Sports & Injury Disclaimer

The big picture

Badminton involves running, jumping, lunging, twisting, and contact with a fast-moving shuttlecock and shared courts. Like any sport, it carries risk of injury — sprained ankles, knee strains, racquet impacts, falls, dehydration in warm conditions. By booking sessions or otherwise using Badminton Village to find or play badminton, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

ACC cover (New Zealand)

Personal injury from sport in New Zealand is generally covered by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) regardless of fault. This means you can't sue another player or a club for accidentally causing an injury during a session — but you can claim ACC support for treatment and rehabilitation.

ACC does not cover:

• Gradual-onset overuse injuries (most tendinopathies).
• Pre-existing conditions that flare during play.
• Loss of property (broken racquets, stolen kit).

Carry your own travel/contents insurance for those.

Health pre-conditions

If you have a heart condition, asthma, joint injury, pregnancy, or any condition that could be affected by vigorous exercise, talk to your GP before playing. We don't screen members for medical readiness.

If you faint, get chest pain, or have any other emergency at a session, the priority is calling 111. Clubs are expected to know the location of their nearest defibrillator and have at least one first-aider on duty during sessions.

What the platform is responsible for

Badminton Village provides the listing, booking, and payment platform. We are not responsible for:

• The condition of courts, equipment, or facilities — these are the club's responsibility.
• The safety of the venue, lighting, surface, first-aid coverage — all on the club.
• The conduct of other players at a session.
• Coaching outcomes (whether a session improved your game, appropriateness of drills for your level).
• Injuries sustained at sessions, whether your own or those caused to or by you.

What clubs and coaches are responsible for

• Safe, well-maintained court surfaces and equipment.
• First-aid cover during sessions.
• Sensible skill matching — not pairing a beginner against an aggressive elite player without warning.
• Reasonable supervision of junior players (under 18).
• Carrying public liability insurance if their activity scale warrants it (we recommend this; we don't enforce it).

What you (the player) are responsible for

• Warming up properly. Cooling down too.
• Wearing appropriate non-marking court shoes.
• Knowing your own fitness, hydrating, and stopping when something starts to hurt.
• Playing within the spirit of the game (see Community Guidelines).
• Not knowingly playing while you have a contagious illness.

Junior players

Junior players (under 18) should attend sessions with parental knowledge and ideally with an adult present. We strongly recommend parents check the club's safeguarding posture (police vetting, first-aiders, child protection policy) before booking ongoing coaching.

Coaching outcomes

Coaching outcomes vary by student, frequency, effort, and natural ability. We don't guarantee specific improvements. Coaches with certifications listed on their profile have been asked to confirm those credentials but we don't independently verify every certificate.

Tournament listings

Tournaments listed on Badminton Village are organised by third parties (clubs, regions, BadmintonNZ, etc.). We're a directory. Entry conditions, refund rules, and disputes for a tournament are between you and the organiser.

Equipment recommendations and reviews

Equipment articles, racket comparisons, and reviews are editorial opinion or aggregated user reviews — not medical or fitness advice. Buy what works for your hand, body, and game.

Questions? Email legal@badmintonvillage.co.nz or use the contact form.