Sandbagging Policy – Fair Play & Level Verification

To ensure fair and competitive matches for everyone, doubles pairs must register at the level of the higher-level partner, based on each player’s current playing ability.

The Tournament Committee may review registrations using previous tournament participation and results, club or competition level, and other relevant information. Please check the Level Guide on our tournament website for guidance on choosing the appropriate level (https://www.queerbadmintonamsterdam.nl/badminton-playing-levels-classification-guide/).

If we believe you have registered at an incorrect level, we may adjust your level before the tournament. Deliberately registering below your appropriate playing level (sandbagging) may result in disqualification, including during the tournament.

By registering, you confirm that the information you provide about your playing level and history is accurate and that you accept these level-verification rules.

Sandbagging policy

  1. Registration level is subject to verification.
  2. We will publish a provisional player list.
    1. Player — Country/Club — Requested/Assigned Level
    2. Players get 7 days to request a correction if they think we have made a mistake.
  3. QBA (tournament organisation) reserves the right to promote/demote a player based on evidence they registered at the wrong level. When possible, there will be a reassignment, with the Tournament Director having the final say.
  4. Three different moments:
    1. Before the tournament:
      QBA can move someone to another level based on verification. The player gets a chance to provide additional information or withdraw if they disagree.
    2. After publication of the draw:
       Level changes only at QBA’s discretion.
    3. During the tournament:
       If it becomes evident that someone has deliberately registered substantially below their playing level, the Tournament Committee can regrade or disqualify them.
    4. The Tournament committee and Director in the last instance have the final say.
  5. For doubles, classification should apply to the individual players, not just the pair.
  6. For doubles, when regrading is not possible disqualification will apply to the pair.
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