Poll – Who should be responsible for entering players in BWF tournaments?

Once again, the issue of international badminton players’ inability to submit their own entries for Badminton World Federation (BWF) tournaments is in the news.  In the past few years, we’ve seen mistakes, pairing vetoes, and various other pitfalls but most widespread is the privileging of national team members over independent shuttlers.  Last week, two high-profile athletes filed for an injunction against their national association because of a dispute on this very topic.

To enter an international tournament, badminton athletes must make a request via their national badminton association.  The Member Association (MA) must then forward an entry to the BWF on the player’s behalf.  As stated in BWF General Competition Regulation 5.1.1:

For all tournaments requiring the BWF sanction, including junior tournaments, an entry of player / pair must be made by the Member Association of which the player / pair is a member by midnight local time of the BWF Headquarters on the closing date in the manner specified by the BWF. 

Not surprisingly, given the powers granted by the BWF, the MA has the authority to allow or decline their athlete’s entry for international tournaments.  (For more on this topic, including comparisons to tennis, click here)

While we have frequently reported on this issue, we have not asked our readers for their opinions, until now.  Please cast your vote in the poll below and once you’ve voted, please feel free to explain your choice in the comment section below.  We look forward to hearing from you.

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