5. INSTRUCTIONS TO UMPIRES
5.1.Before the Match – Off-Court
The Umpire shall
5.1.1.Obtain the scoresheet from match control/Umpire Coordinator;
5.1.2.Ensure that the specified number of Line Judges, and if applicable, Court Attendants are present;
5.1.3.Ensure that the players' clothing complies with the tournament regulations as instructed by the Referee; and
5.1.4.Ensure all players' mobile phones are switched off.
5.2.Before the Match – On Court
The Umpire shall:
5.2.1.Carry out the toss fairly and ensure that the winning and losing sides exercise their choices correctly (Law 6) and they are noted;
5.2.2.When a scoresheet is used, write "0" for both sides and "S" for server, and in the case of a Doubles match, "R" for receiver;
5.2.3.Get into the Umpire's chair as quickly as possible after the toss, start the stopwatch and then:
5.2.3.1.Time the warm-up period. The two-minute warm-up starts when the Umpire sits in his chair and ends with the calling of "Play" to start the match;
5.2.3.2.Check that any scoring device is working; and
5.2.3.3.Check that the Line Judge chairs are correctly positioned.
5.3.Start of the Match
5.3.1.The Umpire shall announce the match using the appropriate announcement below, and point to the right and to the left.
W, X, Y, Z are names of the players and A, B, C, D are names of the Member.
Singles
Tournament
"Ladies and Gentlemen; on my right, X, A; and on my left, Y, B. X to serve; love all; play."
Team Tournament
"Ladies and Gentlemen; on my right, A, represented by X; and on my left, B, represented by Y. A to serve; love all; play."
Doubles
Tournament
"Ladies and Gentlemen; on my right, W, A and X, B; and on my left, Y, C and Z, D. X to serve to Y; love all; play."
(If doubles partners represent the same Member, announce the Member name after announcing both players' names. e. g. W and X, A).
Team Tournament
"Ladies and Gentlemen; on my right, A, represented by W and X; and on my left, B, represented by Y and Z. A to serve; X to Y; love all; play."
5.3.2.The calling of "Play" indicates the start of the match.
5.3.3.Click the 'Play' button on the scoring device immediately before calling 'Play', or, if a scoresheet is used, note the time on the scoresheet immediately before calling 'Play'.
5.4.During the Match
The Umpire shall
5.4.1.Use the standard vocabulary in BWF Statutes, Section 4.1.5 of the Laws of Badminton;
5.4.2.Record and then call the score. Always call the server's score first;
5.4.3.During the service, if a Service Judge is appointed, especially watch the receiver. The Umpire may also call a service fault;
5.4.4.Be aware of the status of any scoring device;
5.4.5.Raise the right hand above the head when the Referee is required on court;
5.4.6.Raise the left hand above the head when a decision is required from the IRS; and
5.4.7.When a side loses a rally and the right to continue serving (Law 10.3.2, and Law 11.3.2) call "Service over" followed by the score starting with that of the new serving side.
5.4.8."Play" shall be called by the Umpire to:
5.4.8.1.Instruct the players that a match or a game is to start, to continue after an interval, after a change of ends, or to resume play following an IRS challenge or after a break; and
5.4.8.2.Instruct the players to resume play.
5.4.9."Fault" shall be called by the Umpire when a "fault" occurs, except when:
5.4.9.1.A service fault (Law 9.1) is called by the Service Judge under Law 13.1. The Umpire shall call "service fault called" followed by an explanation using the appropriate vocabulary (BWF Statutes, Section 4.1.5, Section 4);
5.4.9.2.A fault during service is called by the Umpire. The Umpire shall announce the service fault or receiver fault using the appropriate vocabulary in (BWF Statutes, Section 4.1.5, Section 4); or
5.4.9.3.A "fault" occurs under Laws 13.2.1, 13.2.2 (which are obvious), 13.3.1 (for which the Line Judge's call and signal suffices) or 13.3.2, unless clarification is needed for the players or spectators.
5.4.10.During each game, after the rally which takes a side to 11 points (or the appropriate score for matches being played using other scoring systems as outlined in BWF Statutes, Section 4.1.4), the Umpire shall call the score followed immediately by "interval" or "service over", the score and then "interval".
5.4.11.The timing of the interval allowed under Law 16.2.1 starts when the appropriate rally ends or when an IRS challenge is decided, regardless of any applause.
5.4.12.At the start of each interval (Law 16.2.1) the Umpire shall request the Court Attendants/Line Judges to wipe the court.
5.4.13.In all intervals during games, at 40 seconds, the Umpire shall call:
"Court ... (number, if more than one court is used), 20 seconds".
Repeat the call.
5.4.14.In all these intervals (Law 16.2.1) each side may be joined on the court by no more than two accredited coaches. They must leave the court when the Umpire calls "20 seconds".
5.4.15.To resume a game after an interval, repeat the score followed by "Play".
5.4.16.If both sides do not wish to take an interval as allowed under Law 16.2, play in that game or match shall continue without an interval, except where intervals are made mandatory by the Referee.
5.5.Extended Game
5.5.1.When the leading side reaches 20 points in each game, call "Game point" or "Match point", as applicable.
5.5.2.If a side reaches 29 points, in each game and for each side, call "game point" or "match point", as applicable.
5.5.3.The calls of "game point" and "match point" in 5.5.1 and 5.5.2 must always immediately follow the server's score and be before the receiver's score.
5.6.End of Each Game
5.6.1."Game" must always be called immediately after the final rally of each game has ended, regardless of applause, except if there is a challenge (then call as in 5.8.5 followed by 5.8.7.1, 5.8.8.1, or 5.8.9.3 instead). This call of "Game" is the start of any interval allowed under Law 16.2.2.
5.6.2.After the first game ends, call:
"First game won by ... [name(s) of player(s), or Member (in a Team Tournament)] ... (score).
5.6.3.After the second game ends, call:
"Second game won by ... [name(s) of player(s), or Member (in a Team Tournament)] ... (score); One game all".
5.6.4.At the end of each game the Umpire shall request the Court Attendants/Line Judges to wipe the court. The Service Judge when appointed shall place the interval board, if provided, on the centre of the court below the net.
5.6.5.If a game wins the match, the Umpire shall call:
"Match won by ... [name(s) of player(s), or Member (in a Team Tournament)] ...[scores]".
5.6.6.In the intervals between each game, at 100 seconds call:
"Court... (number, if more than one court is used) 20 seconds".
Repeat the call.
5.6.7.During these intervals (Law 16.2.2) after the players have changed ends, each side may be joined on the court by no more than two accredited coaches. They must leave the court when the Umpire calls "20 seconds".
5.6.8.To start the second game, call:
"Second game; love all; play".
5.6.9.When there is a third game, call:
"Final game; love all; play".
5.6.10.In a third game, or in a match of one game, after the rally which takes a side to 11 points (or the appropriate score for matches being played using other scoring systems as outlined in BWF Statutes, Section 4.1.4), the Umpire shall call the score followed immediately by "interval, change ends" or "service over", the score and then "interval, change ends".
5.6.11.During this interval and after the players have changed ends, each side may be joined on the court by no more than two accredited coaches. They must leave the court when the Umpire calls "20 seconds".
5.6.12.To resume the game after the interval, repeat the score followed by "play".
5.7.After the Match
5.7.1.At the end of the match, the Umpire shall note the end time and duration of the match on the score-sheet, if used.
5.7.2.If any incidents happened on court, the Umpire must immediately take the printed or completed score-sheet with notes on the relevant incidents (BWF Statutes, Section 4.1.5, Section 7 for examples, if necessary) to the Referee.
5.8.Line Calls
5.8.1.The Umpire shall always look to the Line Judge(s) when the shuttle lands close to a line and always when it lands out, no matter how far. The Line Judge(s) are entirely responsible for their decisions except in 5.8.2, 5.8.3, and 5.8.4.
5.8.2.If, in the opinion of the Umpire, it is beyond reasonable doubt that a Line Judge has clearly made a wrong call then the Umpire shall immediately call:
5.8.2.1."Correction, IN" if the shuttle landed "in"; or
5.8.2.2."Correction, OUT" if the shuttle landed "out".
5.8.3.Where there is no Line Judge or if a Line Judge is unsighted, the Umpire shall immediately call
5.8.3.1."Out" when the shuttle lands outside the line and then call either the score or "service over" and then the score; or
5.8.3.2.The score or "service over" and then the score when the shuttle lands in; or
5.8.3.3."Let" followed by the score when the Umpire is unsighted, except when an IRS is in operation, the Umpire shall call "unsighted" and request a decision from the system by raising the left hand above the head.
5.8.4.Where an Instant Review System is in operation, if the call by a Line Judge (Instructions 8.3 and 8.4) or a call or overrule by the Umpire (Instructions 5.8.2 and 5.8.3) is challenged by a player (Law 17.5.2 and Appendix 7), the Umpire shall ensure that the player has a valid right to challenge. The player must clearly say 'Challenge' to the Umpire and/or make a clear signal by raising the hand. Any such challenge must be made by the player immediately after the Umpire or Line Judge has made their call.
5.8.5.If there is a right to challenge, the Umpire shall call: "... [name of the player who challenges] challenges (regardless of whether it is a singles or doubles match or a team tie). Called IN [(or OUT", as appropriate)] and at the same time raising the left hand above the head.
5.8.6.The Instant Review System will review the original decision and indicate to the Umpire the result of the challenge as either IN, OUT or NO DECISION.
5.8.7.If a challenge is successful, the Umpire shall call:
"Correction, IN" or "Correction, OUT" (as appropriate), the score or "service over" followed by the score (as appropriate) and then "play".
5.8.7.1.If a challenge is successful and thus ends the game, the Umpire shall call "Correction IN" or "Correction OUT" as appropriate, "Game" followed by the appropriate call as in Instructions 5.6.2 to 5.6.5.
5.8.8.If a challenge is unsuccessful, the Umpire shall call:
"Challenge unsuccessful", "one" or "no" (as appropriate) "challenge(s) remaining", the score or "service over" followed by the score (as appropriate) and then "play".
5.8.8.1.If a challenge is unsuccessful and thus ends the game, the Umpire shall call "Challenge unsuccessful", "Game" followed by the appropriate call as in Instructions 5.6.2 to 5.6.5.
5.8.9.If the Instant Review System indicates NO DECISION, the Umpire shall call
5.8.9.1."Let" but only for an original call of unsighted; or
5.8.9.2.The score followed by "service over" as appropriate, and then "play" (when the original challenged decision stands).
5.8.9.3."Game" followed by the appropriate call as in Instructions 5.6.2 to 6.5.5. The original challenged decision stands, which ends the game.
5.9.Specific Situations During the Match
5.9.1.The Umpire shall keep a careful watch for the following occurrences and deal with them as instructed
5.9.1.1.A player throwing a racket into the opponent's court or sliding under the net and who clearly obstructs or distracts their opponent, shall be faulted under Law 13.4.2 or 13.4.3 respectively;
5.9.1.2.A shuttle coming onto the court from an adjacent court shall not automatically be considered a "let". A "let" shall not be called in such circumstances if, in the opinion of the Umpire, the shuttle has not obstructed or distracted the players;
5.9.1.3.A player shouting to a partner who is about to hit the shuttle shall not necessarily be regarded as deliberately distracting their opponents;
5.9.1.4.A player calling 'no shot', 'fault', etc. when making a stroke or after the opponent has made a stroke, shall be considered a deliberate distraction (Law 13.4.5);
5.9.1.5.A player attempting to influence or intimidate the Service Judge or a Line Judge shall be reminded that such conduct is unacceptable, with Law 16.7 applied if necessary; and
5.9.1.6.A player throwing sweat or otherwise contaminating the court and its immediate surroundings shall be reminded that such conduct is unacceptable, with Law 16.7 applied if necessary.
5.9.1.7.After a rally, a player celebrating excessively or offensively (e.g. raising a clenched fist or screaming in the direction of the opponent) shall be reminded that unsportsmanlike and offensive conduct is unacceptable (Laws 16.6.3 and 16.6.4), with Law 16.7 applied if necessary.
5.10.Players Leaving the Court
5.10.1.The Umpire shall ensure that players do not leave the court without the Umpire's permission (Law 16.5.2) except during the intervals described in Law 16.2, or that when doing so they do not delay play. A change of a racket at courtside during a rally is permitted.
5.10.2.Any offending player(s) shall be reminded that leaving the court needs the Umpire's permission (Law 16.5.2) and if necessary, Law 16.7 shall be applied.
5.10.3.During a game, if play is not unduly held up, the players may be allowed to have:
5.10.3.1.A quick towel only; or
5.10.3.2.A towel and drink, at the discretion of the Umpire.
5.10.4.If the court needs to be wiped, the players shall be on court before the wiping is over.
5.11.Delays and Suspension
5.11.1.The Umpire shall ensure that the players do not deliberately cause any delay in play (Law 16.4). Any unnecessary walk around the court between rallies and testing of replacement rackets on court,an shall be prevented and if necessary, Law 16.7 shall be applied.
5.11.2.Play may be suspended by the Referee or Umpire if warranted by a circumstance affecting playing conditions.
5.11.3.If, during a match, a court or its immediate surroundings needs repair, or it is temporarily not playable, the Umpire shall call the Referee (or the Referee shall go onto the court) and play will be suspended until the court and its immediate surroundings are again suitable for play.
5.11.4.When play is suspended, the Umpire shall call:
"Play is suspended" and note "S" on the scoring device or scoresheet, if used.
5.11.5.When play resumes after the suspension, the Umpire shall note the duration of the suspension and ensure that the players are on the correct side of the net and in the correct service courts, then call "Are you ready?" followed by the score and "Play".
5.12.Coaching from Off Court
5.12.1.Coaching is not allowed from the moment the player(s) is ready to play and while the shuttle is in play.
5.12.2.Coaches must be seated in their designated seats and must not stand court-side during the match except during the permitted intervals (Law 16.2).
5.12.3.Coaches are not allowed to move their chairs from the designated positions without the Referee's permission and in particular the Umpire shall ensure that the visibility of commercial advertising is not disturbed by any such movement of the Coach's char.
5.12.4.There must not be any distraction or disruption to play by any Coach.
5.12.5.Coaches at courtside must not attempt to communicate in any way with opposing players, Coaches, Team Officials or on court Technical Officials during a match.
5.12.6.Coaches at courtside must not use any electronic device for any purpose.
5.12.7.If, in the opinion of the Umpire, play is disrupted or a player of the opposing side is distracted by a Coach, a "let" shall be called (Law 14.2.5). The Referee shall be called immediately if such an incident is repeated.
5.13.Change of Shuttle
5.13.1.Change of a shuttle during a match must be fair. The Umpire shall decide if the shuttle should be changed.
5.13.2.A shuttle whose speed or feathers have been deliberately interfered with shall be discarded and Law 16.7 applied, if appropriate.
5.13.3.The Referee shall be the sole judge for deciding the speed of the shuttles to be used. If both sides wish to change the shuttle speed, the Referee shall be called immediately.
5.14.Injury or Sickness During a Match
5.14.1.This type of incident must be handled carefully and flexibly. The Umpire must try to determine the severity of the problem as quickly as possible and call the Referee onto court if necessary. The Referee will decide whether the Tournament Doctor or anyone else is required on court (Instruction 3.6). The Tournament Doctor shall examine the player and advise the player about the severity of injury or sickness. No treatment causing undue delay shall be given on court. The Umpire shall time the delay caused by the injury.
5.14.2.For a blood flowing injury, the game should be delayed until the bleeding stops or the wound is suitably dressed.
5.14.3.If a player approaches the Umpire and expresses the wish to retire because of injury or illness, the Umpire shall ask the player "Are you retiring?" and if confirmed, the Umpire shall make the appropriate announcement (Instruction 6).
5.14.3.1.If the Umpire is uncertain about the legitimacy of the player's injury or illness, he shall call the Referee on court.
5.15.Mobile Phone
5.15.1.A player's mobile phone ringing on the court or its immediate surroundings during a match shall be considered to be an offence under Law 16.6.4 and shall be dealt with as appropriate under Law 16.7.
5.16.Match Stopped by the Referee
5.16.1.When the Referee comes onto court during a match in a qualifying competition and informs the Umpire that a player(s) in the match is to be promoted to the main draw then the Umpire shall announce:
5.16.1.1."Match ended by the Referee. Player W (or players W and X) promoted to the main draw"; and
5.16.1.2."Player Y (or players Y and Z), proceeds to the next round/main draw".
5.17.Misconduct
5.17.1.The Umpire shall ensure that players' conduct on the court is honourable and in a sportsmanlike manner. Any breach of clauses 4.2.2 to 4.2.3, and 4.2.6 to 4.2.17 of the Players' Code of Conduct shall be considered to be an offence under Law 16.6.4.
5.17.2.Record and report to the Referee any incident of misconduct and the action taken.
5.17.3.When the Umpire has to administer a breach of Law 16.4.1, 16.5.2 or 16.6 by issuing a warning to the offending side (Law 16.7.1.1), call "Come here" to the offending player and call:
"... [name of player], warning for misconduct", followed by a specific explanation of the misconduct.
at the same time raising the right hand holding a yellow card above the Umpire's head.
5.17.3.1.The Umpire shall use the standard vocabulary (Vocabulary, Section 5) to explain the specific misconduct.
5.17.4.When the Umpire faults a side (Law 16.7.1.2 or 16.7.1.3) the Umpire shall call:
"Come here" to the offending player and then call
"... [name of player], fault for misconduct", followed by a specific explanation of the misconduct.
at the same time raising the right hand holding a red card above the Umpire's head. The Umpire must call the Referee on court and report immediately.
5.17.4.1.The Umpire shall use the standard vocabulary to explain the specific misconduct.
5.17.5.When the Referee decides to disqualify the offending player or pair of players, a black card is given to the Umpire. The Umpire then must call:
"Come here" to the offending player or pair followed by
"... [name of player(s)], disqualified for misconduct" followed by a specific explanation of the misconduct.
at the same time raising the right hand holding a black card above the Umpire's head.
5.17.5.1.The Umpire shall use the standard vocabulary to explain the specific misconduct.
5.17.5.2.The Umpire shall then announce, "Match won by W, or W and X, or Member", and the score.
5.17.6.Misconduct during intervals (Law 16.2) is treated as misconduct during a game. This should be followed with the call as in Instructions 5.17.3 to 5.17.5 immediately on occurrence of misconduct.
5.17.7.In cases of misconduct during an interval where a player has been warned under Law 16.7.1.1, after the interval, the Umpire shall call:
5.17.7.1."11- [score]" then "Play" (after intervals at 11 points); or
5.17.7.2."... game; love all; Play" (after intervals between games).
5.17.8.In cases of misconduct during an interval where a player has been faulted under Law 16.7.1.2 or 16.7.1.3, after the interval the Umpire shall call:
5.17.8.1."11- [score]" "... [name of player], faulted" followed by "service over", where appropriate, "new score" and then "play" (after intervals at 11 points); or
5.17.8.2."... game; love all "...[name of player], faulted" followed by "service over", where appropriate, the "new score" and then "play" (after intervals between games).
5.17.9.If the player/pair is disqualified during an interval by the Referee, do not wait for the end of the interval, but call immediately
"...[name of player(s)], disqualified for misconduct" followed by call as in Instructions 5.17.5.1 and 5.17.5.2.
5.17.10.Misconduct before and after the match that happens on the Field Of Play shall be treated as in Instructions 5.17.3 to 5.17.5 as appropriate. However, it shall have no effect on the score of the match.