New BWF Time Clock System Debuts at Indonesian Masters

PETALING JAYA: A new rule will be trialled by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) at this week’s Indonesian Masters at Istora Senayan in Jakarta, with the introduction of the Time Clock System. The system will be in effect for all matches, from the qualifying rounds through to the main draw, with full enforcement by umpires in accordance with the regulations. Under the Time Clock System, players will have 25 seconds between rallies to speed up matches and ensure consistency. The new regulations also clearly define what players can and cannot do between points. After a rally, the server has 25 seconds to get into position and be ready to serve, with a countdown clock beside the court that players must watch themselves, though they do not have to serve within that time. The receiver also has 25 seconds to get ready but once the server is set, the rally must start with no delays allowed. Within 25 seconds, players can talk to their coach, wipe sweat, drink, tie their shoes, or apply cold spray without the umpire’s permission, but if they lose a rally, they must follow the umpire’s instructions immediately. Shuttle changes and court mopping must be coordinated with the umpire, requested immediately, and completed within 25 seconds. Short mopping keeps the clock running while longer mopping pauses it, and players must be ready to resume as soon as it finishes. The umpire may also stop the clock for disputes, referee intervention, injuries, long challenge decisions, or any other unexpected situations that require extra time. The BWF introduced this new rule after players raised concerns that umpires were enforcing delays inconsistently. The Time Clock System not only removes confusion but also makes timing rules clearer and gives players the freedom to towel, drink, or talk to their coaches. The system was previously trialled at last year’s Australian Open, but only for qualifying round matches.