Badminton Rules

Court and Equipment

Court size for singles - 44 feet long x 17 feet wide Court size for doubles - 44 feet long x 20 feet wide Net height - 5 feet Shuttlecocks - Also known as birdies or birds. One type has feathers with a cork base, and the other is plastic with a rubber base. Rackets - Made of lightweight material like wood, plastic or metal. Object of the game The object of the game is to hit the shuttlecock back and forth over a net without permitting it to hit the floor in bounds on your side of the net.

Some general rules and terms

1. A player may not touch the net with a racket or history body during play. 2. A birdie may not come to rest or be carried on the racket. 3. A birdie may hit the net on its way across during play and the rally can continue. 4. A term of service is called an inning. 5. A player may not reach over the net to hit the shuttlecock. 6. A loss of serve is called a side out. 7. In class games will be played to 15 points and a match is 2 out of 3 games. 8. Some types of shots are the lob, drop shot, smash and drive.

Serving
1. A coin toss or spin of the racket determines who will serve first. 2. The serve must travel diagonally (cross court) to be good. 3. 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.

4. The racket must make contact with the birdie below the waist on a serve. 5. The server and receiver shall stand within their respective service courts until the serve is made. 6. Points may only be scored when serving. 7. All lines are considered in bounds. 8. In singles, when the server's score is an even number, the serve is taken from the right side. When the server's score is an odd number, it is taken from the left. (Serving in a doubles game is different)

The Posts
The posts shall be 1.55 metres (5 feet 1 inch) in height from the surface of the court. They shall be sufficiently firm to keep the net strained as provided in Law 3,and shall be placed on the side boundary lines of the court. Where this is not practicable, some method must be employed for indicating the position of the side boundary line where it passes under the net, e.g., by use of a thin post or strips of material, not less than 40mm (1 1/2 inches) in width, fixed to the side boundary line and rising vertically to the net cord. Where this is in use on a court marked for doubles it shall be placed on the side boundary line of the doubles court irrespective of whether singles or doubles are being played.

The Net
The net shall be made of fine natural cord of artificial fibre of a dark colour and even thickness and not less than 15mm (5/8 inch) and not more than 20mm (3/4 inch) mesh. It shall be firmly stretched from post to post, and shall be 760mm (2 feet 6 inches) in depth. The top of the net shall be 1.524 metres (5 feet) in height from the floor at the centre, and 1.55 metres (5 feet 1 inch) at the posts, and shall be edged with a 75mm (3 inches) white tape doubled and supported by a cord or cable run through the tape and strained over and flush with the top of the posts.

The Court
1(a) The court shall be a rectangle and laid out as in the following Diagram A (except in the case provided for in paragraph 1(d) of this Law) and to the measurements there shown, and shall be defined preferably by white or yellow lines or, if this is not possible, by other easily distinguishable lines 40mm (1 1/2 inches) wide. 1(b) To show the zone in which a shuttle of correct pace lands when tested (see Law 4(d)), an additional four marks 40mm by 40mm (1 1/2 inches by 1 1/2

inches) may be made up as follows: -inside each side line for singles of the right service court, 530mm (l foot 9 inches) and 990mm (3 feet 3 inches) from the back boundary line. In making these marks, their width shall be within the measurement given, i.e., the marks will be from 530mm to 570mm (1 foot 9 inches to 1 foot 10 1/ 2 inches) and from 950mm to 990mm (3 feet 1 1/2 inches to 3 feet 3 inches) from the outside of the back boundary line. 1(c)(i) The width 40mm (1 1/2 inches) of the centre lines shall be equally divided between the right and left service courts. 1(c)(ii) The width 40mm (1 1/2 inches) of each of the short service line and the doubles long service line shall fall within the 3.960 metres (13 feet) measurement given as the length of the service court. 1 (c)(iii) The width 40mm (1 1/2 inches) of all other lines shall fall within the measurements given. 1(d) Where space does not permit the marking out of a court for doubles, a court may be marked out for singles only, as shown in Diagram B. The back boundary lines become also the long service lines, and the posts, or the strips of material representing them as referred to in Law 2, shall be placed on the side lines.

Double Play and Single Play

9.Double Play 9(a) It having been decided which side is to have the first service, the player in the right-hand service court of that side commences the game by serving to the player in the service court diagonally opposite. If the latter player returns the shuttle before it touches the ground, it is to be returned by one of the "In" side, and then returned by one of the "Out" side, and so on, till a fault is made or the shuttle ceases to be "in play" (vide paragraph (b)). If a fault is made by the "In" side its right to continue serving is lost, as only one player on the side beginning a game is entitled to do so (vide Law 11), and the opponent in the right-hand service court then becomes the server; but if the service is not returned, or the fault is made by the "Out" side, the "In" side scores a point. The "In" side players then change from one service court to the other, the service now being from the left-hand service court to the player in the service court diagonally opposite. So long as a side remains "In", service is delivered alternately from each service court into the one diagonally opposite, the change being made by the "In" side when, and only when, a point is added to its score.

9(b) The first service of a side in each innings shall be made from the right-hand service court. A "Service" is delivered as soon as the shuttle is struck by the servers racket. The shuttle is thereafter "in play" until it touches the ground, or until a fault or "let" occurs, or except as provided in Law 18. After the service is delivered the server and the player served to may take up any positions they choose on their side of the net, irrespective of boundary lines. 10. The player served to may alone receive the service, but should the shuttle touch, or be struck by, his partner the "In" side scores a point. No player may receive two consecutive services in the same game, except as provided in Law 12. 11. Only one player of the side beginning a game shall be entitled to serve in its first innings. In all subsequent innings each partner shall have the right, and they shall serve consecutively. The side winning a game shall always serve first in the next game, but either of the losers may receive the service. 12. If a player serves out of turn, or from the wrong service court (owing to a mistake as to the service court from which service is at the time being in order), and his side wins the rally, it shall be a "Let", provided that such "Let" be claimed and allowed, or ordered by the umpire, before the next succeeding service is delivered. If a player of the "Out" side standing in the wrong service court is prepared to receive the service when it is delivered, and his side wins the rally, the mistake shall stand and the players positions shall not be corrected. Should a player inadvertently change sides when he should not do so, and the mistake not be discovered until after the next succeeding service has been delivered, the mistake shall stand, and a "Let" cannot be claimed or allowed, and the players position shall not be corrected. 13. Single Play In singles, Laws 9 to 12 hold good except that: 13(a) The players shall serve from and receive service in their respective righthand service courts only when the servers score is 0 or an even number of points in the game, the service being delivered from and received in their respective left-hand service courts when the servers score is an odd number of points. Setting does not affect this sequence.13(b) Both players shall change service courts after each point has been scored.

Shuttle Cock Rules

The shuttle may be made from natural, synthetic or other manufactured product or any of those combinations. The feel on the racket and the flight characteristics, generally, should be similar to those produced by the natural feathered shuttle, which has a cork base covered by a thin layer of leather. Principles 4.Having regard to the principles: 4(a) General Design4(a)(i) The shuttle shall have 14 to 16 feathers fixed in the base. 4(a)(ii) The feathers can have a variable length from 64mm to 70mm (2 1/2 inches to 2 3/4 inches), but in each shuttle they shall be the same length when measured from the tip to the top of the base. 4(a)(iii) The tips of the feathers shall form a circle with a diameter within a range of 58mm to 68mm (2 1/4 inches to 2 5/8 inches). 4(a)(iv) The feathers shall be fastened firmly with thread or other suitable material. 4(a)(v) The base shall be: -25mm to 28mm (1 inch to 1 1/8 inches) in diameter -rounded on the bottom. 4(b) Weight The shuttle shall weigh from 4.74 to 5.50 grams (73 to 85 grains). 4(c) Non-Feathered Shuttles 4(c)(i) The skirt, or simulation of feathers in synthetic or other manufactured materials, replaces natural feathers. 4(c)(ii) The base is described in paragraph 4(a)(v). 4(c)(iii) Measurements shall be the same as in paragraph 4(a)(i)-(iv). However, because of the difference in the specific gravity and behavior of synthetic and manufactured materials in comparison with feathers, a variation of up to 10 percent in the stated measurements is acceptable.

4(d) Pace and FlightA shuttle shall be deemed to be of correct pace when it is hit by a player with a full underhand stroke from a spot immediately above one back boundary line in a direction parallel to the sidelines and at an upward angle, to fall not less than 530mm (1 foot 9 inches) and not more than 990mm (3 feet 3 inches) short of the other back boundary line. 4(e) 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(e)(i) in places where atmospheric conditions due either to altitude or climate make the standard shuttle unsuitable; or 4(e)(ii) if specific circumstances exist which make it otherwise necessary in the interests of the game.

Scoring system
The rules of badminton states that a badminton match shall consist of the best of 3 games. In doubles and men's singles, the first side to score 15 points wins the game. In women's singles, the first side to score 11 points wins the game. If the score becomes 14-all (10-all in women's singles), the side which first scored 14 (10) shall exercise the choice to continue the game to 15 (11) points or to 'set' the game to 17 (13) points. The side winning a game serves first in the next game. Only the serving side can add a point to its score.

Change of ends
The rules of badminton states that you have to change ends with your opponent after finishing the first game. If a third game was to be played, you shall change ends when the leading score reaches 6 in a game of 11 points or 8 in a game of 15 points.

Serving and receiving courts

You shall serve from, and receive in, the right service court when you or your opponent has scored an even number of points in that game. You shall serve from, and receive in, the left service court when you or your opponent has scored an odd number of points in that game. You and your opponent will hit the shuttle alternately until a 'fault' is made or the shuttle ceases to be in play.

Scoring and serving

You score a point and serve again from the alternate service court when your opponent makes a 'fault' or the shuttle ceases to be in play because it touches the surface of your opponent's side of court. No points will be scored when you make a 'fault' or the shuttles ceases to be in play because it touches the surface of your side of court. The serving right will then be transferred to your opponent.

Rules of Badminton - Doubles

At the start of the game, and each time a side gains the right to serve, the service shall be delivered from the right service court. Only your opponent standing diagonally opposite of you shall return the service. Should your opponent's partner touched or hit the shuttle, it shall be a 'fault' and your side scores a point.

Order of play and position on court

After the service is returned, either you or your partner may hit the shuttle from any position on your side of the net. Then either player from the opposing side may do the same, and so on, until the shuttle ceases to be in play.

Scoring and serving

If you are serving or receiving first at the start of any game, you shall serve or receive in the right service court when your side or your opponent's side scored an even number of points. You shall serve from or receive in the left service court when your side or your opponent's side has scored an odd number of points. The reverse pattern shall apply to your partner. In any game, the right to serve passes consecutively from the initial server to the initial receiver, then to that initial's receiver's partner, then to the opponent who is due to serve from the right service court, then to that player's partner, and so on. You shall not serve out of turn, receive out of turn, or receive two consecutive services in the same game, except as provided in service court errors and 'lets'.

Service court errors

A service court error has been made when a player has served out of turn, has served from the wrong service or standing on the wrong service court while being prepared to receive the service and it has been delivered. If a service court error is discovered after the next service had been delivered, the error shall not be corrected. If a service court error is discovered before the next service is delivered, the following rules apply. If both sides committed an error, it shall be a 'let'. If one side committed the error and won the rally, it shall be a 'let'. If one side committed the error and lost the rally, the error shall not be corrected. If there is a 'let' because of a service court error, the rally is replayed with the error corrected. If a service court error is not to be corrected, play in that game shall proceed without changing the player's new service courts.

Faults
The rules of badminton consider the following as faults: - If the shuttle lands outside the boundaries of the court, passes through or under the net, fail to pass the net, touches the ceiling or side walls, touches the person or dress of a player or touches any other object or person. - If 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.) - If a player touches the net or its supports with racket, person or dress, invades an opponent's court over the net with racket or person except as permitted. - If a player invades an opponent's court under the net with racket or person such that an opponent is obstructed or distracted or obstructs an opponent, that is prevents an opponent from making a legal stroke where the shuttle is followed over the net. - If a player deliberately distracts an opponent by any action such as shouting or making gestures. - If the shuttle is caught and held on the racket and then slung during the execution of a stroke. - If the shuttle is hit twice in succession by the same player with two strokes. - If the shuttle is hit by a player and the player's partner successively or touches a player's racket and continues towards the back of that player's court. - If a player is guilty of flagrant, repeated or persistent offences under Law of Continuous Play, Misconduct, Penalties. - If, on service, the shuttle is caught on the net and remains suspended on top, or, on service, after passing over the net is caught in the net.

Lets
'Let' is called by the umpire, or by a player (if there is no umpire), to halt play. A 'let' may be given for any unforeseen or accidental occurrence.The rules of badminton consider the following as 'lets': - If a shuttle is caught in the net and remains suspended on top or, after passing over the net, is caught in the net, it shall be a 'let' except on service. - If, during service, the receiver and server are both faulted at the same time, it shall be a 'let'. - If the server serves before the receiver is ready, it shall be a 'let'. - If, during play, the shuttle disintegrates and the base completely separates from the rest of the shuttle, is shall be a 'let'.

- If a line judge is unsighted and the umpire is unable to make a decision, it shall be a 'let'. - A 'let' may occur following a service court error. When a 'let' occurs, the play since the last service shall not count and the player who served shall serve again, except where in situations where the Law of Service Court Errors is applicable.

Shuttle not in play

A shuttle is not in play when it strikes the net and remains attached there or suspended on top. A shuttle is not in play when it strikes the net or post and starts to fall towards the surface of the court on the striker's side of the net. A shuttle is not in play when it hits the surface of the court or a 'fault' or 'let' has occurred.

Continuous play, misconduct, penalties

Play shall be continuous from the first service until the match is concluded, except as allowed in intervals not exceeding 90 seconds between the first and second games, and not exceeding 5 minutes between the second and third games.