What changes for umpires under the 3x15 scoring from 4 January 2027?
Rule- South Africa
- Badminton South Africa
- BWF Laws of Badminton 2027
- BSA Technical Officials
- Umpires
- Service judges
- All ages
- 2027
- Officials
The 2027 BWF Laws of Badminton, adopted on 25 April 2026, take effect on 4 January 2027. Until then the 2025 Laws (21-point games) apply.
| 2025 Laws (to 3 Jan 2027) | 2027 Laws (from 4 Jan 2027) | |
|---|---|---|
| Game won at | 21 points | 15 points |
| Two-point lead needed from | 20-all | 14-all |
| Cap | 30th point wins at 29-all | 21st point wins at 20-all |
| 60-second interval in each game | Leading score reaches 11 | Leading score reaches 8 |
| Change of ends in the third game | First side to 11 | First side to 8 |
| Interval between games | 120 seconds | 120 seconds (unchanged) |
Matches are still best of three games unless otherwise arranged, and the winner of a game serves first in the next. If a change of ends is missed, change as soon as it's discovered with the shuttle not in play; the score stands.
For a televised match the referee may decide before the match that the intervals are mandatory and of fixed length.
Added 22 Oct 2026