16.1. Play shall be continuous from the first service until the match is concluded, except as allowed in Laws 16.2 and 16.3, and, for Wheelchair Badminton, 16.5.3.
16.2. Intervals:
16.2.1. not exceeding 60 seconds during each game when the leading score reaches 11 points, except Handicap matches (BWF Statutes, Section 4.1.3); and
16.2.2. not exceeding 120 seconds between the first and second game, and between the second and third game shall be allowed in all matches. (For a televised match, the Referee may decide before the match that intervals as in Law 16.2 are mandatory and of fixed duration).
16.3. Suspension of play
16.3.1. When necessitated by circumstances not within the control of the players, the umpire may suspend play for such a period as the umpire may consider necessary.
16.3.2. Under special circumstances the Referee may instruct the umpire to suspend play. In Para badminton, repair of additional equipment for Para badminton (Law 5.2) may be considered a special circumstance.
16.3.3. If play is suspended, the existing score shall stand and play shall be resumed from that point.
16.4. Delay in play
16.4.1. Under no circumstances shall play be delayed to enable a player to recover strength or wind or to receive advice.
16.4.2. The umpire shall be the sole judge of any delay in play.
16.5. Advice and leaving the court
16.5.1. Only when the shuttle is not in play (Law 15), and until the players have taken up position to serve and receive shall a player be permitted to receive advice during a match.
16.5.2. No player shall leave the court during a match without the umpire’s permission, causing delay to play, except during the intervals as described in Law 16.2.
16.5.3. In Wheelchair Badminton, a player may be allowed to leave the court for one additional interval during a match in order to catheterise. The player shall be accompanied by any BWF appointed Technical Official.
16.6. A player shall not:
16.6.1. deliberately cause delay in, or suspension of, play;
16.6.2. deliberately modify or damage the shuttle in order to change its speed or its flight;
16.6.3. behave in an offensive or inappropriate manner; or
16.6.4. be guilty of misconduct not otherwise covered by the Laws of Badminton.
16.7. Administration of breach
16.7.1. The umpire shall administer any breach of Law 16.2, 16.4.1, 16.5.2 or 16.6 by:
16.7.1.1. issuing a warning to the offending side; or
16.7.1.2. faulting the offending side, if previously warned; or
16.7.1.3. faulting the offending side in cases of flagrant offence or breach.
16.7.2. On faulting a side (Law 16.7.1.2 or 16.7.1.3), the umpire shall report the offending side immediately to the Referee, who shall have the power to disqualify the offending side from the match.