PETALING JAYA: Japan’s doubles coach Lee Wan Wah believes the Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) time clock system has both pros and cons, but says it is still too early to fully assess its impact.
The new rule, which allows only 25 seconds between rallies, has been used for just a few days at the ongoing Indonesian Masters in Jakarta.
Wan Wah said the shortened breaks could disrupt a player’s momentum, especially when they are on a winning run.
“I mean, there are always pros and cons. Sometimes, when you are on a good run of points, it can be frustrating,” said Wan Wah.
However, he also believes that players have little choice but to learn and adapt, even though the BWF have stated that the system is still in its trial phase.
“But I think you can control it because you are the server. The rule states that the receiver must be ready before the server. So, there are pros and cons.
“Since it’s a new rule, I think it will take some time for players to fully adapt,” said Wan Wah.
The BWF introduced the new rule after players raised concerns that umpires were enforcing delays inconsistently, and it has been in effect since the qualification rounds.
Under the rule, after a rally, the server has 25 seconds to get into position and be ready to serve.
The receiver also has 25 seconds to prepare, but once the server is set, the rally must start immediately with no delays allowed.
Within 25 seconds, players can talk to their coach, wipe sweat, drink, tie their shoe laces, or apply cold spray without the umpire’s permission, but if they lose a rally, they must follow the umpire’s instructions immediately.
Shuttle changes and court mopping must be coordinated with the umpire, requested immediately, and completed within 25 seconds.
Short mopping keeps the clock running while longer mopping pauses it, and players must be ready to resume as soon as it finishes.
