KUALA LUMPUR — The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has updated its regulations to allow tournament doctors to enter the court without a referee’s direction in cases of suspected cardiac arrest or concussion involving blackouts.
The change, reflected in the Tournament Doctor Guidelines under Sections 4.1.1 (Instructions to Technical Officials) and 4.1.1.1 (Instructions to Para Badminton Technical Officials), came into effect immediately following approval by the BWF Council on November 9.
Pressure for reform grew after the tragic death of young Chinese player Zhang Zhi Jie during the Asian Junior Championships (AJC) in Yogyakarta last July.
“In late 2023, BWF initiated a policy review into Medical Emergency Intervention Protocols in badminton.
“The findings of this policy review, which concluded earlier in 2024, recommended an update to the BWF Competition Regulations and Instructions to all technical officials where, in the case of suspected cardiac arrest or suspected concussion with blackout, the tournament doctor, without the direction of the referee, could now immediately enter the court and attend to a player to provide first aid.
“As communicated in July this year, this policy review was reopened to allow for considerations following the tragic death of Zhang Zhi Jie at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships 2024 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
“Following a wide consultation with relevant parties, the original recommended policy adjustment was fully endorsed through the internal review, and this was approved by BWF Council on November 9,” said the federation in a statement to Scoop.
Hesitation by officials on duty delayed medical intervention, and Zhi Jie tragically passed away en route to the hospital.
“BWF remains committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of all players,” BWF added.
“(We are also exploring) additional first aid protocols, tools, and educational guidelines for tournament personnel, (while encouraging) Member Associations to conduct regular health monitoring for high-performance athletes.”
BWF expressed its deepest condolences to Zhi Jie’s family, teammates, and the Chinese badminton community.
‘Emergency Protocols and Recent Controversies’
BWF clarified that recent incidents during the China Open and Malaysia Masters were unrelated to the AJC tragedy.
At the China Open men’s doubles final, He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu faced Malaysia’s Nur Izzudin Rumsani and Goh Sze Fei.
Xiang Yu, experiencing severe back pain, received treatment from a chiropractor allowed onto the court.
In contrast, at the Malaysia Masters, assistance was delayed for women’s doubles player Ng Qi Xuan after she suffered a knee injury.
However, BAM secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh clarified that medical assistance was provided within 16 seconds.
National badminton coaching director Rexy Mainaky has raised concerns over inconsistent policies regarding on-court medical assistance.
To address concerns about potential match delays, BWF has eliminated the use of cold spray during gameplay.
Previously, players were allowed one cold spray per match, administered by the tournament doctor.
Now, cold spray can only be used during intervals, applied by players themselves or team medical staff.
“In the intervals, a team official (coach, physio or even the tournament doctor if accepting to do so) may administer any treatment of an injured player.
“To maximise the treatment time and to be ready to play by the end of the interval, players should be proactive about their requests for treatment, for instance, notify their coach of the intention to seek treatment during the interval so that play is not delayed,” BWF added.
With these updates, BWF aims to standardise emergency responses, ensuring the safety of all players while maintaining the integrity of match proceedings. — November 16, 2024
