In badminton, a protected ranking (also known as a “World Ranking Protection”) is a special provision that allows a player to retain their ranking position in certain situations when they are unable to compete for an extended period due to reasons like injury, illness, or maternity leave.
How It Works:
- A player can apply for a protected ranking if they are unable to compete for 12 weeks or more.
- The protected ranking is based on the player’s world ranking at the time they stopped competing.
- Once approved, the protected ranking can be used for entry into tournaments for a specified period upon their return.
- It does not impact seeding but ensures that the player can enter tournaments at the level they would have qualified for before their absence.
Key Points:
- Players can only use their protected ranking for a limited number of tournaments (usually up to 6 to 12 events).
- The protection period typically lasts up to 12 months from their return.
- The Badminton World Federation (BWF) oversees the application and approval of protected rankings.
This system helps ensure fair opportunities for players to regain competitive standing without being penalized for unavoidable absences. It’s particularly significant in cases of career-threatening injuries or maternity leave.