Play Etiquette
New Players and guests joining the club will automatically be assigned “C” rating. Existing players in C and B will be moved up a group respectively so that each group has an even number of players after the seeding tournament.
During normal practice days, all players will play within their groups on designated courts for the first 2 hours only. Thereafter, players can mix and play with other groups and all courts will be considered open play.
Invitation to play in a different group to be limited to 1 per day. Explanation (Group A player can invite a player from C or B or vice versa as long as other members of the inviting group are in agreement
1. Provide Shuttlecocks – Goose Feather Birds Only – Plastic Not Allowed
In recreational play, players need to provide their own shuttlecocks for their games. Unfortunately, some players seem to never provide shuttlecocks of their own and rely on someone else to provide them for the game. Understandingly, shuttlecocks are expensive. However, while conserving or using other people’s shuttlecocks sounds like a good idea for your own wallet, pushing the burden on someone else is unfair and stingy. Each player should provide shuttlecocks evenly and should not need to be reminded to do so. Players who do not provide shuttlecocks are noticed by others and will be talked about behind their backs.
If you play often or go through shuttlecocks quickly, you may want to consider buying shuttlecocks in bulk to get a lower price per tube. Get a group of your badminton friends together and each buy a few tubes from a wholesale purchase at your local badminton shop to get a decent discount.
Note: If you are having financial issues but still want to play badminton, it is reasonable if you do not provide shuttlecocks. If you play with a group of friends, communicate your situation to them and they will (hopefully) understand and provide shuttlecocks in your place.
2. Pass the shuttlecock to your opponent
When you lose a point and the shuttlecock is on your side of the court or near the net, make the effort to get the shuttlecock and pass it back to your opponent. Don’t expect your opponent to pick it up. You lost the point, you (or your partner) pick it up.
*Do Not Just Hit The Bird With Frustration to the Side of the Opponent – Try to pass it to the player who will be serving*
3. Shake hands with your opponent
This is the most basic and important gesture of good sportsmanship in just about any sport. It is an acknowledgment of your opponent’s effort and a way to thank your opponent for the game. Not shaking your opponent’s hand after a game shows disrespect and even hostility.
4. Judge line calls fairly
Call the shuttlecock in or out to the best of your ability. It is understandable to make mistakes when the shuttlecock falls very close to the line, but purposely gaining points from bad calls is outright cheating. If you are unsure of a line call, give it to your opponent
5. Don’t serve before your opponents are ready
In doubles, some players try to surprise their opponents with flick serves by serving quickly. This takes advantage of players not being ready to start the rally rather than not expecting the flick serve. This tactic is borderline cheating if done intentionally. While it is most commonly done with the flick serve, this applies to other serves as well. Wait a few seconds for your opponent to be ready. On the other hand, don’t take too long to get ready.
6. Don’t distract your opponent during a rally
This would actually be considered a fault in tournament play. In recreational play, don’t have a conversation with someone else or try to scare your opponent. This applies to spectators of the game as well. Communicating short phrases like “in!” or “out!” to your partner is okay. Communicating the same phrases to your opponent(s) is not.
7. Don’t constantly teach others how to play
When this happens, it is usually when a less experienced player partners with a more experienced player. The experienced player may try to tell the less experienced player where to move and how to hit. While it’s admirable to help others, some do it far too often. If the player did not ask for help, the continual teaching will just become annoying.