Badminton Safety Checklist of Regulations
As a rule, all competitive badminton games are played under cover and in a predictable environment (e.g. inside a sports centre).
The popular indoor court game is not one of the most extreme or punishing contact sports. Instead, the majority of players view it as more of a ‘tactical sport’ played around the United Kingdom.
Even so, there will be a physical strain exerted on your body. It comes from short bursts of running and jumping motions – combined with hard landings.
Let’s jump in a little deeper:
There will also be the inevitable, albeit occasional, loose wayward swing of the racket. These are the recognised health and safety rules in badminton that put ALL participants at risk.
This guide will help you become familiar with safe movements and how to add them to your game. You will learn about the safety precautions in badminton that players must follow.
So, here is a list of health and safety considerations and general guidelines to help you enjoy the game and limit the likelihood of getting an injury.
Badminton Warm Up Games
Players should always warm up with some stretching exercises. Hence, a few warm up games will loosen and prepare the body for a match.
You will always see professional players warming up before they compete. So, the exact same badminton safety rules of doing warm ups also apply to beginners.
Warming up means performing stretching exercises combined with some light cardio activity. Try running on the spot, or hit a few of the jump smash shot warm ups, to loosen up your body.
Stretch out your leg muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It will limit the health risks of potential damage caused by a ‘pull or strain’. It also prepares your knees and ankle joints and will get them ready for a strenuous workout.
Note: These safety measures in badminton are for general guidance. You should only compete at your own skill and fitness level.
Badminton Court Safety
Shuttle badminton is not a wild or dangerous sport. But there are specific rules on health and safety for badminton courts.
The recreational area should be clear of anyone who does not have a direct involvement in the game.
It also makes sense to avoid overcrowding – usually by limiting the number of players per side.
Hence, it may be best to restrict team players according to the badminton court size dimensions.
Health and safety in badminton also means protecting nearby pedestrians or bystanders. They may get hurt if they are too close to the action.
Make sure there is ample room inside all the pitch boundaries. That includes the safe movement of any badminton spectators.
Remove any obstructions and potential hazards in badminton courts that are outside. The hazards can include grit debris, loose stones, gravel, and standing water.
You should make sure there is proper lighting and adequate ventilation when competing indoors. The net should be properly secured to prevent it from collapsing. The net poles should be free from sharp edges and not create any tripping hazards.
Regulations for Equipment and Facilities
Use legal and safe rackets, shuttlecocks, and badminton equipment accessories. As a rule, a heavy bat is going to generate an excessive amount of power.
It’s worth noting that using this kind of heavy equipment is more likely to increase the risk of damage during routine game play.
Accidental bumps and racket swing collisions are commonplace for beginners. But, they are more likely to occur between teammates in badminton doubles rules games.
So, try to keep your hand grip dry and beware of any slippery puddles of sweat accumulating on the court flooring.
Etiquette, Fairness and Sporting Play
The badminton safety checklist and fair sportsmanship is paramount for the sport. It is best achieved by adhering to the official rules and regulations.
For example, there are five badminton fouls which players should be aware of and try to avoid making as part of their game strategy.
Then, follow up that research by using clear communication on the court between all teammates (e.g. in doubles) and your opponents.
Wearing Safe Clothing
Wearing the proper footwear for running and indoor sports is crucial. In fact, it could well be the most important of all badminton health and safety rules.
So, equip yourself with some comfortable shoes that offer good grip and adequate shock absorption. It will help to prevent ankle and knee sprains or strains.
It is not common, but some players wear gloves. They feel it helps to prevent hand blisters caused when gripping the racket.
Note: Are eye injuries your main concern? If so, you may prefer to play while wearing goggles (such as the LEVIN safety protective eyewear) providing it conforms to the equipment regulations.
Safety Tips to Avoid Eye Injuries
There are two key badminton health and safety rules to follow in order to avoid (or certainly limit the risk of) getting eye traumas:
- Keep the racket up high near the upper part of your body for protection.
- Never turn to watch a swing shot played by your teammate in a doubles game.
Important: Never play the shuttlecock directly at an opponent. Doing so can result in a head or an eye injury.
Use Proper Badminton Techniques
Poor conditioning, playing an incorrect stroke action, using poor footwork, and overtraining can all lead to injury – like most other competitive sports rules.
Typical examples include badminton injuries like tennis elbow and elbow inflammation. Often, the cause is holding the racket too tight while playing strokes and passes.
Also, using a racket that is too heavy (or too light) often contributes to inflammation in the elbow joints.
Badminton Safety Rules Tip: Learn the proper techniques and the safe way to play the shots. It will limit the likelihood of suffering injuries to your wrist, elbow, and shoulders.
Badminton Health Guides
- Badminton Footwork Drills
- Equipment of Badminton
- How to Jump Smash in Badminton
- Officials in Badminton
Note: The short YouTube video [1:13 seconds] highlights nine simple, yet effective, health benefits of playing badminton.