Starting on May 1, 2001, USA Badminton will use the International Badminton Federation's "5 x 7 scoring system" for the U.S. Open, the U.S. Adult Nationals, the U.S. Junior Nationals and the U.S. Classics circuit.

NOTE: on 18May2002 the IBF Annual General Meeting decided on a new scoring system of 3x15 for Men's Singles and Men's Doubles (like it always used to be) and 3x11 for Ladies' Singles, Ladies' Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. This new system takes effect worldwide on 1August2002. Until then 5x7 prevails.

7. SCORING SYSTEM (replace entirely)

7.1 A match shall consist of the best of five games.

7.2 In all events, a game is won by the first side to score 7 points, except as provided in Law 7.3.

7.3 If the score becomes 6-all, the side which first scored 6 shall exercise the choice:

7.3.1 to continue the game to 7 points, i.e. not to ‘set’ the game; or

7.3.2 to ‘set’ the game to 8 points.

7.4 The side winning a game serves first in the next game.

7.5 Only the serving side can add a point to its score (see Law 10.3 or 11.4).

8. CHANGE OF ENDS (replaced entirely)

8.1 Player shall change ends at the end of each game, and in the fifth game (if any) when the leading score reaches 4.

8.2 If players omit to change ends as indicated in Law 8.1, they shall do so as soon as the mistake is discovered and the shuttle is not in play. The existing score shall stand.


16. CONTINUOUS PLAY, MISCONDUCT, PENALTIES (amend laws 16.2 entirely and 16.5.2 only)

16.2 Intervals not exceeding 90 seconds between games are allowed in all matches. (In televised matches, the Referee may decide before the match that intervals as in Law 16.2 are mandatory and of fixed duration).

16.5.2 No player shall leave the court during a match without the umpire’s permission