Code of Behaviour

PURPOSE

This guide aims to inform all players of the club’s core values and the spirit in which we play the game.

By adhering to the club’s guidelines on etiquette, you will be helping us provide a safe, warm, and friendly environment for playing badminton.

The number one rule is respect and consideration for other players. Treat others as how you would like to be treated. Under no circumstances shall a player subject anyone to abuse of any kind (be it verbal or physical). At the discretion of the committee, players who are found to be in breach of this rule will no longer be permitted to play.
At times, you may be paired up with players less advanced than yourself. Look after them, offer help, and make them feel welcome on court. Remember, everyone has to start from somewhere and you were once a beginner too.
Try not to complain about the games you have or have not been given. The organisers are all volunteers and are trying their best to ensure the session runs smoothly. If you aren’t receiving a good mixture of games on a particular session, you may kindly bring it to the attention of the organiser.
Avoid using foul language.

Introduce yourself to your partner if you have never met. You may optionally introduce yourself to your opponents.
Follow the shuttlecock allocation system and do not take a shuttlecock willy nilly.
Never use a brand new shuttlecock for warming up.
Toss the shuttlecock up to determine which side will serve.
If your shuttlecock lands on another court, wait for a break in play before retrieving it.
If you lose the point and the shuttlecock is on your side of the court, it is considered polite to fetch and return the shuttlecock to the opponent’s court.
After a game, thank everyone by giving them a high five or handshake. A high five is customary at the club. COVID-19 UPDATE: handshake or high fives are no longer compulsory- Any form of acknowledgment is accepted.
Help us keep the court clean by returning all used shuttlecocks to the relevant box.

Make fair line calls when the shuttlecock lands on your side of the court.
The person nearest to the shuttlecock has the final decision and the call should not be disputed.
If you are in doubt as to whether the shuttlecock is in or out, either call it in favour of your opponent or play a let.
Importantly, respect and accept your opponent’s calls – no matter how wrong you think it may be.
If the shuttlecock hits the ceiling, lights, vents, or anything else below the ceiling it is considered a fault.

If you arrive early whilst the courts are being set up (including court sweep), offer your assistance.
Similarly if you are the last players at the club, please help put away the equipment and collect any remaining shuttlecocks left on the floor.

To ensure everyone’s safety, do not walk across the court whilst games are in progress. Walk around the court instead.
Ensure all your clothing, bags, and equipment is tucked away neatly in the seating area.
Please leave the courts tidy. Take away or dispose of any rubbish you are responsible for.

We encourage friendly competition and rivalries, but we place greater emphasis on having fun.
Don’t take things too seriously.
Be gracious in victory and defeat.
Smile and laugh often.