Welcome to Keep Calm Badminton! To keep things fun and fair for everyone, please follow these guidelines.
These rules add to - but don't replace - our community-wide policies. Please read these first if you haven't already:
- WhatsApp Rules - group communication, unsolicited DMs, referral links, spam
- Community Conduct - respect, harassment, advertising, conflict resolution
- Event Rules - commitment, cancellations, the strike system
- Safety & Liability - participation at your own risk, the 18+ age requirement
You must be 18 or over to take part. Keep Calm is an adults-only community.
1. Signing Up and Commitment
- Only sign up via the form at keepcalm.fit/friday-badminton if you genuinely plan to play - Mel books courts based on who's signed up
- A spot is only secured once you've paid - signing up alone doesn't hold your place
- Sign-ups are first come, first served, though Mel has final say on the roster
- If a session fills up, let the organiser know if you'd still like to be considered in case another court gets added
2. Cancellations
- If you've paid and then can't make it, tell the organiser as soon as possible so your spot can be offered to someone else
- People often cancel late assuming others want the spot - don't. Cancel as early as you can
- Repeated late cancellations or no-shows affect the whole group and may cost you your place (see the strike system in the Event Rules)
Separately, arriving considerably late, leaving early, or not showing up at all gets noted by the organiser as a priority flag for future sessions. This is a lighter, badminton-specific record, not the strike system above - it doesn't remove or reorder anyone automatically, it's just something the organiser takes into account, and it clears once resolved.
3. Payment
- Cost varies by venue and how many courts get booked, covering the court hire and shuttlecocks
- Everyone pays in advance by Bizum (or Revolut on request) as soon as the roster's confirmed, not on the day - there's no cash-on-the-day option
- Pay promptly so the organiser isn't left chasing
- When paying by Bizum, use the reference Badminton DD/MM Firstname L (session date + your name as it appears on that week's card) - e.g.
Badminton 14/08 Chris T- so it's clear which session and player the payment is for
4. Level
- From 18 September, Friday sessions are split by level: Friday is Improver/lower Intermediate. Tuesday stays open to all levels, mixed together
- Be honest about your level so games stay enjoyable for everyone, and sign up for the session that matches you
- If you're newer or not sure which fits, Tuesday is the easier entry point
5. Safety
- Warm up before you play and stretch afterwards
- Wear indoor court shoes with non-marking soles to protect the floor and yourself
- Participation is voluntary and at your own risk - the host facilitates the session but is not responsible for your wellbeing
- Look after your own belongings - the host is not responsible for lost or damaged items
6. Be Sound
- Welcome newcomers and rotate so everyone gets court time
- Keep the banter friendly and inclusive
- Help set up and pack down the nets and equipment
- Respect the venue, the staff, and other users of the sports hall