Badminton Rules and Regulations

team

Each team is allowed six players on the court at a time. Three games will be played simultaneously, but the opposition will always be the same team. Teams decide their own doubles pairings before each round. Substitutes can be rotated in once a third of the game has been played.

Umpire

There will be two umpires assigned for the courts. Their role is to control the match, apply the rules and to judge the match fairly. The umpire will explain at all times why the whistle has been blown. The Umpire will be up-to-date on our badminton rules and regulations, so please ask them for any clarification on the night.

Uniform

Players can wear any form of active wear that they feel comfortable to play in. Players can wear badminton trainers or trainers with a good grip. We advise players not to wear any jewelry or accessories during play for safety reasons.

Equipment

Shuttlecocks are provided. Players can bring their own rackets or use the ones provided by Play Badminton.

PREGNANCY

Play Badminton strongly encourage women who are over 12 weeks pregnant to not continue playing until they are ready to return post-pregnancy. Players who are pregnant can stay registered with their team and return to play after their pregnancy. To learn more about our policy on playing whilst pregnant please click here.

Badminton rules and regulations of the game

Playing Time
Each match is 36 minutes. The match will be split into three 12 minute thirds with a minute break in-between. Each doubles pair will play three 12-minute sessions on court against an opposing pair throughout the evening. After the first 12 minutes, each team will switch courts ready for the next game, giving the opportunity to play multiple pairs across the sessions each night!

During the breaks, you can use the time to swap positions within your team for a different dynamic or bring in substitute players if needed.

Substitutions
You don’t have to stay in the same doubles pairing throughout the entire game. Teams are allowed substitutions, but players can only be switched at the end of each third.

Serving Rules

A coin toss (or shuttle spin) determines the first server. Only one service attempt per player (unless it’s a let). Serves must be played diagonally, and both feet must remain within the service box. The server alternates between left and right service courts after each point won.

Scoring System
The final match results for each team, will be the total of each of the 12 minute games played by the team added together. A win in a 12-minute game earns 1 point for the team. The team with the most points after all three rounds wins the match. A total of 9 points are available per match night. Standings are based on:

3 points for a win.

1 point for a draw.

0 points for a loss.

Court Boundaries & Gameplay (Doubles)

Matches follow the standard Badminton England rules for doubles play:

Service Boundaries: Serve must land within the short and wide service area (inside the first sideline, up to the back boundary).

Gameplay Boundaries: The full wider court is used for doubles rallies (includes the alleys). Faults include:

Serving above the waist.

Shuttlecock landing outside the designated boundaries.

Double hits or carrying the shuttle.

Touching the net with any body part or racket.

Stepping into the opponent’s side.

Player Conduct

Respectful behaviour towards umpires, opponents, and teammates is expected. Excessive arguing, aggressive behaviour, or misconduct may result in warnings or match disqualification.

Match Scheduling and Forfeits

Matches are scheduled weekly. If a team is unable to play, they must notify Play Badminton no later than 5pm. If we are notified after 5pm you team will pay a forfeit fee of £45. If a team does forfeit the score will be recorded as 10-0 for the opposing team. Teams can borrow players from other teams in the league to avoid forfeiting. If a match is interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., injury, venue issue), the score at that moment will be recorded.

Weather & Venue Conditions

The majority of our badminton leagues are played inside so matches will go ahead regardless of weather conditions. If the courts are deemed unsafe (e.g., water damage, faulty lighting), matches may be postponed and moved to the end of the current season to allow games to still be played.

League Registration and Payment

Players must register online as an individual or as a team. All our leagues are completely cashless so all payments are made online through our Magic League system. Players are automatically re-enrolled in the next season unless they opt out by the given deadline.

League Withdrawal

Players can exit the league at the end of a season by providing at least two weeks’ notice before the final fixture. Refund policies are in line with league terms and conditions.

Injury and Player Safety

Players are responsible for their own health and safety during matches. First aid kit is available at the venue. It is strongly advised that pregnant players do not participate.