Source: REUTERS/VCG
[Saba Sports News] According to reports, the BWF plans to implement a “timing” rule in major tournaments starting in 2026. The rule will limit the time between score updates and the next serve to 25 seconds, which will serve as the standard for determining if a match is delayed. 1) Players have 25 seconds to prepare between points. 2) The clock starts when the main referee updates the score. 3) The server must be ready to serve within 25 seconds. 4) The receiver must be ready to receive the serve when the server is in position. 5) The head referee can use their professional judgment to allow more than 25 seconds of preparation time in certain situations (e.g., medical intervention or emergency cleaning), meaning the 25-second limit is not strictly enforced. 6) Players may freely engage in normal activities (e.g., wiping sweat, drinking water, using cooling sprays) between points without needing permission from the referee, but they must be ready to continue the match within 25 seconds. According to the report, the BWF has already conducted preliminary tests of the system (without penalties) in a recent World Tour event. This included placing timers in different positions on the court so that players, coaches, and officials could clearly see them. Further testing will take place over the coming months.