Para-Badminton

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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.

All images © to Badminton Australia

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.  

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”.

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.

Where can you participate?

AUSTRALIA

Badminton Australia

Website: http://www.badminton.org.au/ 
P: +61 3 8319 5717
E: participation@badminton.org.au

STATE / TERRITORIES

New South Wales

Badminton NSW
P: +61 419 225 008
nswba@yahoo.com.au
http://www.badmintonnsw.org.au/

Queensland

Queensland Badminton Association
P: +61 7 3162 9661
http://www.qba.net.au/

South Australia

Badminton South Australia
P: +61 434 624 810
https://www.badmintonsouthaustralia.com.au/

Western Australia

Badminton Western Australia
P: +61 8 9409 4433
http://www.badmintonwa.org.au/

Victoria

Badminton Victoria
P: +61 3 9686 4777
admin@badmintonvic.com.au
http://www.badmintonvic.com.au/

Australian Capital Territory

ACT Badminton Association
http://badmintonact.org.au/

Northern Territory

NT Badminton Association
P: +61 468 744 278
http://www.ntbadminton.org.au/

 

Resources

Videos

Para-Badminton 2015 World Championships Highlights from Badminton World Federation 

Documents

International Rule Book from Badminton World Federation 

Classification Rules and Pathway from Badminton World Federation