When is a let played?
Rule- England
- Badminton England
- BWF Laws
- League badminton
- Adults
- Open age
- 2026/27
- Players
A let stops play, nothing from that rally counts, and the last server serves again. Under Law 14 a let is called when:
- the server serves before the receiver is ready
- the server and receiver are both faulted during the same service
- after the service has been returned, the shuttle is caught and stays on top of the net, or crosses the net and is caught in it
- the shuttle disintegrates in play and its base completely separates from the rest
- a coach disrupts play or distracts an opponent
- a line judge is unsighted and the umpire cannot make the decision
- any unforeseen or accidental situation occurs
Note the difference on the net: a shuttle caught on or in the net on the serve is a fault, but in a rally it is a let. With no umpire, the players call lets themselves. If the receiver attempts to return the serve, they are treated as having been ready.
Added 21 Oct 2026