PDPA announces financial support package for PDC Tour Card holders

The PDPA has announced details of a financial support package open to players negatively impacted by the current suspension of tournaments.

The PDC calendar has been decimated in March and April due to the Covid-19 pandemic and disruption is likely to continue into at least May.

Many full-time professionals have been left without a source of income due to the postponement of Players Championship and European Tour events and the PDPA has now stepped in to offer a financial lifeline.

An immediate emergency fund of £1,000 has been made available for any PDC Tour Card holder struggling due to the loss of income opportunities.

Furthermore, a hardship fund has been set up for any Tour Card holder who requires further financial support by means of an advance on future prize money.

The PDPA was formed 35 years ago with the aim to look after the interests of professional darts players.

Its full mandate is to “protect, improve and negotiate the conditions, rights and status of all professional players by collective bargaining agreements and negotiations” with the PDC and the DRA.

There are 128 PDC Tour Card Holders, with all players ranked 60 and below having earned £65,000 or less over a two-year period with the exception of players who won their Tour Card at Qualifying School this year.

Last week, PDC Chief Executive Matthew Porter revealed that some events may have to “bite the bullet this year” due to the inevitable backlog being faced in the second half of the season.

Porter discussed the possibility of introducing events in a controlled environment once restrictions on movement and travel are lifted and also mentioned the possibility of adjusting the ranking system.

A statement released by the PDPA on Tuesday March 31 read:

The PDPA has announced measures to assist PDC Tour Card Holders during the Covid-19 pandemic.

As always, our Members’ health and well-being is our utmost priority. Additionally, the financial impact on our Members due to the pandemic is something which we and the PDC continue to monitor daily.

Therefore, for our Members’ benefit we announce the following:

• An Immediate Emergency Fund of up to £1,000 for any Tour Card Holder in real need of immediate financial assistance. This fund is SPECIFICALLY for Members who are currently suffering a real negative financial impact due to the Covid-19 outbreak. This applied-for payment will be non-repayable.
• A PDPA/PDC Hardship Fund for any Tour Card Holder who requires further financial support in the months ahead in the form of an advance against future prize money. The details for this fund will be forwarded to all Tour Card Holders in due course.

Our Tour Card Holders will be emailed with full information about these packages and how they can apply for this support. If any Tour Card Holder does not receive this email, please contact the PDPA as soon as possible, with contact details available at www.pdpa.co.uk