HomeAs with any other sport, badminton has a number of unspoken rules that experienced players are simply supposed to know and abide by. Call them norms or badminton culture, these rules are in place to ensure fair games and sportsmanship for everyone.
Court Time
Depending on where you play, you may encounter gyms with a lot of player and not many courts to play on, creating a resource scarcity. To compound this issue, may public facilities do not actively manage court time and thus the players are left to police themselves on the court. When faced with this situation, it is generally accepted that four people should occupy a court at a time thus eliminating the possibility of singles play but maximizing the number people able to play at once. It is generally understood that doubles matches should allow for about 45min. of court time (or one entire doubles match, whichever is quicker), after which, the players should vacate the court and allow waiting players to have a turn. It is considered bad practice for a player/s who finished on one court to immediately jump onto another court while people are waiting. Unfortunately, you will likely encounter individuals who feel privileged enough that they “beat” someone onto a court and thus feel that they can play another round. If you have been waiting for the court, politely approach the individual/s and tell them that you saw them just finish on another court and inform them that you have been waiting to play on this court.
Occasionally, you will encounter a facility that actively manages player court time (BPAC in San Diego is one such facility). Here, you and your playing partners generally have to sign up with an administrator who will schedule you a court and time to play. These facilities generally do allow for singles play but the time will be reduced, often to about 30min. Facilities like these are good for beginning players as there is no pressure from experienced players to take over your court time. However, as the crowd grows, you are likely to get less opportunities to play as scheduling can fill up fast.
Shuttle Etiquette
When playing with strangers, it is considered good practice to bring one or two shuttles onto the court to play with. Generally, you will only go through 2-3 shuttles during the match but you don’t want to be seen as the leech that never contributes shuttles during friendly matches. Some players may always insist on using their own shuttles (generally because they are used to the flight characteristics and don’t want to change) and that’s fine if you don’t have a problem with it. I generally don’t care either way as I like to be adaptable to different shuttles and play conditions…it just makes you a better player. Do not ask people whom you don’t know to borrow shuttles from; especially if they are not playing with you. This is akin to showing up at a sandwich shop and expecting them you give you a free sandwich just because you showed up. No shuttles, no racket, you don’t play.
Game Manners
When playing with strangers, it is considered good manners to introduce yourself before the match begins. Introduce yourself not only to your partner but also to your opponents. A smile, a first name, and a hand shake can go a long way in building friendships and making the game a positive experience. Depending on the type of game being played, always try to keep things friendly. Highly competitive games can be played while also keeping your cool and respecting the other players. If you hit someone with the shuttle, be it on purpose or by accident, raise your hand and give an apology; experienced players will understand that that is how the game is played. If a player makes a good shot, say so; appreciate their skills and they will appreciate yours. Communicate with your partner in a doubles match. If they make a mistake, don’t come down on them. Tell them it was a close shot or that they will make it next time. Nobody wants to play with an emotionally cold and overly competitive person. When the match is finished, meet at the net to shake hands and thank your opponents and your partner for a good game.
Moving Around the Gym
Badminton is a fast and fun sport, but it can also be a dangerous one. Most gyms are not specifically designed for badminton and as such, the lines and layout of the gym are often not ideal for crowded badminton play. While not on the court, it is important to be respectful of both the game and the safety of yourself and other players. Always try to walk as far away from the boundary lines of any court that is in play. Never cross the lines or walk through a court where people are playing…even if they have yet to start a game; it is dangerous and impolite. Occasionally, you will find that you may need to walk by a game in progress where there is not a while lot of room on either side to safely pass. Patiently wait a few feet from the corner of the court until the current rally is over, raise your hand so someone on the court can see you and briskly walk by the court staying as far to the side as possible.
As a side note, when waiting your turn to get on a court, it is sometimes looked upon as an annoyance and possible safety hazard to start a rally when not on a court. Some gyms are large enough so that a few people can rally back and forth either behind or to the side of the actual courts. Use common sense judgment here. If there is plenty of room and you would not be obstructing the movement of other gym members, then you can probably start a gentle rally. But always remember that you are not on an actual court and that there may be people trying to get by and/or children playing in the area.
Obvious Rules
These rules should really not need to be said but they do occur occasionally. Never take any shuttles or rackets that do not belong to you. While you may see many used shuttles on or near a court, never assume that the owners have abandoned them. Likewise, if you find new shuttles or rackets that do not appear to belong to anyone, you should turn them in to the managers of the facility you are using to be put in lost-and-found.
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