Adoption of the new 3×15 scoring system in Scotland
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) membership has voted to approve the adoption of a 3 x 15 scoring system, which will officially come into effect on Monday 4 January 2027.
Badminton Scotland will take a phased approach to the introduction of the new scoring system.
For all events at Silver level and below, tournament organisers will retain the autonomy to use an alternative scoring system if they feel this is more appropriate for their event and participants.
However, from Monday 4 January 2027, all International Championships, National Championships and Gold level tournaments in Scotland, across both senior and junior age groups, will adopt the new 3 x 15 scoring system. It is also intended that the Scottish Cup and National Badminton League will adopt the new scoring system.
We have taken time to consider the merits and implications of the new system and have concluded that we have a responsibility to progress badminton in our country in line with international developments. This will help ensure a smooth transition for our high-performance players as they progress through the pathway towards international competition, as well as providing consistency for coaches, officials and tournament organisers.
At the same time, we recognise that lower-level tournaments may have different priorities and requirements, and that organisers may wish to retain flexibility to use a scoring format that best suits their event, participants and circumstances.
By adopting the new scoring system at International, National and Gold level, while allowing tournament organisers at Silver level and below to use their own judgement, we believe we can strike an appropriate balance between supporting the development of our performance players and providing an appropriate level of autonomy for other domestic events.
The Events Committee will continue to monitor the implementation and impact of the new scoring system, and changes may be considered as we gain further experience and feedback.
The key changes to the scoring system are explained below.
Key Changes Under the 3×15 Scoring System
- Matches remain best of three games.
- Each game is played to 15 points, replacing the previous 21‑point target.
- Rally‑point scoring remains unchanged, with a point awarded on every rally.
- At 14–all, a game is decided by a two‑point lead.
- A maximum cap of 21 points applies; at 20–all, the next point wins the game.
- In the deciding third game, players change ends when a side first reaches eight points.
- A 60‑second mid‑game interval occurs when the leading score reaches eight points.
- 120‑second intervals between games remain unchanged.
- The side winning a game serves first in the next game.
- 3×15 becomes the standard scoring system, while 3×21 is retained as an alternate scoring option.