What happens when a badminton player is injured?
A · Advanced · Conduct, stoppages and officials · 3 of 4There is no set medical time-out in the Laws. The umpire judges how serious it is and can call the referee, who decides whether the tournament doctor comes on. No treatment that causes undue delay may be given on court. A player who cannot go on retires, and the opponent wins.
How it works
- Play may not be delayed for a player to recover strength.
- For an injury, the umpire assesses it quickly and calls the referee if needed.
- The tournament doctor examines the player and advises on how serious it is.
- For bleeding, the game waits until it stops or the wound is dressed.
- The umpire times the delay.
- A player who wishes to retire tells the umpire, who confirms it and announces the result.
- For things outside the players' control, such as a lighting failure, the umpire may suspend play. The score stands.
Tricky cases
Can a player take a time-out for cramp?
No. Cramp is loss of condition, and play may not be delayed to recover. The umpire can let the doctor look, but not allow treatment that delays play.
The lights went out mid-game. Do we restart from 0-0?
No. Play is suspended, the score stands and the match resumes from that point.
Why the rule exists
It protects an injured player while keeping the principle that recovery time is not part of the game.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All badminton under the BWF Laws | No delay to recover; suspension by umpire or referee | L16.3, 16.4 |
| Injury procedure | In the BWF officials' instructions | PBITTO 6.14 |
From the rule book
BWF Laws of Badminton, Laws 16.3 and 16.4, version 5.0, in force from 26 April 2025; BWF Instructions to Para Badminton Technical Officials, clause 6.14, version 6.0. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: BWF Laws of Badminton (PDF).