The Badminton World Federation (BWF) will trial a new Time Clock System at this week’s Indonesian Masters at Istora Senayan in Jakarta. The system will be applied to all matches, from the qualifying rounds to the main draw, with umpires enforcing the rules throughout.
The Time Clock System limits players to 25 seconds between rallies, aiming to speed up matches and ensure consistency. The rules clearly define what players can do during this period.
After a rally, the server has 25 seconds to get into position, with a countdown clock displayed beside the court. The receiver also has 25 seconds to prepare, but once the server is ready, the rally must begin without delay.
During the 25-second interval, players may talk to coaches, wipe sweat, drink, tie shoes, or use cold spray without asking the umpire. If a rally is lost, players must follow the umpire’s instructions immediately. Shuttle changes and court mopping must be coordinated with the umpire and completed within the time limit. Short mopping keeps the clock running, while longer breaks pause it. Players must resume play as soon as the process is finished.
Umpires may stop the clock for disputes, referee interventions, injuries, long challenge decisions, or other unexpected events requiring extra time.
The BWF introduced the Time Clock System after players expressed concerns about inconsistent enforcement of delays. The system clarifies timing rules, removes confusion, and gives players controlled flexibility to prepare between points. It was previously trialled at the 2025 Australian Open, but only in qualifying rounds.
