Skip To Main Content

Laurier Recreation - Waterloo Campus

Badminton Rules

Team Composition 

  • Rosters may not be larger than 3 total players 
  • A game may not proceed with less than 2 players. An exception can be made if an injury occurs during a game 
  • In the mixed gender league, teams may not have more than 1 players of any gender on the court at one time 

Game Procedures 

  • Each match will be timed 40 minutes 
  • All matches are a best out of 3 sets. The first two sets are to 21 points. The third set, if necessary is to 15 points with a hard cap. There is no win by 2 format 
  • Teams switch sides between each set. If a 3rd set is played, teams switch sides when one team reaches 7 points 
  • The score must be repeated before each serve 
  • At the end of 40 minutes, if the third set has not been completed, the leading team will be awarded the set 
  • Default matches will result in a score of 2-0 
  • If both teams default, it will result in a score of 0-0 
  • Matches are self-officiated 
    • The team where the shuttlecock lands on determines whether it is in or out. If they are uncertain, assume it landed in bounds 
  • To determine first serve, a player will hit the shuttlecock up into the air. Whichever side the base of the shuttlecock is pointing, that team will receive first service 

Rules of Play

Badminton Canada Laws of Badminton Apply with the following 
  • Service Line: The second last line towards the back of the server’s court. Serves must be hit towards the opposite sides main box. This box is between the first line by the net, the shortest back line, and the widest line on the court. (Short and Wide) 
  • When serving, rackets must remain below the last rib and feet must remain behind the service line 
  • Main Rally: During a rally, any part of the court is considered in play. Only the widest and longest lines mark the out-of-bounds territory. 
  • Rackets may not cross over the net unless it is a follow through. This will result in a point awarded to the opposing team 
  • Rackets may not hit the net at any time and results in a point for the opposing team 
  • Missing the shuttlecock during a serve is a fault and a point is rewarded to the opposing team 
  • If the shuttlecock hits the ceiling it is considered a re-serve