The proposed changes to the Badminton Scoring System from 3X21 to 5×11 games narrowly failed to pass at the vote at the recent 82nd BWF Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Proposed Badminton Scoring System
The change was fully endorsed the by Indonesian Badminton Association and the Badminton Association of Maldives, and seconded by Badminton Asia, Badminton Korea Association and Chinese Taipei Badminton Association. However it only managed 66.31% in favour with 33.69% against. That meant it just fell short of the two-thirds majority required for the proposal to pass.
There had been strong opposition to the change from many badminton players including some on the professional side of the sport. In fact this is the second time this proposed change to the badminton scoring system has been rejected.
It seems the governing bodies are clearly out of step with the grassroots on this matter. The aim of the change is simple, make badminton more exciting for television and therefore bring in more revenue. However many players felt the change was only focusing on the benefits to the professional game leaving grassroots players and leagues with an highly undesirable format.
5×11 is a far better format for advertisers but does it really make for better badminton? 3×21 seems to be a competitive and enthralling format and one easily understood by the casual viewer. Whether or not the proposed change to the badminton scoring system will come back for a third vote remains to be seen.
Recent Badminton News
Do you think any of the current badminton rules need changing? Leave a comment below:
