Can para badminton players use a prosthetic leg?
Officials' detail · Classes and equipment · 1 of 1Amputee players may use a crutch, no longer than their armpit-to-ground measurement. Prostheses are allowed in SL3, SL4 and the wheelchair classes but not SU5; they must match the player's own limb in length. SU5 and SH6 players use no adaptive equipment. If a wheelchair or prosthesis breaks, the referee may suspend play and supervise the repair.
How it works
- Crutch: for upper or lower leg amputees.
- Crutch length: no more than armpit to ground.
- Prosthesis: SL3, SL4 and WH.
- Not in SU5: no prosthetic limbs.
- Length: same as the existing limb, in proportion.
- SU5 and SH6: no adaptive equipment.
- Repair: the referee may suspend play.
- Drying a prosthesis: with the umpire's permission.
The glossary has the crutch, the prosthetic limb (para badminton), the equipment repair, the adaptive equipment by class, the SU5 and the referee and technical delegate.
Tricky cases
The shuttle hits a crutch. Fault?
Yes, as if it hit the player.
Can an SU5 player with one arm wear a prosthetic arm?
No.
Who decides how long a repair can take?
The referee.
How often may a player dry a prosthesis?
As often as the umpire allows.
Why the rule exists
Equipment must restore, not add: a longer crutch or limb would give extra reach. Repairs are allowed because a broken chair ends play.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| SL3, SL4, WH | Prosthesis allowed | EQ 3 |
| SU5 | No prosthesis | EQ 3 |
| Repairs | Special circumstance | L 16.3.2 |
From the rule book
Additional Equipment for Para Badminton, version 2.0, sections 2 and 3, with BWF, Laws of Badminton, version 6.0 (in force 4 January 2027), Laws 13.3.4.1 and 16.3.2, and the Instructions to Para Badminton Technical Officials, 3.7.1. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: BWF Statutes, Sections 4.1 and 5.5.