About Us


The OU Badminton Club, founded in the late 1980s, is a registered student organization located on the main campus of the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma. The Club has approximately 40-60 regular members each year. Its membership includes undergraduate and graduate students, staff and professionals, professors, administrators, and alumni on the OU campus as well as enthusiastic players from outside the OU community. The Club welcomes anyone interested in learning about and promoting the sport of badminton (an Olympic sport since the 1992 Barcelona Games). Our club is a member of the OU Sports Council.


Goals

  • To promote the game and sport of badminton by (1) holding regular practices and scrimmages, (2) organizing ladder competitions and tournaments, and (3) participating in external badminton tournaments.
  • To promote high standards of scholarship and leadership character and to strive for the spirit of sportsmanship and fellowship among club members.
  • To cooperate and interact with other badminton associations, organizations, clubs, and players across the United States and abroad in promoting the sport of badminton.

Practice/Membership Info

The OU Badminton Club holds normal practices in the Sarkeys Fitness Center all year round (see a view of our courts). Badminton courts are set up and available every day.

FAQs

When does the club play/train?

Generally, scheduled training/playing sessions are held on Tuesdays (5:30 pm to 8:00 pm), Thursdays (5:30 pm to 8:00 pm), and Sundays (3:00 pm to 6:00 pm); although during the Summer the gym is closed on Sundays, so we play Saturdays (10:00 am to 1:00 pm). These times may change slightly from semester to semester. Times are also subject to court and gym closings throughout the year. Note: these are not formal classes but rather informal training/playing sessions.

Can I join if I have little experience?

Yes, as long as there is the desire and motivation to improve one’s game. The level of play in the club is much higher than that of “backyard” recreational badminton, but if you have the right skills, fitness, and motivation to improve, we can probably help you progress in your game.

Do I have to pay a club membership fee?

Generally, yes. These are nominal and include free access to shuttlecocks, one free string (labor not included), and wrap, which is great. Fees are different if you are a student (lowest), member of staff or faculty (middle-range), or non-OU affiliated (highest). Fees may vary, depending on the club’s annual funding, but are usually around $20 to $45 per semester. Alternatively, you can contribute one good-quality shuttle per hour of play for those who do not want to pay fees.

Do I have to pay fees the first time I come to play?

No. We encourage individuals to try out for one or two sessions to see if the club fits them.

Do I need to pay gym fees?

Students enrolled on the OU Norman campus do not need to pay gym fees – access to Sarkeys Fitness Center is part of their fees. Students enrolled on other OU campuses and OU staff or faculty must pay gym fees for unlimited access to the Sarkeys Fitness Center – you can contact Sarkeys Fitness Center to find out the fees. If you are not affiliated with OU, you will need to pay a daily gym access charge and have someone from the badminton club sign you in each time you attend – you can contact Sarkeys Fitness Center to find out the daily access fees. The Daily Entrance Options can be found on OU Fitness and Creation website. Here is a map of OU (look for the Sarkeys Fitness Center, just south of the OU football stadium) and information about parking on campus. Note: Everyone using Sarkeys Fitness Center is subject to the gym’s rules and regulations. At all times, please be respectful of staff and others using the gym. Note that if you are signed in as a guest of the badminton club, the expectation is that you will be in the gym to play badminton.

Do I have to bring my own racket and birdies?

The club encourages all players to invest in a good badminton racket. OU students with gym membership can access badminton rackets supplied by the gym. If you are a beginner or don’t have a racket, the gym’s rackets can be used for the initial sessions in which you participate; however, these rackets are heavy and can easily break the expensive lighter rackets of other players should rackets clash during a game, therefore, beyond these initial sessions, you will need to supply your own (better quality) racket. Club members can give you advice on which is the best racket. Entry-level rackets are usually priced from $80 to $120.

Do I need any other special equipment?

The club and gym want you to wear ‘non-marking’ shoes. Shoes with a gum sole will not leave marks on the floor; other materials are similarly designated. The use of outdoor shoes is not allowed.

What other facilities are at the gym?

There are restrooms and shower facilities.


Contact Info

If you want to join or discover more about the OU Badminton Club, please contact the Executive Committee (email).