**PDC Darts Faces Further Change as Veteran Referee George Noble Announces Retirement**
The world of professional darts is bracing itself for significant changes as George Noble, a familiar and much-respected referee, has confirmed his intention to retire after the upcoming World Darts Championship. Noble’s announcement follows closely on the heels of Russ Bray and Paul Hinks stepping down, marking a period of transition for the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and its officiating ranks.
Noble, widely regarded as one of the sport’s most steady and authoritative presences, has been a fixture on the darts circuit for nearly thirty years. His decision to leave the professional scene represents the end of an era for many darting enthusiasts. According to statements made to broadcaster Viaplay, the 56-year-old’s final appearance will coincide with the next World Darts Championship at London’s Alexandra Palace, where Luke Littler is set to defend his world title.
During the most recent Dutch Darts Championship, Noble’s involvement signalled his farewell from the European Tour. While the PDC prepares for this new chapter, attention is also turning to the next generation of officials. Referees such as Kirk Bevins, Huw Ware, and Owen Binks will remain, offering a mixture of youthful energy and already substantial experience to the organisation.
Reflecting on his career and the future of officiating in a sport where tradition is deeply valued, Noble expressed a desire to see the progression continue. “I think it’s time we had the first female referee at a major tournament – and perhaps even the first non-British one too,” he stated, underlining his belief in the importance of diversity and inclusion within the game.
Despite his retirement from the top flight, Noble is expected to stay connected to darts in some capacity. Earlier this year, he demonstrated his enduring passion by competing in the pairs event at the Dutch Open, hinting that his association with the sport is far from over. Known affectionately as “The Puppy” in darts circles, Noble’s journey began as far back as 1992 at his local club and quickly ascended to the highest levels. By 1994, he had stepped onto the prestigious Lakeside stage, where he would go on to officiate every final from 1995 through to 2007.
Noble’s immense contribution to the PDC in particular has been notable since 2009. His voice marked several historic moments, including calling Raymond van Barneveld’s famous nine-darter at the World Darts Championship against Jelle Klaasen – a memory cherished by fans. His steady hand and encyclopaedic knowledge of the rules have made him a respected figure both among players and the darting public.
Looking back on his achievements in an earlier interview, Noble remarked, “When you do your first World Championship final, you think it’s great, it’s what you want to do. But then you do another one and another one. It’s not that the novelty wears off, but the challenge becomes more familiar.” Such is the nature of a career built on consistency and excellence – attributes Noble has displayed throughout.
Away from the oche, George Noble is known to be a devoted supporter of Millwall FC, a passion he hopes to indulge further as he steps back from the demands of global darts fixtures. With a football scarf rather than a referee’s microphone in hand, he now looks forward to more visits to The Den and a well-deserved change of pace.
As the sport prepares for another championship, all eyes will also be on Luke Littler, the teenage prodigy who stunned the darts world by triumphing over seasoned champion Michael van Gerwen earlier this year. Littler’s title defence could well be one of the last major matches under Noble’s watchful eye – a fitting send-off for one of darts’ true constants.
The changing of the guard in PDC officiating reflects both a respect for the sport’s history and a cautious optimism for its future. As George Noble prepares to call time on his illustrious career, the world of darts readies itself for a new era, both on the stage and at the oche.