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Introduction

Para-Badminton is a sport for all. Para-badminton is a sport which can be played by both men and women of any age with a physical impairment. It is a growing sport that is attracting more and more participants every year both competitively and socially.

Official rules and regulations were agreed upon in 2013 and in 2014 it was selected to be played in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Paralympics. 2020 will be para-badminton’s Paralympic debut.

How to PLAY Para-Badminton

Like badminton, para-badminton is played on a rectangular court separated by a net with a shuttle. The aim of para-badminton is to, using a racquet, pass the shuttle from one side of the net to the opposing team on the other attempting to force an error in the opposition thus winning a point.

Simplified Scoring:

A match consists of the best of 3 games of 21 points.
A point is scored every time there is a serve.
The side winning a rally adds a point to its score and serves the next rally.
At 20 all, the side which gains a 2 point lead first, wins that game.
At 29 all, the side scoring the 30th point, wins that game.
The side winning a game serves first in the next game.

Athlete compete in singles (men/women), doubles (men/women) and mixed doubles.

Click here for the sport regulations from Badminton World Federation.

Basic Rules of Para-Badminton

Please click here to download the Rule Book from Badminton World Federation that is used at national/international events.

Who can play Para-Badminton

Impairment Type

Para-Badminton classification rules highlight that there are particular types of impairments that can be classified. These impairments types include: spinal injury impairments, scoliosis, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, amputations, cerebral palsy, hip dysplasia, leg length difference, upper limb amputation or impairment and short stature.

Classification

Athletes are classified into "Sport Classes" to ensure fairness in competition. Para-Badminton classifies athletes into 6 sporting classes.

Wheelchair Sport Classes – WH1 and WH2
Standing Sport Classes – SL3, SL4 and SU5
Short Stature Sport Class – SS6

Wheelchair 1 (WH1): Players in this class require a wheelchair to play badminton. Players in this class usually have impairment in both lower limbs and trunk function.
Wheelchair 2 (WH2): Players in this class require a wheelchair to play badminton. Players in this class could have impairment (less than WH1) in one or both lower limbs and minimal or no impairment of the trunk.
Standing Lower 3 (SL3): Players in this class must play standing. Players in this class usually have impairment in one or both lower limbs and poor walking/running balance.
Standing Lower 4 (SL4): Players in this class must play standing. Players in this class could have impairment (less than SL3) in one or both lower limbs and minimal impairment in walking/running balance.
Standing Upper 5 (SU5): Players in this class must play standing. Players in this class have impairment of the upper limbs.
Short Stature 6 (SS6): Players in this class have a short stature due to a genetic condition often referred to as “dwarfism”.

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More information about classification classes can be found here.

How Do I Get Classified?

As at 2016, formal classification is not required to participate in national events. All participants who enter international events will be formally classified during those events.

Get Involved

Para-Badminton is a sport all. Para-badminton is a sport which can be played by both men and women of any age with a disability. It is a growing sport that is attracting more and more participants every year both competitively and socially. Para-Badminton is always looking for more people to get involved as either an athlete, an official, a classifier or as a volunteer.

Where Is it Played

Every state has a local para-badminton program which is open to players of all skill levels. To start playing, contact your state affiliation listed in “Who Runs The Sport?”.

Athlete Pathway

To find out more about the competition pathway please the state office listed below under “Who Runs the Sport?” or contact Badminton Australia at participation@badminton.org.au.

Become an Official

To become an official please contact Badminton Australia at participation@badminton.org.au.

Become a Classifier

There are two types of classifiers, medical and technical. The following prerequisites are required to be eligible for classifier training:

Medical classifiers: Currently registered medical professional (physiotherapist or medical doctor); with minimum 5 years clinical experience with people with physical disabilities. It is an advantage to have a background in badminton or classifying wheelchair sports.

Technical classifiers: Must hold a Bachelor or Master degree in sport science/ kinesiology / human movement science or other equivalent; and badminton experience.

It is crucial that classifiers have a strong understanding of Para-Badminton. To ensure this, candidates must have experience in para-badminton either as a participant, volunteer, coach or administrator.

Classification workshops are held at international para-badminton events. To read more about Classification Training and Certification, click here.

To find out more about the classifier pathway contact read here or contact the Badminton World Federation via e-mail at parabadminton@bwfbadminton.org.au.

Become a Volunteer

To become a volunteer please contact Badminton Australia at participation@badminton.org.au.

events

State

Please contact your state office (listed in “Who Runs The Sport?” section below) for details about up-coming state and local competitions.

UPCOMING NATIONAL EVENTS

UpCOMING International EVENTS

For any upcoming international events, please visit our upcoming events page.

WHO RUNS THE SPORT?

AUSTRALIA

Badminton Australia
Badminton Australia is the national sporting organisation for badminton in Australia. Badminton Australia, in partnership with its Members, the State/Territory Badminton Associations, is responsible for the management and sustainable development of the sport nationally and the management of relations internationally through the governing body for the sport, the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

Badminton Australia (BA) works in conjunction with Badminton World Federation (BWF) to regulate, promote and develop para-badminton. BWF promotes a “one sport – one team” philosophy – badminton and para-badminton together.

Website: http://www.badminton.org.au/
P: +61 3 9397 4722
E: participation@badminton.org.au