In the high-stakes world of professional badminton, where ranking points are paramount, there’s a lesser-known but crucial concept that plays a significant role in shaping the landscape – the notional ranking. It’s a tool that serves as a bridge between a player’s potential and their actual performance, particularly when they return to the court after a hiatus or enter the competitive circuit for the first time.
What is a Notional Ranking?
A notional ranking is a temporary ranking assigned to players who are either returning from a long break due to injury, illness, or other personal reasons, or to new players entering the international circuit. It’s essentially an estimated ranking based on their past performance and achievements, giving them a fair starting point in the ranking system despite their absence or inexperience.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) uses a formula to calculate the notional ranking, taking into account the player’s previous ranking, the duration of their absence, and the average performance of players in their expected playing field. It’s a dynamic value that changes as the player participates in tournaments, eventually aligning with their actual performance and results.
Why is it Important?
The notional ranking serves several vital purposes in the badminton ecosystem:
- Fairness and Opportunity: It ensures that returning players or newcomers aren’t unfairly disadvantaged due to their absence or lack of recent competitive experience. It gives them a chance to compete at a level that reflects their potential, facilitating a smoother transition back into the sport.
- Tournament Entry: The notional ranking allows players to enter tournaments even without an official ranking, opening doors for them to gain valuable match experience and earn ranking points.
- Seedings and Draws: In some cases, the notional ranking may be used for seeding purposes in tournaments, particularly when the player’s past performance warrants a higher position than their current ranking.
- Motivation and Benchmark: For players, the notional ranking acts as both a motivation and a benchmark. It reminds them of their past achievements and sets a target to strive for as they work their way back to their peak performance.
The Notional Ranking in Practice
Several prominent players have benefited from the notional ranking system, showcasing its effectiveness in facilitating their return to the competitive scene. For instance, Carolina Marin, the Olympic gold medalist, used her notional ranking to successfully return after a long injury layoff, eventually regaining her top form. Similarly, Kento Momota, the former world number one, leveraged his notional ranking to make a strong comeback after a car accident.
The notional ranking is an integral part of badminton’s ranking system, ensuring fairness, opportunity, and a smoother transition for players returning from breaks or entering the circuit. It’s a testament to the sport’s commitment to recognizing potential, rewarding past achievements, and providing a platform for players to showcase their skills on the international stage. As badminton continues to evolve, the notional ranking will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the careers of many aspiring and returning players, adding another layer of intrigue and excitement to this dynamic sport.
