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Questions, comments?? E-mail me!! J.olsson@cad.gu.edu.au
THE RULES OF WORLD SQUASH SINGLES
1. THE GAME
The game of Squash is played between two players, each using a specified
racket, with a specified ball, and in a court constructed to WSF specified
dimensions.
2. THE SCORE
A match shall consist of the best of three or five games at the option of the
organisers of the competition. Each game is to nine points, in that the player
who scores nine points wins the game, except that, on the score being called
eight-all for the first time, the receiver shall choose before the next service is
delivered to continue that game either to nine points (known as "Set one") or
to ten points (known as "Set two") in which latter case the player who scores
two more points wins the game. The receiver shall in either case clearly
indicate their choice to the Marker, Referee and opponent.
The Marker shall call either "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.
3. POINTS
Points can be scored only by the server. When the server wins a stroke
the server scores a point; when the receiver wins a stroke the receiver
becomes the server.
4. THE SERVICE
5. THE PLAY
After a good service has been delivered the players return the ball alternately
until one fails to make a good return, the ball otherwise ceases to be in play in
accordance with the rules or on a call by the Marker or Referee.
6. GOOD RETURN
7. LET
A let is an undecided rally. The rally in respect of which a let is allowed shall
not count and the server shall serve again from the same box.
8. STROKES
A player wins a stroke:
If the ball, before reaching the front wall, hits the striker's opponent or
racket, or anything they wear or carry, the ball shall cease to be in play
and:
If the striker strikes at and misses the ball further attempts
may
be made
to strike it. If, after being missed, the ball touches the opponent or the
opponent's racket,
or anything they wear or carry, then, if, in the opinion of the Referee:
If any such further attempt is successful resulting in a good
return being prevented from reaching the front wall by hitting the
striker's opponent or anything theywear or carry, a let shall be
allowed in all circumstances. If any such further attempt would not
have resulted in a good return, the striker shall lose the stroke.
11.APPEALS
The loser of a rally may appeal against any decision of the Marker
affecting that rally.
An appeal to the Referee under Rule 11 should be prefaced with the words
"Appeal please". Play shall then cease until the Referee has given a
decision.
If an appeal under Rule 11 is disallowed the Marker's decision shall stand. If
the Referee is uncertain a let shall be allowed except where provided for in the
Note To Referees after Rule 11.2.1 and Notes To Referees C and D after Rule
11.2.2.
Appeals upheld or Referee intervention under Rule 20.4 are dealt with in each
specific situation below.
Note To Referees
A pointing gesture is not an appeal.
13. LETS
In addition to lets allowed under other rules, lets may or shall be allowed
in certain other cases.
14. THE BALL
15. WARM UP
After the first service is delivered play shall be continuous so far as is
practical provided that:
17. CONDUCT ON COURT
If the Referee considers that the behaviour of a player on court could be
intimidating or offensive to an opponent, official or spectator, or could in any
way bring the game into disrepute, the player may be penalised.
(G12) Offences which should be dealt with under this rule include
audible and visible obscenities, verbal and physical abuse, dissent to Marker or
Referee, abuse of racket or ball and coaching, other than during the interval
between games. Other offences include unnecessary physical contact and
excessive racket swing (Rule 12.10), unfair warm up (Rule 15.2 Note To
Referees), late back on court (Rule 16.4 Notes to Referees A and B),
deliberate or dangerous play or action (Rule 16.5.3) and time wasting (Rule
16.6).
(G13) For these and any other offences which, in the opinion of the
Referee, justify the application of this rule, one of the following penalty
provisions may be applied.
18. CONTROL OF A MATCH
A match is normally controlled by a Referee, assisted by a Marker. One
person may be appointed to carry out the functions of both Referee and
Marker. When a decision has been made by the Referee, the Referee shall announce it to
the players and the Marker shall repeat it with the subsequent score.
Notes To Officials
(G14) A. It is desirable to have separate Officials
to carry out the roles of Marker and Referee.
B. Players are not permitted to request a change of Marker or Referee. The
Tournament Referee has the sole right to replace a Marker or Referee before
or after the commencement of a match.
19. DUTIES OF A MARKER
20. DUTIES OF A REFEREE
The outgoing striker is required to make every effort to clear the ball after
playing their return. Their route should be on a path which allows the incoming
striker direct access to the ball, provided the incoming striker has not moved
into play the ball so quickly that they block the outgoing striker's exit.
However, it is equally important for the incoming striker to make every effort
to get to and where possible, play the ball. If the incoming striker does not
make every effort to get to the ball, then that is a significant factor in the
Referee's assessment of whether or not that player could have reached the ball
and made a good return.
The degree of effort that is required by the incoming striker, in order to
demonstrate that they were indeed making every effort, is for the Referee to
decide. Players should note that this does not give them licence to physically
abuse their opponents and unnecessary physical contact will be penalised
under Rules 12/17.
A Referee, however, should not refuse lets in situations where the player was
clearly making every effort (albeit short of physical contact with their opponent)
to get to and play the ball and had demonstrated to the Referee that they would
have reached the ball.
In giving a decision the Referee must weigh up the amount of effort being
made by both players. In cases where the Referee assesses that sufficient effort
has not been made by either player, this should be taken into account when
making the decision.
G2. TIMING OF APPEALS
The timing of an appeal on interference is important.
In the case of an appeal concerning fairview and freedom to hit the ball
directly to the front wall (commonly known as "crossing the flight"), the
Referee must consider the situation at the time the player could have hit the
ball.
In the case of interference on backswing the appeal must be immediate, and
before the player makes any attempt to play the ball. Any attempt to hit the
ball after backswing interference has occurred indicates that the striker has
accepted the interference and thus forfeits the right of appeal.
If in the act of playing the ball, which includes the downswing and hit, there is
interference, an appeal may be allowed. If this appeal is made at the
completion of the racket swing the Referee may allow a let or award a stroke
if in their opinion the interference has affected the outcome of that return.
G3. METHOD OF APPEAL
The correct method of appeal in interference situations is with the words "Let
please".
Other forms of appeal are sometimes used by players including a raised hand
or racket, especially where communication between players and Referee is
poor.
A Referee accepting any form of appeal other than the standard "Let please"
must be satisfied that an appeal is actually being made (not a rally conceded),
if necessary clarifying this with the player.
G4. APPEALS
If a player makes a prompt appeal because of interference and their opponent's
service or return prior to that appeal subsequently goes down or out, the
Referee should not consider the appeal but should rule on the service or return
and award the stroke to the player
G5. CREATED INTERFERENCE
At all times a player must be allowed direct access to play the ball and the
opponent, having completed their own return, must always endeavour to
provide this direct access.
However, sometimes the situation arises where the opponent has caused no
interference (ie. they have clearly provided the required direct access) but the
player has taken an indirect route to the ball which takes them through, or very
close to, the opponent's position. The plaer then appeals for a let because they have been
"obstructed" in their access to the ball.
But there is no genuine reason for this indirect route. In effect the player has "created
their own interference" where none otherwise existed and if the player appeals for a let
they should not be allowed one. Whether the player could have made a good return is
not even a consideration; in order to remain in the rally the player must get to
and play the ball.
This is not to be confused with two situations where a player in attempting to
extricate themselves from a position of disadvantage is denied direct access to the
ball. The first is where a player is "WRONG FOOTED", and anticipates their
opponent hitting the ball one way, starts moving that way, but having guessed
wrongly changes direction to find their opponent in the way. In this situation
a let should be allowed on appeal if they have recovered so as to show
conclusively that they could have made a good return. In fact had the incoming
striker been prevented from playing a winning return then they may be awarded a
stroke.
Secondly, if a player plays a poor return and puts their opponent in a position of
advantage they should only be given a let if, in taking the direct line to the ball
for their next return, they have shown conclusively that, but for the interference, they
would have been able to get to the ball.
G6. UNNECESSARY PHYSICAL CONTACT
Unnecessary physical contact is both detrimental to the game and potentially
dangerous. In blatant cases the Referee should stop the rally and award the
appropriate penalty accordingly. The Referee should also be aware of a player
who "pushes off" their opponent. Where this has no significant effect on the
opponent, then the rally should be allowed to continue and a warning given at
the end of the rally.
G7. APPEALS FOR FEAR OF INJURY
When an appeal for a let has been made and there has been no interference the
Referee's decision is usually "No let". However, occasionally, although
interference as defined in Rule 12.2 does not exist , there may be reasonable
fear of injury in which case a let should be allowed under Rule 13.1.3.
G8. BROKEN BALL
When the receiver makes an appeal prior to attempting to return the service,
the Referee has discretionary power to decide whether to replay the previous
rally or to allow a let in respect of the rally in which the ball was found to be
broken.
G9. CHANGE OF EQUIPMENT
In order to avoid the situation of one player gaining an unfair rest interval
through a change of equipment, the Referee should note that before allowing a
player to leave the court to change equipment, the Referee must be satisfied
that there has indeed been a material deterioration of the equipment.
The preference for another racket, or a different pair of shoes where no
physical deterioration is evident, is not sufficient reason for allowing a change
of equipment. The Referee should also note that although up to 90 seconds are
allowed for a change of equipment players are required to carry out the change
as quickly as possible.
If a player loses a contact lens or their glasses break, then following the
appropriate time interval for change of equipment, they must continue play or an
appropriate Rule 17 penalty will be applied.
If a player is unable to resume play because they have no alternative equipment
then the Referee should award the match to the opponent.
G10. ILLNESS/INJURY ON COURT
If, during a match, a player feels ill such that they need to leave the court, they
should advise the Referee who may allow them up to three minutes to recover.
If extra time beyond that permitted is needed or if the Referee does not permit
them recovery time, the player must concede the game, take the 90-second
interval, then be ready to resume play. A player may concede only one game.
If, after taking the 90-second interval, they are unable to continue play, they shall
then concede the match.
If, however, a player is sick on court, so that the court conditions are such that
play is prevented from continuing, then the Referee should award the match to
the opponent irrespective of whether the sick player is able to continue or not
(Rule 17 Conduct On Court).
Similarly, if a player suffers from a nose bleed and as a result the court
conditions are impaired to the extent that they are detrimental to the match in
progress, then the opponent should be awarded the match. (NB: This refers to
a "natural" nose bleed rather than one caused by collision where the relevant
injury rule would apply).
In all the above cases the Referee's decision with regard to court conditions is
final.
Players should note that where an injury is sustained which is entirely self-
inflicted, including injury caused by a player being struck by their opponent's
racket when the player has occupied an unnecessarily close position to the
opponent, a time interval of up to three minutes (which can be extended solely
at the discretion of the Referee) may be permitted for the player to recover.
After that the Referee will require the player to continue; or concede the
game, accept the interval and then continue play; or concede the match.
Players should also note that irrespective of the cause of any injury they are
not permitted to resume play while a wound which is bleeding is not securely
covered or where blood flow continues from an uncovered wound.
G11. TIME WASTING
Time wasting represents an attempt by one player to gain an unfair advantage
over their opponent. Prolonged discussion with the Referee and slow
preparation to serve or receive service are particularly mentioned (Rule 16.6).
Where this occurs the Referee should apply an appropriate Rule 17 penalty at
the earliest opportunity.
It should be noted that while excessive ball bouncing prior to service does
constitute time wasting, the server should not be considered to have served their
hand out.
During game intervals the Referee is required to call "15 seconds" to indicate
that the players have 15 seconds to return to court and be ready to resume
play. It is the responsibility of players to be within earshot to hear the call.
Players should note that the call of "15 seconds" is advice to return to court. A
player who is not ready to resume play on the call of "Time" is deliberately or
otherwise gaining an unfair advantage and should be penalised under Rule
17.
G12. COACHING DURING MATCHES
Coaching of players may occur only during the interval between games.
Coaching should not be taken to mean brief comments of encouragement
between rallies which clearly have no effect on the continuity of play. The
Referee is expected to exercise discretion in deciding between such comments
and coaching a player.
The use of external communication aids is prohibited.
The Referee may stop coaching in any form during play by applying Rule 17,
Conduct on Court, to the player being coached.
G13. PROGRESSION OF PENALTIES
The penalties available to the Referee under Rule 17 are:
A warning
A stroke
A game
The match
The guidelines for applying the penalties are as follows:
The first penalty imposed by the Referee for a particular offence may be at any
level to suit the seriousness of the offence, ie. a warning, stroke, game or
match. However, any second or subsequent penalty for the same type of
offence may not be of a lesser severity than the previous penalty for that
offence. Thus the Referee may award several warnings or several strokes for
the same type of offence if they felt that the offence did not warrant a stronger
punishment.
When issuing penalties the Referee should use the following terminology:
Conduct warning...... (player's name) for ....... (offence).
Conduct stroke......... (player's name) for....... (offence), stroke to (opponent's
name)
Conduct game.......... (player's name) for ..... (offence), game to (opponent's
name)
Conduct match........ (player's name) for ..... (offence), match to (opponent's
name).
G14. SINGLE OFFICIAL
It may not always be possible to have two officials for a match. A single
official would act as the Marker initially, but when there was an appeal they
would then take on the role of the Referee and give their decision, on appeal, as
the Referee.
Whilst this situation is not recommended, it does happen, and the single
official should know that they act as the Marker and then on appeal, as Referee.
It is not correct to say that because there is only one official there is no
Referee.
If it appears that the server intends to serve from the wrong
box, or either player appears undecided as to which is the correct
box, the Marker shall advise which is the correct box. If the Marker
makes an error with this advice, or there is any dispute, the Referee
shall rule on the correct box.
The Marker must not delay play by the calling of the
score. However, if the server serves or attempts to serve prior to
the calling of the score, the Referee shall stop play and require the
server to wait until the calling of the score has been completed.
9. HITTING AN OPPONENT WITH THE
BALL
If the striker, having turned or allowed the ball to pass
around them, chooses not to continue the rally due to
reasonable fear of striking the opponent and, in the opinion of the
Referee, a reasonable possibility of this occurring did exist and
the striker would have been able to make a good return,
then a let shall be allowed .
The stroke award provisions of Rule 9 do not apply to turning,
ball passing around the striker, or further attempts.
10. FURTHER ATTEMPTS TO HIT THE
BALL
When a player has been struck by the ball as described in
Rule 9, the Marker shall call "Down". The Referee shall assess the
trajectory of the ball and make all further decisions.
12. INTERFERENCE
In the latter case the Referee shall also award the stroke
to the opponent if they are unsure whether the Marker's call was
correct.
A. No appeal under Rule 11 may be made after the
delivery of a service for anything that occurred before that
service
Either player or the Referee may examine the ball at any time
it is not in actual play to check its condition.
The Referee shall decide whether a ball is broken.
(G8) If the receiver appeals prior to attempting to return
service and, in the opinion of the Referee, the ball break occurred
during that service, the Referee shall allow a let for that rally only,
but if unsure, should allow a let for the previous rally.
16. CONTINUITY OF PLAY
The Referee must ensure that both players warm up the
ball fairly (Rules 15.1 and 15.2). An unfair warm up shall be dealt
with under the provisions of Rule 17.
A. Should one player fail to be ready to resume play when
"Time" is called, the Referee shall apply the provisions of Rule 17.
A. In all injury situations, the Referee must determine
that the injury is genuine.
Markers must use recognised calls, including
when the rally has ceased.
Both the Marker and Referee are required to
record the score.
G1. MAKING EVERY EFFORT
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