Badminton Rules & Regulations

Code of conduct:

The following list is by no means exhaustive, but represents the spirit in which the game of Badminton should be played. Enjoy the game, the competition, the winning, but above all play with fairness, dignity and respect.

• Badminton game should always be played with 'good spirit' and with respect for your opponent.
• Always shake hands with your opponent before and after a match.
• Always shake hands with the referee before and after a match.
• It is not etiquette to concede in Badminton; even if you have no hope of winning, carry on and play your best.
• If have lost a match, then take defeat graciously; your turn to win will come.
• Applaud your opponent if he/she deserves it, such as making a nice break.
• Do not show too much emotion after winning; remember your opponent has lost.
• Welcome new players into the game and make them feel comfortable.
• If you ask the referee for something, perhaps for the rest or to get the shuttle cleaned, remember to say please and thank you.
• If you miss a shot which may be difficult, do not show too much emotion, let your opponent get on with the game.
• Do not 'rough up' the net with your hand.
• Wait for your opponent to ready with position before getting to shot.
• Swearing is not appropriate to the game of Badminton.
• If your opponent is late for the game, welcome him/her and make him/her feel comfortable. If you are entitled to claim the game yet have sufficient time to play it, then get on with it. The game is more important than winning.
• Do not apologise for a fluke. Raising your hand to acknowledge the stroke is sufficient.
• Adhere to the dress code for the match.
• Play at a proper pace throughout the match, even if you are in front in the last minute of the game.
• After a match, stay around for a few minutes. Some spectators may have travelled a long way to see the match and a few words cost nothing.
• Do not pace up and down when your opponent is at the net.
• Do not practice your cue action on net whilst your opponent is at the net.
• Refrain from hitting the shuttle hard in frustration.
• Declare a foul, even if the referee did not see it.
• If the referee does not see your opponent's cannon, yet you do, mention it.

General Procedures:

• All participants must register their name with attend on duty prior to the game they wish to play.
• Upon the start of a game Sports staff will check all rosters to ensure eligibility. Players who do not appear on a team's roster will be classified as ineligible and will be required to register before being allowed to play.
• Player must arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled start time to insure that the game runs on schedule.
• All players must have their valid ID card at the appropriate playing area in order to play.
• Player must present their ID’s to the attendant on duty to check-in prior to play.
• Any player that is bleeding must leave the game immediately. The bleeding must be stopped and the wound securely covered with a bandage before the player can continue. If there is blood on any clothing or jersey, it must be changed before the player resumes play.
• Players are responsible for their own foul and line calls. Players resolve their own disputes.
• The teams own person is responsible for recording scores, running clock, and keeping order. Attend on duty has the authority to eject any player for unsportsmanlike behavior (profanity, fighting, and participating in a contest under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, etc).

Match Format:

• Team players may be all male, all female, or co-ed.
• Games will be played to 15 points, provided that, when and if the score reaches 14-all, the game will not end at 15, but will continue to be called to 17.
• Matches will consist of the best 2 of 3 games with a total time limit of 25 minutes. If a game winner has not been reached within the time limit (25 minutes), the team ahead shall be considered as winner.

Match Scoring & Team Standings:

• Each game of a match is worth 1 standing point.
• The maximum number of standing points a team may receive per match is 2.

Game Rules:

• Net Height: 5 Feet
• A player may not touch the net with a racket or with his/her body during play.
• A birdie may not come to rest or be carried on the racket.
• A birdie may hit the net on its way across during play and the rally can continue.
• A term of service is called an inning.
• A player may not reach over the net to hit the shuttlecock.
• A loss of serve is called a side out.
• Points may only be scored when serving.
• A coin toss or spin of racket determines who will serve first.
• The serve must travel diagonally (cross court) to be good.
• A serve that touches the net and lands in the proper court is called a let serve and is reserved, otherwise, only one serve is permitted to each court until a side out occurs. A serve that is totally missed may be tried again.
• The racket must make contact with the birdie below the waist on a serve.
• The server and receiver shall stand within the respective service courts until the serve is made.
• Servers will serve from the right side of the court when their score is even (0, 2, 4, 6, etc) and from the left side of the court when their score is odd (1, 3, 5, etc.)
• Doubles Serving: The team that wins the serve, only one person from that team will serve. Once the serve is broken the other team will get the serve. The first player will serve until their serve is broken and then their partner will serve until they are broken. After players’ serves are broken, the team that began the game serving will serve again and both players will serve until they are each broken.

Reporting Scores:

• Final scores and team sportsmanship ratings must be reported to attend on duty.
• If you have another game, always check with the site attendant on duty about return time before you leave the facility. It is our intention to keep games moving.