Frequently Asked Questions
Got a burning question? You’re likely not alone! Check below and feel free to contact us if you have any more questions or concerns.
How can I join UTBC, how much does it cost and what are the benefits?
All UofT staff, students, and alumni are eligible to become UTBC members! You can register online here on our website or in-person at any of our events by asking a UTBC executive. UTBC members enjoy the benefit of attending court hours free of additional charge, discounted entry to tournaments, and will be the first to hear about all our exciting social opportunities!
What if I’m a beginner at badminton? Can I still participate in UTBC events?
Beginners are more than welcome and invited to join in on the fun! UTBC firmly believes that badminton is for everyone and is prepared to engage players of all skill levels! The UTBC Court Hours department has even initiated a badminton mentorship program that pairs less experienced players with advanced players! Shoot us an email for more information.
Where are the in-person events located?
Unless otherwise specified, in-person events will be held in the Sports Gym or Upper Gym in the Athletic Centre on Harbour street. All UofT students, staff, and faculty with valid T-cards have free access to this facility.
What is the WeChat QR code?
It changes weekly, please contact us for the code!
Court Hours
Are court hours happening this year?
Yes, Court Hours will be held regularly beginning around the Thanks-giving break. Please see the Court Hours page for more information on fees, drop-ins, and more! Additionally, due to COVID-19 health guidelines, all UTBC events, including court hours, will be running at a decreased capacity so be sure to register as a member and grab a spot quickly to ensure court time!
How do court hours work?
Before AC reopens, court hours will be held off-campus at professional badminton clubs (ex. in Scarborough). Tickets are required for entry and can be obtained on a first-come first-serve basis on Eventbrite (more info to come on our social media platforms)! Court hours will take place on Fridays and weekends, and each session is 2 hours long with 6-8 people per court and 20 minute rotations.
Are court hours open to all UofT students?
Yes, court hours are open to all UofT students, staff, and faculty. UTBC members must register ahead of time to reserve a spot at Court Hours, as we are operating at a reduced capacity. Drop-ins must also be pre-registered for and the fee for non-members is $10 per session per person.
Can I still drop-in without being a UTBC general member? Has drop-in already started?
Yes you can! Access to court hours will be limited and will cost $10 for non-UTBC members. Pre-registration is required to attend court hours due to reduced capacity.
Intramurals
What is Intramurals?
The Intramural program is where teams compete against other teams within the University of Toronto.
In Divisions 1 (Advanced) and 2 (Basic/Intermediate), college/faculty teams compete, giving students the opportunity to represent their colleges/faculties in competitive sport leagues.
In Division 3 (All level), students form independent teams and compete against one another.
Please see the Intramuals page for more information.
How do I join?
To join college/faculty teams, you will need to connect with your college/faculty rep - You will be joining Division 1 (Advanced) or Division 2 (Basic/Intermediate) depending on your level of play.
To form your own independent team (Division 3 - All levels)
To join an independent team,
Join the UTBC discord server
OR
2. Create an account on IMLeagues and look for a team accepting free agents
When does registration close?
Sept 22 (Thursday), at 11 AM.
Season dates & game start times?
Oct 7 to Dec 2, Fridays 6 - 10 PM
What is the format for the season?
The format for the season is 9 matches within the game, team-style. You will play 9 different matches, with any one player not playing more than 2 of the 9. There is a 5 week regular season (round-robin, you play 1 other team each week in all 9 matches) and then an elimination playoff, with fewer teams continuing into the playoffs.
Can students from UTSC/UTM join?
Yes. They may play for any other team in the league in Divisions 1 and 2 - they will need to connect with the reps of the college/faculty team that they want to join. They may also play on any independent team in Division 3.
Can UofT alumni join?
Alumni are allowed to play in Division 2 or 3. They must have a valid membership in order to play – so they will need to purchase an AC membership.
What’s the Ballot meeting on the 23rd about?
The ballot meeting on the 23rd will be for teams that registered for leagues that do not have enough spots – and therefore will have to draw ballots to see who makes it into the league. For example, if 12 teams register for Division 1 and there are only 10 spots, then we will draw 10 teams out of 12, and the other 2 teams will be waitlisted. Teams will get an email indicating if they need to be in the ballot or not based on registrations.
Tournaments
Are tournaments happening this year?
Yes, tournaments are happening this year. Due to COVID-19 health guidelines, tournaments, like all other in-person activities, will be operating at a reduced capacity. In addition to in-person badminton tournaments, UTBC will also be hosting mini-tournaments, which are short badminton-related challenges! Lastly, several online tournaments such as jeopardy night, games circuits, and more will be offered later in the year!