Badminton / Law 12
Service court errors
BWF · 2025 · v5.0 (2)In short
Wrong service courts and players serving or receiving out of turn.
Recognise the error
A service court error occurs when a player serves or receives out of turn, or serves or receives from the wrong service court. Check both the identity of the player and the correct court. These positional or order mistakes are dealt with under the correction procedure, distinct from faults in the service action.
Keep the score and correct positions
When an error is discovered, correct it when the shuttle is no longer in play. The score already reached remains valid. Resume with the correct service courts and order; do not erase previous points simply because the mistake has come to light. This applies to errors by the server or receiver.
Independent explanations and translations, not official federation publications. Based on the supplied BWF Laws of Badminton, version 5.0 (2), effective 26/04/2025. Condensed independent explanations, with Para badminton exceptions identified separately. Referenced alternative rules and later changes are not automatically included. Page references use the supplied PDF.
Sources & approach ↗
Sources & approach ↗