🇬🇧 NDL-Online-Battle

Tournament Format

Registration 

Unlike regular face-to-face tournaments, where an on-site operator is present, online players must register once on the ELO Darts platform (www.elodarts.de). This registration is free of charge. 

Additionally, the player must join the organization “Newcomer Darts League” on ELO Darts so that the tournament management can locate them. Always use your real name—no nicknames or aliases. 

Additional Option 

Players are free to register as a Premium member with ELO Darts. This provides access to features such as match statistics and analysis tools. Further information and pricing regarding Premium membership can be found at https://elodarts.de/de/account/upgrade/

A free one-month Premium membership can be claimed by entering the promo code “NDL” when registering for Premium. 

TOURNAMENT START 

The tournament will start at the specified time (see “Start Time and Location”). Players are not required to be online exactly at the starting time. 

Players must contact their opponents via chat during the course of the day or the following day to arrange a match. Since the first tournament phase (Group Stage) lasts a total of 2 weeks, the official start time is not a strict deadline. However, every player is expected to promptly contact their opponents. 

TOURNAMENT PHASES 

The tournament consists of three phases: 

• Preliminary Group Stage
• Main Group Stage
• Tournament Final Stage

Each phase lasts 14 days. Players have 14 days to complete their matches. If matches are not completed within this period, the NDL operator will decide based on the ELO chat history which player is awarded the match. 

If the NDL operator identifies inactive behavior by one player and proactive behavior (e.g., suggested match dates) by the other, the decision will be made accordingly. 

MATCH FORMAT 

The tournament is played in the following format: 

• 501
• Straight In
• Double Out
• Best of 9 Legs

Preliminary Group Stage: Round Robin (everyone plays everyone once).
  Main Group Stage: Round Robin for all players who advanced.
  Final Stage: Single Knockout. The final is played as Best of 11 legs. 

MATCH SCHEDULING / MATCH TIMES 

Each of the three tournament phases lasts 14 days. Within this period, players must complete their matches. 

Communication takes place via the ELO Darts platform. Players propose match dates within the phase timeframe and meet online at the agreed time. 

If a player misses a mutually confirmed match time, the match will be awarded to the opponent. This does not affect other matches. 

The opponent may, as a gesture of goodwill, agree to reschedule—but is not obligated to do so. 

Once a match time is agreed upon, it can only be changed with mutual consent. A unilateral rescheduling is not permitted. If both players do not agree to reschedule, the player requesting the change will forfeit the match. 

In case of disputes, the NDL operator will evaluate the situation based solely on the ELO chat. External communication (e.g., WhatsApp, email) will not be considered. Screenshots from other platforms will not influence the decision. 

A missed match results in a STRIKE. 

If a player misses more than one match per Preliminary Group Stage or Main Group Stage, they receive a second STRIKE and are removed from the entire tournament. Two STRIKES within one phase result in disqualification. 

When advancing to the Main Group Stage, any STRIKE from the Preliminary Group Stage is reset to zero. 

In the Single Knockout Final Stage, missing the first scheduled match results in immediate elimination. 

A match is considered missed if a player exceeds the 15-minute grace period. 

The waiting player should immediately post a message in the ELO chat confirming their presence and that they waited unsuccessfully, so the NDL operator can verify attendance. 

If both players miss the agreed time, they may arrange a new date. If they fail to agree on a second date, both players receive a STRIKE and the match is voided (no points awarded). 

If a player cannot attend previously agreed match times (due to illness, work, family reasons, or any other reason), they may forfeit the matches. The STRIKE rule applies. 

If a player is excluded due to the STRIKE rule, the entry fee will not be refunded. 

Example 1:
  A player misses one match in the Group Stage (1 STRIKE), advances to the Main Group Stage, and misses one match there. Since the STRIKE resets after the phase change, the player is not disqualified and may continue with one STRIKE. 

Example 2:
  A player misses no matches in the Group Stage but misses two matches in the Main Group Stage. They receive 2 STRIKES and are disqualified. 

Technical Requirements 

A board camera is mandatory. This camera shows the player’s dartboard to the opponent. It can be a webcam, smartphone camera, or tablet camera. 

Two devices can be registered in ELO, for example: 

• Laptop for score entry + smartphone as board camera
• Tablet for score entry + second tablet as board camera
• Smartphone for scoring + second smartphone as board camera

It is recommended to schedule a one-time setup phase at least 2–3 days before the tournament begins. ELO Support can assist if needed (accessible via the blue support button after login). 

A stable internet connection is required (wired or mobile). Minimum requirement: 

• 4 MBit/s upload
• 8 MBit/s download

Age Restriction & Youth Protection 

The standard NDL age restriction applies. Players must be at least 15 years old at the time the tournament begins. 

Players under 18 must submit parental consent to the NDL no later than tournament day. Without parental consent, the minor will be excluded and the entry fee will not be refunded. 

Parental consent is required because minors participate online via camera (video and audio) and may be temporarily visible. Normally, only the dartboard should be visible. However, incorrect camera setup could result in broader visibility. 

A public stream via ELO Darts is possible but can be deactivated. Parents must understand that their child interacts with other players online and that matches may be publicly visible (unless disabled). 

Parents are responsible for supervising participation and use of ELO. The Newcomer Darts League assumes no responsibility for transmitted images, audio (including copyrighted music), or player-to-player contact. 

NDL online tournaments are not a contact platform. All players and guardians act at their own responsibility. 

The NDL does not request private data such as phone numbers, email addresses, or home addresses from players. 

SELF-SCORING SYSTEMS 

Automatic scoring systems such as Scolia, Autodarts, or similar systems cannot be used for automated scoring. 

Their cameras may be used as board cameras, but scoring must be entered manually. 

Livestream / Audio & Video 

Matches are automatically offered as public streams via ELO Darts. External spectators may watch. 

By default, no audio is transmitted in the stream. Both players must agree to audio transmission and confirm this within the ELO Darts platform.

Video is transmitted automatically by default. If this is not desired, players must deactivate it within the ELO Darts interface.

Players may deactivate the public stream at any time without providing a reason, if they wish to do so.

Transmitted content is limited to the dartboard and player conversation. Playing music of any kind during the livestream is prohibited. 

It is not permitted to broadcast audio or video from other streams (TV, YouTube, Twitch, etc.). 

Players are responsible for avoiding copyrighted material. NDL and ELO Darts assume no responsibility for copyright violations. 

Players should avoid background noise such as washing machines, party noise, children, pets, etc. Board sounds and conversation with the opponent are allowed. 

Code of Conduct 

1. Players must treat each other respectfully and courteously.
2. Insults, sexist, or racist language will not be tolerated.
3. Players of all genders and backgrounds are accepted and respected.
4. If an opponent does not speak your native language, English must be used in both match and chat.
5. Only official dartboard sizes according to regulations are permitted.
6. E-dart boards are allowed. The sound must be turned off. Bouncers do not count—only darts remaining in the board count.
7. One interruption per match is allowed per player (max. 5 minutes). If exceeded, the opponent may abort and report to the NDL operator.
8. Players should announce their score whenever possible. If darts are removed before confirmation, the opponent decides the score.
9. It is not permitted to alter the official throwing distance.
10. No other person may play the match on behalf of the registered player.
11. Central European Time (CET) applies for match scheduling. Time differences must be considered.

Short Tournament Guide 

1. Register for the tournament in the shop.
2. Register at ELO Darts (if not already registered).
3. Join the “Newcomer Darts League” organization on ELO Darts.
4. Optionally redeem the free one-month Premium membership with code “NDL.”
5. Perform a technical check (board camera & scoring device) before the tournament starts.
6. After the tournament start, contact opponents via ELO chat and confirm match times.
7. Be on time for agreed matches.

Play and have fun!