Updated COVID Protocols for Accredited Competition

In response to the current state of the coronavirus pandemic together with feedback from the community and learnings from the recent return to competition guidelines announced in August, US Squash has updated its COVID-19 risk-mitigation guidelines and recommendations for accredited competition.

The changes are effective as of October 15, 2021. These protocols continue to be designed to support the desire for many members of the squash community to return to play and competition, while acknowledging that prioritizing the safety of the community requires ongoing adaptation to ensure all reasonable protective measures are in place to do so.

The updated protocols maintain the recommendation that masks be worn at all levels of play regardless of vaccination status, and the requirement for full vaccination for participation in all accredited tournaments (for those eligible to be vaccinated). Testing requirements have been adjusted for certain levels of tournaments as have masking requirements for spectators.

Summary of adjustments:

  1. Players are no longer required to take a rapid test on the first day of U.S. Championship and JCT-level events
  2. Players are still required to submit a negative PCR or antigen test taken with 3 days of the start of the event for all U.S. Championship, JCT, and Gold-level events
  3. While masks are still recommended for all spectators, masks will not be required for fully vaccinated individuals when allowed by local government and facility guidelines
  4. Masks remain required on and off court for all U13 and U11 players
  5. Vaccines remain required for those that can be vaccinated including players in the U15, U17 and U19 age divisions and all spectators. Religious and medical exemptions are allowed

Please refer to the chart below for the full summary of guidelines.

The risk-mitigation and safety measures have been developed through consultation with the Medical Advisory Committee, Junior Squash Advisory Panel, and members of the squash community. The new guidelines will help mitigate risk and allow continued hosting of squash events subject to local rules, serving an important role in sustaining the sport for competitors, host facilities, tournament directors and teaching professionals.

Full details of the updated protocols and guidance is available at:

ussquash.org/policies/participation