Version control: Original 2016/ Updated February 2023
Introduction
You must refer to the Requirements for All Sport and Physical Activity (PDF 466KB) to understand your overall compliance responsibilities.
Where considered appropriate, for example inclusion in a school sport program, parents or caregivers must be informed of full details of the location, supervision to be provided and activities to be undertaken when seeking their written permission.
Teacher/Instructor Qualifications and Experience
The appropriate level of expertise and/or training required to conduct an activity will be dependent on whether the teacher's/instructor's role is one of supervision, instruction or coaching. Other factors to be considered are the nature of the activity, the age, ability and experience of the students involved.
A teacher must be present who has recognised current training in emergency care.
Supervision
Where an adult other than a teacher is engaged to provide instruction, a teacher must be present to take overall responsibility.
Equipment
Nets and supporting structures (e.g. poles) must be in good condition, properly secured to prevent collapsing, free from sharp edges and any tripping hazards.
Students are to be instructed to keep grips dry and badminton racquets in good condition.
Students are to be instructed to wear non-slip sole footwear which is appropriate for the playing surface.
No personal belongings should be taken onto or stored on the court.
A well-equipped medical kit must be readily available.
Venues
The court surface must be in good condition and free of obstructions and loose objects.
Ensure there is sufficient room around the outside of the court boundaries to permit freedom of movement.
If played indoors, appropriate lighting and ventilation must be provided.
Safety
Spectators and non-participating players are to be instructed to remain outside the court area during play.
Students are to be instructed not to enter other courts occupied by players to retrieve shuttlecocks (or for any other reason) whilst play is in progress. Players must stop play whenever a foreign object comes onto the court.
Students are to be instructed that no more than two players are to be on a court at any one time. This may only be varied with consent of the teacher in charge or the activity instructor.
In doubles, encourage communication between players and advise the front court player to avoid facing partners during rally top avoid injury from shuttlecock or other collisions.
Wearing sports goggles may help reduce the risk of eye injury.
Warm-up and cool-down are vital elements in preventing injury and should be included before and after all training and competition sessions. Stretching activities performed in the warm up should move the muscles through the full range of movement to be performed during the session and be interspersed throughout the warm-up.
Players should ensure that they have an adequate level of hydration before, during and after program.
Where possible, ice should be available for the treatment of injuries.
Students are to be instructed to use adequate sun protection, e.g. an SPF50+, broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen reapplied regularly and a hat.
Special feature
When learning to play badminton, players are advised to begin with "Shuttle Time Lessons" which introduces basic technical, tactical and physical skills through safe and fun badminton activities.