Rules as at September 2024 (as amended at May 24 AGM)
All matches shall be played under the rules laid down by Badminton England with the exception of the recently amended rule on serving. The original serving rules shall apply (see section 8 below).
For the complete book of rules go to: BWF Badminton Rules
League points shall be awarded on the basis of one point per each match game won.
At the end of the match, all aces will be totalled and an additional bonus point shall be awarded to each team for every complete 50 aces scored in the match by that team.
The Match Secretary will calculate the aces for each team from the scorecard and award the points.
All matches shall consist of 18 games played to 21 points. Change of ends shall occur at the first score of 11 points, except when pairs are playing two consecutive games against each other (change of ends will be at the end of the first game).
The top two teams in any division other than the first division are to be placed above the bottom two teams in the higher division at the end of the season. The MC will use this order of merit to determine the division in which a team is placed in the following season.
Where a club has more than one team in the League, the ‘B’ team must not be in a higher division than the ‘A’ team, nor the ‘C’ higher than the ‘B’, and so on.
In the event of a tie on points, league positions will be determined by games won, and where these are also level, on aces scored.
Matches shall start promptly at whatever the club start time is.
The home team shall provide the scorecard and insert their players and order of play first, followed by the visiting team. Full names must match the registration form exactly. A point will be deducted for each incorrect name.
Matches shall start at 7.30pm unless otherwise agreed. In cases of late arrival, clubs may claim the first game 15 minutes after the official start time, and at subsequent 15‑minute intervals if the opponents are not ready to play.
On completion of the match, the scorecard shall be signed by both captains and the home team must enter the results on the ORBL website within 1 week. Failure to do so may result in 2 points being deducted.
Please complete the sportsmanship award and indicate where any players have played up or down (see rule 7).
Each team shall consist of 6 players, in any combination of male and female players.
To fulfil a fixture, clubs may play a maximum of 2 players down to the immediate lower team. These should not be the club’s best players.
If a player is injured during a match and cannot continue, the game is lost but a replacement from the remaining five players may complete the remaining games. The opposition chooses the replacement.
Players may take part in only one match at one venue on any given evening.
At the request of either team, an umpire shall be in charge of each game and shall be provided alternately by each team. If players disagree and the umpire cannot decide, a ‘Let’ shall be allowed.
A good quality feather shuttlecock shall be used. The home team must provide sufficient shuttles.
A shuttle is correct pace if struck underhand from the back boundary line and lands 530mm to 990mm short of the opposite back boundary line.
The BE system of 21 points per game shall be used. A point is awarded on every rally. A game must be won by 2 clear points unless the score reaches 29‑all, in which case the next point wins.
The ceiling on the opponent’s side of the net, and all protrusions over the court area, shall be a let.
Each club shall register players in duplicate and submit to the League Treasurer (copy to Results Secretary).
Minimum registrations: 8 players for the lowest team; 6 for higher teams; 8 if the club has only one team.
New players may be registered on match night (max 2), with fees forwarded. Last date: 31 January, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
All clubs must nominate all teams before the season. Up to 2 players may play down from the immediate higher team to fulfil a fixture (see rule 7).
The MC may issue directions if clubs are not acting in the spirit of the game.
Matches may only be postponed if a venue is unavailable. All matches must be completed by the last day of April.
The team responsible for an unplayed match will be deducted 10 points.
Transfers require MC or Press/Results Secretary approval. Players must have settled financial obligations. Last date: last day of February, with exceptions for new/inexperienced players.
Note: When pairs play consecutive games, the second game should start with the serve going to the pair that won the first game.
Filming or photography is generally not permitted. If specifically requested, express permission must be obtained from club officials and all persons likely to be included.
All clubs should be represented at the pre‑season Secretaries’ Meeting.
Clubs not attending (without valid reason) will pay double the rate per player for registrations.
Standard registration fee: £3 per player. Non‑attending clubs: £6 per player.
Registration fee per player per club: £3.00/adult, under 18 free (Amended 16‑05‑24)
Failure to pay outstanding monies within 28 days: surcharge £5.00