Badminton is a sport with various rules that are in place to ensure fair play. The rules exist to make sure that the game is safe and can be played without any injuries. Badminton rules are based on the rules made by BWF. For disabled persons, there is a set of additional rules. This is because the issue of safety is even more important for them.
In this article, we will discuss 3 basic rules of badminton for disabled persons. Let’s find out.
First Rule
Firstly, the court dimensions are slightly different for badminton adapted for disabled people.
The width of the court is reduced to 4.5 meters, whilst the length remains at 6.1 meters. The height of the net is also lowered, to 1.55 meters at the center and 1.45 meters at the posts.
These dimensions allow wheelchair users to compete on an equal footing with their able-bodied opponents.
Second Rule
Secondly, there are some slight changes to the scoring system in badminton adapted for disabled people.
In singles matches, the first player to reach 11 points wins; in doubles matches, the first team to reach 21 points wins.
If both players or teams are levels at 10 points each, then whoever reaches two clear points ahead first wins the match.
Third Rule
Thirdly, there are some specific serving rules that need to be followed in badminton adapted for disabled people.
For wheelchair users, the ball must be tossed up and hit below waist height; for standing players, the ball must be tossed up and hit below shoulder height.
All players must serve from within their respective service courts (i.e. diagonally opposite each other).
Para badminton Sports Classes / Events
Para badminton athletes participate in men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles, just as badminton athletes.
To ensure fairness in competition, athletes are divided into “Sport Classes.” There are six Sport Classes in badminton.
Wheelchair 1 WH 1
This class of players must use a wheelchair to play badminton. Players in this Sport Class frequently have problems with both their lower limbs and their trunk function.
Wheelchair 2 WH 2
A player in this class may have a disability in one or both lower limbs and minimal or no trunk impairment. This class requires players to use a wheelchair.
Standing Lower SL 3
A player must play standing in this class. The player may have a lower-limb disability and poor walking/running balance.
Standing Lower SL 4
A second standing class in which the player has less impairment than in Sport Class SL 3. The player may experience impairment in one or both lower limbs, as well as a minor impairment in walking/running balance.
Standing Upper SU 5
The athletes in this class have an upper-limb disability. The handicap could be on either the playing or non-playing hand.
Short Stature SH 6
These are players who are low in stature due to a hereditary ailment known as “dwarfism.”
Conclusion
Badminton is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all abilities, therefore BWF federation makes rules for disabled people. With the help of this, they can also enjoy and play badminton.
Hope this small guide will help you out. If you have any suggestions then let me know in the comment section.
That’s all folks.
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