The scoring system in badminton could be changed if BWF proposals are approved ©Getty Images

A new scoring system will be voted on by Badminton World Federation (BWF) members at the governing body's Annual General Meeting (AGM) in May.

The system is one of several changes proposed by the BWF Council, but they require approval from members.

Currently matches are contested as best of three games, with a score of 21 required to win a game.

The change would see matches held over five games, but with only 11 points needed.

The BWF have experimented with the system since 2014, but their members could vote to introduce it across all tournaments.

It is claimed the change to the scoring system, with specific focus on elite international tournaments, forms part of the BWF Council's plan to innovate competition rules.

The governing body have also proposed a reduction in on-court coaching and a law change which would introduce a fixed height for serves.

A special edition of the BWF newsletter has been distributed to outline the rationale behind the proposed changes.

Building greater suspense has been cited as a benefit, as well as reducing the physical and mental stress on players.

An accompanying letter from BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer has also been sent out with 189 member associations now set to weigh up the proposals.

The BWF have proposed an updated scoring system which they claim would solve challenges in the sport ©BWF
The BWF have proposed an updated scoring system which they claim would solve challenges in the sport ©BWF

"Our aim is to enhance and enrich our sport with wide-ranging initiatives that will realise badminton's vast global potential; taking it to unprecedented heights in all spheres," said Høyer.

"We must continue attracting and exciting fans - fans who have countless, amazing choices in a competitive global sports market.

"It's time for change: time to bring in new peaks, more excitement and increase broadcast and fan appeal."

The AGM is scheduled to take place on May 19 in Bangkok.

The proposals come as the BWF seeks to continue with its aim to develop the sport.

Should the BWF members approve the changes, they could come into force for the start of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualification process in 2019.

The most recent change saw the launch of the BWF World Tour last month, with banking group HSBC announced as a principal global partner.

Chinese city Guangzhou was named as the host of the newly-named World Tour Finals.

HSBC were also confirmed as a BWF global development partner, taking a role in helping the governing body to develop the sport.

The newsletter explaining the proposals can be found here.