Badminton World Federation held its annual meeting this month and proposed quite a few changes in the sport of badminton. Only some of these changes are approved up till now while some are being pondered upon further by BWF. The new approved rules will be implemented at the biggest event of Badminton this year, the England Open.
Former and current players from all over the world have mocked this decision by the BWF to introduce new rules into this game and potentially put the future of this game to a risk.
So, what exactly are these rules that we will witness in the England’s Open? Allsportspk presents you with the new rules that are already in play and those which are under consideration:
Experimental Service Law
Previously, when a player serviced the shuttle it had to be below a player’s waist however, according to the new rule a player has to keep the shuttle 1.15 meters above the court’s surface before serving. After the implantation of this rule in the England Open it will be very difficult for tall players to serve correctly which will reflect clearly in their performance.
A Change in Scoring System
This rule is not yet endorsed and will be pondered upon further in the meeting held by BWF in May. According to this rule, there will be a best of five format as opposed to the three-game structure that is currently in fashion nowadays.
Reduce On-Court Coaching
This rule also awaits endorsing by the ACM. The current rules allow on-court coaching at the 11-point lemon break and also after each game is finished. But contrary to this BWF is demanding to reduce this time as much as possible.
Mandatory Participation
This rule has been in effect since the start of 2018. This rule states that it is obligatory for the top ranked 15 male & female to participate in at least 12 events in an individual season. If they fail to do so they will be liable to pay a fine.
So, how are these rules going to impact Badminton and what be its long term affects?
Well the service rule will clearly impact the tall players as due to their height they might not be able to service properly causing them to lose a point or maybe two due to wrong service.
The idea of a scoring system change (if approved) or the on-court coaching rule has also not been widely accepted as players have come out and spoken against them in an open fashion.
And lastly the 12-tournament rule, which is outright flawed as this gives virtually no time to a player who has slow recovery time if he gets an injury and thus he will have to pay a fine.
The question that comes up here is that what is logic behind BWF proposing all these rules?
Well, this is a question that we do not have an answer to. Similarly, the professional badminton players also have no clue as to why the BWF is so keen on changing these rules.
Meanwhile, the BWF is left to ponder on their suggestions regarding these rules and what their plans are regarding the future of this sport.
