Introduction to Squash Rules

Rule 2 - SCORING

Idea by Clive Pollard

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2. SCORING

2.1 Only the server scores points. The server, on winning a rally, scores a point; the receiver, on winning a rally, becomes the server.

The Point-a-Rally scoring system (PARS) is also used and is defined in Appendix 7. In PARS, the winner of each rally scores a point.

2.2 A match shall consist of the best of three or five games, at the option of the organisers of the competition. The player who first scores nine points wins the game, except that on the score reaching eight-all for the first time, the receiver shall choose, before the next service, to continue that game either to nine points (known as "Set one") or to ten points (known as "Set two"). In the latter case, the player who first scores two more points wins the game. The receiver shall clearly indicate this choice to the Marker, Referee and the opponent.

The italics 'first' indicate words that WSF has missed out (twice) !

 

The Marker shall call "Set one" or "Set two" as applicable before play continues.

The Marker shall call "
Game ball" to indicate that the server requires one point to win the game in progress or "Match ball" to indicate that the server requires one point to win the match.

Problems ?

Sometimes, when the match reaches 9-8, the winner of that rally complains that they were unaware that the receiver had selected to play to 10 points. This may be just a joke, but it might be serious.

As a referee, you can only make a mistake here if you do not ensure (and note down on your scoring sheet) that the appropriate player did indicate the choice to you and the opponent.

This is why the Rule says 'clearly indicate'. Follow the Rule and you won't have problems.

Note that, if the player chooses "Set one", then the Marker's call is "Eight-all, Set one, Game (or Match) ball".

Scoring systems

As you will be aware, other scoring systems are allowed and used, especially the 'Point-A-Rally' system in the U.S.A. and in most top professional men's (PSA) matches. In this PAR system, the score in a game usually goes up to 15 points, with the result of each rally being recorded as a point to one of the players. Similar situations occur here at 14-14.

Linked to PARS, the PSA organization also uses a lowered tin (45 cm instead of the normal 48 cm) - this causes problems if organizers run women's and men's matches in the same event, as the tin must be raised and lowered between matches.

Other suggestions have been tried, such as PAR to 9 or 21 points, or scoring as in tennis (with consequent short games and sets).

Note that the Women's Player's Association (WISPA) does not intend to use PARS during their tournaments.

Game ball

Remember to call 'game ball' each time it is appropriate. Note that in PARS, you will be calling 'game ball' every time one or other player serves when the score of one player has reached 14.

Do not call 'game and match ball' in the normal scoring game.

In PARS this 'game ball, match ball' (or vice versa) can sometimes be correct (e.g., game score 2-0, 14-14 set one).

3/5 games

In some tournaments, especially when playing in pools, organizers sometimes arrange to play best-of-3 games for the pools and best-of-5 games for the final playoffs. Another idea is to play all plate (losers) round matches as best-of-3.

Continue ?

Read on - Rule 3

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