Jury still out as BWF continues 25-second time clock trials
In this system, a 25-second countdown starts as the umpire updates score for the server and the receiver to resume play.
New Delhi: Despite mixed reviews, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) has decided to continue trials for its 25-second time clock to curb delays at select tournaments.
The time clock will be in effect at the Indonesia Masters next week, though not all players and coaches endorse the idea.
In this system, a 25-second countdown starts as the umpire updates score for the server and the receiver to resume play.
World No.2 China’s Wang Zi Yi called for uniform implementation of the rule for faster adoption from players.
"If the rule is going to apply, players will adjust to it. It will address the issue of delay by players," Wang told PTI.
But not all were immediately welcoming of the idea, as Denmark’s Mathias Christiansen wondered whether the stop-clock could address the basic problem.
"I must say I'm a little bit sceptical about it. If the umpires are taking good care of the match and make it smooth, I don't think there is any problem. I don’t think it will address tactical delays," he said.
"Players may towel off, drink water or apply cold spray without seeking permission, provided they are ready within the allotted time.”
Umpires would continue to retain discretion for longer breaks in exceptional circumstances like medical intervention or extensive court mopping.
Tokyo Olympic champion Chen Yu Fei felt getting ready to play after exhaustive rallies would be demanding.
"I think when we finish long rallies, I feel 20-25 seconds is not enough but we can try," she said at the ongoing India Open.
Extensive analysis
BWF said 25 seconds struck the right balance between recovery and match flow as it found average time of rallies without interruptions was 22 seconds compared to nine seconds of actual rally time after analysis of hundreds of matches.
But not all stakeholders agree to this time gap, with Korean singles coach Hyunil Lee finding the allotted time excessive.
"Twenty-five seconds is very long. It should be enough, maybe even less," he said.
The rule was approved by BWF’s council on August 20 last year and was implemented at the Australia Open Super 500 from November 18 to 23 to improve sport presentation and ensure continuous play.
Former India doubles player and current coach B Sumeeth Reddy said standardising the rule was necessary but cautioned that practicality must be factored in.
"In general, standardising the norms is always better so that a set rule is in place," said Reddy, who works closely with former world number one Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty.
"Some matches finish fast because players don't take breaks, while some last forever because of repeated pauses. From a spectator's point of view, that becomes boring," he said.
Reddy said tactical delays and subjective umpiring had existed for a long and warned against rigid enforcement of the rule after physically demanding rallies though it could reduce undue relays.
"I give credit to players who are able to take that extra break and convince the umpire. That's an art in itself," he said.
"After a 100 or 150-shot rally, you cannot expect a player to be ready in 20 to 25 seconds. That buffer has to be there.
"I think 25 seconds is a decent amount of time, especially in doubles where rallies are shorter, but sensibility has to come into play."