However, BWF updated their regulations last November, allowing medical personnel to enter the court without the referee’s permission in certain situations. BWF plan to implement the 15-point scoring system on a trial basis for six months, covering several tournaments, including Grade three events such as International Challenge, International Series and Future Series competitions. This isn’t […]
However, BWF updated their regulations last November, allowing medical personnel to enter the court without the referee’s permission in certain situations. BWF plan to implement the 15-point scoring system on a trial basis for six months, covering several tournaments, including Grade three events such as International Challenge, International Series and Future Series competitions. This isn’t the first time Rexy has spoken out against BWF. Last September, the 1996 Atlanta Olympics gold medallist openly questioned the governing body’s inconsistent policies on on-court medical assistance. However, Rexy feels the current scoring system is already effective and sees no relevance in switching to 15 points merely to attract more viewers. “I don’t even need to say it (the other things BWF should focus on), they already know. So if you ask me about the scoring system, I have no comment. I just don’t see the point of constantly changing it,” he added. “I don’t mind that for now, let BWF handle it. So far, changes have been a good thing. They started with seven points, then 11, and now 21. They concern the varying treatments given to players at different tournaments, where some have the privilege of immediate on-court medical assistance, while others are left to struggle with pain. Additionally, BWF have eliminated the use of cold spray during matches. “But all they think about is changing the scoring system. It’s not about making the game better in the long run. When I see them doing that, I don’t even bother reading anymore,” said Rexy. The Indonesian-born coach believes that as the sport’s governing body, BWF should focus on more pressing matters, such as players’ welfare, rather than implementing the system if the goal was to elevate badminton’s prestige. BWF explained that this system change would make the game more exciting, faster-paced, and more dynamic. Additionally, it will improve scheduling and provide benefits to players’ health and longevity. This sums up national coaching director Rexy Mainaky’s reaction following the Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) move to change the current 21-point scoring system to 15 points. In fact, he questioned the necessity behind the experiment. “But what’s the real change? They say it’s because of TV ratings and to attract more viewers. That’s not the issue. Tennis matches last six, even 10 hours, and people still stay and watch. KUALA LUMPUR: Tired and fed-up.
