BWF President Poul-Erik welcomed the proposal from the Membership and added, “The proposed scoring system change is part of my vision to make badminton more exciting and to increase the entertainment value for stakeholders and fans."
Though the new system may create opportunities and make the sport more popular and fan-following events, there were mixed opinions among the member associations.
“The last time this topic was tabled it did resonate with a significant section of our Membership with a narrow verdict met. We concede the timing was not right back then but I’m pleased to see this being driven by the Membership once more."
“This is only proposed to be introduced after the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. So, I’m confident this is a more favorable time to affect this change.”
From the President's statements, it has well taken that the proposed new Badminton Scoring System will be approved and finalized during the 82nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 22nd May 2021.
The objectives of the new systems are to reduce the length of the match and increase the focus.
Salient points of the new scoring system are,
More Peaks: Instead of best of three, now best of five
Get to peaks faster: Maximum game points will be reduced to 11 from 21
Extend the length of peaks: After 10-10, capped at 15
Expected benefits for the players from the proposed system are,
Higher player income is possible by ensuring the game is a better TV product with more commercial values.
Shorter matches will reduce the physical pressure and provide an injury-free longer career with more income.
By introducing the electronic judging system and ensuring better officiating, greater fairness will be ensured for players.
Though the new system may create opportunities and make the sport more popular and fan-following events, there were mixed opinions among the member associations earlier.
There will be challenges in coaching and conditioning methods to adopt the new system.
Let us see the history of the badminton scoring system evaluation.
15 Point System, 1877 to 2002
The original scoring system was the 15 Points system! The scoring system was created around 1877 in British India along with the first written badminton rules.
The rule is that you only score a point if you win the rally while you are the server
Men:
- First to 15 Wins the set
- Best of three sets ( Either straight-set win 2-0, or a rubber set win 2-1)
- However in the case of 14 - 14 first person to lead by two points, e.g. 16-14 or another example 17 - 15 wins.
- The max points is 17 ( Meaning 17 -16 is the closest game you can get)
Women:
- First to 11 Wins the set
- Best of three sets ( Either straight-set win 2-0, or a rubber set win 2-1)
- However in a case of 10 - 10 first person to lead by two points, e.g. 12-10 or another example 13 - 11 wins.
- The max points is 13 ( Meaning 13 -12 is the closest game you can get)
07 Point System, 2002 to 2005
- First to 07 Wins the set
- Best of five sets ( Either straight-set win 3-0, or a rubber set win 3-2)
- However in the case of 06 - 06 first person to lead by two points, e.g. 08-06, or another example 08 - 07 wins.
- The max points is 08 ( Meaning 08 - 07 is the closest game you can get)
- It was common for both men and women.
Present 21 point system, from Dec 2005 to til date
- Winner of the rally gets one point
- First to 21 Wins the set
- Best of three sets ( Either straight-set win 2-0, or a rubber set win 2-1)
- However in a case of 20 - 20 first person to lead by two points, e.g. 22-20, or another example 28 - 26 wins.
- The max points is 30 ( Meaning 30 -29 is the closest game you can get)
It gives an excitement to adopt the newer 11 points, best of five, winner of the rally point system.
Unfortunately, the proposed 5x11 point system was not approved and declined in the member association meeting just by one vote.
