Law 19: The Referee

An umpire is appointed for a match by the Referee and acts under the Referee's authority.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 2.2 · recall

A decision by a Deputy Referee is considered a decision by the Referee, with no appeal to the Referee.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 4.1.3.2 · applied

The umpire's jurisdiction runs from entering the field of play before the match until leaving it after.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 2.7 · recall

It is the total area on which the courts are laid and where spectators are not allowed.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 2.7 · recall

As far as possible, neutral technical officials shall be appointed to a match.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 3.1.2 · recall

Service and line judges can be replaced by the Referee or the umpire in consultation with each other.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 2.3 · applied

The Referee redirects it to the right stakeholders and follows up so the outcome is reported back.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 3.5.1.2 · applied

ITTO 2.1-2.3: the Referee is appointed by BWF or a Confederation and appoints the match officials.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 2.1-2.3 · recall

Review, reflect and consult, decide, then make sure the decision is understood.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 4.1.5 · applied

If necessary, the Referee may go onto court during a match without being called by the umpire.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 3.5.1.6 · applied

The Referee first speaks to the umpire to be informed of the facts, then calls the doctor if needed.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 3.6.1.1 · recall

The doctor examines and advises whether it is medically advisable to continue.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 3.6.1.2 · recall

The umpire times the delay caused by the injury.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 5.14.1, 3.6.1.1 · recall

A maximum of two persons may assist, advise and help translate.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 3.6.1.3 · recall

In fairness the opposing side is allowed the same consideration.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 3.6.1.3 · applied

The game is delayed until the bleeding stops, the wound is dressed, or the Referee advises otherwise.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 5.14.2 · applied

The umpire asks 'Are you retiring?' and, if confirmed, makes the announcement.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 5.14.3 · applied

Umpire, Referee, doctor's examination and advice, then the player's own decision.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 3.6.1.1, 3.6.1.2 · applied

In a suspected cardiac arrest the doctor attends at once, without waiting for the Referee's direction.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 3.6.1.6.1 · applied

The doctor advises; the decision to continue remains with the player.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 3.6.1.2 · applied

If both sides wish to change the shuttle speed, the Referee is called immediately.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 5.13.4 · applied

The umpire decides if the shuttle should be changed; a change must be fair.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 5.13.1 · recall

Equipment passed to players during a match, except in intervals, is given to the Referee, not the player.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 3.5.16 · applied

Any player is entitled to a minimum 60-minute interval between matches.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 3.5.19.4 · recall

The Referee can reduce the interval to no less than 30 minutes in exceptional circumstances.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 3.5.19.4 · applied

The Referee first speaks to the umpire (and the service judge if needed), and only then to the players.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 3.6.2.1 · applied

While the Referee deals with it on or near the court, play is deemed suspended unless advised otherwise.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 3.6.2.1 · applied

Facts from the umpire first, then the players, then the decision.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 3.6.2.1, 3.6.2.2 · applied

25 seconds, 60 seconds, 120 seconds, then 60 minutes.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 5.10.8.2, 3.5.19.4; Laws 16.2 · recall

The Referee shall be the sole judge for deciding the speed of the shuttles to be used.

Source: BWF ITTO 2025, 5.13.4 · applied