What happens if the wrong player serves or stands on the wrong side?
I · Intermediate · Serving · 4 of 10Checked 13 October 2026
The mistake is corrected when it is found, at a moment when the shuttle is not in play, and the score stands. Points already played are not replayed, whoever won them.
How it works
- A service court error is serving or receiving out of turn, or from the wrong service court.
- When it is noticed, the players are put in the right places and the right player serves.
- The existing score stands.
Tricky cases
We won the rally but served from the wrong side. Do we lose the point?
No. The point stands, and the positions are corrected before the next serve.
Why the rule exists
Replaying points would reward a side for noticing a mistake only after it lost the rally. Correcting and carrying on is simpler and fair to both.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All badminton under the BWF Laws | As above | L12 |
From the rule book
BWF Laws of Badminton, Law 12, version 5.0, in force from 26 April 2025. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: BWF Laws of Badminton (PDF).