PV Sindhu expects BWF to review 25-second shot clock after player concerns
India's two-time Olympic medallist and BWF Athletes' Commission chair says players have raised fairness issues with the trial rule.
PV Sindhu has told the Badminton World Federation that players want a review of the 25-second shot clock trial after concerns about umpire consistency and yellow and red cards.
Key takeaways
- PV Sindhu is the chairperson of the BWF Athletes' Commission.
- The 25-second shot clock is being trialled at select BWF World Tour tournaments this year.
- Sindhu said players have raised concerns about fairness with the governing body.
- She expects the BWF to review the shot clock system.
- Instances of yellow cards and red cards have occurred under the rule.
Two-time Olympic medallist P V Sindhu said on Wednesday that she expects the Badminton World Federation to review its 25-second shot clock trial after players raised concerns about its fairness.
Sindhu, who chairs the BWF Athletes' Commission, conveyed the players' views to the world body during a virtual interaction. The shot clock is being trialled at select BWF World Tour tournaments this year.
Under the regulation, players must be ready to serve within 25 seconds of a rally ending.
By the numbers
Sindhu said there have been instances of yellow cards and red cards under the trial, and that some umpires have been very strict.
She described the early stage as difficult for both umpires and players to understand, noting that sometimes the receiver would be ready but the server would not, and sometimes it would be the other way around.
She added that there are still instances where five or seven seconds remain on the clock, but the umpire tells a player their opponent is ready and asks why they are not. She said there has been a lot of discussion on this issue.
What happens next
Sindhu said she has notified the BWF and shared her thoughts after players came to her with their concerns. She expects the system to be reviewed, while noting that umpires have shown more understanding and players are getting used to the clock.
She said there can be warnings if players are not ready.
Sindhu, who is a two-time Olympic medallist, stated that players need to be prepared earlier and know what is expected of them, and that there needs to be some understanding when players go through a long rally because they are human beings.
Shot clock trial details from the sources
Item | Detail |
|---|---|
Shot clock limit | 25 seconds |
Tournaments with trial | Almost seven |
Sindhu's Olympic medals | Two |
Cards mentioned | Yellow and red |
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