Introduction to Squash Rules

Rule 15 - DUTIES OF THE PLAYERS

Idea by Clive Pollard

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15. DUTIES OF THE PLAYERS - explanations

E15.1 What is the spirit of the game ? It is almost non-definable and very difficult to translate - but it includes some or all of the following :


- a desire to play fairly
- a will to win without cheating
- a feeling of respect for the opponent
- a desire not to injure the opponent, even accidentally
- a will to observe the basic ethics of good behaviour, both on an off the court.
  E15.2 The amount of time that a player must be present at the court before the start of the match will be indicated in the tournament guidelines. If not, the general guidelines are as follows :

- report to tournament organisers at least 30 minutes before planned start of first match. However, if the player has not reported in by that time, what then ?

- be at the match court at least 5 minutes before planned start of first match. However, if the player is not at the match court by that time, what then ?

Unfortunately, the time(s) after which a match Referee should take action with regard to a player being late are not defined in these Rules. They should be !!
 

E15.3 You will always find some players who want to insist on their equipment remaining within sight. This occurs mainly on courts with a non-transparent back wall. The Referee should insist that the equipment is placed in the safe hands of a tournament official.

E15.4 The case of a player opening the door of the court in order to listen to or speak to the Referee in situations in which communication is difficult should not be considered to fall within the meaning of this Rule. However, a player who abuses this must be penalised according to Rule 17.
 

E15.5 WSF guidelines indicate that only the Tournament Referee should consider changing a Referee of Marker, for whatever reason. Allocation of Referees and Markers should take into account player preference only if the tournament schedule allows this.

E15.6 Distraction includes unnecessary sounds during play, including the opponent's words of self-encouragement during the striker's preparation to hit the ball, excessive foot stamping, waving of arms, etc.

E15.7 It is unnecessary use of a Referee's powers to always insist that a player makes this verbal appeal. A good Referee will observe the situation and decide when a player has clearly indicated their intention to appeal. A bad Referee will ask the player "Are you appealing ?", to which the answer from a pretty female player may be "Well I think so, do you ?". In any case, the Referee will upset some players and may therefore cause unnecessary problems in the match.

E15.8 It would seem that many of the advertising and colour restrictions for clothing have now been removed. However, players and Referees should be aware of PSA and WISPA regulations for their respective members.

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