The rules and regulations of badminton are set by BWF, which are universal, and every player needs to follow them. Many think that this racket sport is straightforward and simple, where you need to hit the shuttle across the net, but let me inform you that there are many faults and lets that a player needs to avoid on the court.
You might be well aware of the rules and faults of this sport, but do you know what a let is in badminton? Well, you’ve come to the right place, as here in this article we will discuss these lets.
But before going further in this post, let me explain to you what this let is:
Let in Badminton
Lets are usually those calls that the umpire or the players make to pause the game temporarily, and these pauses can be made for various reasons, which we will discuss below.
Many players get confused between a let and a fault. To clarify, let me inform you that a let is not the same as faults; players are not even penalized for these lets. Play stops, and anything that transpired from the last service won’t count.
Lets are classified based on what caused them to take place. Some lets occur because of problems with the shuttlecock. Other let’s take place owing to what the umpire sees as distractions.
Also, there are stoppages to a rally due to faults on the part of both players. Accidental situations and players not being ready for a service can also warrant the stoppage of play.
Examples of Lets in Badminton
According to the BWF rules and regulations, the following situations are considered as lets:
1. When the shuttlecock falls apart
When the shuttlecock dismantle and the base of the shuttlecock tears out from the upper part of the shuttlecock, then it shall be a let. It generally happens when you play with a cheap quality shuttlecock or if a player hits the shuttlecock hard while performing a smash, and the shuttle explodes.
The shuttlecock’s feathers often break down or fall apart, which barely matters. But when the cork shatters down and becomes unplayable, then in such a situation, the players play the point again with a new shuttlecock.
2. When the server serves before the receiver is ready
If a server serves before the receiver is ready, it is also counted as a let, as the server always has to wait for the receiver to prepare before performing a service. As many servers try to rush the receiver, in such a case, the receiver must gently raise his hand to the server and let it down once you are prepared.
However, it wouldn’t be counted as a let if you try to move your racket or feet to attempt the serve. So, let the shuttle drop to the floor and demand a lot.
3. Service court errors
A service court errors also lead to a let. And when a let occurs, the play since the last service is not counted, and the server should serve again, except in some situations where the law of service court errors is applicable.
Generally, a service court error occurs when:
- A player serves from the wrong side of the service court.
- A player does out of his turn. And this mostly happens in badminton doubles.
- A receiver receives the shuttle by standing on the wrong side of the service court.
4. When unexpected or accidental situations occur
Unexpected and accidental situations are generally indefinite situations to call a let. But the rule isn’t clear about what can be termed as an accidental or unforeseen situation.
Such situations can be counted between extra shuttle landing on the court and individuals invading the court premises during the game commencement.
Also, it includes the lights out for the fire drill, extra shuttle landing on the court, water leakage from centralized air conditioning units, and many more.
5. When umpires are not able to make a decision
According to the BWF rules and regulations, when the line judge is unsighted, and the umpire cannot decide whether the shuttlecock landed in or out, he can call for a let. But now, Hawkeye Technology is used to make such close calls in International badminton.
However, in club badminton, where is no umpire or line judge, the players decide as per the best view. And, if no one is sure whether the shuttle was in or out, or if you cannot overcome a disagreement, then call it a let.
6. Outside disturbances
In case, if the strayed shuttles and other objects are hurled up on the court and disrupt the players from playing their shots, in this case, the referee will be entitled to determine the situation for a lot if any players get distracted or the play gets disrupted from the opposite side’s coach.
Rather than these occurrences, many other disruptions may occur during a game, including the spectators shouting at the players to distract their attention or people taking flash photography that would cause distraction from the game.
7. When the shuttlecock stuck in the net
According to BWF, if a shuttlecock is stuck in the net and remains there, the umpire calls the stoppage after the shuttlecock returns from service. This let is applied after the service, and the server can serve again.
In other situations, if the shuttlecock gets stuck in the net of the server’s side and does not go over to the receiver’s end, it will be termed a fault.
8. When both server and receiver are faulted
While performing a service, the umpire calls for a let if both the server and receiver commit faults simultaneously.
For example, if a server hits the shuttlecock too early to perform a service. At the same time, if the receiver drops off his racket or tries to distract the server, in such case, the umpire can fault both the server and receiver, which will result in a point redo.
Final Words
A let and fault are two different things in badminton. Still, they do result in the same thing: a halt in play as let refers to the break in the play, which is caused by unforeseen circumstances like a shuttle breakdown, distractions, and when the umpire cannot make a decision. On the other hand, the faults are generally caused by breaking the rules that involve service, rallies, and conduct.
And in case you face any problems, or there is any question going on in your mind regarding this post, then feel free to ask us or pin it up in the comment section below.