S - The SUCCESS of this league will only go as far as; (1) the respect we give each other as people who come out once a week for relaxation, enjoyment, and a little competition; (2) as the respect we give our supporting establishments for their commitment to sponsoring our teams and providing a venue for us to assemble in; and (3) the respect we give the venue's other patrons who may be out with friends or family and do not need to hear obscene language or arguing among our players.

P - Darts serves each of us a different PURPOSE. Some relish the competition and want to perform at the highest level. Some like to play well and also like to get out and forget the stress from their jobs, and to some, it is nothing more than a night out among friends. We are all entitled to our own PURPOSE for joining the dart league. If your team is playing a team that is more interested in having fun, understand that and move the matches along without unnecessary pointing in the Cricket games or without embarrassing the other players, and likewise, if your team is not interested in winning, understand that to some, it is a test for them and they relish the competition. Stand tall, throw your best, and respect the general scorekeeping and dart etiquette. To each of us, darts serves a different purpose and we need to respect each others reasons for playing.

E - Darts should be ENJOYABLE. Try not to attend a dart match with a chip on your shoulder, argumentative, or with any other negative thoughts. Nobody wants to go out and NOT have a good time. Enjoy talking and laughing with your teammates. Enjoy a drink with the opposing team while watching a match. Many of us have, at one time or another, been teammates with players on the opposing team or have known each other for many years, so to have animosity is ridiculous and childish. Egos aside, keep the enjoyment in our dart leagues and we will continue to grow.

C - COMMUNICATION betweens team players and their Captains, between team Captains and their respected Divisional Captains, between Team Captains and the BOD, and between the Captains, BOD, and the league organizers is crucial for our continued growth. Do not let issues fester to the point where bad feelings are carried to your matches. The league will always make adjustments and incorporate better ideas and goals. Let’s keep talking!

Also, the same COMPETITION that breeds respect also breeds animosity and heated moments. If during a match or game something is said between teams or players, please gather your composure and go up to the other team/player and explain what or why you felt the need to speak out. Talk it out, shake hands, and even buy them a drink so everyone leaves on good terms.

Competition is the foundation and the reason why any league would be ever be created, but you cannot have any real competition without respecting your opponent. We have built respect for each other over the years for many reasons. Some of us respect the talent and skill others bring to the line each and every time they play a match. Some of us respect the competitiveness and desire to better themselves that some players bring to each match, and some of us respect each other for the people we are and the way we carry ourselves during a dart match. Any way you look at it, competition makes us look at our opponent and it triggers thoughts, ideas, strategies, or even memories. That is why great friendships have been built around competition and the desire to compete and bring out your best against players you have truly earned respect for. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Competition, friendships, and respect are values that build solid traditions, and they are the values that we want to be the foundation of the Bronx-Westchester Dart League for many years to come. We are committed to this tradition and to our players.

Let’s not make our game a negative distraction to our families, friends, jobs, and health, which are much more important than darts. One word sums it up…..RESPECT.

Thank you!

Throw well, and have fun!