Graded Series Regulations 26/27

1.1 Tournament Calendar

All Graded Series (GS) events will be published on Tournament Software (TS) and the Badminton Wales Calendar by the end of August where possible.

1.2 Tournament Entry

1.2.1 Entries: Entries must be completed through Tournament Software where possible. Tournament Organisers are permitted to place entry limits on events to ensure the format of play remains consistent throughout the season.

1.2.2 Event Payment: Where possible, payment will be processed directly through Tournament Software to keep entry simple. While tournament organisers adapt to new systems, payment may be requested via alternative methods at the organiser's discretion.

1.3.1 Single-Day Events Format

• Match Format: All group stages and knockouts up to the final will be Best of 3 games to 15 points, with no setting.
• Finals: Best of 3 games to 21 points with setting.
• Qualification: Tournament Organisers have the discretion to determine whether the top 1 or top 2 players/pairs progress from the group stage.
• Best Runners-Up: No best runners-up will advance, except when there are 3 groups and only the top player/pair progresses.
• Mixed Group Sizes: When an event requires mixed group sizes, the highest seeds will be placed in the smallest groups.
• Comparing Group Sizes for Best Runner-Up: When comparing a group of 3 and a group of 4, the 2nd place pairs in the group of 4 will have their match against the 4th placed team scratched (removing the match result, games, and points won). These adjusted results are then compared directly against the group of 3.
• Single Group Events: Where there is only a single group, no final will be played; the group operates as a round-robin, and the top-ranked player/pair wins.
• Grade Splits: Grades will be split as much as possible to ensure optimal event delivery, subject to the discretion of the Tournament Organiser and the BW Competition Lead.
• Withdrawals: If an individual qualifies through the group stage but must withdraw, the next highest-positioned entry will not proceed to knockouts. However, the withdrawing player/pair retains the points allocated for winning the group.

1.3.2 Two-Day Graded Events

• Match Format: Group stages and knockouts will all be Best of 3 games to 21 points.
• Qualification: Organisers retain discretion on whether top 1 or top 2 progress. No best runner-up will advance.
• Single Group Events: Played as a round-robin without a final. Top of the group wins.
• Grade Splits: Grades will be split wherever possible at the discretion of the Tournament Organiser and BW Competition Lead.

1.3.3 Group Ranking Tie-Breakers

To determine group rankings after all matches are played, ties are resolved in line with BWF regulations using the following hierarchy:

1. Matches Won
2. Game Difference
3. Point Difference
4. Lots (random draw)

1.4.1 Initial Grading Criteria

1.4.1.1 Players with Current BW Grading: Existing graded players are not subject to initial grading. Their grades adjust based on off-season grade movement regulations.

1.4.1.2 Prior Grading Outside Wales: Players enter the Graded Series at their highest discipline grade. For example, a player graded E (Singles), G (Level Doubles), and F (Mixed Doubles) in England will be assigned an initial Grade E in Wales. Players with an external grade but zero recorded matches will enter as unclassified.

1.4.1.3 Known Standard without External Grading: Applies to league players, new residents, or returning competitors. Suggested entry grades are outlined below:

* The Graded Committee reviews these placements. If a clear discrepancy exists between criteria and actual ability, an alternative entry grade may be assigned.

1.4.1.4 Unclassified Entry: Players who do not fit into any above category will enter at the lowest available grade (currently Grade H).

1.4.2 In-Season Grade Movements

Players will not change grades mid-season except under the following conditions:

• Higher Standard Identified: If a player is clearly placed in an unsuitable grade, the Graded Committee may reclassify them upward.
• Appeals: Players may appeal their grade anytime during the season by emailing Joshua.hart@badminton.wales including their name, current grade, suggested grade, and reasoning. Requests are reviewed by the Graded Committee.
• Effect on International Selection: Players moving up by a single grade remain eligible for the 4Nations Graded International at their previous grade. Players moving up by more than one grade are eligible only at their new higher grade.

1.4.3 Off-Season Grade Movements & Guidelines

The table below provides guidelines for off-season grade movements based on previous season performances per discipline:

Preseason Grading Shift: To expand higher grade pools and create balanced opportunities across lower tiers, the Graded Committee actively moves top performers upward prior to the season launch.

1.4.4 Communication: Up-to-date gradings are published and maintained on the Badminton Wales website.

1.5 Ranking Points System

Ranking points are awarded based on match results and the maximum permitted grade tier of the tournament. Competitors must participate in the event to earn points.

* Example: A player reaching the EF Mixed Doubles final earns 9,927 points, while the event winner earns the maximum 10,625 points.

1.6 Ranking vs Grading Distinction

Gradings measure a player's underlying technical playing standard. Rankings reflect competitive results, tournament activity, and overall performance over time.

1.7.1 Selection Priority Matrix

1. Code of Conduct & Attitude (Top Priority): Demonstrating high standards of sportsmanship on and off court while adhering fully to BW policy.
2. Rankings Position: Evaluates overall metric combining season performance and event participation.
3. Tournament Commitment: Volume of BW sanctioned tournaments attended and travel commitment.
4. Competitive Results: Head-to-head performance efficiency at sanctioned events regardless of total matches played.

* Welsh Nationals count toward tournament commitment, but ranking points awarded at Nationals do not apply toward Graded selection.

* Extenuating circumstances are considered at the Selection Committee's discretion if players miss criteria due to valid reasons.

1.7.1.1 Junior Eligibility: Players must be at least 18 years of age at the time of the International event to be eligible for selection.

1.7.2 Selection Committee Composition

The selection committee comprises 4 members: 1 Badminton Wales representative (facilitator) and 3 appointed BW community members.

• The BW facilitator votes only in the case of a split decision.
• Community members serve a maximum of 2 consecutive years unless no alternative expressions of interest are received.
• Members with a conflict of interest must recuse themselves from voting.

1.8 Code of Conduct

All players must adhere to the Badminton Wales Code of Ethics and Behaviour policy. Entry into any BW event implies full agreement to abide by these policies. BW reserves the right to investigate breaches and take disciplinary action where necessary.

1.9 Safeguarding & Junior Participation

A qualified, visible Safeguarding Officer must be present at all events.

Juniors: Players aged U15 and younger are not permitted in Graded Series events. Players in the U17 age bracket or above may enter if accompanied by a Responsible Adult at all times. Junior initial gradings enter 1 grade lower than their highest external grade.

1.10 Media & Information Publication

All rankings, gradings, and regulations are published transparently on the BW website following each event.

Photos and video content may be captured during tournaments for BW marketing and promotional purposes. Players must notify the Tournament Referee if they do not wish to be photographed.