Conduct | US Squash

Sportsmanship & Character

“Conduct yourself on court as if you have a job interview with your opponent after the match.”

The US Squash Code of Conduct exists to elevate and maintain the high standard of sportsmanship in competition, enhance the enjoyment and safety during play, and are aligned with US Squash’s values of courtesy, fairness and respect.

Being part of the US Squash community is a privilege. Whether one is serving as a volunteer, participating, coaching, officiating or simply attending an accredited US Squash activity, the integrity of the game is of paramount importance and requires agreement and adherence to the Code of Conduct.

As a competitor, being respectful of one’s opponent and the officials, courteous on and off the court, and responsible for one’s own behavior are the fundamentals of competing in a sportsmanlike manner and upholding the integrity of the sport.

Unique to squash, the difference between winning and losing fairly is in the hands and control of each player, regardless of the officials involved.

OFFICIATING CALLS SUCH AS LETS AND STROKES ARE ALMOST NEVER 100% “RIGHT”.

Calls by officials cannot be controlled. The only element one can control is how to react, whether you’re a competitor, coach, parent or fan.

Competitors must balance many elements which are ultimately only in the control of each individual: sportsmanship with the desire to win; courtesy and respect with raw determination; fair play and while testing limits physically and mentally.

Preserving the integrity of squash, the true essence of the sport, relies on everyone involved in the game to be courteous, respectful and responsible for his or her own behavior.

We all—US Squash, players, parents, and coaches—have a joint responsibility to uphold the Code of Conduct and standards of sportsmanship that make squash unique, and our experiences in the sport so valued. Adhering to these expectations will help ensure everyone’s compliance with the Code of Conduct.

Expectations for players – Safety, Fair Play, and Good Sportsmanship

Players must be ready to get on court and start their match at the scheduled start time.
Players must share the ball during the warmup – 2 shots to yourself, then cross to your opponent.
Players must not throw a racquet, bang a racquet against the floor/wall, or intentionally break a racquet at any time – this includes at the end of the game when racquets should be placed against the wall, not thrown to the ground.
Players must accept referee decisions and may not attempt to influence decisions by questioning, explaining, arguing, or otherwise dissenting.
Players receive 90-seconds between each game and must be on court, ready to resume play at the conclusion of the 90-seconds period.
Players are expected to keep match play continuous, take a direct path to the ball, and fully clear a shot to allow their opponent fair access to retrieve the ball.
Players are expected to be honest and call their own shots down, out, or not up – “if in doubt, then it’s down or out”.
Players must shake hands with their opponent, marker, and referee at the end of the match.
Players must be ready to referee the next match on court within 4-minutes of the completion of their match.

Expectations for Parents, Coaches, Family Members, and Spectators

Cheer for good play and your player, not against your opponent.
Sit or stand apart from the marker and referee during the entirety of the match. This includes the match warm up and game breaks.
Avoid any interaction with the marker and match referee (either junior or adult) at all times during the match. Never intervene with a match in progress or otherwise confront the marker or referee. Influencing officials or expressing dissent can be penalized.
Do not coach during a match is in progress, it is not permitted. You may cheer for your player with words of encouragement, however you may not offer advice on strategy or otherwise influence your player’s game plan.

Enforcement of the Code of Conduct

Encouraging and recognizing good sportsmanship are important actions to elevating conduct in the community. In addition, ensuring there are appropriate consequences for violations to the Code of Conduct and expectations is also necessary.

As such, US Squash will recognize acts of good sportsmanship more regularly and broadly and act more assertively when there are violations to the Code of Conduct.

What does this look like?

Posters and available at US Squash Facility Affiliates and at accredited tournaments to remind players, parents, and coaches of expectations
Materials will include QR codes to make easier the reporting acts of good sportsmanship and violations to the Code of Conduct.
Match referees are expected to more strictly enforce conduct standards as outlined in Rule 15 and discipline players for violations.
Specifically, markers and referees should automatically apply the escalating consequences of “Conduct Stroke”, “Conduct Game”, and “Conduct Match” to any player violating any of these four standards.

1. 1. Influencing the referee – Questioning, explaining complaining, or arguing with a marker or referee about a “let”, “stroke”, or “no let” call in an effort to change or influence a decision that has been made.
  2. Celebrating excessively – Excessive cheering, especially when directed towards your opponent in a way that distracts or intimidates.
  3. Throwing a racquet – Banging a racquet against the wall or floor, or intentionally breaking a racquet.
  4. Late to court – Players receive 90-seconds between each game and must be on court, ready to resume play at the conclusion of the 90-seconds period.

SPORTSMANSHIP RESOURCES

Click on the poster to download/print/save.