PDC briefs players to speed up walk-ons amid time constraints

The PDC has urged players to avoid signing autographs during walk-ons in an effort to keep the show running on time.

A number of players have taken an extended amount of time to take to the stage ahead of televised matches by stopping to pose for selfies and sign autographs for fans.

This has been met with criticism by some viewers on social media and has put pressure on live broadcasts run to strict time slots.

In a brief sent out to all players ahead of the Grand Slam of Darts, the PDC encouraged autographs and selfies to be carried out prior to the walk-on, as opposed to en route to the stage.

The brief read: ‘The walk on is an important part of the show. It helps sets the atmosphere for your match and is something that all fans enjoy watching.

‘In recent years, more and more fans have started to request autographs and selfies from players on their walk on, and stopping for these delays the walk on and slows the show down.

‘We understand that it can be difficult to say no to fans, so we are requesting that if you wish to sign autographs, you do that on your way up to the end of the walk on, not on your way back to the stage.

‘At a bare minimum, when the MC introduces you and says your name, you should be stood facing front on looking at the camera. Don’t forget, only a tiny minority of the people watching the match are stood by the walk on – most are elsewhere in the arena or watching at home and it’s important that the scene is set properly for them too.’

James Wade has been a notable advocate of signing autographs during his walk-on, often leaving his opponents waiting in the wings for several minutes.

Following their group fixture at the Grand Slam on Sunday, Gerwyn Price remarked: “I said to him when he came on “did you not read the player’s brief?”.

“He’s a good friend, sometimes he tries getting in your head a little bit and it does work now and again, but not today.”

This year’s Grand Slam has featured individual walk-ons during the group stages as opposed to joint walk-ons seen in previous stagings.

A PDC spokesman said: “The walk-on is an important part of the show for all fans at the event as well as those watching on TV.

“And players have been reminded of the need to be ready to make their way to the stage once the MC announces them.

“Players have not been banned from signing autographs and we encourage players to interact with the crowd appropriately.”