RTTO

PART II

SECTION 2

RECOMMENDATIONS TO TECHNICAL OFFICIALS

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 The Recommendations to technical officials are issued by the BWF in its desire to standardise the
control of the game in all countries and in accordance with its Rules.

1.2 The purpose of these Recommendations is to advise umpires how to control a match firmly and
with fairness, without being officious, while ensuring that the Laws of the game are observed.
These Recommendations also give guidance to service judges and line judges as to how to carry
out their duties.

1.3 All technical officials shall remember that the game is for the players.

2. OFFICIALS AND THEIR DECISIONS

2.1 An umpire shall report to and acts under the authority of the Referee (Law 17.2) (or the
responsible official in the absence of a Referee).

2.2 A service judge shall normally be appointed by the Referee but can be replaced by the Referee or
by the umpire in consultation with each other (Law 17.6.4).

2.3 Line judges shall normally be appointed by the Referee, but a line judge can be replaced by the
Referee or by the umpire in consultation with each other (Law 17.6.4).

2.4 An official’s decision shall be final on all points of fact for which that official is responsible
except that if, in the opinion of the umpire, it is beyond reasonable doubt that a line judge has
clearly made a wrong call, the umpire shall overrule the decision of the line judge (Law 17.5) or
where an Instant Review System is in operation the system in operation shall decide on any line
call challenge using the review system (Law 17.5.2). If, in the opinion of the umpire, the line
judge needs to be replaced, the umpire shall call the Referee (Law 17.6.4, Recommendation 2.3).

2.5 When another official is unsighted, the umpire shall make the decision. When no decision can be
given, a ‘let’ shall be called (Law 17.6.6).

2.6 The umpire shall be in charge of the court and its immediate surrounds. The umpire’s jurisdiction
shall exist from entering the court before the match until leaving the court after the match (Law
17.2).

3. RECOMMENDATIONS TO UMPIRES

3.1 Before the match, the umpire shall:

3.1.1 obtain the score-sheet from the Referee;

3.1.2 ensure that any scoring device to be used is working;

3.1.3 see that the posts are on the doubles side lines (Law 1.5);

3.1.4 check the net for the height and ensure that there are no gaps between the ends of the net
and the net posts;

3.1.5 ascertain whether there are any bye-laws regarding the shuttle hitting an obstruction;

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3.1.6 ensure that the service judge and the line judges know their duties and that they are
correctly placed (Sections 5 and 6);

3.1.7 ensure that a sufficient quantity of tested shuttles (Law 3) is readily available for the
match in order to avoid delays during play;

(It is customary for the umpire to delegate the duties specified in Recommendations
3.1.3, 3.1.4 and 3.1.7 to the service judge, where one is appointed);

3.1.8 check that the players’ clothing conforms to the relevant Regulations concerning colour,
designs, lettering and advertising, and ensure that any violations are rectified. Any
decision that the clothing was in violation of the Regulations (or was nearly so) shall be
advised to the Referee or appropriate official before the match or, if this is not possible,
immediately after the match;

3.1.9 carry out the toss fairly and ensure that the winning side and the losing side exercise their
choices correctly (Law 6). Note the choices of the ends;

3.1.10 note, in the case of doubles, the names of the players starting in the right service court.
Similar notes shall be made at the start of each game. (This enables a check to be made
at any time to see if the players are in the correct service court);

3.2 To start the match, the umpire shall announce the match using the appropriate announcement
from the following and point to the right or to the left at the appropriate words in the
announcement. (W, X, Y, Z being names of the players and A, B, C, D being names of the
countries represented.)

Singles

Tournament

“Ladies and Gentlemen; on my right, ‘X, A’; and on my left, ‘Y, B’. ‘X’ to serve; love all; play.”

Team Championship

“Ladies and Gentlemen; on my right, ‘A’, represented by ‘X’; and on my left, ‘B’, represented by
‘Y’. ‘A’ to serve; love all; play.”

Doubles

Tournament

“Ladies and Gentlemen; on my right, ‘W, A’ and ‘X, B’; and on my left, ‘Y, C’ and ‘Z, D’. ‘X’ to
serve to ‘Y’; love all; play.”

If doubles partners represent the same country, announce the country name after announcing both
players’ names. e. g. ‘W and X, A’

Team Championship

“Ladies and Gentlemen; on my right, ‘A’, represented by ‘W’ and ‘X’; and on my left, ‘B’,
represented by ‘Y’ and ‘Z’. ‘A’ to serve; ‘X’ to ‘Y’; love all; play.”

The calling of “Play” constitutes the start of a match.

3.3 During the match

3.3.1 The umpire shall:

3.3.1.1 use the standard vocabulary in Appendix 4 of the Laws of Badminton;

3.3.1.2 record and call the score. Always call the server’s score first;

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3.3.1.3 during the service, if a service judge is appointed, especially watch the
receiver. The Umpire may also call service fault, if necessary;

3.3.1.4 if possible, keep aware of the status of any scoring device;

3.3.1.5 raise the right hand above the umpire’s head, if assistance is needed from
the Referee or the left hand when a decision is required from the referee on
any line call challenge using the Instant Review System; and

3.3.1.6 raise the left hand above the Umpire’s head when a decision is required
from the system in operation on any line call review using the Instant
Review System.

3.3.2 When a side loses a rally and thereby the right to continue serving (Law 10.3.2, 11.3.2),
call:

“Service over”

followed by the score in favour of the new serving side; if necessary, at the same time
pointing the appropriate hand towards the new server and the correct service court.

3.3.3 “Play” shall only be called by the umpire:

3.3.3.1 to indicate that a match or a game is to start or that a game after interval or
after changing the ends is to continue;

3.3.3.2 to indicate that play is to resume after a break; or

3.3.3.3 to indicate that the umpire is instructing players to resume play.

3.3.4 “Fault” shall be called by the umpire when a ‘fault’ occurs, except as follows:

3.3.4.1 a ‘fault’ of the server (Law 9.1) called by the service judge under Laws
13.1 shall be acknowledged by the umpire by calling “Service fault called”.
The umpire shall call a ‘fault’ of the receiver by calling “Fault receiver”;

3.3.4.2 a ‘fault’ occurring under Law 13.3.1, for which the line judge’s call and
signal suffices (Recommendation 6.2); and

3.3.4.3 ‘faults’ occurring under Laws 13.2.1, 13.2.2 or 13.3.2 which shall only be
called if clarification is needed for the players or the spectators.

3.3.5 During each game when the leading score reaches 11 points (or appropriate score for
matches being played using other scoring systems as outlined in Part II Section 1B
Appendix 3) call “Service over”, where appropriate, followed by the score immediately
after the rally scoring the 11th point has ended followed “Interval”, regardless of
applause. This constitutes the start of interval allowed under Law 16.2.1. During each
interval, the service judge, where appointed, shall ensure that the court is mopped during
the interval.

3.3.6 In the interval during the games when the leading score reaches 11 points (Law 16.2.1 or
appropriate score for matches being played using other scoring systems as outlined in
Part II Section 1B Appendix 3)), after 40 seconds have elapsed, call:

“[Court ...], 20 seconds”. Repeat the call.

In the intervals (Law 16.2.1) during the first and second game, and in the third game
after the players have changed the ends, each side may be joined on the court by not
more than two persons.. These persons shall leave the court when the umpire calls “... 20
seconds”.

To start the game after the interval, repeat the score followed by “Play”.

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If the players do not claim the interval under Law 16.2.1, play in that game shall proceed
without an interval.

3.3.7 Extended game:

3.3.7.1 When leading side reaches 20 points, in each game, call “Game point” or
“Match point”, as applicable.

3.3.7.2 If a side reaches 29 points, in each game and for each side, call “Game
point” or “Match point”, as applicable.

3.3.7.3 The calls in Recommendation 3.3.7.1 and 3.3.7.2 shall always immediately
follow the server’s score and precede the receiver’s score.

3.3.8 At the end of each game, “Game” must always be called immediately after the
conclusive rally has ended, regardless of applause. Where appropriate this constitutes the
start of any interval allowed under Law 16.2.2.

After the first game ends, call:

“First game won by ….. [name(s) of player(s), or team (in a team championship)] …..
[score]”.

After the second game ends, call:

“Second game won by ….. [name(s) of player(s), or team (in a team championship)] …..
[score]; One game all”.

At the end of each game, the service judge, where appointed, shall ensure that the court
is mopped during the interval and place the interval board, if provided, at the centre
below the net.

If a game wins the match, call instead:

“Match won by ….. [name(s) of player(s), or team (in a team championship)] …..
[scores]”.

3.3.9 In the intervals between the first and second game and between the second and third
game (Law 16.2.2), after 100 seconds have elapsed, call:

“[Court ...] 20 seconds”. Repeat the call.

In the intervals (Law 16.2.2) between two games each side may be joined on the court by
no more than two persons. These persons shall join the side after the players have
changed the ends, and shall leave the court when the umpire calls “... 20 seconds”.

3.3.10 To start the second game, call:

“Second game; love all; play”.

If there is to be a third game, to start the third game, call:

“Final game; love all; play”.

3.3.11 In the third game, or in a match of one game, call “Service over”, where appropriate,
followed by the score, followed by “Interval; change ends” when the leading score
reaches 11 points (Law 8.1.3). To start the game after the interval, repeat the score,
followed by “Play”.

3.3.12 After the end of the match immediately take the completed score-sheet to the Referee.

3.4 Line calls

3.4.1 The umpire shall always look to the line judge(s) when the shuttle lands close to a line
and always when the shuttle lands out, however far. The line judge shall be entirely
responsible for the decision except Recommendation 3.4.2 or 3.4.4 below.

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3.4.2 If, in the opinion of the umpire, it is beyond reasonable doubt, a line judge has clearly
made a wrong call, the umpire shall call:

3.4.2.1 “Correction, IN”, if the shuttle has landed “in”; or

3.4.2.2 “Correction, OUT”, if the shuttle has landed “out”.

3.4.3 In the absence of a line judge or if the line judge is unsighted, the umpire shall
immediately call:

3.4.3.1 “Out” before calling the score when the shuttle lands outside the line; or

3.4.3.2 the score, when the shuttle lands in; or

3.4.3.3 “Let” when the umpire is also unsighted. When an Instant Review System
is in operation, the Umpire shall request a decision from the system in
operation. The Umpire shall call “Unsighted”, and at the same time raise
the left hand above the Umpire’s head.

3.4.4 If the line call by the line judge (Recommendations 6.2, 6.3) or the overrule by the umpire
(Recommendation 3.4.2 and 3.4.3) is challenged by a player / pair / country where an Instant
Review System is in operation (Law 17.5.2, Part II, Section 1B, Appendix 7), the umpire shall
ensure that the player / pair has a valid right to challenge. The player should clearly say
“Challenge” to the Umpire and at the same time, make a clear signal by raising the arm.

3.4.4.1 If there is a right to challenge remaining the umpire shall call: “…..[name of
the player who challenges] challenges. Called [IN / OUT, as appropriate].”, at
the same time raising the left hand above the Umpire’s head.

3.4.4.2 The system in operation will review the call by using the Instant
Review System and indicate to the umpire the result of the challenge by giving
the final call IN, OUT, or NO DECISION.

3.4.4.3 To announce the result of the challenge, call:

 If challenge is successful:
“Correction, IN” or “Correction, OUT” [as appropriate]. Thereafter call
“Service over”, where appropriate, followed by the score. Call “Play”.

 If challenge is unsuccessful: “Challenge unsuccessful” [“one” or “no”, as

appropriate] challenge remaining.” “Service over”, where appropriate,
followed by the score. Call “Play”.

 If the final call is “No Decision” then “Let” shall be given on review of
a call “Unsighted”, otherwise the original, challenged decision stands.

3.5 During the match, the following situations shall be watched for and dealt with as detailed.

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3.5.1 A player throwing a racket into the opponent’s court or sliding under the net (and who
also thereby obstructs or distracts an opponent), shall be faulted under Law 13.4.2 or
13.4.3 respectively.

3.5.2 A shuttle invading from an adjacent court shall not automatically be considered a “let”.
A “let” shall not be called if, in the opinion of the umpire, such invasion:

3.5.2.1 has gone unnoticed by the players; or

3.5.2.2 has not obstructed or distracted the players.

3.5.3 A player shouting to a partner who is about to hit the shuttle shall not necessarily be
regarded as distracting the opponents. Calling ‘no shot’, ‘fault’, etc. shall be considered
as distraction (Law 13.4.5).

3.5.4 Players leaving the court

3.5.4.1 Ensure that the players do not leave the court without the umpire’s
permission except during the intervals as described in Law 16.2. (Law
16.5.2)

3.5.4.2 Any offending side may have to be reminded that leaving the court needs
the umpire’s permission (Law 16.5.2). If necessary, Law 16.7 shall be
applied. However, change of a racket at courtside during a rally is
permitted.

3.5.4.3 During the game, if play is not held up, the players may be allowed to have
a quick towel and / or drink at the discretion of the umpire.

3.5.4.4 If the court needs to be mopped, the players shall be within the court before
the mopping is over.

3.5.5 Delays and suspension

Ensure that the players do not deliberately cause any delay in, or suspension of play
(Law 16.4). Any unnecessary walk around the court shall be prevented. If necessary,
Law 16.7 shall be applied.

3.5.6 Coaching from off the court

3.5.6.1 Coaching from off the court (Law 16.5.1) shall be prevented in any form
from the moment when the players are ready to play and while the shuttle
is in play.

3.5.6.2 Ensure that:

3.5.6.2.1 the coaches are seated in the designated seats and do not stand
court-side during the match except during the permitted
intervals (Law 16.2);

3.5.6.2.2 there is no distraction or disruption to play by any coach;

3.5.6.2.3 the coaches do not attempt to communicate in any way with

opposing players or Coaches or Team Officials during the
course of a match; or uses any electronic device for any
purpose.

3.5.6.3 If, in the opinion of the umpire, play is disrupted or a player of the
opposing side is distracted by a coach, a “let” shall be called (Law 14.2.5).
The Referee shall be called immediately, on recurrence of such incident.

3.5.6.4 The Referee shall ensure that the Code of Conduct for Coaches and Team
Officials (Part III, Section 1A, Appendix 9) is adhered to.

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3.5.7 Change of shuttle

3.5.7.1 Changing the shuttle during the match shall not be unfair. The umpire shall
decide if the shuttle needs to be changed.

3.5.7.2 A shuttle whose speed or flight has been interfered with shall be discarded
and Law 16.7 applied, if necessary.

3.5.7.3 The Referee shall be the sole judge for deciding the speed of the shuttles to
be used. If both sides wish to change the speed of shuttle, the Referee shall
be called immediately. The Referee shall get the shuttle tested for speed, if
necessary.

3.5.8 Injury or sickness during a match

3.5.8.1 Injury or sickness during a match should be handled carefully and flexibly.
The umpire must determine the severity of the problem as quickly as
possible. The Referee shall be called on the court, if necessary.

The Referee shall decide on whether a medical official or any other persons
are required on court. The medical official should examine the player and
advise the player about the severity of the injury or sickness. No treatment
causing undue delay shall be administered on the court.

If there is bleeding, the game should be delayed until the bleeding stops or
the wound is suitably protected.

3.5.8.2 The Referee should advise the umpire of the time that may be required for
the player to resume play. The Umpire shall monitor the elapsed time.

3.5.8.3 The Umpire shall ensure that the opposing side is not put at a disadvantage.
Laws 16.4, 16.5, 16.6.1, and 16.7 shall be applied appropriately.

3.5.8.4 When appropriate, when there is injury, illness or other unavoidable

hindrance, ask the player:

“Are you retiring?”

and if the answer is affirmative, call

“….. [name of player] retired, match won by ….. [name of player(s) / team,
as appropriate]... [score]”.

3.5.9 Mobile Phone

If a player’s mobile phone rings on the court or its immediate surroundings, during a
match, it shall be considered to be an offence under Law 16.6.4 and shall be penalised
appropriately as per Law 16.7.

3.5.10 Player’s conduct on the court

3.5.10.1 The Umpire shall ensure that players conduct on the court is honourable
and in a sportsmanlike manner.

3.5.10.2 Any breach of Players’ Code of Conduct Regulations 4.5 to 4.7, and 4.11 to
4.17 (Part III, Section 1A, Appendix 4) shall be considered to be an offence
under Law 16.6.4.

3.6 Suspension of play

If play has to be suspended, call:

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“Play is suspended”

and record the score, server, receiver, correct service courts and ends. When play resumes, note
the duration of suspension, ensure that the players have taken the correct positions and call:

“Are you ready?”

Call the score and “Play”.

3.7 Misconduct

3.7.1 Record and report to the Referee any incident of

misconduct and the action taken.

3.7.2 When the umpire has to administer a breach of Law

16.4.1, 16.5.2, or 16.6 by issuing a warning to the
offending side (Law 16.7.1.1), call “Come here” to
the offending player and call:

“… [name of player], warning for misconduct”

at the same time raising the right hand holding a

yellow card above the umpire’s head.

3.7.3 When the umpire has to administer a flagrant or

persistent breach of Law 16.2, 16.4.1, 16.5.2 or 16.6
by faulting the offending side (Law 16.7.1.2, or
16.7.1.3) and reporting the offending side
immediately to the Referee with a view to
disqualification, call “Come here” to the offending
player and call:

“… [name of player], fault for misconduct”

at the same time raising the right hand holding a red

card above the umpire’s head, and calling the
Referee.

3.7.4 When the Referee decides to disqualify the offending player or pair of players, a black
card is given to the umpire. The umpire shall call “Come here” to the offending player or
pair and call:

“… [name of player(s)], disqualified for misconduct ”

at the same time raising the right hand holding a black card above the umpire’s head.

Any disqualification for misconduct shall render a player disqualified for the entire
tournament or championship.

3.7.5 Misconduct during intervals (Law 16.2) is treated as misconduct during a game. This
should be followed by the appropriate call in either of recommendations 3.7.2 to 3.7.3
immediately on occurrence of misconduct. At the start of play after the interval, call,

“…game; love all” (after intervals between games)

Or call

“11 – [score]” (after intervals at 11 points).

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Only in cases of administration of misconduct under Law 16.7.1.2 or 16.7.1.3, the

Umpire shall call

“…..[name of player], faulted”

Thereafter, call “Service over”, where appropriate followed by the score.

Call “Play”.

If the player is disqualified by the Referee, call

“…[name of player], disqualified for misconduct”

Thereafter, call in Recommendation 3.3.8.

3.7.6 Misconduct before and after the match while on court, shall be treated as in RTTO 3.7.2
to 3.7.4, as appropriate. Record and report any incident of such misconduct to the
Referee and the action taken. However, it shall have no effect on the score of the match.

4. GENERAL ADVICE ON UMPIRING

This section gives general advice which shall be followed by the Umpires.

4.1 Know and understand the Laws of Badminton.

4.2 Call promptly and with authority, but, if a mistake is made, admit it, apologise and correct it.

4.3 Make all announcements and calling of the score distinctly and loudly enough to be heard clearly
by players and the spectators.

4.4 Do not call a ‘fault’ and allow the game to proceed, if a doubt arises in your mind as to whether
an infringement of the Laws has occurred or not.

4.5 Never ask the spectators nor be influenced by them or their remarks.

4.6 Motivate your other technical officials, e.g. by discreetly acknowledging the decisions of line
judges and establishing a working relationship with them.

4.7 Wear the appropriate uniform, including following the Clothing Regulations for Umpires where a
uniform has not been provided (refer to GCR 24).

5. INSTRUCTIONS TO SERVICE JUDGES

5.1 The service judge shall sit on a low chair by the post, preferably opposite the umpire.

5.2 The service judge is responsible for judging that the server delivers a correct service (Law 9.1.2 to
Law 9.1.9). If not, call “Fault” loudly and use the approved hand signal to indicate the type of
infringement.

5.3 The approved hand signals are:

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Law 9.1.8

During the delivery of service (Law 9.2, 9.3),

the movement of the server’s racket does not
continuously move forward.

Laws 9.1.3 and 9.1.4

During the delivery of service (Law 9.2 9.3)

the server and or the receiver are not standing
within diagonally opposite service courts, if
they are touching a boundary line of these
service courts, or if one or both feet are not in
contact with the service court, and in a
stationary position until the service is
delivered.

Law 9.1.5

Initial point of contact of server’s racket

with the shuttle not on the base of the shuttle.

Law 9.1.6

The whole shuttle at the instant of being hit by

server’s racket not below the server’s waist.

For the Fixed Height Experiment: The whole

shuttle at the instant of being hit not below
1.10 metres from the surface of the court.

Law 9.1.7

At the instant of hitting the shuttle, the shaft

of the server’s racket not pointing in a
downward direction.

5.4 The umpire may arrange with the service judge any extra duties to be undertaken, provided that
the players are so advised.

6. INSTRUCTIONS TO LINE JUDGES

6.1 The line judges shall sit on chairs in prolongation of their lines at the ends and sides of the court
and preferably at the side opposite to the umpire. (See diagrams).

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6.2 A line judge shall be entirely responsible for the line(s) assigned except that the umpire shall
overrule the call of the line judge, if beyond reasonable doubt, in the opinion of the umpire, a line
judge has clearly made a wrong call or the referee shall supersede the line call by the line judge or
the overrule by the Umpire if challenged by a player / pair where an Instant Review System is in
operation (Law 17.5.2, Part II, Section 1B, Appendix 7).

6.2.1 If the shuttle lands out, no matter how far, call “Out” promptly in a clear voice, loud
enough to be heard by the players and the spectators and, at the same time, signal by
extending both arms horizontally so that the umpire can see clearly.

6.2.2 If the shuttle lands in, the line judge shall say nothing, but point to the line with the right
hand.

6.3 If unsighted, inform the umpire immediately by putting both hands up to cover the eyes.

6.4 Do not call or signal until the shuttle has touched the floor.

6.5 Calls shall always be made, and no anticipation made of umpiring decisions, e.g. that the shuttle
hit a player.

6.6 The approved hand signals are:

SHUTTLE IS OUT

If the shuttle lands out, no matter how far, call

“Out” promptly in a clear voice, loud enough
to be heard by the players and the spectators
and, at the same time, signal by extending both
arms horizontally so that the umpire can see
clearly.

SHUTTLE IS IN

If the shuttle lands in, say nothing, but point to

the line with your right hand.

IF UNSIGHTED

If unsighted, inform the umpire immediately by

holding your hands to cover your eyes.

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POSITIONS OF LINE JUDGES

Where practical, it is recommended that the line judges’ positions be 2.5 to 3.5 metres from the court
boundaries and, in any arrangement, the line judges’ positions be protected from encroachment by any outside
influence, e.g. by photographers.

X indicates the positions of the line judges

Singles

Doubles

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