Frequently, that part of rule 6(a) which says 'but only those players who have been registered for a club for at least 7 days may play in any league match', has caused problems.

Rule 5(f) is also of significance - 'Should any Club have two teams competing in the same division, then the said teams shall play their first two matches against each other before playing against any other team in their division.'

Please also note rule 5(g), regarding required notice periods for cancellation of matches and penalties for failure to follow.

Laws of Badminton: Please remind your members of the service rule 11.1.4, which appears in both 'The Rules of Badminton' and 'The Badminton England Handbook': -

The shaft of the servers racket at the instant of hitting the shuttle must be pointing in a downward direction to such an extent that the whole of the head of the racket is DISCERNIBLY below the whole of the servers hand holding the racket.

The shuttle when hit must be below the servers waist (the interpretation of ÒwaistÓ for the purpose of this rule is the lowest part of the lowest rib).

The first forward motion of the racket towards the shuttle is the start of the service and the racket must continue to travel in a forward direction without hesitating.

Would you please also check that your club shuttles conform to the requirements of Law 4 and that your players understand law 4.4.1 on shuttle testing: -

Law 4.4.1: States that to test a shuttle, use a full underhand stroke which makes contact with the shuttle over the back boundary line. The shuttle must be hit at an upward angle and in a direction parallel to the side lines.

Law 4.4.2: Then states that a shuttle of correct speed will land not less than 530mm and not more than 990mm short of the other back boundary line (approximately 8 inches either side of the doubles service boundary line).

Membership, nomination and fixture lists and completed scorecards should be returned promptly to: David Swift 1 Hither Chantlers, Langton Green, Kent, TN3 0BJ.