Terms & Conditions – News9 Corporate Badminton Championship

1. Eligibility Criteria

• Participation is restricted to employees of registered Companies or LLPs that have been operational for a minimum of two (2) years with a workforce of at least ten (10) employees.
• An official letter or email communication from the company’s authorized representative (from the company’s domain email ID) must confirm the list of participants along with Employee IDs.
• By registering, the company certifies that all participants are full-time employees who have been on the company’s official payroll for not less than six (6) months as of the registration date.
• The company is solely responsible for verifying employee eligibility and ensuring adherence to these criteria.
• This Championship is strictly restricted to corporate professionals. Individuals who have previously secured medals in international, national, or state-level badminton tournaments, or who have participated in any Badminton Association of India (BAI) ranking tournament within the preceding three (3) years, shall be deemed ineligible to participate. Any breach of this eligibility criterion shall result in immediate disqualification of the concerned participant.
• In the event of any protest or objection raised concerning a participant’s eligibility, including but not limited to their identity, ranking credentials, or compliance with the aforementioned eligibility criteria, the organizing committee shall conduct a thorough investigation. Should the investigation substantiate any non-compliance or misrepresentation, the participant in question shall be disqualified forthwith, without further notice.

2. Player Conduct & Attire

• All players must wear non-marking shoes while on the court.
• Participants are expected to demonstrate sportsmanship, discipline, and decorum throughout the event.
• Any form of misconduct, abuse, or unsportsmanlike behaviour towards technical officials, organizers, fellow participants, or spectators shall result in immediate disqualification.

3. Game Rules & Referee Decisions

• Each company may register a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 players per team in any one of the following categories:
• Men’s Category
• Open Category (mixed gender)
• The tournament will be conducted in accordance with the Badminton Association of India (BAI) rules.
• Registered teams will be divided into groups. Each group will include a minimum of 4 teams or more based on total registrations.
• Categories of play:

• MEN’S CATEGORY (Team Registration)

• Each team is minimum of 3 maximum of 5 players

• Men’s Singles (x2)
• Men’s Doubles

• OPEN CATEGORY (Individual Registration)

• Men’s Singles
• Women’s Singles
• Mixed Doubles
• Match schedules will be communicated prior to the commencement of the tournament.
• The decision of the referee shall be final and binding in all matters. No appeals will be entertained.

4. Registration & Participation

• Registration is open only to eligible corporate employees.
• Each team must consist minimum of 3 maximum of 5 players.
• The Men’s Category is exclusively for male players. The Open Category must include both male and female players.
• Each Company may register multiple teams.
• Registration fees (if applicable) are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable.

5. Health & Safety

• By registering, players declare themselves physically and mentally fit to participate in the tournament.
• Organizers shall not be held responsible for any injuries, medical issues, or health-related incidents during the tournament.
• A basic first-aid kit will be available at the venue. Participants are advised to carry any personal medication required.

6. Venue Regulations

• Food and beverages are strictly prohibited inside the court premises.
• All attendees must maintain cleanliness and hygiene at the venue and dispose of waste responsibly.
• The consumption of alcohol, smoking, or any prohibited substances is strictly forbidden.
• The venue and schedule, once communicated by the organizers, shall be final and binding. All participants are required to be present at the designated venue as per the instructions issued by the organizers. Non-compliance may result in disqualification or walkover.

7. Event Format & Scheduling

• Fixtures and schedules will be shared with the registered teams in advance.
• All players must report 30 minutes before their scheduled match.
• Walkovers will be granted if a team or player fails to report on time.

8. Photography & Media Consent

• By participating, individuals and teams grant the organizers the right to photograph and record the event.
• Images and videos captured may be used by the organizers for marketing and promotional purposes across digital, print, and broadcast media.

9. Liability & Organizers' Rights

• The organizers reserve the right to modify rules, venue, schedules, or event format at their sole discretion.
• The organizers shall not be responsible for loss of personal belongings or valuables at the venue.
• Any unforeseen situation or dispute shall be resolved by the Organizing Committee, whose decision shall be final.

10. Player Acknowledgement

• By registering for the News9 Corporate Badminton Championship, participants confirm their physical and mental fitness and accept that the organizers are not liable for any injuries sustained during the course of the event.

11. Play Format

• Preliminary Rounds to Semi-Finals: Best of 3 games – 15 points, no extensions.
• Final Matches: Best of 3 games – 21 points, extension up to 30 points.

12. Format Revisions

• Organizers reserve the sole right to amend the play format based on the number of team registrations. Any change will be communicated in advance to the participating teams.

13. Prizes

• Cash prizes will be awarded to the team/company.
• It shall be the responsibility of the winning team/company to complete any statutory formalities required for prize disbursement.

14. Tax Deduction

• Cash prizes will be disbursed after deduction of applicable taxes (TDS/GST or as applicable) in accordance with the prevailing laws.

15. Legal & Compliance Terms :

• Force Majeure: The organizers shall not be liable for delay, rescheduling, or cancellation due to events beyond their control including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, government orders, strikes, or technical failures.
• Indemnity Clause: All participants and companies agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the organizers, sponsors, venue partners, and officials from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from their participation in the event.
• Jurisdiction: All disputes or claims related to this championship shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts in Hyderabad, Telangana.
• Data Privacy & Usage: Participants consent to the collection and usage of their personal and professional data strictly for event purposes. Data shall not be sold or shared without prior consent.
• Insurance Disclaimer: The organizers do not provide personal accident or health insurance. All participants must ensure they are adequately covered either individually or by their employer.

Final Declaration:

By completing the registration process, all participants and companies expressly agree to abide by the above terms and conditions. Non-compliance may lead to disqualification without refund or remedy.