Tournament Darts International has served its participants since 1976. TDI was originally born as a travel league, it's aim being to foster and organize players who wished to take part in competitions in other regions. TDI members have traveled throughout the country and the world, participating individually and as teams, in tournaments and contests at every level.

Today, while TDI members still frequent the national tournament scene, the league itself is self-contained and wholly represented within the borders of the District of Columbia. This focus has allowed the league's members to enjoy playing darts more, while travelling shorter distances between weekly matches.

The organization, however, has not abandoned its roots. Players are notified about and encouraged to take part in all area tournaments. (To get on the e-mail mailing list for all tournaments in the Washington, D.C. region, contact Ed.)

• On July 18, 1998 Tournament Darts International was honored to become the first league inducted into the Darts Hall of Fame.

• TDI yearly covers the entry fees of any female league member as first-time participant in the annual It's A Woman's Thing tournament. TDI has been a continuing supporter of the event since it's inception 5 years ago and was honored to be it's 1998 host.

• TDI instigated the World's First Internet Audio dart match between Washington, D.C. and Antarctica. (please see story on the Events page)

• The league, through it's sponsor pubs, was proud to help send Nancy Huntoon to England as one of 3 women representing the U.S. at the 1997 Winmau World Championships.

• A team has also been fielded from the ranks to compete for the Chantiles Cup at the U.S. National Dart Classic.

In closing, Tournament Darts International prides itself on being a friendly, yet competitive, league environment for men and women at every level of dart ability. Because the league is comprised of multiple divisions, players can be sure they will compete with others at, or near, their own level. In an effort to encourage individual acheivement every player's 301 average is tracked by the TDI rating systen. (Modestly touted as the best in the World.)

Stanley Mires has been the TDI executive director since the begining of the Summer 1997 season. Stan's introduction to darts was on a trip to England in 1978. Over the years he has been responsible for attracting a host of new players into the league. An earlier role as sport's reporter has come in handy for keeping us abreast of the weekly matches and additional league events. In real life Stan is a legal counsel for the U.S. Postal Department.

are for sale! They are heavyweight cotton tees with a pocket and a two-sided design (small white logo on the pocket / color logo on the back). Shirts cost $15 and are available in black or navy blue, in large, x-large and xx-large sizes. 20th Anniversary shirts (polo w/pocket) may still be available. Contact Stan.

An open letter to all TDI members
(Jan. 15, `97)

At this juncture of TDI's history we are making the transition from simply being an organization into also becoming an institution. We must therefore keep in mind that institutions face an inherent danger of becoming overly impressed by the plain fact of their longevity. There must be more than momentum providing a reason to continue. So, as we celebrate two decades as a vibrant, viable association, it is a fitting time to consider the distinctions that hold us apart from our fellows and perhaps re-emphasize those standards.

Good sportsmanship has been at the TDI cornerstone from its outset. Consideration of the other teams and individuals in the league is what is demanded of those who wish to be part of our society. I say demand, rather than expect, because we must not, through rules, try to force people into being what we would like them to be. We can always, if that is the only recourse, remove ourselves from those whom we find disagreeable. For my part I could easily kiss the past twenty years goodbye rather than witness the league turn into a repository of rules and regulations.

I want to stress this matter of respect for our fellow players because that is really the most convincing means we possess to show respect for the game itself. People are drawn to league play for any number of reasons and I say " welcome and enjoy" . So long as those reasons are compatible with our demand for respect, there is a place for you here. If not, then there are other alternatives, no hard feelings.

Consider these things at the end of each match and shake the hand of your opponent before that of your partner.

Sincerely,
Ed Edwards