The IBF Laws of Badminton. As amended and adopted by the IBF through May 1992, plus July 94 revision of rule 15.6.2. Historical Versions and Current Version are also available.
For your convenience there is also a Plain Text version that you can download and use as needed. There is also a Short Form Rules available for the beginning or casual player. And there are versions in FRENCH and GERMAN .
1. COURT
1.1 The court shall be a rectangle and laid out as in the diagram (except in the case provided for in Law 1.5) and to the measurements there shown, defined by lines 1½" (40 mm) wide.
1.2 The lines shall be easily distinguishable and preferably be colored white or yellow.
1.3.1 To show the zone in which a shuttle of correct pace lands when tested ( Law 4.4), an additional four marks 1½" by 1½" (40 mm by 40 mm) may be made inside each side line for singles of the right service court, 1' 9" (530 mm) to 3' 3" (990 mm) from the back boundary line.
1.3.2 In making these marks, their width shall be within the measurement given, i.e., the marks will be from 1' 9" (530 mm) to 1' 10½" (570 mm) and from 3' 1½" (950 mm) to 3' 3" (990 mm) from the outside of the back boundary line. See Optional Shuttle Testing Marks diagram.
1.4 All lines form part of the area which they define.
1.5 Where space does not permit the marking out of a court for doubles, a court may be marked out for singles only. The back boundary lines become also the long service lines, and the posts, or the strips or material representing them (Law 2.2), shall be placed on the side lines.
2.1 The posts shall be 5' 1" (1,55 m) in height from the surface of the court. They shall be sufficiently firm to remain vertical and keep the net strained as provided in Law 3, and shall be placed on the doubles side lines.
2.2 Where it is not practicable to have posts on the side lines, some method must be used to indicate the position of the side lines where they pass under the net, e.g., by the use of thin posts or strips of material 1½" (40 mm) wide, fixed to the side lines and rising vertically to the net cord.
2.3 On a court marked for doubles, the posts or strips of material representing the posts shall be placed on the side lines for doubles, regardless of whether singles or doubles is being played.
3.1 The net shall be made of fine cord of dark color and even thickness with a mesh not less than 15mm and not more than 20mm.
3.2 The net shall be 2' 6" (760 mm) in depth.
3.3 The top of the net shall be edged with a 3" (75 mm) white tape doubled over a cord or cable running through the tape. This tape must rest upon the cord or cable.
3.4 The cord or cable shall be of sufficient size and weight to be firmly stretched flush with the top of the posts.
3.5 The top of the net from the surface of the court shall be 5' (1,524 m) at the center of the court and 5' 1" (1,55 m) over the side lines for doubles.
3.6 There shall be no gaps between the ends of the net and the posts. If necessary, the full depth of the net should be tied at the ends.
Principles - The shuttle may be made from natural and/or synthetic materials. Whatever material the shuttle is made from, the flight characteristics, generally, should be similar to those produced by a natural feathered shuttle with a cork base covered by a thin layer of leather. Having regard to the Principles:
4.1 General Design
4.1.1 The shuttle shall have 16 feathers fixed in the base.
4.1.2 The feathers can have a variable length from 2½" (64 mm) to 2¾" (70 mm), but in each shuttle they shall all be the same length when measured from the tip to the top of the base.
4.1.3 The tips of the feathers shall form a circle with a diameter from 2¼" (58 mm) to 2 5/8" (68 mm).
4.1.4 The feathers shall be fastened firmly with thread or other suitable material.
4.1.5 The base shall be:
4.2 Weight
The shuttle shall weigh from 4.74 to 5.50 grams.4.3 Non-Feathered Shuttle
4.3.1 The skirt, or simulation of feathers in synthetic materials, replaces natural feathers.
4.3.2 The base is described in Law 4.1.5.
4.3.3 Measurements and weight shall be as in Laws 4.1.2, 4.1.3 and 4.2. However, because of the difference of the specific gravity and behavior of synthetic materials in comparison with feathers, a variation of up to 10 percent is acceptable.
4.4.1 To test a shuttle, use a full underhand stroke which makes contact with the shuttle over the back boundary line. The shuttle shall be hit at an upward angle and in a direction parallel to the side lines.
4.4.2 A shuttle of correct pace will land not less than 1' 9" (530 mm) and not more than 3'-3" (990 mm) short of the other back boundary line.
4.5 Modifications
Subject to there being no variation in the general design, pace and flight of the shuttle, modifications in the above specifications may be made with the approval of the National Organization concerned:
4.5.1 In places where atmospheric conditions due to either altitude or climate make the standard shuttle unsuitable; or
4.5.2 In special circumstances which make it otherwise necessary in the interests of the game.
5.1 The hitting surface of the racket shall be flat and consist of a pattern of crossed strings connected to a frame and either alternately interlaced or bonded where they cross. The stringing pattern shall be generally uniform and, in particular, not less dense in the center than in any other area.
5.2 The frame of the racket, including the handle, shall not exceed 2'-2¾" (680 mm) in overall length and 9" (230 mm) in overall width.
5.3 The overall length of the head shall not exceed 11 3/8" (290 mm).
5.4The strung surface shall not exceed 11" (280 mm) in overall length and 8 5/8" (220 mm) in overall width.
5.5 The racket:
5.5.1 Shall be free of attached objects and protrusions, other than those utilized solely and specifically to limit wear and tear, or vibration, or to distribute weight, or to secure the handle by cord to the player's hand, and which are reasonable in size and placement for such purposes; and
5.5.2 Shall be free of any device which makes it possible for a player to change materially the shape of the racket.
The International Badminton Federation shall rule on any question of whether any racket, shuttle or equipment or any prototype used in the playing of badminton complies with the specifications or is otherwise approved or not approved for play. Such ruling may be undertaken on the federation's initiative or upon application by any party with a bona fide interest therein including any player, equipment manufacturer or National Organization or member thereof.
7.1 "Player" applies to all those taking part in a match.
7.2 The game shall be played, in the case of doubles, by two players a side, or in the case of singles, by one player a side.
7.3 The side having the right to serve shall be called the serving side, and the opposing side shall be called the receiving side.
8.1 Before commencing play, the opposing sides shall toss and the side winning the toss shall exercise the choice in either Law 8.1.1 or Law 8.1.2.
8.1.1 To serve or receive first.
8.1.2 To start play at one end of the court or the other.
8.2 The side losing the toss shall then exercise the remaining choice.
9.1 The opposing sides shall play the best of three games unless otherwise arranged. It is permissible to play one game of 21 points by prior arrangement.
9.2 Only the serving side can add points to its score.
9.3 In doubles and Men's singles a game is won by the first side to score 15 points (21 points in a match consisting of a single game to 21 points), except as provided in Law 9.6.
9.4 In women's singles a game is won by the first side to score 11 points, except as provided by Law 9.6.
9.5.1 If the score becomes 13 or 14 all (9 or 10 all in Women's singles)(19 or 20 in a 21 point game) the side which first scored 13 or 14 (9 or 10) (19 or 20) shall have the choice of "setting" or "not setting" the game (Law 9.6).
9.5.2 This choice can only be made when the score is first reached and must be made before the next service is delivered.
9.5.3 The relevant side (Law 9.5.1) is given the opportunity to set at 14 all (10 all in Women's singles)(20 all in a 21 point game) despite any previous decision not to set by that side or the opposing side at 13 all (9 all in Women's singles)(19 all in a 21 point game).
9.6 If the game has been set, the score is called "love all" and the side first scoring the set number of points (Law 9.6.1 to 9.6.4) wins the game.
9.6.1 13 all setting to 5 points
9.6.2 14 all setting to 3 points
9.6.3 9 all setting to 3 points
9.6.4 10 all setting to 2 points
9.6.5 19 all setting to 5 points
9.6.6 20 all setting to 3 points
9.7 The side winning a game serves first in the next game.
10.1 Players shall change ends:
10.1.1 At the end of the first game;
10.1.2 Prior to the beginning of the third game (if any); and
10.1.3 In the third game, or in a one game match, when the leading score reaches:
10.2 When the players omit to change ends as indicated by Law 10.1, they shall do so immediately the mistake is discovered and the existing score shall stand.
11.1 In a correct service:
11.1.1 Neither side shall cause undue delay to the delivery of the serve.
11.1.2 The server and receiver shall stand within diagonally opposite service courts without touching the boundary lines of these service courts; some part of both feet of the server and receiver must remain in contact with the surface of the court in a stationary position until the service is delivered (Law 11.4);
11.1.3 The server's racket shall initially hit the base of the shuttle while the whole of the shuttle is below the server's waist;
11.1.4 The shaft of the server's racket at the instant of hitting the shuttle shall be pointing in a downward direction to such an extent that the whole of the head of the racket is discernible below the whole of the server's hand holding the racket;
11.1.5 The movement of the server's racket must continue forwards after the start of the service (Law 11.2) until the service is delivered; and
11.1.6 The flight of the shuttle shall be upwards from the server's racket to pass over the net, so that, if not intercepted, it falls in the receiver's service court.
11.2 Once the players have taken their positions, the first forward movement of the server's racket is the start of the service.
11.3 The server shall not serve before the receiver is ready, but the receiver shall be considered to have been ready if a return of service is attempted.
11.4 The service is delivered when, once started (Law 11.2), the shuttle is hit by the server's racket or the shuttle lands on the floor.
11.5 In doubles, the partners may take up any positions which do not unsight the opposing server or receiver.
12.1 The players shall serve from, and receive in, their respective right service courts when the server has not scored or has scored an even number of points in that game.
12.2 The players shall serve from, and receive in, their respective left service courts when the server has scored an odd number of points in that game.
12.3 If a game is set, the total points scored by the server in that game shall be used to apply Laws 12.1 and 12.2.
12.4 The shuttle is hit alternately by the server and the receiver until a "fault" is made or the shuttle ceases to be in play.
12.5.1 If the receiver makes a "fault" or the shuttle ceases to be in play because it touches the surface of the court inside the receiver's court, the server scores a point. The server then serves again from the alternate service court.
12.5.2 If the server makes a "fault" or the shuttle ceases to be in play because it touches the surface of the court inside the server's court, the server loses the right to continue serving, and the receiver then becomes the server, with no point scored by either player.
13.1 At the start of a game, and each time a side gains the right to serve, the service shall be delivered from the right service court.
13.2 Only the receiver shall return the service: should the shuttle touch or be hit by the receiver's partner, the serving side scores a point.
13.3.1 After the service is returned, the shuttle is hit by either player of the serving side and then by either player of the receiving side, and so on, until the shuttle ceases to be in play.
13.3.2 After the service is returned, a player may hit the shuttle from any position on that player's side on the net.
13.4.1 If the receiving side makes a "fault" or the shuttle ceases to be in play because it touches the surface of the court inside the receiving side's court, the serving side scores a point, and the server serves again.
13.4.2 If the serving side makes a "fault" or the shuttle ceases to be in play because it touches the surface of the court inside the serving side's court, the server loses the right to continue serving, with no point scored by either side.
13.5.1 The player who serves at the start of any game shall serve from, or receive in, the right service court when that player's side has not scored or has scored an even number of points in that game, and the left service court otherwise.
13.5.2 The player who receives at the start of any game shall receive in, or serve from, the right service court when that player's side has not scored or has scored an even number of points in that game, and the left service court otherwise.
13.5.3 The reverse pattern applies to partners.
13.5.4 If a game is set, the total points scored by a side in that game shall be used to apply Laws 13.5.1 to 13.5.3.
13.6 Service in any turn of serving shall be delivered from alternate service courts, except as provided in Laws 14 and 16.
13.7 The right to serve passes consecutively from the initial server in any game to the initial receiver in that game, and then consecutively from that player to that player's partner and then to one of the opponents and then the opponent's partner, and so on.
13.8 No player shall serve out of turn, receive out of turn, or receive two consecutive services in the same game, except as provided in Laws 14 and 16.
13.9 Either player of the winning side may serve first in the next game and either player of the losing side may receive.
14.1 A service court error has been made when a player:
14.1.1 Has served out of turn;
14.1.2 Has served from the wrong service court; or
14.1.3 Standing in the wrong service court, was prepared to receive the service and it has been delivered.
14.2 When a service court error has been made, then:
14.2.1 If the error is discovered before the next service is delivered, it is a "let" unless only one side was at fault and lost the rally, in which case the error shall not be corrected.
14.2.2 If the error is not discovered before the next service is delivered, the error shall not be corrected.
14.3 If there is "let" because of a service court error, the rally is replayed with the error corrected.
14.4 If a service court error is not to be corrected, play in that game shall proceed without changing the players' new service courts (nor, when relevant, the new order of serving).
It is a "fault":
15.1 If a service is not correct (Law 11.1);
15.2 If the server, in attempting to serve, misses the shuttle;
15.3 If after passing over the net on service, the shuttle is caught in or on the net;
15.4 If in play, the shuttle:
15.4.1 Lands outside the boundaries of the court;
15.4.2 Passes through or under the net;
15.4.3 Fails to pass the net;
15.4.4 Touches the roof, ceiling, or side walls;
15.4.5 Touches the person or dress of a player; or
15.4.6 Touches any other object or person outside the immediate surroundings of the court; (Where necessary, on account of the structure of the building, the local badminton authority may, subject to the right of veto of its National Organization, make by-laws dealing with cases in which a shuttle touches on obstruction.)
15.5 If, when in play, the initial point of contact with the shuttle is not on the striker's side of the net. (The striker may, however, follow the shuttle over the net with the racket in the course of a stroke).
15.6 If, when the shuttle is in play, a player:
15.6.1 Touches the net or its supports with racket, person or dress;
15.6.2 Invades an opponent's court OVER THE NET with racket or person except as permitted in Law 15.5;
15.6.3 Invades an opponent's court UNDER THE NET with racket or person such that an opponent is obstructed or distracted; or
15.6.4 Obstructs an opponent, i.e. prevents an opponent from making a legal stroke where the shuttle is followed over the net;
15.7 If, in play, a player deliberately distracts an opponent by any action such as shouting or making gestures;
15.8 If, in play, the shuttle:
15.8.1 Be caught and held on the racket and slung during the execution of a stroke;
15.8.2 Be hit twice in succession by the same player with two strokes (A double hit by one player with one stroke is not a fault.); or
15.8.3 Be hit by a player and the player's partner successively; or
15.8.4 Touches a player's racket and continues toward the back of that player's court.
15.9 If a player is guilty of flagrant, repeated or persistent offenses under Law 18.
"Let" is called by the Umpire, or by a player (if there is no Umpire) to halt play.
16.1 A "let" may be given for any unforeseen or accidental occurrence.
16.2 If a shuttle, after passing over the net, is caught in or on the net, It is a "let" except during service.
16.3 If during service, the receiver and server are both faulted at the same time, it shall be a "let".
16.4 If the server serves before the receiver is ready it shall be a "let".
16.5 If during play, the shuttle disintegrates and the base completely separates from the rest of the shuttle, it shall be a "let".
16.6 If a Line Judge is unsighted and the Umpire is unable to make a decision, it shall be a "let".
16.7 When a "let" occurs, the play since the last service shall not count, and the player who served shall serve again, except when Law 14 is applicable.
A shuttle is not in play when:
17.1 It strikes the net and remains attached there or suspended on top;
17.2 It strikes the net or post and starts to fall towards the surface of the court on the striker's side of the net;
17.3 It hits the surface of the court; or
17.4 A "fault" or "let" has occurred.
18. CONTINUOUS PLAY, MISCONDUCT, PENALTIES
18.1 Play shall be continuous from the first service until the match is concluded, except as allowed in Laws 18.2 and 18.3.
18.2 An interval not exceeding 5 minutes is allowed between the second and third games of all matches in all of the following situations:
18.2.1 In international competitive events;
18.2.2 In IBF sanctioned events; and
18.2.3 In all other matches (unless the National Organization has previously published a decision not to allow such an interval).
18.3 When necessitated by circumstances not within the control of the players, the Umpire may suspend play for such a period as the Umpire may consider necessary. If play be suspended, the existing score shall stand and play be resumed from that point.
18.4 Under no circumstances shall play be suspended to enable a player to recover his strength or wind, or to receive instruction or advice.
18.5.1 Except in the intervals provided in Laws 18.2 and 18.3, no player shall be permitted to receive advice during a match.
18.5.2 Except at the conclusion of a match, no player shall leave the court without the Umpire's consent.
18.6 The Umpire shall be the sole judge of any suspension of play.
18.7 A player shall not:
18.7.1 Deliberately cause suspension of play;
18.7.2 Deliberately interfere with the speed of the shuttle;
18.7.3 Behave in an offensive manner; or
18.7.4 Be guilty of misconduct not otherwise covered by the Laws of Badminton
18.8 The Umpire shall administer any breach of Law 18.4, 18.5, or 18.7 by:
18.8.1 Issuing a warning to the offending side;
18.8.2 Faulting the offending side, if previously warned; or
18.8.3 In cases of flagrant offense or persisting offenses, faulting the offending side and reporting the offending side immediately to the Referee, who shall have the power to disqualify.
18.9 Where a referee has not been appointed, the responsible official shall have the power to disqualify.
19.1 The Referee is in overall charge of the tournament or event of which a match forms part.
19.2 The Umpire, where appointed, is in charge of the match, the court and its immediate surrounds. The Umpire shall report to the Referee. In the absence of a Referee, the Umpire shall report instead to the responsible official.
19.3 The Service Judge shall call service faults made by the server should they occur (Law 11).
19.4 A Line Judge shall indicate whether a shuttle is "in" or "out".
AN UMPIRE SHALL:
19.5 Uphold and enforce the Laws of Badminton and, especially call a "fault" or "let" should either occur, without appeal being made by the players;
19.6 Give a decision on any appeal regarding a point of dispute, if made before the next service is delivered;
19.7 Ensure players and spectators are kept informed of the progress of the match;
19.8 Appoint or remove Line Judges or a Service Judge in consultation with the Referee;
19.9 Not overrule the decision of Line Judges and the Service Judge on points of fact;
19.10.1 Where another court official is not appointed, arrange for their duties to be carried out;
19.10.2 Where an appointed official is unsighted, carry out the official's duties or play a "let";
19.11 Decide upon any suspension of play;
19.12 Record and report to the Referee all matters in relation to Law 18; and
19.13 Take to the Referee all unsatisfied appeals on questions of law only. (Such appeals must be made before the next service is delivered, or, if at the end of a game, before the side that appeals has left the court.)
The United States version of the laws expresses all measurements in feet and inches. Metric measurements are used internationally and for the purposes of the laws the following table of equivalence should be used:
15 mm ..... 5/8 in 530 mm ..... 1' 9" 20 mm ..... 3/4 in 570 mm ..... 1' 10-1/2" 25 mm ..... 1 in 680 mm ..... 2' 2-3/4 " 28 mm ..... 1-1/8 in 720 mm ..... 2' 4-1/2" 40 mm ..... 1-1/2 in 760 mm ..... 2' 6" 58 mm ..... 2-1/4 in 950 mm ..... 3' 1-1/2" 64 mm ..... 2-1/2 in 990 mm ..... 3' 3" 68 mm ..... 2 5/8 in 1.524 m .... 5' 70 mm ..... 2-3/4 in 1.55 m ..... 5'1" 75 mm ..... 3 in 1.98 m ..... 6' 6" 220 mm .... 8-5/8 in 2.53 m ..... 8' 3-3/4" 230 mm .... 9 in 3.88 m ..... 12' 9" 280 mm .... 11 in 4.64 m ..... 15' 3" 290 mm .... 11-3/8 in 5.18 m ..... 17' 380 mm .... 1' 3" 6.1 m ...... 20' 420 mm .... 1' 4-1/2" 13.4 m ..... 44' 490 mm .... 1' 7-1/2"
In handicap matches, the following variations in the laws apply:
1. "Setting" is not permitted (i.e. Laws 9.5 and 9.6 do not apply.)
2. Law 10.1.3 will be amended to read: "In the third game, and in a one game match, when one side has scored half the total number of points required to win the game (the next higher number being taken in case of fractions)."
It is permissible to play one game of 21 points by prior arrangement. In this case the following variations in Laws 9.3, 9.5.1, 9.5.3, and 9.6 apply: Replace "13","14", and "15" by "19", "20", and "21" respectively. To law 10.1.3 shall be added " - 11 in a game of 21 points"
At present various groups are experimenting with alternate scoring systems. The most common system is that of "5 to 9", in which a match consists of the best of 5 games to 9 points. No setting is allowed.
This appendix lists the standard vocabulary that should be used by Umpires to control a match.
1.1. "Ladies and Gentlemen", this is:
1.1.1 The semi-final, or final, of Men's Singles, etc. or
1.1.2 The first singles of the Thomas Cup (Uber Cup) tie between ....(country) and ...(country).
1.2 On my right ...(Name and Country). On my left ...(Name and Country).
1.3 To serve ... To receive.
2.1 "Love All; Play."
2.2 "Service Over."
2.3 "Second Service."
2.4 "...Game Point..." e.g. 14 game point 6.
2.5 "...Match Point..." e.g. 14 Match point 8.
2.6 "...Game Point..." e.g. 2 game point all.
2.7 "Game won by ....(and the score)..."
2.8 "Second Game won by ...(and the score)..."
2.9 "Are you setting?"
2.9.1 "Setting 2 points; Love-all."
2.9.2 "Setting 3 points; Love-all."
2.9.3 "Setting 5 points; Love-all."
2.10 "Game not set." (call score "9-all, play";"13-all, play", etc.)
2.11 "One game all."
2.12 "Court... a five minute interval has been claimed."
2.13.1 "Court...two minutes remaining."
2.13.2 "Court...one minute remaining."
3.1 "Are you ready?"
3.2 "Come here please."
3.3 "Is the shuttle okay?"
3.4 "Test the shuttle." (Only for wobble, not speed.)
3.5 "Change the shuttle."
3.6 "Do NOT change the shuttle."
3.7 "Play a let."
3.8 "Change ends, please."
3.9 "You served out of turn."
3.10 "You received out of turn."
3.11 "You must not interfere with the speed of the shuttle."
3.12 "The shuttle touched you."
3.13 "You touched the net."
3.14 "You are standing in the wrong court."
3.15 "You invaded your opponent's court."
3.16 "You obstructed your opponent."
3.17 "Fault - receiver."
3.18 "Service fault called."
3.19 "Play must be continuous."
3.20 "Play is suspended."
3.21 ....(name of player) "Warning for misconduct."
3.22 ....(name of player) "Fault for misconduct."
3.23 "Fault."
3.24 "Out."
3.25 "Line Judge - signal please."
3.26 "Service Judge - signal please."
3.27 "First server."
3.28 "Wipe the court."
4.1 "Match won by.." (In team event, use name of country.)
0 --- Love 10 --- Ten 1 --- One 11 --- Eleven 2 --- Two 12 --- Twelve 3 --- Three 13 --- Thirteen 4 --- Four 14 --- Fourteen 5 --- Five 15 --- Fifteen 6 --- Six 16 --- Sixteen 7 --- Seven 17 --- Seventeen 8 --- Eight 18 --- Eighteen 9 --- Nine
The following amended Laws of Badminton are applicable to the various categories of disabled people as follows:
(a) AMBULANT (no change in the Laws)- Persons requiring no mechanical aid to perambulation.
(b) SEMI-AMBULANT - Persons capable of erect perambulation but only with mechanical aid such as:
(c) NON-AMBULANT - Persons whose disabilities dictate that they adopt a sedentary posture using such support as:
The following diagrams and tables show the changes to the Laws.
A5-1 - Modified
Court for Disabled Players. Additional lines added 2.134m (7 ft) from short service
lines.
The following changes in the Laws of Badminton are allowed for semi-ambulant and non-ambulant players as noted:
11.1.2 The wording of this Law to be extended so as to require every part of the server's and receiver's "mechanical aid" or "support" that is in contact with the surface of the court also to be within the appropriate service court and in a stationary position until the service is delivered. The word "diagonally" to be deleted.
11.1.3 SEMI-AMBULANT: No change. NON-AMBULANT: As some medical conditions which render a player "non-ambulant" may also positively preclude compliance, this Law to be deleted in entirety.
11.1.4 SEMI-AMBULANT: No change. NON-AMBULANT: As some medical conditions which render a player "non-ambulant" may also positively preclude compliance, this Law to be deleted in entirety.
12. Singles Play Shaded area (Diagram A5-2) indicates extent of court. (As only ONE service court exists at each end, references to "left" and "right" and "alternate service court" do not apply.)
A5-2: Court for Singles Play
(Shaded areas indicate area of play.)
13. Doubles Play Shaded area (Diagram A5-3) indicates extent of court. Players must serve from and receive within the same service courts, as adopted at the beginning of a game, throughout that game. When the service is not returned or a "fault" is made by the receiving side, the serving side thereby scores a point: The service passes to the other player of the serving side and is delivered from the other service court and continues to alternate thus as long as the serving side continues to score.
A5-3: Court for Doubles Play
(Shaded areas indicate area of play.)
15.4.5 The wording of this law to be extended so as to make it a "fault" if the player or his "mechanical aid" or "support" touches the shuttle.
All Other Laws: To remain unchanged for all classifications. (This includes Law 4 with the pace of the shuttle being measured against the length of a standard court by an able-bodied or ambulant player. A shuttle passing this test is suitable for play by all.)
1.1 The Recommendations to Court Officials are issued by the IBF in its desire to standardize the control of the game in all countries and in accordance with its Rules.
1.2 The purpose of these Recommendations is to advise Umpires how to control a match firmly and with fairness, without being officious, while ensuring that the Laws of the game are observed. These Recommendations also give guidance to Service Judges and Line Judges as to how to carry out their duties.
1.3 All court officials should remember that the game is for the players.
2. Officials and Their Decisions
2.1 The umpire reports to and acts under the authority of the Referee (or responsible official, in the absence of a Referee).
2.2 A Service Judge is normally appointed by the Referee but can be removed by the Umpire in consultation with the Referee.
2.3 Line Judges are normally appointed by the Referee, but a Line Judge can be removed by the Umpire in consultation with the Referee.
2.4 An Official's decision is final on all points of fact for which that official is responsible.
2.5 When another official is unsighted, the Umpire makes the decision. When no decision can be given, a "let" is called.
3.1 Before the match the Umpire shall:
3.1.1 Obtain the score pad from the referee;
3.1.2 Ensure that any scoring device to be used is working;
3.1.3 See that the posts are on the lines, or that the tapes are correctly placed;
3.1.4 Check the net for the height and ensure that there are no gaps between the ends of the net and the net posts;
3.1.5 Ascertain whether there are any bylaws regarding the shuttle hitting an obstruction;
3.1.6 Ensure that the Service Judge and the Line Judges know their duties and that they are correctly placed (Sections 5 and 6);
3.1.7 Ensure that a sufficient quantity of tested shuttles (Law 4) are readily available for the match in order to avoid delays during play, and;
3.1.8 Inform the referee or appointed official of any violations of the Tournament Regulations concerning advertising or colored clothing.
3.2 To start the match, the Umpire shall:
3.2.1 Ensure that the toss is fairly carried out, and that the winning side and the losing side exercise their choice correctly (Law 8);
3.2.2 Note, in the case of doubles, the names of the players starting in the right service court. (Similar notes must be made at the start of each game.) This enables a check to be made at any time to see if the players are in the correct service court. If during the game a player commits a service court error unnoticed, so that the players have to stay wrong, change the note accordingly; and
3.2.3 (In a tournament) announce the match by calling "Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the semi-final (or final) of the Men's singles (or etc.) between ... and ..." "On my right X; and n my left Y" (pointing to right and left as this is said). "X to serve; Y to receive"... or (In a team event) "This is the first singles (or, etc.) of the (e.g.) Thomas Cup tie between A and B (country names)." " On my right, A, represented by X; and on my left, B, represented by Y" (pointing to right and left as this is said). "A to serve; love all; play". (Refer thereafter only to teams, i.e. A and B, rather than players, X and Y.)
In doubles, identify server and receiver by announcing "On my right, A, represented by W and X; and on my left, B, represented by Y and Z. A to serve; X to Y; love all; play."
3.3 During the match the Umpire shall record and call the score.
3.3.1 Always call the server's score first.
3.3.2 In singles, when the player loses his service, call "Service Over" followed by the score in favor of the new server.
3.3.3 In doubles, at the beginning of the game call the score only, and continue to do so as long as the first player serves. When the right to serve is lost, call "Service Over," followed by the score in favor of the new server. When the first server loses his right to serve, call the score followed by "Second server." Continue this as long as the second player serves. When a side loses the right to serve call "Service Over" followed by the score in favor of the new server.
3.3.4 When a side reaches 14, or in the case of women's singles 10, call on the first occasion only in each game "Game Point", or "Match Point" when applicable. If a further game or match point occurs after setting, call it again on the first occasion. "Game Point" when applicable should always immediately follow the server's score and precede the receiver's score.
3.3.5 When appropriate, ask the relevant player (side): "Are you setting?" and, if the answer is affirmative, call: "Setting .... points; love-all (and "second server" if appropriate) or, if the answer is negative, call "Game is not set."
3.3.6 At the end of every game, "game" must always be called immediately the conclusive rally has ended, regardless of applause. Where appropriate, this constitutes the start of any interval allowed under Law 18.2. After each game, call "Game won by .. [name(s) of player(s), or team (in a team event)].... [score", or if that team wins the match , call: "Match won by.... [names(s) of player(s), or team (in a team event)], ....[scores]".
3.3.7 To start the second game, call:" Second Game, love all, play."
3.3.8 If there is to be a third game, call:"One game all" immediately after the call in Recommendation 3.3.6.
If a five minute interval is being claimed, call: "A five-minute interval has been claimed."
After three minutes have elapsed, call: "[Court ...] (if appropriate), two minutes remaining." Repeat the call.
After four minutes have elapsed, call: "[Court ....] (if appropriate), one minute remaining." Repeat the call.
To start the third game, call: "Final game; love all; play."
3.3.9 In the third game, or in a one game match, call the score followed by "Change Ends" when the leading score reaches 6 or 8, as appropriate (Law 10.1.3).
Once the players have changed ends, the score should be repeated, followed by "Play."
3.3.10 At the end of the match immediately take the completed scorepad to the Referee.
3.4 If a service judge is appointed, the umpire shall especially watch the receiver.
3.5 The Umpire should always look to the Line Judge(s) when the shuttle lands close to a line, and always when the shuttle lands out, however far. The line judge is entirely responsible for the decision.
3.6 During the match, the Umpire shall:
3.6.1 If possible, keep aware of the status of any scoring device; and
3.6.2 When the shuttle falls outside a line for which the Umpire is responsible, in the absence of a Line Judge, or if the Line Judge is unsighted, call: "Out" before calling the score.
3.7 During the match the Umpire shall use the standard vocabulary in Appendix 4 of the Laws of Badminton.
3.8 During the match the following situations should be watched for and dealt with as detailed.
3.8.1 A player sliding under the net or throwing a racket into the opponent's court should be faulted under Law 15.6.2.
3.8.2 A player shouting to a partner who is about to hit the shuttle should not necessarily be regarded as distracting his opponent. Calling "no shot", "fault", etc. should be considered a distraction.
3.8.3 Coaching during a match from off court should be prevented. If this cannot be controlled by the umpire the Referee should be informed immediately.
3.8.4 Players going off court to wipe their hands, etc. If play is not to be held up, this is acceptable, but if one side is ready to play, the offending side may have to be reminded that leaving the court needs to Umpire's permission (Law 18.5.2), and, if necessary Law 18.8 should be applied.
3.8.5 Changing the shuttle during the match should not be unfair. If both sides agree to the change, there should be no objection by the Umpire. If only one side wishes to change the shuttle, the Umpire should make the decision, testing the shuttle if necessary.
3.9 Ensure that the players do not leave the court without the Umpire's permission.
3.10 Injury or sickness during a match must be handled carefully and flexibly. The Umpire must determine the severity of the problem as quickly as possible. Normally, the only people that should be allowed on court are a doctor or paramedical, and the Referee.
The opposing side must not be put at a disadvantage and Laws 11.1.1 and 18.4 should be applied appropriately.
3.11 If play has to be suspended, call "Play is suspended" and record the score, server, receiver, correct service court and ends.
When play resumes call "Are you ready?", call the score (and, if appropriate "first server") and "play".
3.12 A shuttle whose speed has been interfered with should be discarded.
3.13 Misconduct:
3.13.1 Record and report to the Referee any incidents of misconduct and the action taken.
3.13.2 If Law 18.8 is to be applied, call "come here please" to the offending player, and call "...(name of player), warning for misconduct," or "...(name of player), fault for misconduct," at the same time raising the right hand above your head. (See diagram)
Law 3.13.2
4. General Advice on Umpiring This section gives general advice which should be followed.
4.1 Know and understand the Laws of Badminton
4.2 Call promptly and with authority, but, if a mistake is made, admit it, apologize and correct it.
4.3 All announcements and calling of the score must be done distinctly and loudly enough to be heard clearly by players and spectators.
4.4 When a doubt arises in your mind as to whether an infringement of the Laws has occurred or not, "fault" should not be called and the game allowed to proceed.
4.5 Never ask spectators nor be influenced by their remarks.
4.6 Motivate your other court officials, e.g. by discreetly acknowledging the decisions of Line Judges and establishing a working relationship with them.
5. Instructions to Service Judges
5.1 The service judge shall sit on a low chair by the post, preferably opposite the Umpire.
5.2 The Service Judge is responsible for judging that the server delivers a correct serve (Law 11.1). If not call "fault" loudly and use the approved hand signal to indicate the type of infringement.
5.3 The approved hand signals for each Law are:
Law 11.1.3
The initial point of contact with the shuttle not on the base of the shuttle.
Law 11.1.3
Any part of the shuttle at the instant of being struck higher than the server's waist.
Law 11.1.4
At the instant of the shuttle being hit, the shaft of the racket not pointing in a
downward direction to such an extent that the whole of the head of the racket is
discernably below the whole of the server's hand holding the racket.
Law 11.1.2
Some part of both feet not in the service court and in a stationary position until the
service is delivered.
Law 11.1.1,
Law 11.1.2,and Law 11.1.5 Undue delay to
the delivery of the service. Once the players have taken their positions the first forward
movement of the server's racket is the start of the service. The movement must continue
forward.
5.4 The umpire may arrange with the Service Judge any extra duties to be undertaken, provide that the players are also advised.
6. Instructions to Line Judges
6.1 Line Judges should be seated on chairs in prolongation of their lines at the ends and sides of the court and preferably at the side opposite to the Umpire. (See following diagrams.)
Positioning of Line Judges for
Singles and Doubles. The position of each official is designated here. "S"
denotes sightline positioning of the officials for Singles, while "D" denotes
sightline positioning of officials for Doubles. An ideal distance from the lines is about
6 feet (2 m).
6.2 A line judge is entirely responsible for the line(s) assigned.
If the shuttle lands out, no
matter how far, call "Out" promptly in a clear voice, loud enough to be heard by
the players and the spectators and, at the same time, signal by extending both arms
horizontally so that the Umpire can see clearly.
If the shuttle falls
"In", say nothing, but point to the line with your right hand.
6.3 If unsighted, inform the Umpire immediately by holding your hands to cover your eyes.
6.4 Do not call or signal until the shuttle has touched the floor.
6.5 Calls should always be made immediately, with no anticipation of Umpiring decisions, e.g., that the shuttle hit a player.
Testing marks for Singles
Court.
Testing marks for Doubles
Court.
Coming Soon!
The information here is presented as-is. My intention is for this to be as accurate as possible, but I can assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. This is NOT an official publication of the IBF. Please contact me with any corrections or updates and I will incorporate them into this presentation. Last revised: 24 December 2021 11:25.
For further information about this page contact:
Stan Bischof stan@worldbadminton.com