Badminton Rules
The Game:
Badminton can be played in either the singles or doubles format. The side that has
the serve is called the “in” side and the side receiving the serve or the opposition is the
“out” side. The game is begun by a toss or a racket spin; the side winning the option may
serve first, receive, or choose court.
The server shall start by serving from the right hand service court and opponent
standing in the right service area. Service is made from the right service area in singles
play when the score of the server is zero or even, and from the left side when the score is
odd. Players, therefore, must change service area whenever a point is scored. A player
who commits an infraction of the rules has made a “fault.” A fault on the part of the
server results in loss of the serve or a “hand out,” or if the fault is by the receiving side it
is a point.
Faults on Serve:
1. Service is overhand, shuttle is hit at a point higher than the server’s waist or any
part of the racket is higher than server’s holding the racket.
2. Shuttle is not hit to proper service area.
3. Server is not standing in proper area to serve or is standing on lines, or receiver is
not in proper court area.
4. Server feins or balks opponent off balance.
5. Shuttle is hit outside of court when it passes under the net or touches person,
dress, walls, or ceiling.
6. Striking shuttle before it crosses the net.
7. Net or supports are touched by the player or racket.
Scoring:
A pool play match will consist of 2 out of 3 games to 11 points. Players will
change ends after each game. There is a 30-minute time limit in effect. If after 30 minutes
the match is not over, whichever player is ahead wins that game. If the game is tied when
the 30 minutes are over, continue play until one player/team has a one-point advantage.
In the event that the 30-minute time limit runs out and as a result a match is even at one
game apiece, then the players shall play the deciding game to eleven [11] using a rally
scoring method.
Notes:
1. During a serve, both the server and receiver must be in their respective courts.
Touching a line with the foot is considered out of the court.
2. If the shuttle hits the net on the serve and is otherwise good, it is a legal serve.
3. A shuttle that touches the net during play is still in play if it goes into the proper
court.
4. A server who misses the shuttle completely during a serve does not commit a
fault.
5. A shuttle that falls on the line is considered inbounds.
6. Any accidental hindrance is considered a let (ex. ball on court).
7. It is illegal for a player to hold up his racket to block a return at the net. He may
hold the racket up, however, to protect his/her face, providing he does not balk
their opponent.
8. Players/teams switch sides after each game.
