Approved Regulation Changes - 28 February 2022

Approved Changes to Regulations

February 2022
(Yellow – Added text; Red – Text to be deleted)

BWF Statutes, Section 2.5 – Table of Offences and Penalties

Rationale: To include a penalty for breach of Laws for rackets.

Player Offences and Penalties

Offence Incidence of Penalty Amount
Breach of Laws of For every incident US$500
Badminton (Section 4.1)
Clause 4 - Racket

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BWF Statutes, Section 2.6 – Table of Offences and Penalties (Para badminton)

Rationale: To include a penalty for breach of Laws for rackets.

Player Offences and Penalties

Offence Incidence of Penalty Amount
Breach of Laws of For every incident US$500
Badminton (Section 4.1)
Clause 4 - Racket

BWF Statutes, Section 5.1 – General Competition Regulations

Rationale: To specifically reference in the General Competition Regulations that all BWF
sanctioned tournaments must run all five events.

Implementation: Exemptions to this requirement will be considered on a case-by-case basis in
2022 as a transition, and only under very exceptional circumstances. From 2023 and leading
into the next Olympic Games, and beyond, exemptions will no longer be allowed.

7.6. For BWF Sanctioned Tournaments, a Player shall not have his / her entry refused
for reasons of gender, sexual orientation, race, religion or politics.

7.6.1. Tournament organisers may limit the number of entries from a country, where the
BWF, Continental Confederations and / or Members are allowed to set qualification
standards and procedures for entry of Players (Regulation 5.6); and may limit the
number of total entries accepted into a Tournament to accommodate the size of
the Tournament (Regulations 13.1 and 13.8).

7.6.2 Tournament organisers must run a main competition which include Men’s Singles,
Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles (except in
team championships for men and women respectively). However, the BWF
reserves the right to accept Tournaments which do not comply with this
requirement.

7.6.3. Refusal of entries by a Tournament organiser for any reason other than that there
are too many entries to be accommodated (Regulations 12.1 and 12.5) requires
the specific written permission of the BWF.

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Rationale: To allow Continental Confederations to manage scheduling differently than in General
Competition Regulations 13.1.2 and 13.1.3, within their respective circuit regulations, as long
as there is no negative impact on players/teams. Continental Confederations would be allowed
to announce the schedule while still administering promotions up to the day before competition.

13.1.2 In Events with a qualifying competition, the Referee shall promote entries from
the reserve list to the qualifying draw, until the order of play for the qualifying
draw has been published, except at Grade 3 Tournaments where Continental
Confederations are allowed, should they choose, to continue promotions after the
order of play for the qualifying draw has been published. The highest-ranked
entry on the reserve list and available (as described in Regulation 12.5) can be
placed in the vacancy. Where more than one vacancy arises, the relevant places
shall be filled by drawing lots.

13.1.3 In Events without a qualifying competition, the Referee shall promote entries from
the reserve list, until the order of play for the first day(s) has been published,
except at Grade 3 Tournaments where Continental Confederations are allowed,
should they choose, to continue promotions after the order of play for the main
draw has been published. The highest-ranked entry on the reserve list and
available (as described in Regulation 12.5) can be placed in the vacancy. Where
more than one vacancy arises, the relevant places shall be filled by drawing lots.

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Rationale: To provide a recommended order for groups of seven.

16. RANKING IN TOURNAMENTS PLAYED IN GROUPS

16.4 In group play, the following order, based on the tournament ranking order, is
recommended:

Group of 3 Group of 4 Group of 5 Group of 6 Group of 7
1v3 1v4 1v5 1v6 1v7
2v3 2v4 2v4 2v6
2v3 3v5 3v5
1v3 3v5
1v2 2v4 1v4 1v4 1v6
2v5 2v5
3v4 2v5 3v6 4v7
1v2 1v3
1v3 1v5
4v5 2v6 2v7
2v3 4v5 3v6

3v4 1v5 1v4
1v2 2v3 3v7
4v6 4v6

5v6 1v3
3v4 2v4
1v2 5v7

2v3
4v5
6v7

5v6
3v4
1v2

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Rationale: To regulate advertising opportunities for the service height measuring device, similar
to existing advertising regulations for the pole of the net post.

18. ADVERTISING IN THE PLAYING AREA

18.10 The Service Height Measuring Device

18.10.1 The service height measuring device can have a maximum of two identical
emblems on the pole. Each emblem must face an end of the court, be flush with
the surface of the device and be 30 centimetres high or less and three
centimetres broad or less.

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Rationale: To specifically reference regulations for lettering on the back of the coach
jacket/shirt.

23. LETTERING ON PLAYERS’ AND COACHES’ CLOTHING

23.1. In all BWF Sanctioned Tournaments, including those organised by the BWF itself,
and Multi-sport games, each article of clothing may only have visible lettering as
provided in Regulations 23.2 to 23.5.

23.2. Colour, style and height of lettering

23.2.1. Lettering shall be in capital letters in the Roman alphabet (except as in Regulation
23.5.2), and in one single colour contrasting with that of the shirt.

23.2.2. If there is a pattern on the back of the shirt, the lettering should be on a
contrasting panel.

23.2.3. In order that the Player’s name can be seen from a distance for spectators in the
stadium and television viewers, lettering must be a minimum height of six
centimetres and a maximum height of 10 centimetres.

23.2.4. The country name must be a height of five centimetres.

23.2.5. Lettering should be horizontal, or as close to horizontal as practically possible,
and placed near the top of the shirt.

23.3. Player names

Any name of a Player appearing on the back of the shirt must be in accordance
with the Summary Sheet for GCR 21 & 23 (BWF Statutes, Section 5.3.7). On
Player clothing the Player’s name, if used, shall be identical with the name
registered as the Last Name (or an abbreviation thereof) in the BWF Player
database, and if desired, the initial(s) of the name(s) registered as the First Name
in the BWF Player database. Last Name is defined as the family name, surname
or similar name under the respective naming protocol of the Member country.

23.4. Coach names

The name of the Coach or affiliated organization is allowed on the back of the
jacket or shirt.

23.4. Country Name

The name of the Player’s or Coaches’ country may appear on the back of the shirt
and must be in accordance with the Summary Sheet for GCR 21 & 23 (BWF
Statutes, Section 5.3.7), but, if used, shall meet all requirements of Regulation
23. The country name, if used, shall be either full country name in English or
Olympic approved abbreviation.

23.5. Lettering sequence and use in advertisements

23.5.1. The sequence on the shirt from top to bottom shall be Player Name (if present),
country name (if present), and advert (if present).

23.5.2. Lettering is also allowed when it forms part of an advert permitted by Regulation
24, and falls wholly within the permitted dimensions. Such lettering can then be
in any alphabet.

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Rationale: To provide more clarity on the recommended locations for advertising on “other
articles of clothing” (e.g. shorts/skirt/lower part of dress).

24. ADVERTISING ON PLAYERS’ AND COACHES’ CLOTHING

23.1. In all BWF Sanctioned Tournaments, including those organised by the BWF itself,
and Multi-sport games, each article of clothing may only have visible lettering as
provided in Regulations 23.2 to 23.5.

24.3. Other Clothing

24.3.1. Each sock may carry two advertisements (including manufacturers’
logos/emblems) of 20 square centimetres or less. The total number of
advertisements allowed on each leg/foot is just two should a Player or Coach
wear a compression/support sock or compression/support pants (full leg) as well
as a regular sock.

24.3.2. Advertising on shoes is accepted subject to the make and model of shoe being
made available in the open market.

24.3.3. Each other article of clothing may carry one advertisement of 20 square
centimetres or less. It is recommended that the advertising be placed in the
locations noted in the Visual Guide to BWF Player Clothing Advertising Regulations
(BWF Statutes 5.1.2).

24.3.3.1. One advertisement is allowed on compression/support shorts (those not defined
as ‘underclothing in Regulation 24.3.4) or compression/support pants (full leg) as
substitute for the advertisement allowed in 24.3.3.

24.3.4. Clothing worn under Player or Coach shirts, shorts, skirts or dresses, shall be
known as ‘underclothing’ and not categorised as ‘articles of clothing’, and if visible
must not display advertising.

24.3.5. Advertising for tracksuits for prize presentation ceremonies is governed by Clause
24 as follows: Regulations for shirts govern tracksuit jackets; and Regulations for
shorts govern tracksuit pants.

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BWF Statutes, Section 5.2.1 – Major Events Tournament Regulations Table
Rationale: To provide for a more even distribution of strength of countries within groups for the
Finals of both team tournaments. The existing regulations would remain for the continental
stage.
10.3 Seeding and Draw (For Sudirman Cup Finals and Thomas & Uber Cup Finals)
Draw for the Group Play off Stage:

The top two ranked teams shall be dealt with as follows:
• No. 1 placed at the top of Group A
• No. 2 placed at the top of Group D

The other ranked teams shall be dealt with as follows:
• No. 3 and 4 drawn by lot at the top of Groups B and C
• No. 5 to 8 drawn by lot at the second position of the groups
• No. 9 to 16 drawn by lot at the third and fourth position of the groups
• No. 9 to 12 drawn by lot at the third position of the groups
• No. 13-16 drawn by lot at the fourth position of the groups

10.3 Seeding and Draw (For CC Qualification Tournaments for the Sudirman Cup
Finals and Thomas & Uber Cup Finals)

Draw for the Group Play off Stage:
The top two ranked teams shall be dealt with as follows:
• No. 1 placed at the top of Group A
• No. 2 placed at the top of Group D
The other ranked teams shall be dealt with as follows:
• No. 3 and 4 drawn by lot at the top of Groups B and C
• No. 5 to 8 drawn by lot at the second position of the groups
• No. 9 to 16 drawn by lot at the third and fourth position of the groups

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Rationale: To clarify the qualification of teams should a continental qualification tournament not
be held or if the qualified team(s) from the qualification tournament is not able to participate.

Schedule 2: Team Composition of the World Men’s and Women’s Team Championships
(Thomas and Uber Cup Finals)

No. of Description/Continent
teams
One Trophy Holder
One Host Member
Fourteen
• Semi-finalists from Asia (4)
• Semi-finalists from Europe (4)
• Winner from Africa (1)
• Winner from Oceania (1)
• Winner from Pan Am (1)
• Next three highest ranked teams (excluding above) from the

World Ranking (3)

*If the trophy holder and/or Host Member also take part and occupy a
qualifying position in its respective Continental qualifying tournament, the next
one or two highest ranked teams (excluding above) from the World Rankings
from the same respective continent would also qualify.

If one or more of the semi-finalists from Asia and/or Europe is not available to
participate, the highest ranked losing quarter-finalist from the World Rankings
would qualify. If none of the quarter-finalists are able to confirm participation
then the invitation will be extended in turn to the next highest eligible team.

If the winner from Africa, Oceania, and Pan Am is not available, the finalist will
be invited. If the finalist is not available, the highest ranked losing semi-finalist
from the World Rankings would qualify. If none of the semi-finalists are able to
confirm participation then the invitation will be extended in turn to the next
highest eligible team.

If no Continental qualifying tournament takes place, the highest ranked
team(s) from the World Rankings from the same continent would qualify.

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Schedule 3: Team Composition of the World Team Championships
(Sudirman Cup Finals)

No. of Description/Continent
teams
One Trophy Holder
One Host Member
Fourteen
• Semi-finalists from Asia (4)
• Semi-finalists from Europe (4)
• Winner from Africa (1)
• Winner from Oceania (1)
• Winner from Pan Am (1)
• Next three highest ranked teams (excluding above) from the

World Ranking (3)

*If the trophy holder and/or Host Member also take part and occupy a
qualifying position in its respective Continental qualifying tournament, the next
one or two highest ranked teams (excluding above) from the World Rankings
from the same respective continent would also qualify.

If one or more of the semi-finalists from Asia and/or Europe is not available to
participate, the highest ranked losing quarter-finalist from the World Rankings
would qualify. If none of the quarter-finalists are able to confirm participation
then the invitation will be extended in turn to the next highest eligible team.

If the winner from Africa, Oceania, and Pan Am is not available, the finalist will
be invited. If the finalist is not available, the highest ranked losing semi-finalist
from the World Rankings would qualify. If none of the semi-finalists are able to
confirm participation then the invitation will be extended in turn to the next
highest eligible team.

If no Continental qualifying tournament takes place, the highest ranked
team(s) from the World Rankings from the same continent would qualify.

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BWF Statutes, Section 5.3.1 – Tournament Sanction Policy

Rationale: To clarify that the tournament allocation per Member is determined within a calendar
year (not a 52-week period).

14. No Member shall be able to have more than 4 international Tournaments
sanctioned as defined in GCR Regulations 2.3 and 2.4 and according to the
following limits of Tournaments during a calendar year:

Grade 2 Grade 2 Grade 3
International
Level 2 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 International Futures
and Level Challenge Series Series
1
3 1 1
1 1
1 11 1 1 1
1 11 1 1 1
1 1 1
1 11 1 1 1
1 1 1
11 1 1 1 1
1 1 1
11 1 1 1 1
1 1
11 1 1 1
1 1 1
1 11 1 1
1 1 1
1 11 1 1
1 1
1 11 1 1 1
1 1
111 1 1
1
111 1

111

12

12

12

21

21

21

21

21

21

Number of 12
Tournaments
included in WR 12
in a 52-week
period per 12
Member
Assocition 12

12

12

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

21

2

2

2

Any two Grade 2 in different levels (except

two Level 4 or 5 allowed)

Any two Grade 2 in different levels (except

two Level 4 or 5 allowed)

Any two Grade 2 in different levels (except

two Level 4 or 5 allowed)

Any one Grade 2

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BWF Statutes, Section 5.3.3.1 – World Ranking System

Rationale: To provide a different distribution of points for players/pairs finishing in the third and
fourth places in their respective pool for the BWF World Tour Finals.

4. Points System

4.2 If a Player / pair:

4.2.6 participate in a Tournament with rounds in group play (pool matches) they will
receive points according to the finishing position in the group, equal to the
equivalent finishing position in a knock out format Tournament.

• For example, a Player / pair finishing in fourth place in a group, in a draw
containing eight groups of four would receive round of 64 loser’s points;

Eight groups of four are played.

• Number 1 in the group proceeds to the knockout stage, playing for
position 1, 2, 3-4 and 5-8

• Number 2 in the group would receive position 9-16 world ranking points

• Number 3 in the group would receive position 17-32 world ranking points

• Number 4 in the group would receive positions 33-64 world ranking points.

BWF World Tour Finals

• Number 1 and 2 in the group proceed to the knockout stage, playing for
positions 1, 2, and 3-4

• Number 3 in the group would receive position 5-6 world ranking points

• Number 4 in the group would receive positions 7-8 world ranking points

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6.3 The table that follows shows the points awarded in BWF-sanctioned Tournaments.

Winner Runner * 3-4 ** 5-8 9- 17- 33- 65- 129- 257- 513-
Up 16
32 64 128 256 512 1024

Grade 1 - BWF 13000 11000 9200 7200 5200 3200 1300 650 260 130 65
Tournaments
(BWF World 12000 10200 8400 6600 4800 3000 1200 600 240 120 60
Championships and
Olympic Games)

Grade 2 –
BWF World Tour –
Level 1 (Finals) and
Level 2

Grade 2 – BWF World 11000 9350 7700 6050 4320 2660 1060 520 210 100 50
Tour, Level 3

Grade 2 – BWF World 9200 7800 6420 5040 3600 2220 880 430 170 80 40
Tour, Level 4 7000 60 30
5500 5950 4900 3850 2750 1670 660 320 130 45 30
Grade 2 – BWF World
Tour, Level 5 4680 3850 3030 2110 1290 510 240 100

Grade 2 – BWF World
Tour, Level 6

Grade 3 – 4000 3400 2800 2200 1520 920 360 170 70 30 20
International
Challenge

Grade 3 – 2500 2130 1750 1370 920 550 210 100 40 20 10
International Series
1700 1420 1170 920 600 350 130 60 20 10 5
Grade 3 – Future
Series

* At the Olympic Games 3rd place will receive 10100 points. Fourth place will receive 9200 points.
** At BWF World Tour Finals – for Tournaments with rounds in group play (pool matches) please refer to clause 4.2.6 3rd

place in the group will receive 7,500 points. Fourth place will receive 6,600 points.

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Rationale: In some cases, this regulation was seen as potentially unreasonably penalizing some
players, and as such, has continued to be a debated topic, and so now removed.

BWF will continue to closely monitor any withdrawals/retirements to establish if any problems
arise or increase.

Members, and its team managers, coaches, and players are encouraged to ensure ethical
behavior and fair play are always adhered to.

4.4 In the World Championships, Grade 2 – Levels 2-4 tournaments, and Continental
Confederation Individual Championships/Continental Multi Sports Games
Individual Championships, if a Player / pair withdraws or retires from a match
played against a Player / pair from the same Member they will not receive World
Ranking points for that tournament.

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BWF Statutes, Section 2.2.4 – Players Code of Conduct

Rationale: To provide the opportunity for BWF to investigate any player/pair retirement where it
appears to be an abuse of the opportunity to retire.

There have been cases where a player goes on court to play one rally without making any real
effort to play, and then retires. This is not considered reasonable.

3.2.6 Completing a match in progress unless reasonably unable to do so.

When going on court to play a match the player must be reasonably convinced to
be fit to play the full match. Retirements are only intended for bona fide injuries,
illness, or emergency situations.

A blatant abuse of the choice to retire (e.g. where the player was already injured
and should not have played the match) will be considered an offence.

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BWF Statutes, Section 5.3.9 – Eligibility and Processing of Entries for World
Championships

Rationale: To provide greater clarity on the steps (phases) for processing of entries, and how
qualifiers in each phase are determined.

3.2 Operation

World Ranking List Data

3.2.1. The date of the World Ranking to be used for deciding eligibility for the World
Championships shall be as stated in the date lines in BWF Statutes, Section 5.3.2.
This date for any World Championships shall be called the “Eligibility Date”.

3.2.2. The World Ranking list of the Eligibility Date shall be used to allocate places.
While ensuring compliance to continental representation, pairs from mixed
nationality, and wild cards (clauses 3.2.6, 3.2.7, and 3.2.9 to 3.2.17) are
complied with, clauses 3.2.3 to 3.2.5 will be considered in turn until the total
number of Players / pairs in each Event as stated in clause 3.1 are allocated, or
the entries received have been exhausted.

Processing of determining the eligibility until all the places in the draw are filled

3.2.3. Players / pairs ranked in the World Ranking list for each Event will be considered
in turn and are eligible to enter unless a total of Players / pairs, as stated in the
table below, from any one Member would thereby be exceeded in that Event.

Players / Pairs Total number of Players /
ranked on the pairs from any one
Eligibility Date Member in that Event
shall not exce4ed
1 to 8
9 to 24 3
25 to 150
2

3.2.4. A Member may have more than four Players / pairs ranked one to eight in the
World Ranking list for a particular Event. In such a case, the Member can enter
any four (or fewer) of such Players / pairs.

3.2.5. After considering all the Players as stated in clauses 3.2.3 and 3.2.4 above, if
there are still any vacancies in the draw, then the Players / pairs ranked nine and
lower in the entire World Ranking list for each Event will be considered in turn
phases and are eligible to enter unless a total of four Players / pairs from any one
Member would thereby be exceeded in that Event. Players ranked lower than 150
are eligible to enter under this regulation.

Continental Representation

3.2.6. Each of the five BWF Continental Confederations is entitled to be offered
representation by at least one Player / pair in each Event. The Players / pairs
eligible shall be the appropriate highest-ranked Players / pairs in the World
Ranking lists at the Eligibility Date. Such players / pairs count towards the total
entries from the particular Member concerned.

3.2.7. If there is no Continental Confederation Player / pair in the World Ranking list of
the Eligibility Date in a particular Event, then the Player / pair eligible for

continental representation shall be the winner(s) of the respective Continental
Championships most recently concluded prior to the Eligibility Date.

Rectification of Entry

3.2.8. If a mistake is identified in the World Ranking list as on the Eligibility Date and a
Player / pair is found eligible to compete on rectification of such mistake, BWF will
include both Players / pairs (i.e. originally selected and the one found eligible due
to rectification of error) in the draw of that Event. Players in a pair representing
two different members

Players in a pair representing two different Members

3.2.9. If Players from two different Members compete together as a pair, each Player will
be counted as ½ an entry for the respective Member in that Event.

Wild Cards

3.2.10. In each Event where the host Member does not have a Player or pair qualified via
the World Ranking list, they shall be entitled to nominate a wild card entry. The
host Member shall inform BWF its intention of nominating wild card entries as
stated in the time lines in Section 5.3.2 of the BWF Statutes.

3.2.11. Such nominations must be communicated to the BWF as stated in the time lines
in Section 5.3.2 of the BWF Statutes.

3.2.12. If the host Member nominates a wild card entry, the nominated Player / pair need
not be on the World Ranking list.

3.2.13. The host Member is not required to exercise its right to nominate a wild card
entry in any or all Events.

3.2.14. In each Event the BWF shall be entitled to nominate a wild card entry. This wild
card entry will be selected by the BWF. BWF shall publish its intention of
nominating wild card entries as stated in the time lines in Section 5.3.2 of the
BWF Statutes.

3.2.15. Such a nomination must be made as stated in the time lines in Section 5.3.2 of
the BWF Statutes.

3.2.16. The BWF is not required to exercise its right to nominate a wild card entry in any
or all Events.

3.2.17. Any wild card entry must not cause the maximum of four entries in each Event for
a given Member to be exceeded, and wild card entries must have the approval of
the Member of the players / pair concerned. Phases in the eligibility process

Phases in the eligibility process Eligibility Process – Phase 1

3.2.18. The process of determining the eligible Players / pairs as stated in clause 3.2.2
shall be implemented in phases.

3.2.19. BWF will release a list of eligible Players / pairs (phase 1) based on the World
Ranking list on the Eligibility Date as stated in the time lines in Section 5.3.2 of
the BWF Statutes.

3.2.20. To be eligible, Players / pairs must conform to GCR Regulation 6 regarding
International Representation. The Player / pair must conform with the
requirements by the Phase 1 deadline for Members to confirm whether or not
eligible Players / pairs will enter.

3.2.21. The Member shall confirm whether or not eligible Players / pairs (phase 1) will
enter as stated in the time lines in Section 5.3.2 of the BWF Statutes. A Player /
pair who has not confirmed participation or has declined in phase 1 Phase 1
cannot be re-entered.

Eligibility Process – Phase 2

3.2.22. If, upon receipt of confirmation as stated in clause 3.2.21, there are vacancies in
any of the draws, then BWF will release a list of eligible Players / pairs (phase 2)
only for such Events based on the World Ranking list on the Eligibility Date as
stated in the time lines in Section 5.3.2 of the BWF Statutes.

3.2.23. BWF shall also release a list of not less than 16 reserve Players / pairs for each
Event to fill in vacancies in respective Events. Such reserve lists shall be
published in order of preference, starting from the top of the World Ranking.

3.2.24. The Member shall confirm whether or not eligible Players / pairs (phase 2) in
Phase 2 will enter as stated in the time lines in Section 5.3.2 of the BWF Statutes.
At the same time, the Member shall confirm whether the Players / pairs in the
reserve list will participate if a vacancy arises in a draw.

Eligibility Process - Further Vacancies

3.2.25. Any vacancy arising thereafter in any draw will be filled from the reserve list,
provided the total number of Players / pairs from any one Member in an Event
does not exceed four.

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