In a move to add more pace to badminton matches, the Badminton World Federation (BWF), the sport’s global governing body, has approved the testing of a time-clock system at select World Tour tournaments starting in 2026.
Approved by the BWF at its Council meeting on August 29, 2025, the new rule will require players to be ready for the next rally within 25 seconds of a completed rally.
The first official enforcement trials will begin during Week 47 of this year (18–23 November 2025) at select BWF World Tour tournaments.
The trials will continue into 2026, when the system will be tested on a wider scale.
“The regulations will allow BWF to continue its testing of the time clock, including the full application of the system where players must be ready to play the next rally within 25 seconds,” BWF said in a release.
As per the regulations, players will be given 25 seconds between rallies, with the clock starting once the umpire updates the score.
The server must be ready before the end of the 25 seconds, and the receiver must also be in position when the server is set to serve.
Umpires will retain discretion to allow additional time between rallies under special circumstances, such as medical intervention or significant court maintenance.
“Players have freedom to undertake normal activities between rallies, including towelling-off and getting a drink, which currently require the permission of the umpire, and the freedom to apply cold spray to themselves, if they are ready to serve/receive within the 25 seconds,” the apex body said.
BWF arrived at the 25-second rule after analysing data from hundreds of matches across Major Championships and World Tour events.
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The federation believes 25 seconds strikes the right balance between allowing players adequate recovery and maintaining continuous play.
