The BWF announced that the Time Clock system will be tested during every match at the VICTOR Denmark Open 2026 as part of its continued stakeholder consultation process.
The Badminton World Federation announced that the trial of the Time Clock system will run throughout every match at the tournament, which is scheduled from October 13 to 18. Umpires will strictly enforce Instructions to Technical Officials (ITTO) Clauses 5.10 and 5.13 during all competition sessions in Odense.
Players and Coaches Guidelines Set Strict Timing Limits
Under the trial protocol, participants must adhere to specific guidelines governing the speed of play between rallies. The governing body distributed a dedicated set of Players and Coaches Guidelines outlining exact expectations for competitors on the floor.
The rules explicitly define what it means for athletes to be fully “ready to serve and receive” before the expiration of the 25 seconds of allowable time between completed rallies.
Governing Body Collects Feedback Through Surveys and Briefings
Tournament participants do not have to follow the new regulations without a voice in the process. The governing body is actively collecting observations through an online survey designed for players, coaches, team managers, technical officials, and host organisers.
Additional operational details regarding the trial will be delivered directly to delegation leaders during the official Team Managers’ Meeting and supplementary briefing sessions ahead of the tournament’s opening day.
Christopher Trenholme Provides Technical Clarification for Teams
Organisers and participating teams seeking clarification on the technical rollout can reach out to Events Director for Technical Operations Christopher Trenholme via email at [email protected].
The governing body confirmed that it will issue further updates to its membership regarding subsequent trials of the Time Clock system as soon as additional testing dates and locations are officially confirmed.
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