Court Etiquette
To ensure that all members have an enjoyable experience playing badminton, the following points of etiquette are provided for your reference.
- Be considerate and cooperate with opponents during warm-up. Make sure everyone is given an equal and ample opportunity to hit a variety of shots before the match begins.
- It is the responsibility of badminton players to call all faults on their own side of the net fairly and objectively. Treating opponents justly will most often get the same response when the situation is reversed.
- Respect opponents’ calls without argument. If there is any doubt, consider re-playing the point.
- When a player makes an illegal shot or action, the player committing the act should call it immediately. Mutual respect in playing the game fairly is important in maintaining amity throughout the match.
- When an opponent scores, return the shuttle with a light underhand stroke. This shows respect and acceptance of the shot; making an acknowledgement of an exceptional shot is also polite.
- Do not talk to, or deliberately distract, an opponent during play. Talking to spectators or coaches during play is completely unacceptable and considered very rude.
- It is customary and expected for a player to announce the score before service. This is should be announced with the server's score first and the receiver's second. If there is an official he or she will usually do this.
- Good badminton etiquette means keeping a calm temperament, irrespective of how cross or frustrated a player may become while facing adversity or victory on the court.
- Whether a player wins or loses the match she should always shake hands with the opponent when the match is completed.
- Don’t make noises that will disturb your opponent during a match.
- Pick up the shuttlecock when it lands in your half of the court and pass it back to your opponent in a friendly way.
- The referee’s decisions should be respected. If you have an objection, follow procedure and request the assistance of your coach and the head referee.
- Don’t play a return shot or tease if your opponent’s shot is clearly out of bounds.
- If your opponent is unhappy with the shuttlecock and asks to change it there is no need to refuse. If the opponent asks for repeated changes for no reason the referee will intervene.
- Do not receive instruction from the sidelines when a match is in progress.
- When serving, make sure your opponent is ready!
- When a smash hits your opponent or a point is gained in a lucky way (by hitting the net and still going over for example), make a respectful gesture towards your opponent.
- Be mindful of other games in progress. When passing by any court, stay well clear of the sidelines and back boundary lines. This will not only keep you safe, it also shows respect for the players on court.