests
15sec
timeout · one per team per game
3
Popdarts per team · one color each
21
points · first to reach or exceed wins
Source: APL Rules & Regulations · 2025-26 Season · Updated 08/25/2025
The rulebook

Official rules & regulations

Two official documents, both verbatim: the gameplay rulebook (equipment, court, gameplay, scoring, conduct) and, below it, the 2026–27 League Rules for certified clubs (L-1 to L-6).

Equipment

Table · Darts, what you play on and what you play with.
Illustration: a team's three blue and a team's three red Popdarts standing on the table around the target marker, tower on the front-right corner

Table

  • Tables shall be made of high-quality smooth and non-porous materials approved by the APL, ensuring durability and consistency for play.
  • Table dimensions: At least 24" wide x 47.5" long x 36" high.
  • Target Marker position: Centered both front to back and left to right on table.
  • Tower position: Placed in the front right corner - 24" in front of the target marker.

Darts

  • Players must use APL-approved Popdarts branded for all sanctioned events (PRO series).
  • Players may not alter darts after purchase, including modifications to suction cups or weights.
  • Players must have two different color variations ready for use.
Table plan view: 24 by 47.5 inches, target marker centred, tower in the front-right corner 24 inches in front of the marker24"47.5"24"Target MarkerTowerFRONT · players' sideBACKPLAN VIEW
Table, plan view. At least 24" × 47.5". Target Marker centred; Tower in the front right corner, 24" in front of the marker.
Table front elevation: 24 inches wide, 36 inches high, tower at the front-right, target marker centred behind it36"24"Target MarkerTowerFRONT ELEVATIONseen from the players' boxestable height 36" · top surface at least 24" × 47.5"
Front elevation. 36" high. Drawn to scale (6 px per inch), minimum dimensions.

Court Layout

Court · Throwing Zones · Vertical Clearance.
Court plan: two 3 by 4 foot player boxes side by side, front edge 17 feet from the target markerTableTarget Markerfront edgeof the box17 ft3 ft3 ft4 ftPLAYER BOXES · SIDE BY SIDECOURT · PLAN VIEW
Court, plan view. Two 3 ft × 4 ft player boxes side by side; front edge 17 ft from the Target Marker, the same distance for every dart. Scale 20 px per foot. ELITE darts become legal for use in Q3: from Feb 15, 2027, per the official season announcement.

Court

  • The court is set up with two player boxes, each located 17 feet from the Target Marker to the front edge of the box. These boxes define the designated throwing zones for players during gameplay.

Throwing Zones

  • Each players' box is a 3 feet by 4 feet rectangle located side by side.

Vertical Clearance

  • Indoor or covered play requires a minimum vertical clearance of 10 feet (recommend 12-15').
Minimum vertical clearance 10 feet between floor and ceiling; 12 to 15 feet recommended10 ftMIN. CLEARANCE

Pre-Game

Determine Who Goes First · Practice.
Illustration: the pre-game coin flip, a referee tosses the coin between two players, each gripping their three Popdarts

Practice

  • Players may complete practice throws during open play sessions before the game begins.

Determine Who Goes First

  • Coin flip or Rock Paper Scissors determines who goes first.
  • The winner chooses either to go first or their side.
  • The referee chooses who calls the coin toss either by but not limited to ranking or home field advantage.
  • Each team uses three Popdarts of a single color, with each team assigned a different color to distinguish them.

Gameplay

Throwing Protocol · Shot Clock · Timeouts · Gameplay Penalties · Proper Throwing Technique · Scoring · Advanced Rulings.
Illustration: two players, each inside their own throwing box, throw Popdarts at a table carrying the target marker and, on the corner nearest them, the tower

Throwing Protocol

To start the game, the player elected to go first throws the first Popdart.

  • Players must alternate throws within a round to maintain a consistent rhythm of play.
  • The player whose turn it is to throw may leave their players’ box during their shot clock to examine dart placement, but the throw must be made from within the box with both feet remaining in the box.
  • The non-throwing player must remain inside their designated players’ box until the final dart of the round is released.
  • Once the final dart is released, both players may immediately leave their boxes.
Round order: teams alternate throws; each team throws three Popdarts of a single colour; the team with honors throws firstTEAM WITH HONORS · THROWS FIRSTOPPONENT · ALTERNATE THROWS123456
Round order. The team with honors throws first; players alternate throws; each team uses three Popdarts of a single color.

Shot Clock

10 seconds
10sec
per throw
  • Each player has 10 seconds to throw after the previous dart has come to rest.
  • Exceeding the shot clock results in the loss of that throw.

Timeouts

15 seconds
15sec
one per team, per game
  • Each team is allowed one 15-second timeout per game.
  • The shot clock resets after a timeout.

Gameplay Penalties

  • Early Exit Violation: Leaving the players’ box before the final dart is released results in a dead dart for the offending player.
    • The opposing player may accept or decline a rethrow.
  • Shot Clock Violation: Failing to throw within 10 seconds results in loss of throw.
  • Throwing Out of Bounds: A dart thrown from outside the players’ box is declared a dead dart and removed from play.
  • Challenge Timing: All challenges regarding infractions (e.g., early movement, illegal throws) must be made before the next throw occurs.

Proper Throwing Technique

  • A legal throw involves propelling the Popdart towards the playing table.
  • Players must release the dart within their designated throwing zone without stepping beyond the front edge of the players box.
Illustration: three blue and three red Popdarts standing on the table around the target marker, the closest dart of each colour measured back to the marker

Scoring

  • After all Popdarts have been thrown, points are awarded using Cancellation Scoring.

Cancellation Scoring

  • The points of one team cancel out the points of the opponent.
  • For example, if the blue team scores 5 points and the green team scores 2 points, the blue team wins the round with 3 points.

Scoring breakdown

  • Landing on top of the Target Marker (T-Nobber)
    10points
  • Closest Popdart that sticks
    3points
  • Each other Popdart that sticks
    1point
  • Any Popdart that sticks and is touching the Target Marker (“Kiss aka Lippy”)
    +1additional point
  • Wigglenobber™
    Double the points of the Popdart it sticks to, whether it’s your team’s or the opponent’s
    2×double the points
  • Fender Bender
    A Popdart touches or is lodged against the Target Marker.
    +1additional point (can stack with Kiss)
  • Tower Shot
    A Popdart lands on a designated tower shot.
    5points
  • T-Bone
    0no additional points
Rounds & the win
  • The team that was awarded points in the previous round starts the next round.
  • The team awarded points is responsible for ensuring that the Target Marker remains securely suctioned in place for the start of the next round.
  • If the Target Marker becomes unsecured during a round, the round is immediately nullified, and the team with honors forfeits honors for the next round.
  • First team to reach or exceed 21 points wins the game.
21First team to reach or exceed 21 points wins the game.

Advanced Rulings

  • If neither team gets a Popdart in play, the team who threw first loses honors and the other player goes first in the next round.
  • Tie Rule: If the closest Popdart from each team is equidistant from the Target Marker, the two tied Popdarts must be re-thrown, beginning with the team that originally threw first. Important: All other Popdarts remain in play during this re-throw. Once the re-throw is complete, scoring is determined, and all Popdarts are eligible to be counted toward the result.
  • Measurements are made by the ref using the official Popdarts Wire from the closest edge of the Popdart’s suction cup to the Target Marker.

Player Conduct

General Conduct · Dart Policy.

General Conduct

  • Players must respect officials, opponents, and venue staff at all times.
  • Unsportsmanlike behavior, including excessive taunting or distractions, may result in warnings or penalties.

Dart Policy

  • Players are responsible for ensuring their equipment complies with APL regulations.
  • Equipment challenges must be resolved before the game begins.

Broadcast Policy

Player Appearance · Fan Conduct.

Player Appearance

  • Players on broadcast matches must wear approved APL jerseys.

Fan Conduct

  • Fans are encouraged to cheer but must avoid personal attacks or profanity.
  • Violations may result in removal from the venue.

Terms and Definitions

Unique Shots · Gameplay Terms · Game Pieces.

Unique Shots

  • Wigglenobber™
    A Popdart sticks to another Popdart’s opposing suction cup.
    Point Value: Double the points of the Popdart it lands on
  • Target Marker Wigglenobber (T-nobber)
    A Popdart lands on top of the Target Marker.
    Point Value: 10 points
  • Kiss (aka Lippy)
    A Popdart touches the Target Marker while standing upright.
    Point Value: 1 additional point
  • Fender Bender
    A Popdart touches or is lodged against the Target Marker.
    Point Value: 1 additional point (can stack with Kiss)
  • Inch Worm
    A Popdart suctions to the Target Marker and the playing surface.
    Point Value: 11 points
  • Tower Shot
    A Popdart lands on a designated tower shot.
    Point Value: 5 points
  • T-Bone
    A Popdart rests on top of a live dart or target marker.
    Point Value: 0 points
  • Dogbone (aka Dead Dart)
    A Popdart not standing upright. Dead darts remain in play until the round ends.

Gameplay Terms

  • Live Dart
    A Popdart is eligible for scoring only if it stands upright without leaning on any other object or surface.
  • Honors
    The team going first in a given round
  • Captain
    The team member designated to make decisions and provide coaching.
  • Shot Clock
    The time allowed for a player to throw a Popdart. The clock starts when the previous dart sticks or comes to rest.
    Time limit: 10 seconds
  • Timeouts
    Each team is allowed one 15-second timeout per game. The shot clock resets after a timeout.
    Penalty for exceeding time: Loss of dart

Game Pieces

  • Popdart®
    A double-sided suction cup dart.
  • Target Marker
    A double-sided target marker for Pro scoring.
  • Wire
    Official measuring device.
2025-26 Season | Updated 08/25/2025 · verbatim from the APL Rules & Regulations
Second document · league play

2026–27 League Rules

League play, sanctioning, scoring, and championship rules for certified APL clubs, effective for the 2026–2027 season. The full text, verbatim, restructured for the screen. This document sits alongside the gameplay rulebook above; it does not replace it.

Download the League Rules (PDF)

League Qualifications, Schedule & Rankings

Qualifications · Schedule · National Points / Rankings.

Qualifications

APL will certify leagues participating in the game of competitive Popdarts provided they meet the following requirements.

Apply for APL certification by
  • Creating an Organizer profile, and
  • Establishing a league club on Scoreholio, and
  • Applying through the organizer form with the organizer names and contact information for approval.

Leagues Will Consist Of

  • Three or more players/teams with any club affiliation.
  • A minimum of four per-player games submitted to the APL in round-robin format. Organizers may choose to exceed four games.
  • Players are required to have at minimum a Bronze APL membership to compete in round robins.
  • The organizer shall provide a leaderboard for the games played in scheduled competition. A spreadsheet is advised to maintain league records.
  • All games must be played and conducted in strict compliance with the current-season APL rules.
  • Organizers must govern their leagues and themselves by APL rules. Other club league rules may be added that do not conflict with APL rules.

Schedule

  • The Official APL “Full” Season begins on the 2nd Saturday in August and ends on July 31st each year.
  • Sanctioned league formats are divided into four independent League Quarters within the Full Season.
  • Leagues run Quarters 1–4 in compliance with APL season dates.
  • Players may register for the entire Quarter Season prior to the first week of match play.
  • Clubs shall submit a minimum of four round-robins within each Quarter Season.
  • Clubs run under the Round Robin format with a minimum of four match games per player per week.
  • Round Robin weekly games count toward individual stats and intra-league standings for end-of-quarter club tournaments.
  • Clubs run a League Championship tournament and submit only one (1) bracket at the end of each Quarter Season.
  • Players must have a minimum of three weeks of league play on record, for the Quarter in that club, to qualify for the League Championship tournament.
  • Players must be sanctioned to participate in the League Championship.
  • Brackets are seeded from the Win/Loss record accumulated from the weekly round-robin games within the Quarter Season.
  • Each Quarter Season Championship bracket result is accepted for the National rankings system, provided:
    • All scheduled / round-robin league weeks are submitted to the APL for approval.
    • All players are sanctioned with the APL for the bracket tournament.
  • APL will determine the start and stop dates for Quarter Seasons each year.
This season · 2026–27

The APL has published the dates this rule reserves to it: the Full Season runs Aug 29, 2026 – Jul 31, 2027: Q1 Aug 29 – Nov 6, 2026 · Q2 Nov 16, 2026 – Feb 6, 2027 · Q3 Feb 15 – May 1, 2027 · Q4 May 10 – Jul 31, 2027. See the official Season Dates (PDF), or Season Info for the full structure.

National Points / Rankings

  • Players select a primary club to earn points from a variety of events.
  • League season points: accumulated total from highest placement for each quarterly League Season Championship tournament (four total in a Full Season).
  • Tournament points:
    • Highest finishes for up to twelve (12) local tournaments for the full season.
    • Highest four placements in any Conference tournament during the season.
    • Highest three placements from any Regional tournament during the season.
    • Highest two placements at any Destination Series tournament during the season.
  • Closed tournaments do not provide points for rankings.

Sanctioning Fee Requirements

Who is eligible for APL tournaments.

Sanctioning Fee Requirements

To be eligible to participate in an APL tournament, a player must:

  • Have a current APL Silver Membership or above, or
  • Pay, or show proof of payment of, APL membership before the start of the tournament.
Note

Failure to pay league fees could result in suspension or revocation of APL sanctioning.

League Fees

What league fees are, and who decides them.

League Fees

League fees consist of the total paid for playing, the prize fund, and any other amount voted by the league. All league fees, including any entry or sponsor fee, are decided by the club organizer.

Commonly Asked Questions

Primary clubs · open lanes · practice before league play.

QCan a player from one club join a league at a different club or venue?

Yes. A player is free to join as many leagues as they want. It is the player’s choice which club they want as their primary, as long as there is one. Players need a primary club listed with their sanctioning in order to receive national ranking points.

QIs the organizer or venue required to provide an open lane during league play?

The APL does not have a rule requiring open lanes be provided during league play. Whenever leagues have concerns regarding this issue, it is recommended the club organizer address the matter with center management.

QMay a league adopt a rule prohibiting members from practicing before league play?

The APL does not have a rule prohibiting practice games before league play. Because the league has no jurisdiction until play has commenced, this type of rule may infringe on the proprietor’s rights as an independent business person. If the league wanted to adopt such a rule, the proprietor would have to be consulted first and agree to the restriction.

Scores

Scoring process · Scores lost · Failure to complete · Pause · Request.

Scoring Process (In League Play)

  1. Scores must be recorded on Scoreholio in plain view of players.
  2. Every round played shall be recorded.
  3. Players shall record the scores of each game.
  4. The Scoreholio app is the league’s official record for the season.
  5. Errors in scoring or calculation must be corrected by a league organizer immediately upon discovery.

Scores Lost

When game(s) or round(s) within a game are irretrievably lost in the scoring process, the following procedures shall apply:

  • Scores that can be documented or agreed upon by the players stand, and the game resumes from the point of interruption in regular order.
  • Scores that cannot be documented or agreed upon by the players shall be replayed.

L-4.1 Failure to Complete Game

With cause
  • When a player is unable to complete a game because of disability, injury, or emergency, the game will cease and scores will be recorded in the Scoreholio app.
Without cause
  • When a player does not complete a game for reasons other than disability, injury, or emergency, the player forfeits the game entirely. The opposing player may choose to play out their remaining rounds to 21.
  • If there is any doubt of a player’s reason for not being able to continue a game, the league board shall decide.
  • A player who leaves a game without cause cannot return to the same game.

L-4.2 Pause in Gameplay

A player who starts a game and then needs to pause due to appropriate reasons or an emergency may return to resume the game before completion of the round robin, unless the league rules do not allow a player to return.

L-4.3 Request

Games must be played as scheduled, unless a request is made prior to the scheduled time and approved by a majority of the league, except for emergencies.

League Championship

The end-of-quarter double-elimination bracket · Special contests.

League Championship

League Championship: end-of-quarter competition conducted by leagues. The playoff bracket shall be conducted in a double-elimination format.

Procedures, unless the league rules state otherwise
  • Competitions are conducted under the same rules governing league play during the regular season.
  • When more than two players/teams are involved, a playoff from the competition shall decide the winner.
  • Games are counted toward individual stats and badges.
  • Points from placement are counted toward the APL Ranking Leaderboard.
  • The league organizer arranges to have additional tables if needed.

L-5.1 Special Contests

A special contest is competition for prize money scheduled by the league where the scores do not count toward regular league standings, such as a tournament.

  1. Participation must be limited to sanctioned players only.
  2. APL tournament rules govern play.
  3. Scores which qualify for APL awards will be recognized.
  4. Games are counted toward individual stats and badges.

League Fee Arrearages

Forfeits for unpaid league fees.

League Fee Arrearages

A league can adopt a rule to declare games forfeited if participants in a lineup are not current in league fee payments (see the rule for nonpayment of league fees and dismissal procedures). A league that does not adopt such a rule is responsible for any loss incurred by such arrearage.

APL 2026–2027 League Rules · effective 2026-27 season · verbatim from the official published document
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