Policies

US Squash Abuse, Harassment, Bullying, and Hazing Policy

The United States Squash Racquets Association (“US Squash”) is committed to providing a safe environment for its members, participants, coaches, officials and volunteers, and has also made the commitment to uphold the values proposed by the U.S. Olympic Committee’s SafeSport Initiative. Sexual, physical or emotional abuse, harassment, bullying, or hazing in any form by any US Squash members, participants, coaches, officials and volunteers is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. When any members, participants, coaches, officials, staff and volunteers are subjected to sexual, physical or emotional abuse, harassment, bullying, or hazing in any form, it undermines the mission and values of US Squash. US Squash advocates build strong self-images among the youth participants, strive to promote good sportsmanship throughout the organization and encourage qualities of mutual respect, courtesy and tolerance.

Having a fair and effective anti-doping program is vital to ensure that the rights of clean athletes and the integrity of competition are upheld. US Squash is opposed to the practice of doping in sport and fully supports and complies with the policies, protocols, and rules set forth by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) as the independent, non-profit anti-doping organization in the U.S. Guided by their mission to preserve the integrity of competition, inspire true sport, and protect the rights of U.S. athletes, USADA is charged with implementing a comprehensive anti-doping program for all Olympic, Paralympic, Pan American, and Para Pan American sport National Governing Bodies, their athletes, and events. USADA’s scope of responsibility includes:

• Education for athlete and athlete support personnel
• Drug reference resources
• In-competition and out-of competition testing
• Results management processes

USADA is a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code (Code), which is a framework of anti-doping policies, rules, and regulations within sport. The Code, along with the supporting International Standards, is maintained by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to ensure global harmonization of anti-doping rules.

USADA’s website www.usada.org provides many resources to help athletes, athlete support personnel, and medical professionals understand the anti-doping process and the role they play in helping to protect clean sport.

The links below are shortcuts to frequently asked about topics.

The Prohibited List

The Prohibited List contains all the substances and methods prohibited in sport. The List is evaluated, updated, and published every year by WADA. See the full list at www.USADA.org/substances/prohibited-list/

SafeSport Policy

US Squash abides by the SafeSport Code for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement.  The SafeSport Code is defined by and prohibits six primary types of misconduct, including sexual, emotional, physical, bullying, harassment and hazing. It applies to any individual who (a) currently is, or was at the time of a possible violation, within the governance or disciplinary jurisdiction of a National Governing Body or who is seeking to be within the governance or disciplinary jurisdiction of an NGB (e.g., through application for membership), (b) is an athlete or non-athlete participant that an NGB or the USOC formally authorizes, approves or appoints to a position of authority over athletes, or to have frequent contact with athletes or (c) an NGB identifies as being within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s Response and Resolution Office.  US Squash complies with the SafeSport Entity’s exclusive and discretionary subject matter jurisdiction as set out in this Code, and provides that US Squash will address matters falling outside this subject matter jurisdiction guided by Section E of US Squash’s Grievance, Disciplinary, Suspension, Member Misconduct and Appeals Procedures.

Athlete Safety Policy

US Squash abides by US Squash’s Athlete Safety Policy, which applies to USOC employees, coaches, contracted staff, volunteers, board members, committee and task force members, and other individuals working with athletes or other sport participants while at a U.S. Olympic Training Center, or a USOC-sponsored or delegation event; athletes training and/or residing at an OTC or a delegation event; individuals the USOC formally authorizes, approves or appoints (a) to position of authority over or (b) in frequent contact with athletes. It prohibits all forms of misconduct, including sexual, emotional, physical, bullying, harassment and hazing as set out in the SafeSport Code for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement as adopted by the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

US Squash SafeSport Contact

Please contact Kevin Klipstein, kevin.klipstein@ussquash.com, for any questions regarding SafeSport and US Squash.

Grievance, Disciplinary, Suspension, Member Misconduct and Appeals Procedures

 US Squash Whistleblower Policy

I hereby relieve, release, and forever discharge and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the United States Squash Racquets Association, Inc. (“US Squash”), their servants, agents and employees from any and all claims and demands of every kind and character from injury to my person or damage to property as a result of my participation in US Squash accredited programs, tournaments, competitions and events.

I agree to carry primary medical insurance and abide by all US Squash policies including the Member Code of Conduct. I have read this Release of Liability and Waiver Agreement, fully understand its terms, understand that I have given up substantial rights by signing it, and sign it freely and voluntarily without any inducement.

I understand and agree that the World Squash Federation (WSF) Anti-Doping Rules and U.S. Anti-Doping Agency Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing (USADA Protocol) and all other policies and rules adopted by the WSF, USADA, and the USOC apply to me and that it is my responsibility to comply with those rules. I agree to submit to drug testing at any time and understand that the use of methods or substances prohibited by the applicable antidoping rules would make me subject to penalties including, but not limited to, disqualification and suspension. If it is determined that I may have committed a doping violation, I agree to submit to the results management authority and processes 3-1 NGB Compliance Checklist_121317.docx of USADA, including arbitration under the USADA Protocol, or to the results management authority of WSF and/or US Squash, if applicable or referred by USADA.

“Signature ______________________________________ Parent or guardian signature needed if under 18.”

US SQUASH Board Statement of Ethics Principles and Conflict of Interest Policy

Those who serve US Squash, whether as volunteers or paid professionals, are held to the highest standards of conduct. As guardians of squash ideals they assume an obligation to subordinate individual interests to the interests of US Squash. What may be considered acceptable conduct in some businesses may be inappropriate in service to our sport.

Those who serve US Squash must avoid any institutional loss or embarrassment and behave in such a way that the organization’s trust and public confidence are enhanced. It is important to avoid any real conflict of interest as well as the appearance of a conflict of interest.

While no set of guidelines can guarantee acceptable behavior, the principles which guide behavior in this area are (i) disclosure, (ii) physical absence and (iii) nonparticipation in the decision making process where personal or family gain is a possibility and a commitment to honor the confidentiality of organizational information. All conduct is founded on the individual’s own sense of integrity. Any individual accepting the honor of service to US Squash must also accept the burdens of public disclosure and public scrutiny. In our complex society, the intermixture of volunteer work, business interests, governmental activity, and family relationships, inevitability create potentially conflicting interests. What is required is ready disclosure of conflicting interests whenever they arise, as well as physical absence from and strict nonparticipation in any evaluation or decision making process relating to matters in which the individual has a real or apparent conflict of interest.

US SQUASH Board of Directors and Association Mutual Expectations

You were selected to be a member of the Board of Directors of US Squash because of your commitment to our national community of squash enthusiasts and to this organization. As a Board member, we ask a number of things from you in order to build an effective partnership with you as we work together to achieve our MISSION: “ to enhance people’s health and well being by increasing participation in squash, to enrich the experiences of our members of all ages, and to build awareness of the sport, valuing excellence, professionalism and fiscal responsibility”. We recognize, though, that there is no such thing as an expectation without a corresponding responsibility. What this means is that, in order for our Board to be truly effective, there are some things that we have a responsibility to provide – some things that you can and should expect from us. If we each live up to our commitment, there’s simply no telling what we can accomplish together!

US Squash Association Board members:
-Are passionate about the game of squash and our Association – our Mission and how we work to achieve it, and share this passion by taking an active role in advocating for
US Squash in all of their involvements with the game.
-Have a heartfelt strong desire to make a difference to the game of squash.
-Develop and demonstrate a clear understanding about who we are and what we do, and demonstrate this by actively participating in discussion and debate at Board meetings.
-Understand the goals of US Squash, and how we are going about meeting them.
-Attend in person whenever possible, and when this is not possible participate via telephone conference both of the Board meetings each year.
-Get involved in at least one volunteer opportunity relating to the game of squash beyond the Board.
-Actively engage in building relationships with other Board members beyond theBoardroom.
-Are proud of your involvement with this organization and this community, and demonstrate this by attending US Squash events throughout the year.
-Demonstrate your commitment by financially supporting US Squash to the fullest extent possible.

The Association will:
-Ensure that our Mission is at the heart of everything we do by providing regular updates on the work we do to and its relationship to our organizational priorities.
-Provide you with continuous education about our programs and initiatives through a comprehensive orientation program and a regular educational component at Board meetings.
-Create opportunities for you to fully explore and understand the issues facing our sport by scheduling outside presentations during Board meetings.
-Ensure that Board meetings are engaging and provide opportunities for thoughtful discussion on current and emerging issues.
-Understand your passions in an effort to identify the best volunteer opportunity for you by asking you about your interests and offering you experiences that match them.
-Provide you with unparalleled avenues for developing a rich network of relationships with people from all sectors of the game.
-Welcome and celebrate your involvement in growing squash.

Criteria, Responsibilities, and Commitments of Board Members 

Our Board is representative of our membership and consists of leaders in the game of squash from throughout the country. Included on our Board are top ranking players, coaches, local association and national tournament organizers each of whom are passionate for the game and bring to the Board tremendous diversity in their skills and capacities.

In acknowledging the work of our volunteer leaders, the Board recently articulated attributes in our Board members to help focus the nominating process. Key to the process is the need to balance the skill of potential Board members with the organization’s needs.

Fundamental characteristics (or attributes) desired in individual Board members:
-Commitment to the mission and goals of US Squash.
-Willingness to give time and talent.
-Willingness to make a personally significant financial contribution.
-Willingness to ask others to make financial contributions.

Collectively, the individual skills of Board members are a reflection of US Squash, its goals and work process.

To that end it is a desired to build a Board that will be recognized and respected for its:
-Rich diversity and its member’s broad non-profit experience.
-Networks and linkages which can help advance the Association’s key initiatives and fund raising goals.
-Demonstrated executive leadership and respected public stature.
-Experience in working with complex issues and organizations.
-Capacity to listen and embrace change.

Responsibilities of the US Squash Board:
-To represent the members of the US Squash.
-To set the mission for the organization for implementation by CEO.
-To ensure programs and priorities are strategic, effective and mission driven.
-To work with the CEO to secure and develop the resources needed to accomplish objectives.
-To ensure the organization is fiscally sound and conducts its business professionally. To be committed to Board development and effective governance.
-To work with and support the CEO as hired by the Board.

US SQUASH Board Statement of Governing Style and Expected Conduct

The US Squash Board of Directors, hereafter referred to as the Board, will approach it’s task with a style which emphasizes outward vision rather than an internal preoccupation, encouragement of diversity in viewpoints, strategic leadership more than administrative detail, clear distinction of Board and Staff roles, future rather than past or present, and will strive to be proactive rather than reactive in its endeavors.
In this spirit the Board has a governing style that will:

1 Focus chiefly on intended long term impacts on the world of squash (ends/policy), not on the administrative or programmatic means of attaining those effects.
2 Direct, control, and inspire U. S. Squash through the careful establishment of the broadest organizational values and policies.
3 Enforce upon itself whatever discipline is needed to govern with excellence. Discipline will apply to matters as policy making principles and self-policing of any tendency to stray from governance adopted in Board policies.
4 Be accountable for competent, conscientious and effective accomplishment of it’s obligations as a governing body for squash. It will allow no officer, individual, or committee to usurp this role or hinder this commitment.
5 Review on a regular basis the Board’s process and performance.
6 Be an initiator of policy, not merely a reactor to staff initiatives. The Board, not the staff, will be responsible for the Board’s performance.
7 Work closely with the CEO to help define and prioritize the vision, mission, ends and goals of the membership of the Association.
8 Develop and maintain consistent rules, regulations and policies to ensure fair and safe competition and to accomplish the ends of its members.
9 Facilitate the development of programs that will support the member’s attainment of their goals and contribute to the process of squash as a whole. These programs will be administered by the staff within the constraints of fiscal responsibility.

Further, the Association Board expects of itself and its members ethical and business-like conduct. This commitment includes proper use of authority, appropriate decorum, and discretion in group and individual behavior when acting as Board members.
1. Board members must represent, without any conflict, loyalty to the interest of the Association and our membership. This accountability supersedes any conflicting
loyalty such as that to advocacy or interest groups and membership on other boards or staff.
2. Board members must avoid any conflict of interest with respect to their fiduciary responsibility. Specifically should a Board member be considered for employment, she/he must temporarily withdraw from Board deliberations, voting and access to applicable Board information.
3. Board members may not attempt to exercise individual authority over the USSRA except as explicitly set forth in the bylaws and any duly adopted Board policies:

a. Board member interaction with the Chief Executive Officer or with the staff will recognize the lack of authority in any individual Board member or group of Board members except as noted above.
b. Board members’ interaction with the public, press or other entities must recognize the same limitation and the similar inability of any Board member other than the Chair to speak for the Board. In instances where it is appropriate for them to speak as individuals regarding the affairs of the Association individual Board members must identify that it is their personal opinion they are providing. While it is important for Board member’s to be as accessible as possible to the membership as listeners, as well as key communicators of the Association’s message as it evolves, specific Board deliberations should be treated with discretion.
c. Board members should make no judgments or evaluations of the Chief Executive Officer or staff performance except as that performance is assessed against explicit Board policies by the official review process.

US Squash Policy Statement of Roles and Responsibilities of the Association’s Volunteer Leadership – Board Chair and the Association’s Professional Staff – CEO and Staff

Chief Volunteer (Board Chair) — Provides Board leadership in expediting the goals of the organization

-Serves as member of the Board and fulfills the expectations of Board members.
-Presides at all Board and membership meetings.
-In circumstances not expressly provided for in the By-laws, appoints Board committees in concert with CEO.
-In circumstances not expressly provided for in the By-laws, is ex-officio member of all
-Board committees and provides guidance to those committees when necessary.
-Is wholly focused on the mission of organization. Acts as spokesperson for the Board.
-Serves as advocate and role model for volunteers of the organization.
-Is senior partner with CEO in seeking fulfillment of the Association’s mission.
-In concert with CEO, sets agenda for Board meetings and facilitates the work of the board in completing agenda.
-Maintains regular communication with CEO to keep informed of organizational activities and emerging activities.
-Communicates with CEO on behalf of Board.
-Leads evaluation of the performance of CEO annually.
-Is an integral participant in the organization’s strategic planning process.
-Ensures that designated roles are adhered to.

CEO – Serves as chief operations executive for the organization responsible for achieving the desired end results as established by the Board.

-Leads the process of translating/implementing the Board’s established mission and goals into long-term strategic and annual operating plan.
-In concert with Board chair, prepares agenda for Board meetings. Attends all Board meetings and committee meetings.
-Communicates regularly and provides needed information to assist the Board in fulfilling its decision-making and monitoring roles.
-Initiates and directs the development of policies for Board approval.
-Develops budget in conjunction with finance committee.
-Empowered to establish operating procedures and decides all matters of administrative and supervisory detail in connection with operation and maintenance of organization.
-Recruits, hires and manages association staff to perform the duties required for the operating functions of the organization.
-Serves as the Association’s primary spokesperson and represents the organization as it’s CEO in all dealings with other organizations, individuals and general public.

US Squash Chief Executive Officer Compensation Policy

Background

In 2004, the Executive Committee of the United States Squash Racquets Association (US Squash) adopted a plan to upgrade the position of Executive Director to that of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as part of a broader overall plan to modernize the governance and general operation of our Association as we naturally evolved from our previous “grass roots” management structure and in accordance with broad trends occurring with many other national sports governing bodies.

The creation of the new CEO position was done to accomplish two things: 1) to be able to attract a seasoned general management executive to lead the Association on a path of expansion and growth and 2) to empower that individual to professionalize the Association’s operations by building and managing a professional “in house” staff as opposed to having a cadre of volunteer Board and other non-professional volunteers engaged in what were fundamentally operating functions of the Association. In its essence the plan required the Board to focus on (i) the selection, review, and ongoing oversight of the CEO, (ii) strategy, (iii) fund raising, and, (iv) financial reporting and controls, with the CEO being given full general management leadership responsibility for the Association. Concurrently, the title of President, a volunteer position, was changed to Board Chair, and in 2007, after an extensive governance and bylaw review process, the Board of Directors was reduced to 10 people from 36 and the other “operating titles” previously given to volunteer Board members (Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary) were eliminated. The Board was now formally charged with oversight of the CEO, providing strategic guidance, fundraising, and the oversight of the financial reporting and related financial controls of the Association.

During the initial search for a CEO in 2003, the board retained a search professional who researched salaries at comparable not-for-profits including National Sports Governing Bodies and other sport management organizations in order to establish a compensation package that the Association (i) could afford, (ii) would attract the best possible talent, and (iii) was in line with the compensation packages at other comparable organizations the Association would seek to emulate.

At that time the Board was provided with data from Mercer Human Resources Consulting showing total annual compensation for National Governing Body Executive Director/CEO positions as well comparable Sports Industry Organizations which was used as the basis for the initial salary and bonus structure. A copy of the memo from Mercer is included in Addendum A which also includes a series of memos covering executive compensation since the creation of the new position of CEO as well as copies of all CEO employment agreements since the position was created. These employment agreements have each been for two (2) year time periods.

Subsequently, the Board formed a Compensation Committee comprised of the Board Chair, the Chair of the Finance Committee, and two other Board members. The Compensation Committee has considered annual surveys of compensation levels of comparable executives to ensure the US Squash CEO’s compensation is consistent with the market. For example results from a 2007-2008 ARC Comp Report based on an analysis of over 3, 000 US based association chief staff executives in public/special interest cause associations with $2 million in annual gross revenue (in the case of US Squash, this would include district associations and endowment revenue) shows that the US Squash CEO’s compensation, once adjusted for the cost of living in the New York area, falls within the average range.

Since the hiring of our first CEO, the Board has conducted formal written performance reviews of the CEO at a minimum annually. Each Board member is asked to provide a written evaluation based upon pre-agreed criteria in order to determine these reviews. Each review also includes a review of the executive’s compensation which considered the parameters set forth above. In addition, the Board Chair periodically reviews the CEO’s travel and entertainment reimbursement practices and amounts to insure they are in accordance with customary and reasonable best practices.

Policy

It is the desire of the US Squash Board to attract and retain a dedicated, seasoned general management executive of the highest caliber available to the post of CEO who will be responsible for managing all areas of the Association’s operations.

It is a primary function of the Board of Directors to undertake a formal written annual performance review of the CEO at fiscal year-end which evaluates the CEO’s leadership and job performance in all key areas. It is a key responsibility of each Board member to thoughtfully and diligently participate in the annual performance review process.

The Finance, Audit and Compensation Committee has the responsibility to determine whether or not it will recommend to the entire Board, for its review and consideration, an annual discretionary compensation bonus based on the results of the performance review. The Compensation sub-committee shall consist of the Board Chair, the Chair of the Finance, Audit and Compensation Committee and two other Board members.

In considering whether or not a bonus is warranted, the Finance, Audit and Compensation Committee and Board as a whole will consider whether the Association has met the financial expectations set forth in the annual budget and other pre-agreed upon performance criteria such as membership growth, effective program implementation, improvement, and oversight, known as Key Tactical Indicators.

The anticipated range of the CEO’s discretionary bonus is to be between 5% and 25% of base compensation in years with overall satisfactory job performance and better.

In addition when considering base salary levels and bonus compensation for the CEO, the Compensation Committee and Board will take in to consideration time relevant surveys of compensation levels of comparable executives to ensure the US Squash CEO’s compensation is consistent and competitive with the market.

The Compensation sub-committee will review no less than annually the travel and entertainment documentation practices and amounts to insure that they are within customary and reasonable best practices.

The Chair of the Finance, Audit and Compensation Committee and Board Chair shall together maintain a confidential ongoing standing file to be made available to all Board members upon request containing chronologically all CEO performance reviews and the comparable organization salary and bonus compensation data utilized in making all compensation decisions as well as the results of the periodic reviews of the travel and entertainment reimbursements to the CEO. This standing file will also include copies of all employment agreements and ancillary documents relevant to the CEO’s employment relationship with the Association.

Periodic Board Level Review of Banking Activity

a) The individuals designated as the Board Chair and Finance Chair for the Association shall share responsibility for undertaking periodic sample basis reviews of the banking activity of the Association.
b) The Board Chair and Finance Chair shall be provided with “read or view only” on‐line access to all of the Association’s operating and cash management bank and investment accounts that will include information regarding all deposits, payment authorizations and transfers, and the front and back copy of all cancelled checks, to enable the conduct of such periodic sample basis reviews.
c) At least quarterly the Board Chair and/or Finance Chair shall undertake the review of the bank and investment account statements seeking to determine on a best efforts sample basis that:

a. Deposits are from expected sources (and in the case of those from unexpected sources, determine they are appropriate);
b. Payments are made only by an authorized employee of U.S. Squash in accordance with U.S. Squash policy;
c. Bank transfers are made only to known U.S. Squash bank accounts and recorded on the same date;
d. Wire transfers are duly authorized in accordance with U.S. Squash procedures,
e. In the case of checks:

i. There are no unusual or second endorsements, such as endorsements by employees when the payee is not the employee;
ii. There are no alterations to the check payee or amount such as erasures or possible use of white‐out; and
iii. Checks are made payable to expected vendors (and, in the case of checks made payable to any unexpected vendors, determine they are appropriate).

d) The Board and Finance Chair shall ensure that management is reviewing: (i) the monthly bank reconciliations and investigating any unusual reconciling items; and, (ii) any journal entries to the cash accounts on a timely basis.

II. CEO Cash Disbursement Authorization Policies and Procedures

All salary, bonus and expense reimbursement payments to be made by the Association directly to the CEO shall only be made upon specific written authorization by the Board Chair with disclosure to the full Board. The Board Chair shall periodically (no less than annually) conduct a “sample review” of the expense reimbursement voucher documentation provided by the CEO to the Association in conjunction with expense reimbursements. The CEO may sign checks and/or authorize banking system payments directly to themselves only upon such written authorization by the Board Chair. In the case of payments to be made via the Association’s payroll service to the CEO, the Board Chair will provide written authorizations to the applicable payroll service provider to effectuate all such payments.

The Finance Committee shall review these policies and procedures at least annually to insure that they are up to date and comply with best practices.

US SQUASH Broadcast Policy

US Squash has been and, in the future, will be entering into agreements with media companies to provide coverage for its various events. There are limitations imposed by these media companies on the spectators at these events, including coach, athlete and volunteer members of US Squash, prohibiting photographing, videotaping and other audio/visual recordings for commercial non-personal use, and broadcasting, publishing and disseminating the product for any and all commercial purposes, and are therefore prohibited without express written permission from US Squash.

Any photographs, videotape or other audio and/or visual recordings of the event created by a spectator may be used solely for such spectator’s personal non-commercial use, and may not be broadcast, published or disseminated, or used for any commercial purposes, without the prior written consent of US Squash. This policy allows for videotaping, filming, digitally recording and photography for educational and personal purposes, however prohibits others from taping and then attempting to sell or post on other sites.  Use of a photographic or recording device within the court, other than by parties approved by US Squash, is prohibited. Live-streaming videos taken during accredited play is prohibited, including, but not limited to, services such as Youtube, Periscope and Meerkat, unless previously approved by US Squash.

US SQUASH Protective Eyewear Policy

The risk of eye injury in racquet sports such as squash is “high” according to the American Academies of Ophthalmology and Pediatrics, the American Optometric Association, and eye care professionals who have studied sports eye injuries. Fortunately, these injuries are almost totally preventable with appropriate protective equipment.

• • All players and coaches must wear protective eyewear whether playing singles or doubles, hardball or softball squash during all activities that take place on the court involving racquets and balls at US Squash-only accredited events.

• • The eyewear must meet or exceed the current American Society for Testing and Materials standard (ASTM-F803). To be used in competition, protective eyewear must appear on the ASTM reference listing.

• • The eyewear must be unaltered and worn over the eyes as designed at all times.

• • The policy applies to participants at all events in the United States including tournaments, exhibitions, clinics and leagues which are accredited only by the US Squash or organized by its member districts.

• • Players under 19 years of age participating in Junior competitions internationally must wear approved eyewear at all times.

• • Members of Team USA (Men and Women) are strongly encouraged to wear protective eyewear while competing in international events.

US Squash will maintain a reference list of ASTM approved eyewear but does not test, evaluate, or certify eyewear as compliant with ASTM-F803.

Selecting protective eyewear that meets or exceeds the ASTM-F803 standard is the responsibility of individual participants. Streetwear spectacles and unlensed eye protection do not meet the standard. In some cases eyewear manufacturers may assert their products are compliant with the standard or the products may carry the seal of an independent certifier such as the Protective Eyewear Certification Council. However, US Squash recommends seeking advice from an eyewear professional before buying to insure that the eyewear meets or exceeds the ASTM-F803 standard.

Download a printable version of the ASTM-F803 Approved Eyewear List

APPROVED

The companies below assert these eyewear models have been tested and meet the ASTM-F803 standard for eye protection. If you have knowledge indicating otherwise, please send an email to office@ussquash.com.

UNAPPROVED

The following eyewear models have NOT been confirmed as having been tested or having met the ASTM-F803 standard for eye protection and are therefore are NOT currently approved for use in order to be compliant with the US. Squash Protective Eyewear Policy. If you have knowledge indicating otherwise, please send an email to office@ussquash.com.

ASTM International, known until 2001 as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services.

The ASTM-F803 specification covers eye protectors, designed for use by players of racket sports, women’s lacrosse, field hockey, basketball, baseball, and soccer that minimize or significantly reduce injury to the eye and adnexa due to impact and penetration by racket-sport rackets and balls, women’s lacrosse and field hockey sticks and balls, baseballs, soccer balls, hands, elbows, and fingers. Protective eyewear offers protection only to the eyes and does not protect other parts of the head.

Junior Policy

A transgender athlete under the age of 18 should be allowed to participate in US Squash accredited events in accordance with his/her/their gender identity, irrespective of the sex listed on the athlete’s birth certificate or other records, and regardless of whether the athlete has undergone any medical procedure or treatments.

Adult Policies

1. 1. A transgender male (FTM) athlete may participate in men’s or mixed competitions without restriction, but is no longer eligible to compete in a women’s competition if undergoing hormone (testosterone) treatment.
   2. A transgender female (MTF) athlete being treated with testosterone suppression medication may participate in women’s competition after completing one calendar year of testosterone suppression treatment. She may continue to participate in men’s competitions until the year of treatment is complete and general policies guiding participation will apply.
   3. Any transgender athlete who is not taking hormone treatment related to gender transition may participate in competition in accordance with his or her assigned birth sex.
      1. 1. General policies guiding participation will apply to transgender male (FTM) athlete who is not taking testosterone related to gender transition.
         2. A transgender female (MTF) athlete who is not taking hormone treatments related to gender transition may not compete on a women’s team.

All players and spectators at an accredited tournament must wear a face covering. This cannot be an N95 or mask with a vent. Cloth face coverings and surgical masks that attach behind the head or ear are approved. Gators, bandanas and buffs are not approved.

Recognizing excellence is a core goal of US Squash, and central to this goal is awarding national championships to the best competitors across different versions of the sport and varied age divisions.

US Squash engages in regular re-evaluation of its championship structure, utilizing the National Championship Committee, to ensure continued integrity with how championships are structured and champions recognized.

Term Definitions:

• • National Championship(s): A tournament held in which winners of some or all divisions determine a national champion.

• • Championship Division: A division within a National Championship(s) in which the winner is honored as a national champion.

• • National Champion: The individual, or team, honored as a U.S. champion through virtue of winning a Championship Division.

• • Open Division: A division in which players of any age or skill level may participate assuming other requirements have been met. For the purposes of this document, an “Open Division” does denote whether or not non-U.S. citizens can compete in that division.

• • Age Division: A division in which players are restricted to participate if they are younger, or older in the case of junior tournaments, than the age cutoff.

Key Principles:

To determine a national champion, a tournament or division should:

• • recognize those who are the best competitors nationally in the specific competition in which they are playing, whether in an open or age division;

• • have demonstrated a significant level of participation in a given year;

• • meet other specific qualifications, including age, for that division.

Criteria:

Based on the above principles, US Squash follows the below standards and criteria for awarding national championships and designating championship divisions.  Criteria apply across all versions of the game and apply equally, unless specifically noted otherwise. Versions include, but are not limited to: Singles/Doubles Softball, Singles/Doubles Hardball, Squash 57 (English Racketball).

Awarding National Championships

A National Championships must be representative of a version of the sport that has adequate participation across many regions of the country in which the sport is played. Versions of the sport that are localized in a particular region should not be eligible for a National Championships until participation has grown into multiple regions.

The National Championships should be made up of divisions in which there is a reasonable amount of accredited play occurring during the season, such as US Squash accredited leagues and tournaments.

NOTE: Consideration for versions of the game with lower overall participation numbers should be given to those which are showing sustained growth that is expected to continue.

Process for Certification and Decertification: This process evaluates existing or potential tournaments based on the criteria in this document.

• • Certification: In general, a minimum of two-year trial process be set for certifying a new event as a National Championships. In this time, the tournament would aim to clearly establish itself as meeting the criteria for a National Championships, along with an expectation of sustainability.

• • Decertification: The National Championships Committee may make a recommendation to the US Squash Board for a tournament to be decertified as a National Championships. This triggers a two-year process where recent prior participants of that tournament would be notified of the recommendation for decertification, and the areas in which the version of the sport or the National Championships needs to make progress to avoid decertification. At the end of the two-year timeframe, the National Championships Committee makes a follow-up recommendation to the board.

NOTE:  Hardball Squash Doubles presents opportunities for novel combinations of top-level players, even if those combinations are not competed in actively during the season, such as the Century or Father/Son Championships. These tournaments may not have robust equivalent accredited play throughout the season, however often involve elite players who are competing actively in hardball doubles throughout the year. They should still be evaluated based on the established criteria, while recognizing their unique positioning.

• • Designating Championship Divisions
    • • Individual participants or teams must be scheduled to play at least three matches, against three different opponents or teams, over the course of the tournament (e.g. a minimum of four entrants in singles, or four teams in doubles or team competitions)
        • • Both traditional draws or round robin formats are acceptable

         

        • • Unexpected events leading to fewer matches, such as late withdraws or injury defaults, does not preclude a championship from being awarded

     

    • • In the event divisions are combined, a national champion is only determined in the division played
        • • If a men’s 45+ division did not have enough players and was combined with the men’s 40+, only a men’s 40+ champion would be recognized

         

        • • Should a division already qualify as a championship division, it should not be combined with a younger division. In the above example, if there were adequate players to compete for a championship in a 45+ division, it should not be combined with the 40+, even if the 40+ was undersubscribed

     

    • • National champion titles should be awarded only in open or age divisions. Skill level division winners (other than the top skill level at the national championships event) are not considered national champions
        • • Only the winning team in the A division of Howe Cup, the top men’s and women’s divisions at the US Squash Skill Level Championships, or the top team at the U.S. High School Team Championships are considered national champions

     

    • • The National Championships Committee should evaluate championship divisions annually on whether the best national competitors at that age or version of the game are competing for the championship. The following considerations are considered when making their evaluations and recommendation to the board:
        • • Are players ranked at the top of that division, and/or the best eligible players, participating in the national championship?

         

        • • Was a lower level of competition in a division a single-year phenomenon, or a pattern over time?

         

        • • Are participants competing at a high level of play in related divisions over time or during the season?

     

National Championships Committee

The National Championships Committee is responsible for two primary duties (1) reviewing the criteria for national championships periodically and recommending any adjustments to the US Squash Board, and (2) evaluating potential and existing National Championships and National Championship Divisions based on the established criteria for the purposes of making a certification or de-certification recommendation to the US Squash Board. The National Championships Committee is separate from individual committees established to encourage participation across national championships.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MEMBERS AND PARTICIPANTS

Preamble

The integrity of the game is of paramount importance. 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. Squash requires achieving this, while competing in very close quarters with ones opponent, often in situations where the players are physically and mentally pushed to the limit, when the difference between winning and losing fairly, is in the hands and control of each player, regardless of the officials involved.

Competitors must balance many elements which are ultimately 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.

Code of Conduct

I therefore pledge to be responsible for my words and actions while participating in US Squash competition and conform my behavior to the following code of conduct:

1. I will learn and abide by all US Squash Rules, Policies, Procedures and Guidelines, those of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee that are applicable, and the current

   Rules of Squash.

2. I will learn and abide by all US Squash Rules, Policies, Procedures and Guidelines, those of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee that are applicable, and the current Rules of Squash.
3. I will not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct with any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.
4. I will not engage in any behavior which would endanger the health, safety or well-being of any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.
5. I will not engage in the use of profanity.
6. I will treat any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee with respect regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or ability.
7. I will not engage in verbal or physical threats or abuse aimed at any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.
8. I will not engage in a fight or argue with any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.
9. I will respect the officials and their authority during a match and will never question, discuss, or confront players or officials before, during or after a match.

I hereby agree that if I fail to conform my conduct to the foregoing while attending, coaching, officiating or participating in a squash event I will be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to the following in any order or combination:

Disciplinary Actions

These disciplinary actions will be imposed in a manner commensurate with the offense and in accordance with the below qualifications of the severity of their disruption or threat.

1. Verbal warning issued by a league, organization, school official, or US Squash.
2. Written warning issued by a league, organization, school official, or US Squash.
3. Suspension or immediate ejection from an event and/or suspension for a period of time ranging from days to weeks, issued by a league, organization or school official who is authorized to issue such suspension or ejection by a school board, youth sports organization, or US Squash.
4. Suspension from multiple events and/or suspension for a period of time ranging from weeks to months, issued by a league, organization or school official who is authorized to issue such suspension by a school board, youth sports organization, or US Squash.
5. Season suspension, multiple season suspension, or lifetime suspension, issued by a school board, youth sports organization or US Squash.

Types of Infractions

Minor Infraction

A Minor Infraction will result in penalties and warnings within the rights of a referee during a match and or equal to the disciplinary action 1 or 2 as written above. A Minor Infraction is defined as a single occurrence or disturbance from which no threat has been brought upon any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee though is a violation of the “Player Code of Conduct”. Examples of Minor Infractions include but are not limited to:

• A single instance of disrespectful language or actions directed at any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.
• A single occurrence of excessive tardiness or absenteeism at which ones presence is obligatory.
• A single occurrence of non-compliance with the Policies and Guidelines set forth by US Squash.

Major Infraction

A Major Infraction will result in disciplinary actions involving suspension from a single event, multiple events, a season or multiple seasons. A Major Infraction is defined as repeated Minor Infractions or a single occurrence or disturbance of an event in which a threat has been brought upon any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee. These threats or actions if deemed sufficiently damaging to the event or sport gives US Squash or the event organizers the right to immediate action in accordance with any and all disciplinary actions as outlined in the “Player Code of Conduct”. Examples of Major Infractions include but are not limited to:

• Multiple reported instances of disrespectful language or actions directed at any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.
• A threat or act of violence or assault, sexual or otherwise, against any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS

Preamble

Youth sports programs play an important role in promoting the physical, social and emotional development of children. It is therefore essential for parents, coaches and officials to encourage youth athletes to embrace the values of good sportsmanship. Moreover, adults involved in youth sports events should be models of good sportsmanship and should lead by example by demonstrating fairness, respect and self-control.

Code of Conduct

I therefore pledge to be responsible for my words and actions while attending, coaching, officiating or participating in a US Squash event and conform my behavior to the following code of conduct:

1. I will learn the rules of the squash and abide by all US Squash Policies.
2. I will not engage, nor encourage my child/player, in unsportsmanlike conduct with any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.
3. I will not engage, nor encourage my child/player, in any behavior which would endanger the health, safety or well-being of any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.
4. I will not engage, nor encourage my child/player, in the use of profanity.
5. I will, and encourage my child/player to, treat any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee with respect regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or ability.
6. I will not engage, nor encourage my child/player to engage, in verbal or physical threats or abuse aimed at any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.
7. I will not engage, nor encourage my child/player to engage, in a fight or argue with any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.
8. I will, and will encourage my child/player to, respect the officials and their authority during a match and will never question, discuss, or confront players or officials before, during or after a match.
9. I will promote the emotional and physical wellbeing of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.

I hereby agree that if I fail to conform my conduct to the foregoing while attending, coaching, officiating or participating in a US Squash event I will be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to the following in any order or combination:

Disciplinary Actions

These disciplinary actions will be imposed in a manner commensurate with their offense and in accordance with the below qualifications of the severity of their disruption or threat.

1. Verbal warning issued by a league, organization, school official, or US Squash.
2. Written warning issued by a league, organization, school official, or US Squash.
3. Suspension or immediate ejection from a youth sports event and/or suspension for a period of time ranging from days to weeks, issued by a league, organization or school official who is authorized to issue such suspension or ejection by a school board, youth sports organization, or US Squash.
4. Suspension from multiple youth sports events and/or suspension for a period of time ranging from weeks to months, issued by a league, organization or school official who is authorized to issue such suspension by a school board, youth sports organization, or US Squash.
5. Season suspension, multiple season suspension, or lifetime suspension, issued by a school board, youth sports organization or US Squash.

Types of Infractions

Minor Infraction

A Minor Infraction will result in penalties and warnings within the rights of a referee during a match and or equal to the disciplinary action 1 or 2 as written above. A Minor Infraction is defined as a single occurrence or disturbance from which no threat has been brought upon any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee though is a violation of the “Parent, Coach and Attendee Code of Conduct” or the rules of squash as they relate to conduct and etiquette. Examples of Minor Infractions include but are not limited to:

• A single instance of disrespectful language or actions directed at any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.
• A single occurrence of excessive tardiness or absenteeism for a US Squash event at which ones presence is obligatory.
• A single occurrence of non-compliance with the policies and rules set forth by US Squash.

Major Infraction

A Major Infraction will result in disciplinary actions involving suspension from a single event, multiple events, a season or multiple seasons. A Major Infraction is defined as repeated minor infraction or a single occurrence or disturbance of an event in which a threat has been brought upon any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee. These threats or actions if deemed sufficiently damaging to the event or sport gives US Squash or the event organizers the right to immediate action in accordance with any and all disciplinary actions as outlined in the “Parent, Coach and Attendee Code of Conduct”. Examples of Major infractions include but are not limited to:

• Multiple reported instances of disrespectful language or actions directed at any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.
• A threat or act of violence or assault, sexual or otherwise, against any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.

COACHES AND ATTENDEES

Preamble

Youth sports programs play an important role in promoting the physical, social and emotional development of children. It is therefore essential for parents, coaches and officials to encourage youth athletes to embrace the values of good sportsmanship. Moreover, adults involved in youth sports events should be models of good sportsmanship and should lead by example by demonstrating fairness, respect and self-control.

Code of Conduct

I therefore pledge to be responsible for my words and actions while attending, coaching, officiating or participating in a US Squash event and conform my behavior to the following code of conduct:

1. I will learn the rules of the squash and abide by all US Squash Policies.
2. I will not engage, nor encourage my child/player, in unsportsmanlike conduct with any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.
3. I will not engage, nor encourage my child/player, in any behavior which would endanger the health, safety or well-being of any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.
4. I will not engage, nor encourage my child/player, in the use of profanity.
5. I will, and encourage my child/player to, treat any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee with respect regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or ability.
6. I will not engage, nor encourage my child/player to engage, in verbal or physical threats or abuse aimed at any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.
7. I will not engage, nor encourage my child/player to engage, in a fight or argue with any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.
8. I will, and will encourage my child/player to, respect the officials and their authority during a match and will never question, discuss, or confront players or officials before, during or after a match.
9. I will promote the emotional and physical wellbeing of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.

I hereby agree that if I fail to conform my conduct to the foregoing while attending, coaching, officiating or participating in a US Squash event I will be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to the following in any order or combination:

Disciplinary Actions

These disciplinary actions will be imposed in a manner commensurate with their offense and in accordance with the below qualifications of the severity of their disruption or threat.

1. Verbal warning issued by a league, organization, school official, or US Squash.
2. Written warning issued by a league, organization, school official, or US Squash.
3. Suspension or immediate ejection from a youth sports event and/or suspension for a period of time ranging from days to weeks, issued by a league, organization or school official who is authorized to issue such suspension or ejection by a school board, youth sports organization, or US Squash.
4. Suspension from multiple youth sports events and/or suspension for a period of time ranging from weeks to months, issued by a league, organization or school official who is authorized to issue such suspension by a school board, youth sports organization, or US Squash.
5. Season suspension, multiple season suspension, or lifetime suspension, issued by a school board, youth sports organization or US Squash.

Types of Infractions

Minor Infraction

A Minor Infraction will result in penalties and warnings within the rights of a referee during a match and or equal to the disciplinary action 1 or 2 as written above. A Minor Infraction is defined as a single occurrence or disturbance from which no threat has been brought upon any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee though is a violation of the “Parent, Coach and Attendee Code of Conduct” or the rules of squash as they relate to conduct and etiquette. Examples of Minor Infractions include but are not limited to:

• A single instance of disrespectful language or actions directed at any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.
• A single occurrence of excessive tardiness or absenteeism for a US Squash event at which ones presence is obligatory.
• A single occurrence of non-compliance with the policies and rules set forth by US Squash.

Major Infraction

A Major Infraction will result in disciplinary actions involving suspension from a single event, multiple events, a season or multiple seasons. A Major Infraction is defined as repeated minor infraction or a single occurrence or disturbance of an event in which a threat has been brought upon any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee. These threats or actions if deemed sufficiently damaging to the event or sport gives US Squash or the event organizers the right to immediate action in accordance with any and all disciplinary actions as outlined in the “Parent, Coach and Attendee Code of Conduct”. Examples of Major infractions include but are not limited to:

• Multiple reported instances of disrespectful language or actions directed at any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.
• A threat or act of violence or assault, sexual or otherwise, against any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.

If a member observes a violation of the US Squash Code of Conduct during accredited play, he or she is encouraged to report it to or league or tournament director, or a US Squash staff member if available on site. League or tournament directors will collect additional information as necessary and submit a Code of Conduct violation form to US Squash.

When a report is filed with US Squash, staff members will follow up with the involved parties as necessary and take action in accordance with the disciplinary actions listed in the Code of Conduct. In certain circumstances, the applicable portions of the US SQUASH Decision Review, Dispute Resolution, and Rule Clarification Procedures and Board of Review Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures will be utilized.

Code of Conduct Incident Report Form

While it is important to identify violators of the Code of Conduct, it is equally important to identify players who exhibit exceptional sportsmanship and the ideals of the Code of Conduct.  If you witness a player exhibiting exceptional sportsmanship at a tournament, let US Squash know about it! If you have seen a player who has acted in an admirable way during accredited matches, please share the moment with US Squash.

Exceptional Sportsmanship Form