England Squash Rules of Play
1. Squash equipment
Squash is played between two
players on a squash court each using a standard
racket, and a ball approved by England Squash &
Racketball.
2. American Scoring
Matches are the best of 3 or 5
games, at the option of the competition
organizer. Each game is point a rally scoring to
11 (PAR 11). If the
score in a game is tied at 10-10, a player must
win by 2 clear points.
3. How to win points in
American Scoring
Points can be scored by either
player. When a player fails to serve or to
return the ball, in accordance with the rules,
the opponent wins the point. When the Receiver
wins a point, they become the Server and add one
to their score.
4. Service
a. The right to serve is
decided by the spin of a racket or coin.
Thereafter the Server continues to serve until
they lose the point; the opponent then becomes
the Server.
At the beginning of each game
and each hand, the Server has the choice of
serving from either service box and shall
thereafter alternate for as long as they score
points and remain the Server.
c. The ball must be served
direct on to the front wall between the service
line and the out line, so that on its return,
unless volleyed, its first bounce lands within
the back quarter of the court opposite to the
Server’s box.
d. A service is a fault:
(i) If at the time of striking the ball the
Server fails to have at least one foot in
contact with the floor within the service box,
and no part of that foot touching the line
surrounding the service box (called a foot-fault
).
5. Play
After a good service has been
delivered, the players return the ball
alternately until one or other fails to make a
good return, or the ball otherwise ceases to be
in play, in accordance with the rules.
NB: If any part of the ball
touches the out line the ball is deemed out or
if the ball hits the tin or the floor on its
first bounce the ball is deemed down. Similarly,
if the ball bounces on or before the short line
from a service, the serve is deemed a fault.
6. A Good Return
A return is good if the ball,
before it has bounced twice on the floor, is
returned by the striker on to the front wall
above the tin, without touching the floor or any
part of the striker’s body or clothing, provided
the ball is not hit twice, down or out.
7. Lets
A Let is an undecided stroke,
and the service or rally in respect of which a
Let is allowed, shall not count and the Server
shall serve again from the same box.
(a) A let may be allowed:
(i) If the striker refrains from hitting the
ball owing to a reasonable fear of injuring the
opponent.
(ii) If the striker, on the way to playing the
ball incurs sufficient interference to impede
their access to the ball when the striker would
have otherwise played a good shot.
(iii) If the Referee is asked to decide an
appeal and is unable to do so.
(b) A Let shall be allowed:
(i) If the Receiver is not ready, and does not
attempt to take the service.
(ii) If the ball breaks during play.
(iii) If an otherwise good return has been made,
but the ball goes out on its first bounce.
iv) If the ball in play touches the receiver or
anything carried or worn by the receiver whilst
on the way to the side wall or back wall in
anticipation that the ball would have reached
the front wall and hence been a good return.
8. How strokes (points) can be
won
A player wins a stroke:
a) If the server fails to make a good serve (See
point 4 on the Service).
b) If the opponent fails to make a good return
of the ball in play.
c) If the ball in play touches the opponent or
anything carried or worn by the opponent whilst
on the way to the front wall.
d) If a player drops the racket, calls out or in
any other way distracts the opponent, and the
Referee considers that such occurrence has
caused the opponent to lose the stroke.
e) If the ball hits the ceiling or any object
outside of the court.
9. Freedom to play the ball
After playing a ball, a player
must make every effort to get out of the
opponents way.
That is:
(i) A player must make every effort to give the
opponent a fair view of the ball, so that it may
be sighted adequately for the purpose of playing
it.
(ii) A player must make every
effort not to interfere with, or crowd, the
opponent in the latter’s attempt to get to, or
play, the ball.
(iii) A player must make every
effort to allow the opponent, as far as the
latter’s position permits, freedom to play the
ball directly to the front wall, or to either
side wall.
10. Warm-Up
Immediately preceding the
start of play, a period not exceeding five
minutes shall be allowed on court for the
purpose of warming-up.
____________________
RULES OF WORLD SQUASH SINGLES
The Singles
Rules were revised in 2001 to reflect current Refereeing practises
and to take into account proposals of member nations. The general
format of the previous Rules has been followed. The Rules are
followed by a set of Appendices which include Guidelines for the
interpretation of the Rules. The Guidelines are to be read in
conjunction with the Rules.
A summary
of the changes in 2001 is shown below:
MAJOR CONCEPTUAL and RULE CHANGES
Rule 12 - Interference: Rule
12.7.1. MINIMAL Interference added for which Referee’s decision
is No Let. Guideline G6 is expanded to include Minimal
Interference.
Rule 12 - Interference: Rule 12.7.2: A
return to the pre 1997 wording. Players must "……make every effort to
get to and play the ball".
Rule 12 - Interference: Rule 12.8.2:
New wording legitimises the current practice that, if the
opponent’s position prevents a player’s reasonable swing,
even after the opponent made every effort to clear, the Referee
shall award a stroke to the player. Guideline G7 is expanded
to include application of this new rule.
Rule 12 - Interference: Rule 12.10:
Stroke not awarded in the case of excessive swing.
Rule 9 - Ball hitting the opponent and
a player turning. Rule completely rewritten. In particular:
Rule 9.1.2: New Rule. Referee’s
decision changed. If the striker hits the opponent with the
ball after turning, the Referee awards a STROKE to the
opponent - previously a let. (Striker can hold the shot and
ask for a let).
Rule 9.2.2: Interference on
turning. Now the striker on turning can be allowed a let if the
swing is obstructed or awarded a stroke if the obstruction is
deliberate.
Rule 9.2.3: Unnecessary turning. As
used by the PSA.
Rule 10 - Further attempts.
Re-formatted with new subsections. New 10.3 deals with
interference on further attempts.
Rule 13 - Lets. Additional wording
added in the first paragraph emphasising that the Referee can ask a
player the reason for an appeal.
New Rule 13.1.3.
adds a new provision that a stroke can be awarded if distraction
interrupts a winning return.
Rule 15 - Duties of the Players.
New Rule which sets out players’ responsibilities.
Rule 3 - The Warm-Up. Old 15.1 and
15.3 become new Rules 3.1 and 3.3. New subsection 3.2
dealing with unfair warm-up and 3.4 dealing with
warming up during or after an interval are added. Rule 3.1 no longer
allows players the option to remain on the same side after
half time called.
Rule 16 - Bleeding, illness,
disability and injury. Rule completely re-organised and rewritten.
Rule 19: Duties of the Marker. New
Rule 19.2. Marker must call score without delay.
Rule 20: Duties of the Referee.
Addition to 20.1 emphasises that the
Referee must speak loudly.
New Rule 20.2.3:
Crowd control now included in Rule 20, previously part of
G15.
Guidelines: Guidelines G4, G5, G6 and
G7 rewritten in the light of new rules. New G14 on Bleeding,
Illness, Disability or Injury in line with the new Rule 16 and
replacing old G2 and G15.
Appendix 2: New definitions for
"crowding", "interval", "release", "reasonable swing",
"service", "shaping", "turning" and "warm-up".
REWORDING
and REARRANGEMENTS
1. All rules converted
to the active voice.
2. All Notes converted
to Rule subsections.
3. New Rule 2 - THE SCORING -
formed by merging old Rules 2 - The Score and 3 - Points.
4. Rule 4 - The
Service. Rewritten in the positive sense.
5. Rule 11 - Appeals. New
subsections 11.1.2.1, 11.1.2.2, 11.2.1.3, 11.2.2.1, 11.2.2.2, 11.3,
11.4, 11.5 and 11.6.
6. Old Guidelines G3 - 18 all
renumbered G2 - G17.
7. New G18. - Marker’s
Guidelines formed by merging old Guidelines G19 and
G20.
8. New G19. - Referee’s
Guidelines formed by merging old Guidelines G21 and G22.
9. New Appendix 6 - Protective
Eyewear- renumbered old Appendix 10.
DELETIONS
All references to
doubles Rules - Appendices 2.1.1, 2.2.1 and 6.1 deleted.
Old Appendix 9 -
Clothing. Deleted - now included under new Rule 15.8.
CONTENTS
RULES
Preface -
Abbreviated Rules of Squash
1. The
Game
2. The
Scoring
2.1 Points
2.2 Games and matches
3. The
Warm-up
3.1 Start of a match
3.2 Warming up fairly
3.3 Warming up the ball during
an interval
3.4 Warming up the ball after an
interval
4. The
Service
4.1 First server
4.2 Service box
4.3 Service action
4.4 Good service
4.4.1 Foot fault
4.4.2 Not up
4.4.3 Fault or Down
4.4.4 Fault
4.4.5 Out
4.5 Service not good and Marker
Calls
4.6 Calling the score
5. The
Play
6. Good
Return
6.1 Striking the ball correctly
6.2 Ball must strike front wall
6.3 Ball not out
7.
Continuity Of Play
7.1 Suspending play
7.2 Interval between games and
after warm-up
7.3 Change of equipment (G1)
7.4 Referee calls relating to
time-intervals
7.5 Injury, illness or
disability
7.6 Delaying play (G2)
7.7 Fallen object (G3)
7.7.1 Referee stops play
7.7.2 Player appeal
7.7.3 Player drops object
7.7.4 Object dropped by non-player
7.7.5 Winning return
7.7.6 Dropped object not noticed
7.8 Dropped racket
8.
Winning A Rally
8.1 Service not good
8.2 Return not good
8.3 Ball touches non-striker
(G4)
8.4 Referee awards stroke
9. Ball
Hitting The Opponent And Player Turning
9.1 Striker hits ball - play
ceases (G4)
9.1.1 Stroke to striker unless
9.1.2, 9.1.3
9.1.2 Turning - stroke to opponent
(G4, G5)
9.1.3 Further attempt - let
(G5)
9.1.4 Side or back wall first - let
unless 9.1.5
9.1.5 Winning return - stroke to
striker
9.1.6 Return not good - stroke to
opponent
9.2 Turning
9.2.1 Fear of hitting opponent
9.2.1.1 Let
9.2.1.2 Good return not possible, no
let
9.2.2 Interference on turning
9.2.2.1 Let if striker obstructed
9.2.2.2 Stroke, interference not
avoided
9.2.2.3 Let not allowed - striker
unable to make good return
9.2.3 Unnecessary turning
10.
Further Attempts To Hit The Ball
10.1 Ball touches opponent
10.1.1 Let - good return possible
10.1.2 Stroke to opponent - good
return not possible
10.2 Let if further attempt hits
opponent
10.3 Interference on further
attempt
10.3.1 Let provided good return
possible
10.3.2 Stroke to striker - opponent
interference not avoided
10.3.3 No let if further attempt
would not be good
11.
Appeals
11.1 On service
11.1.1 Server appeal
11.1.2 Marker non-call - receiver
appeal
11.1.2.1 Service good -
stroke to server
11.1.2.2 Referee uncertain
- let
11.2 On play other than service
11.2.1 Player appeal on Marker’s
call
11.2.1.1 Let unless
11.2.1.2 or 11.2.1.3
11.2.1.2 Stroke to player
if Marker’s call interrupts player’s winning return
11.2.1.3 Stroke to opponent
if Marker’s call interrupts opponent’s winning return
11.2.2 Appeal for Marker failing to
call
11.2.2.1 Return good -
stroke to striker
11.2.2.2 Referee uncertain
- let
11.3 Appeal after service for
prior occurrence
11.4 Multiple appeals
11.5 Service called, subsequently
down or out
11.6 Subsequent shot down or out
- Referee ruling
12.
Interference
12.1 Player freedom from
interference
12.2 Player freedoms defined
12.2.1 Direct access (G6)
12.2.2 Fair view
12.2.3 Freedom to hit (G7)
12.2.4 Freedom to play to the front
wall
12.3 Interference defined
12.4 Excessive swing contributes
to interference
12.5 Player appeal
12.5.1 Method of appeal "let
please" (G8)
12.5.2 Player appeal and
timing (G9, G10)
12.6 Referee action
12.7 No let
12.7.1 No and minimal
interference (G6)
12.7.2 Good return not possible or
insufficient effort (G6)
12.7.3 Played on past point of
interference
12.7.4 Created interference
(G11)
12.8 Stroke award
12.8.1 Interference, opponent effort
insufficient
12.8.2 Interference, opponent made
every effort but position prevents swing
12.8.3 Interference, opponent made
every effort, winning return prevented
(G7)
12.8.4 Interference, player refrains
from hitting the next return
12.9 Let allowed
12.10 Stroke not awarded if swing
excessive
12.11 Let or stroke without appeal
12.12 Applying Rule 17 for
interference
12.12.1 Physical contact (G12)
12.12.2 Dangerous excessive swing
13. Lets
13.1 Referee may allow let
13.1.1 Ball touches article on court
13.1.2 Shot held - fear of hitting
opponent
(G7)
13.1.3 Distraction
13.1.4 Court conditions change
13.2 Referee shall allow let
13.2.1 Receiver not ready
13.2.2 Ball breaks in play
13.2.3 Referee uncertain of appeal
13.2.4 Good return lodges in court
13.3 Conditions for Referee
allowing lets.
13.4 Conditions for allowing a
let even if striker attempts to hit
13.5 Appeal requirements
13.5.1 Player appeal necessary
13.5.2 Player appeal or Referee
intervention
14. The
Ball
14.1 Substituting another ball
14.2 Ball breaks
14.3 Ball breaks without being
noticed
14.3.1 Receiver appeals
(G13)
14.4 Appeal on final rally of
game
14.5 Player stops play to appeal
14.6 Ball remains on court
14.7 Warm-up after substitution
15.
Duties Of The Players
15.1 Observe rules and spirit of
the game
15.2 Ready to commence play
15.3 Not permitted placing
articles within court
15.4 Not permitted leaving the
court
15.5 Not permitted request change
of officials
15.6 Deliberate distraction not
allowed
15.7 Player’s method of appeal
15.8 Players complying with all
regulations
16.
Bleeding, Illness, Disability and Injury (G14)
16.1 Bleeding
16.1.1 Recurrence of bleeding
16.2 Illness or disability
options
16.2.1 Resume play
16.2.2 Concede game
16.2.3 Concede match
16.3 Injury
16.3.1 Referee action
16.3.1.1 Self-inflicted
16.3.1.2 Contributed
16.3.1.3 Opponent-inflicted
16.3.2 Injury with bleeding Rule
16.1 applies
16.3.3 Decisions for injury without
bleeding
16.3.3.1 Self-inflicted
16.3.3.2 Contributed
16.3.3.3 Opponent-inflicted
16.4 Injured player resuming play
early
16.5 Referee disallows claim of
injury
16.6 Player conceding game
17.
Conduct On Court
17.1 Referee required action
17.2 Offences (G15)
17.3 Referee applied
penalties (G16)
17.3.1 Conduct Warning - let
17.3.2 Conduct Stroke
17.3.3 Conduct Stroke between
rallies
17.3.4 Conduct Game
18.
Control Of A Match
18.1 The Number of Officials
(G17)
18.2 Officiating position
19.
Duties Of A Marker
19.1 Calls (G18)
19.2 Calling the score without
delay
19.3 After Marker calls, rally
stops
19.4 Marker unsighted
19.5 Play stops without Marker
calling
19.6 Marker keeps written record
20.
Duties Of A Referee (G19)
20.1 Decide and announce all
appeals
20.2 Referee control
20.2.1 Player appeals
20.2.2 Rules applied correctly
20.2.3 Crowd control
20.3 Referee intervention in
calling the score
20.4 Referee intervention in
calling the play
20.5 Time responsibility
20.6 Referee keeps a written
record
20.7 Court condition
responsibility
20.8 Awarding match player not
present
APPENDICES
Appendix
1 Official Guidelines
Introduction
G1 Change of Equipment
G2 Time-Wasting
G3 Fallen Object
G8 Method of Appeal
G9 Timing of Appeals
G10 Early Appeal
G11 Created Interference
G12 Significant or Deliberate Physical contact
G13 Broken Ball
G14 Bleeding, Illness, Disability or Injury
G15 Coaching
G16 Progression of Penalties
G17 Single Official
G18 Marker's Guidelines
G19 Referee’s Guidelines
Appendix
2 Definitions
Appendix
3 Standard Calls
Appendix 3.1 Marker’s Calls
Appendix 3.2 Referee’s Calls
Appendix
4 Flowcharts
Appendix
4.1 Referee’s Line of thinking for Rule 12
Appendix
4.2 Referee’s decisions for Rule 16
Appendix
5 Court and Equipment Specifications
Appendix 5.1 Court Dimensions
Appendix 5.2 Standard Ball
Appendix 5.3 Racket Dimensions
Appendix
6 Protective Eyewear
Appendix
7 Point-a-Rally Scoring
Appendix
8 Experimentation
Appendix 8.1 Officiating Systems
Appendix 8.2 Experimental Rules
PREFACE
ABBREVIATED RULES OF SQUASH
This
abbreviated version of the World Singles Squash Rules is to help
players to understand the basics. All players should read the
complete Rules. The Rule numbers in brackets in each heading refer
to the full Rules.
THE SCORING
(Rule 2)
A match is the
best of five games. Each game is to nine points, unless the score
reaches eight-all. At eight-all the receiver (non-server) has to
choose to play either to nine points (known as "Set One") or to ten
points (known as "Set Two"). (There is no requirement that a player
needs to be two points ahead to win a game).
Points are
scored only by the server. When the server wins a rally he or she
scores a point; when the receiver wins a rally he or she becomes the
server.
THE WARM-UP
(Rule 3)
Before the
start of a match, the two players are allowed up to 5 minutes (2½
minutes on each side) to "warm-up" themselves and the ball on the
match court.
When a ball has
been changed during a match, or if the match has been resumed after
some delay, the players warm-up the ball to playing condition.
The ball may be
warmed up by either player during any interval in the match.
THE SERVICE
(Rule 4)
Play commences
with a service. The player to serve first is decided by the spin of
a racket. Thereafter, the server continues serving until losing a
rally, when the opponent becomes the server and the server becomes
"hand out".
The player who
wins the preceding game serves first in the next game.
At the
beginning of each game and when the service changes from one player
to the other, the server can serve from either service box. After
winning a rally the server then continues serving from the alternate
box.
To serve a
player stands with at least part of one foot on the floor within the
service box. For a service to be good, it is served directly onto
the front wall above the service line and below the out line so that
on its return, unless volleyed, it reaches the floor within the back
quarter of the court opposite to the server's box.
GOOD RETURN
(Rule 6)
A return is
good if the ball, before it has bounced twice on the floor, is
returned correctly by the striker onto the front wall above the tin
and below the out line, without first touching the floor. The ball
may hit the side walls and/or the back wall before reaching the
front wall.
A return is not
good if it is "NOT UP" (ball struck after bouncing more than once on
the floor, or not struck correctly, or a double hit); "DOWN" (the
ball after being struck, hits the floor before the front wall or
hits the tin) or "OUT" (the ball hits a wall on or above the out
line).
RALLIES
(Rule 8)
After a good
service has been delivered the players hit the ball in turn until
one fails to make a good return.
A rally
consists of a service and a number of good returns. A player wins a
rally if the opponent fails to make a good service or return of the
ball or if, before the player has attempted to hit the ball, it
touches the opponent (including racket or clothing) when the
opponent is the non-striker.
NOTE: AT ANY
TIME DURING A RALLY A PLAYER SHOULD NOT STRIKE THE BALL IF THERE IS
A DANGER OF HITTING THE OPPONENT WITH THE BALL OR RACKET. IN SUCH
CASES PLAY STOPS AND THE RALLY IS EITHER PLAYED AGAIN ("A LET") OR
THE OPPONENT IS PENALISED.
HITTING AN
OPPONENT WITH THE BALL (Rule 9)
If a player
strikes the ball, which, before reaching the front wall, hits the
opponent, or the opponent’s racket or clothing, play stops.
If the
return would have been good and the ball would have struck the front
wall without first touching any other wall, the striker wins the
rally, provided the striker did not "turn".
If the ball
either had struck, or would have struck, any other wall and the
return would have been good, a let is played.
If the
return would not have been good, the striker loses the rally.
TURNING
(Rule 9)
If the striker
has either followed the ball round, or allowed it to pass around him
or her - in either case striking the ball to the right of the body
after the ball had passed to the left (or vice-versa) - then the
striker has "TURNED".
If the opponent
is struck by the ball after the striker has turned, the rally is
awarded to the opponent.
If the striker,
while turning, stops play for fear of striking the opponent, then a
let is played. This is the recommended course of action in
situations where a player wants to turn but is unsure of the
opponent’s position.
FURTHER
ATTEMPTS (Rule 10)
A player, after
attempting to strike the ball and missing, may make a further
attempt to return the ball.
If a
further attempt would have resulted in a good return, but the ball
hits the opponent, a let is played.
If the
return would not have been good, the striker loses the rally.
INTERFERENCE
(Rule 12)
When it is his
or her turn to play the ball, a player is entitled to freedom from
interference by the opponent.
To avoid
interference, the opponent must try to provide the player with
unobstructed direct access to the ball, a fair view of the ball,
space to complete a swing at the ball and freedom to play the ball
directly to any part of the front wall.
A player,
finding the opponent interfering with the play, can accept the
interference and play on, or stop play. It is preferable to stop
play if there is a possibility of colliding with the opponent, or of
hitting him or her with racket or ball.
When play has
stopped as a result of interference the general guidelines are:
The player
is entitled to a let if he or she could have returned the
ball and the opponent has made every effort to avoid the
interference.
The player
is not entitled to a let (i.e. loses the rally) if he
or she could not have returned the ball, or accepts the interference
and plays on, or the interference was so minimal that the player’s
access to and strike at the ball was not affected.
The player
is entitled to a stroke (i.e. wins the rally) if the opponent
did not make every effort to avoid the interference, or if the
player would have hit a winning return, or if the player would have
struck the opponent with the ball going directly to the front wall.
LETS (Rule
13)
A let is an
undecided rally. The rally does not count and the server serves
again from the same box.
In addition to
lets allowed as indicated in the paragraphs above, lets can be
allowed in other circumstances. For example, a let may be allowed if
the ball in play touches any article lying on the floor, or if the
striker refrains from hitting the ball owing to a reasonable fear of
injuring the opponent.
A let must be
allowed if the receiver is not ready and does not attempt to return
the service, or if the ball breaks during play.
CONTINUITY
OF PLAY (Rule 7)
Play is
expected to be continuous in each game once a player has started
serving. There should be no delay between the end of one rally and
the start of the next one.
In between all
games an interval of 90 seconds is permitted.
Players are
permitted to change items of clothing or equipment if necessary.
BLEEDING,
INJURY AND ILLNESS (Rule 16)
If an injury
occurs which involves bleeding, the bleeding must be stopped before
the player can continue. A player is allowed a reasonable time to
attend to a bleeding wound.
If the bleeding
was caused solely by the opponent’s action, the injured player wins
the match.
If the bleeding
recurs no further delay is allowed, except that the player can
concede a game, using the 90 second period between games to attend
to the wound and stop the bleeding. If unable to stop it, the player
must concede the match.
For an injury
not involving bleeding, it must be decided whether the injury was
either caused by the opponent or self inflicted or contributed to by
both players.
If caused
by the opponent, the injured player wins the match if any recovery
time is needed.
If
self-inflicted, the injured player is allowed 3 minutes to recover
and must then play on, or concede a game using the 90 second rest
period between games to recover.
If
contributed by both players, the injured player is allowed an hour
to recover.
A player who is
ill must play on or can take a rest period by conceding a game and
using the 90 second interval to recover. Cramps, feeling sick and
breathlessness (including asthma) are considered illnesses. If a
player vomits on court, the opponent wins the match.
DUTIES OF
PLAYERS (Rule 15)
Rule 15
provides guidelines for players. For example 15.6 states that
deliberate distraction is not allowed. Players should read this rule
in full.
Some of the 8
sub-sections deal with situations related to matches under the
control of officials (Referee/Marker). The use of officials is not
covered in this abbreviated version.
CONDUCT ON
COURT (Rule 17)
Offensive,
disruptive or intimidating behaviour in squash is not acceptable.
Included in
this category are: audible and visible obscenities, verbal and
physical abuse, dissent, abuse of racket, court or ball, unnecessary
physical contact, excessive racket swing, unfair warm-up,
time-wasting, late back on court, deliberate or dangerous play or
action and coaching (except between games).
WORLD SQUASH SINGLES RULES (2001)
NOTE
The use of the
word "shall" in the rules indicates compulsion and the lack of any
alternative. The word "must" indicates a required course of action
with considerations to be taken into account if the action is not
carried out. The word "may" indicates the option of carrying out or
not carrying out the action.
Words or
terms in italics are used with a specific meaning as defined in
Appendix 2.
1.
THE GAME
The game of Singles Squash is played
between two players, each using a racket, with a ball and in a
court, all three of which meet WSF specifications (see Appendix 5).
2.
THE 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.
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 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 scores two
more points wins the game. The receiver shall clearly indicate this
choice to the Marker, Referee and the opponent.
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.
3.
THE WARM-UP (see definition in Appendix 2)
3.1 Immediately preceding the
start of play both players shall be allowed onto the court of play
for a period of five minutes to warm-up together.
After two and a half minutes of the
warm-up, the Referee shall call "Half time" and the players shall
change sides unless they have already done so. The Referee shall
also advise the players when the warm-up period is complete with the
call of "Time".
3.2 In the warm-up both players
must have equal opportunities of striking the ball. A player
retaining the strike for an unreasonable time is warming up
unfairly. The Referee shall decide when the warm-up is unfair and
apply Rule 17.
3.3 Either player may warm the
ball up during any interval.
3.4 The players may warm the
ball up to playing condition after any interval at the discretion of
the Referee.
4.
THE SERVICE
4.1 Play commences with a
service and the spin of a racket decides the right to serve first.
Thereafter, the server continues to serve until losing a rally,
whereupon the opponent becomes the server and this procedure
continues throughout the match. At the commencement of the second
and each subsequent game the winner of the previous game serves
first.
4.2 At the beginning of each
game and each hand the server shall choose from which box to
serve and thereafter shall serve from alternate boxes while
remaining the server. However, if a rally ends in a let, the server
shall serve again from the same box.
If the server moves to the wrong box,
or either player is uncertain of the correct box for serving, the
Marker shall announce the correct box. The Referee shall rule on the
correct box if the Marker is uncertain or incorrect, or there is a
dispute.
4.3 To serve, a player shall
release the ball from either a hand or the racket and then strike
it. Should the player make no attempt to strike it after that
release, the player shall release the ball again for that service.
4.4 A service is good if all the
conditions in Rules 4.4.1 - 4.4.5 are met:
4.4.1 the server has part of one
foot in contact with the floor within the service box without any
part of that foot touching the service box line (part of that foot
may project over this line if it does not touch the line) at the
time of striking the ball;
4.4.2 the server, after releasing
the ball for service, strikes it correctly on the first or
further attempt before the ball falls to the floor, touches a wall,
or touches anything the server wears;
4.4.3 the server strikes the ball
directly onto the front wall between the service and out lines;
4.4.4 unless volleyed by the
receiver, the first bounce of the ball on the floor is in the
quarter court opposite the server's box without touching the short
or half court lines;
4.4.5 the server does not serve the
ball out.
4.5 A service which does not
meet the requirements of Rules 4.4.1 - 4.4.5 is not good and the
Marker shall make the appropriate call.
The calls are: "foot-fault" for
Rule 4.4.1
"not up" for Rule 4.4.2
"fault" for Rule 4.4.3 if the ball
strikes a side wall first or the front wall on or below the service
line but above the board
"down" for Rule 4.4.3 if the ball
strikes on or below the board or on the floor
"fault" for Rule 4.4.4
"out" for Rule 4.4.5
A service in which the ball is
considered to have struck the front wall and a side wall
simultaneously is not good and is called "fault".
4.6 The server must not serve
until the Marker has completed calling the score. The Marker must
call the score without delay. If the server serves or attempts to
serve prior to the Marker completing the calling of the score, the
Referee shall stop play and require the server to wait until the
Marker has completed calling the score.
5.
THE PLAY
After the server delivers a good
service, 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, a player appeals, or the Marker or
Referee makes a call.
6.
GOOD RETURN
A return is good if all the conditions
in Rules 6.1 - 6.3 are met.
6.1 The striker returns the ball
correctly before it has bounced twice on the floor.
6.2 The ball strikes the front
wall above the board, either directly or via side wall(s) and/or the
back wall, without first touching the floor or any part of the
striker's body or apparel, or the opponent's racket, body or
apparel.
6.3 The ball is not out.
7.
CONTINUITY OF PLAY
After the server delivers the first
service, play shall be continuous so far as is practical. However,
7.1 at any time the Referee may
suspend play owing to bad light or other circumstances beyond the
control of the players and officials, for such period as the Referee
shall decide. The score shall stand. If another court is available
and the original court remains unsuitable for play, the Referee may
transfer the match to it.
7.2 There shall be a 90 second
interval between the end of the warm-up and the commencement of the
first game and between all games. Players may leave the court during
these intervals but must be ready to play prior to the expiry of the
90 second interval.
By mutual consent of the players, play
may commence or resume prior to the expiry of the 90 second
interval.
(G1) 7.3 If a player
satisfies the Referee that a change of equipment, clothing or
footwear is necessary, the player may leave the court to effect the
change as quickly as possible but must do so within 90 seconds.
7.4 When 15 seconds of a
permitted 90 second interval remain the Referee shall call "Fifteen
seconds" to advise the players to be ready to resume play. At the
end of 90 seconds the Referee shall call "Time".
It is the responsibility of the
players to be in a position to hear the calls of "Fifteen seconds"
and "Time".
Should one or both players not be
ready to resume play when "Time" is called, the Referee shall apply
Rule 17.
7.5 If a player is injured, ill
or disabled the Referee shall apply Rule 16.
(G2) 7.6 The Referee, on
deciding that a player has delayed play unreasonably, shall apply
Rule 17.
(G3) 7.7 If an object,
other than a player's racket, falls to the floor of the court while
a rally is in progress the requirements are:
7.7.1 the Referee, on becoming
aware of a fallen object, shall stop play immediately;
7.7.2 a player becoming aware of a
fallen object may stop play and appeal.
7.7.3 If the object falls from a
player, that player shall lose the rally, unless Rule 7.7.5 applies
or the cause is a collision with the opponent. In the latter case
the Referee shall allow a let, unless the player appeals for a let
because of interference in which case the Referee shall apply Rule
12.
7.7.4 If the object falls from a
source other than a player, the Referee shall allow a let unless
Rule 7.7.5 applies.
7.7.5 If the player has already
made a winning return when the object falls to the floor, that
player shall win the rally.
7.7.6 If a dropped object remains
unnoticed until the end of the rally, the result of the rally shall
stand.
(G3) 7.8 If a player drops
a racket, the Referee shall allow the rally to continue, unless
interference occurred (Rule 12), the ball touched the racket (Rule
13.1.1), distraction occurred (Rule 13.1.3), or the Referee applies
a conduct penalty (Rule 17).
8.
WINNING A RALLY
A player wins a
rally if:
8.1 the opponent fails to
deliver a good service (Rule 4.4);
8.2 the opponent fails to make a
good return (Rule 6), unless the Referee allows a let or awards a
stroke to the opponent;
(G4) 8.3 the ball touches
the opponent (including anything worn or carried), without
interference, when the opponent is the non-striker, except as is
otherwise provided for in Rules 9 and 10. If interference occurs
then the provisions of Rule 12 apply. In all cases the Referee shall
make the decision;
8.4 the Referee awards a stroke
to the player as provided for in the Rules.
9.
BALL HITTING THE OPPONENT AND A PLAYER TURNING
(G4) 9.1 If the striker
hits the ball which, before reaching the front wall, hits the
opponent (including anything worn or carried), play shall cease. The
Referee, in addition to considering possible infringement of Rule
17, shall assess the ball’s trajectory and shall:
9.1.1 award a stroke to the striker
if the return would have been good and the ball would have struck
the front wall without first touching any other wall, unless Rule
9.1.2 or 9.1.3 applies;
(G4 & G5) 9.1.2
if the striker turned, award a stroke to the opponent, unless the
opponent made a deliberate movement to intercept the return, in
which case the Referee shall award the stroke to the striker;
(G5) 9.1.3 if the
striker’s return is a further attempt, allow a let, provided that
Rule 9.1.2 does not apply;
9.1.4 allow a let if the ball
either had struck or would have struck any other wall before the
front wall and the return would have been good, unless Rule 9.1.5
applies;
9.1.5 if deciding the return would
have been a winning return, award a stroke to the striker;
9.1.6 award a stroke to the
opponent if the return would not have been good.
(G5)
9.2 If the striker turns:
9.2.1 the striker may, before
striking the ball, out of fear of hitting the opponent with the
ball, stop and appeal. The Referee shall:
9.2.1.1 allow a let, if deciding that
there was a reasonable fear of the ball hitting the opponent and the
striker would have been able to make a good return unless Rule 9.2.3
applies or
9.2.1.2 not allow a let, if deciding
that the striker could not have made a good return.
9.2.2. The striker may, because of
interference, stop play and appeal. The Referee shall:
9.2.2.1 allow a let, if deciding that
the striker is unable to complete an attempt to play the ball
because of interference by the opponent or
9.2.2.2 award a stroke to the striker,
if deciding that the opponent did not make every effort to avoid the
interference on turning, or
9.2.2.3 not allow a let, if deciding
that the striker could not have made a good return regardless of the
interference.
9.2.3 The Referee shall not allow a
let if deciding that the act of turning was to create the
opportunity to appeal rather than an attempt to return the ball.
10.
FURTHER ATTEMPTS TO HIT THE BALL
If the striker attempts to strike the
ball and misses, the striker may make further attempts.
10.1 If, after being missed, the
ball touches the opponent (including anything worn or carried), the
Referee shall:
10.1.1 allow a let, if deciding that
the striker could otherwise have made a good return, or
10.1.2 award a stroke to the
opponent, if deciding that the striker could not have made a good
return.
10.2 The Referee shall allow a
let if any such further attempt is successful but results in a good
return being prevented from reaching the front wall by hitting the
opponent, including anything worn or carried.
10.3 The striker may, because of
interference on the further attempt, stop play and appeal. The
Referee shall:
10.3.1 allow a let, if the striker
is unable to complete a further attempt to play the ball provided a
good return was possible; or
10.3.2 award a stroke to the
striker, if deciding that the opponent did not make every effort to
avoid the interference on the further attempt; or
10.3.3 not allow a let, if deciding
that the further attempt would not have resulted in a good return.
11.
APPEALS
The loser of a rally may appeal
against any decision of the Marker affecting that rally.
A player should preface any appeal
under Rule 11 by saying "Appeal please". Play ceases when a player
appeals. The Referee, if uncertain of the reason for an appeal, may
ask the player for an explanation.
If the Referee disallows an appeal
under Rule 11, the Marker's decision shall stand. If uncertain, the
Referee shall allow a let, except where the provisions of Rules
11.2.1, 11.5 or 11.6 apply.
Appeals and Referee interventions in
specific situations are dealt with below (see also Rule 20.4).
11.1 Appeals on Service.
11.1.1 If the Marker makes a call of
"Foot-fault", "Fault", "Not up", "Down" or "Out" to the service, the
server may appeal. If the Referee upholds the appeal, the Referee
shall allow a let.
11.1.2 If, after the service, the
Marker makes no call, the receiver may appeal, either immediately or
at the end of the rally. The Referee, if certain that the service
was not good, shall, without waiting for an appeal, stop play and
award a stroke to the opponent. In response to an appeal the Referee
shall:
11.1.2.1 if certain the
service was good, award a stroke to the server.
11.1.2.2 if uncertain,
allow a let.
11.2 Appeals on Play other than
Service.
11.2.1 A player may appeal if the
Marker calls "Not up", "Down" or "Out" following that player's
return. The Referee, if upholding the appeal or uncertain whether
the Marker’s call was correct, shall:
11.2.1.1 allow a let,
unless Rule 11.2.1.2 or 11.2.1.3 apply;
11.2.1.2 award a stroke to
the player, if the Marker's call interrupted that player's winning
return;
11.2.1.3 award a stroke to
the opponent, if the Marker's call has interrupted or prevented a
winning return by the opponent.
11.2.2 If the Marker fails to call
"Not up", "Down" or "Out" following a player's return, the opponent
may appeal either immediately or at the end of the rally. The
Referee, if certain that the return was not good, shall, without
waiting for an appeal, stop play and award a stroke to the opponent.
In response to an appeal the Referee shall:
11.2.2.1 if deciding the
return was good, award a stroke to the player;
11.2.2.2 if uncertain,
allow a let.
11.3 After the delivery of a
service neither player may appeal for anything which occurred before
that service, except as Rule 14.3 provides.
11.4 When the loser makes more
than one appeal concerning a rally, the Referee shall consider each
appeal.
11.5 If a player appeals the
Marker's call of "Foot-
fault", "Fault", "Not up", "Down" or "Out" to a service but that
same service subsequently is clearly a fault, not up, down or out,
the Referee shall rule only on the subsequent occurrence.
11.6 If a player appeals the
Marker's call of "Not up", "Down" or "Out" to a return but that same
return subsequently is clearly down or out, the Referee shall rule
only on the subsequent occurrence.
12.
INTERFERENCE
12.1 The player whose turn it is
to play the ball is entitled to freedom from interference by the
opponent.
12.2 To
avoid interference the opponent must make every effort to provide
the player with:
(G6) 12.2.1
unobstructed direct access to the ball after completion of a
reasonable follow-through;
12.2.2 a fair view of the ball on
its rebound from the front wall;
(G7) 12.2.3 freedom
to hit the ball with a reasonable swing;
12.2.4 freedom to play the ball
directly to any part of the front wall.
12.3 Interference occurs if the
opponent fails to fulfil any of the requirements of Rule 12.2, even
though the opponent makes every effort to fulfil those requirements.
12.4 A player’s excessive swing
can contribute to interference for the opponent when it becomes the
latter's turn to play the ball.
12.5 A player encountering
possible interference has the choice of continuing to play or of
stopping and appealing to the Referee.
(G8) 12.5.1 A
player seeking a let or a stroke should appeal by saying "Let
please".
(G9, G10) 12.5.2 Only the
player whose turn it is to play the ball may appeal. The player must
appeal either immediately the interference occurs or, when clearly
not continuing play beyond the point of interference, without undue
delay.
12.6 The Referee shall decide on
the appeal and shall announce the decision with the words "No let",
"Stroke to (name of player or team)", or "Yes let" (see flowchart in
Appendix 4.1). The Referee alone makes all decisions, which are
final. The Referee, if uncertain of the reason for an appeal, may
ask the player for an explanation.
12.7 The
Referee shall not allow a let and the player shall lose the rally if
the Referee decides:
(G6) 12.7.1 there
was no interference or the interference was so minimal that the
player’s fair view of the ball and freedom to get to and play the
ball were not affected;
(G6) 12.7.2
interference occurred but either the player would not have made a
good return or the player has not made every effort to get to and
play the ball;
12.7.3 the player moved past the
point of interference and played on;
(G11) 12.7.4 the
player created the interference in moving to the ball.
12.8 The Referee shall award a
stroke to the player if:
12.8.1 there was interference, which
the opponent did not make every effort to avoid, and the player
would have made a good return;
(G7) 12.8.2 there
was interference, which the opponent made every effort to avoid, but
the opponent’s position prevented the player’s reasonable swing
and the player would have been able to make a good return;
(G7) 12.8.3 there
was interference, which the opponent made every effort to avoid, and
the player would have made a winning return;
12.8.4 the player refrained from
hitting the ball which, if hit, would clearly have struck the
opponent going directly to the front wall; or to a side wall but in
the latter case would have been a winning return (unless in either
case turning or further attempt applies).
12.9 The Referee shall allow a
let if there was interference, which the opponent made every effort
to avoid, and the player would have made a good return.
12.10 The Referee shall not award a
stroke to a player who causes interference with an excessive swing.
12.11 The Referee may allow a let
under Rule 12.9 or award a stroke under Rule 12.8 without an appeal,
if necessary stopping play to do so.
12.12 The Referee may also apply
Rule 17 when interference occurs. The Referee shall, stopping play
if it has not already stopped, apply an appropriate penalty if:
(G12) 12.12.1 the
player made significant or deliberate physical contact with the
opponent;
12.12.2 the player endangered the
opponent with an excessive swing.
13.
LETS
In addition to lets allowed under
other rules, the Referee may or shall allow lets in certain other
cases. A player should request a let by saying "Let please". The
Referee, if uncertain of the reason for an appeal, may ask the
player for an explanation.
13.1 The
Referee may allow a let if:
13.1.1 the ball in play touches any
article lying on the floor (see Rule 15.3);
(G7) 13.1.2 the
striker refrains from hitting the ball onto any of the walls
including the back wall owing to a reasonable fear of injuring the
opponent;
13.1.3 the Referee determines that
an occurrence on or off the court distracted either player. A player
appealing for distraction must do so immediately the distraction
occurs. Notwithstanding the above the Referee may award a stroke to
a player who has been distracted if that player could have played a
winning return but for the distraction;
13.1.4 the Referee determines that a
change in court conditions affected the result of the rally.
13.2 The
Referee shall allow a let if:
13.2.1 the receiver is not ready and
does not attempt to return the service;
13.2.2 the ball breaks during play;
13.2.3 the Referee is unable to
decide an appeal;
13.2.4 a player makes an otherwise
good return but either the ball lodges in any part of the playing
surface of the court, preventing it from bouncing more than once on
the floor, or the ball goes out after its first bounce.
13.3 If the striker appeals for a
let under Rules 13.1.1 to 13.1.4, the Referee shall allow a let only
if the striker can make a good return. For a non-striker appeal
under Rules 13.1.1, 13.1.3 and 13.1.4 this is not a requirement.
13.4 If the striker attempts to
play the ball, the Referee may still allow a let under Rules 13.1.1,
13.1.3, 13.1.4 and 13.2.2.
13.5 The appeals requirements of
Rule 13 are:
13.5.1 a player’s appeal is
necessary for the Referee to allow a let under Rules 13.1.2 (striker
only), 13.1.3, 13.2.1 (receiver only) and 13.2.3;
13.5.2 a player’s appeal or Referee
intervention without appeal is applicable to Rules 13.1.1, 13.1.4,
13.2.2 and 13.2.4.
14.
THE BALL
14.1 At any time, when the ball
is not in actual play, either player or the Referee may examine the
ball. The Referee may substitute another ball by mutual consent of
the players, or on appeal by either player.
14.2 If a ball breaks during
play, the Referee, after confirming it is broken, shall replace it
promptly with another ball.
14.3 If the ball breaks during
play without being noticed during the rally, the Referee shall allow
a let for the rally in which the ball broke, if the server appeals
prior to the next service or if the receiver appeals prior to
attempting to return that service.
(G13) 14.3.1 If the
receiver appeals prior to attempting to return service and the
Referee decides the ball broke during that service, the Referee
shall allow a let for that rally only, but if uncertain shall allow
a let for the previous rally.
14.4 The provisions of Rule 14.3
do not apply to the final rally of a game. In that case a player
must appeal immediately after the rally.
14.5 If a player stops during a
rally to appeal that the ball is broken, only to find subsequently
that the ball is not broken, then that player shall lose the rally.
14.6 The ball shall remain within
the court at all times, unless the Referee permits its removal.
14.7 When the Referee has
substituted another ball or when the players resume a match after
some delay, the Referee shall allow the players to warm the ball to
playing condition. Play shall then resume on the direction of the
Referee, or by mutual consent of the players, whichever is earlier.
15.
DUTIES OF THE PLAYERS
15.1 The players must observe all
the Rules and the spirit of the game. Failure to do so could bring
the game into disrepute and Rule 17 may be applied.
15.2 Players must be ready to
commence play at the announced starting time of the match.
15.3 Players are not permitted to
place within the court any object(s), clothing or equipment.
15.4 Players are not permitted to
leave the court during a game without the permission of the Referee.
If they do the Referee may apply Rule 17.
15.5 Players are not permitted to
request a change of Marker or Referee.
15.6 A player must not
deliberately distract the opponent. If this occurs the Referee shall
apply Rule 17.
15.7 Players should preface
appeals by saying "Let please" or "Appeal please" according to the
circumstances. Pointing with the finger or racket, other gestures,
raised eyebrows or other eye activity are not universally recognised
methods of appeal.
15.8 Players must comply with any
additional competition regulations (e.g. the clothing requirements
of the tournament), as well as those contained in the Rules.
(G14) 16.
BLEEDING, ILLNESS, DISABILITY AND INJURY (see flowchart in Appendix
4.2)
16.1 Bleeding: The Referee shall
immediately stop play when any player has visible bleeding, an open
wound or blood-stained clothing. Before allowing play to continue
the Referee shall require that the bleeding be stopped, the wound
covered and any blood-stained clothing changed, allowing such time
as is reasonable and necessary and is available on the tournament
schedule.
If the bleeding was caused solely by
the opponent, the Referee shall immediately award the match to the
player.
16.1.1 Recurrence of bleeding: If
the bleeding recurs, for which recovery time has already been
allowed, the Referee shall allow no further recovery time except
that the player may concede the game in progress and use the 90
second interval between games for recovery. If the visible bleeding
continues at the end of this 90 second interval the player shall
concede the match. A player may only concede one game for one 90
second interval.
If the covering of the
bleeding wound falls off or is removed during the match, thereby
exposing the wound, the Referee shall consider this to be a
recurrence of the bleeding, unless all sign of bleeding has ceased.
16.2 Illness or Disability: A
player suffering illness or disability not involving bleeding has
the following options:
16.2.1 resuming play without delay;
16.2.2 conceding the game in
progress, accepting the 90 second interval, or
16.2.3 conceding the match.
Symptoms of tiredness, alleged
illness, or disability not reasonably evident to the Referee, or
recurrence of pre-existing ailments, including injuries sustained
earlier in the match, shall be dealt with under this Rule 16.2. This
includes cramps of any kind, actual or impending nausea and
breathlessness, including asthma. The Referee shall inform the
players of the decision and the requirements of the rules.
16.3 Injury:
16.3.1 If a player claims that an
injury has occurred, the Referee must be satisfied that the injury
is genuine and, if so, decide the category of injury, informing the
players of the decision and of the requirements of the rules. The
player is only entitled to recovery time immediately after the
injury occurred.
The categories are:
16.3.1.1 self-inflicted,
where the opponent did not contribute to the injury;
16.3.1.2 contributed, where
the opponent accidentally contributed to or accidentally caused the
injury. The Referee shall not interpret the words "accidentally
contributed to or accidentally caused by" to include the situation
where a player is crowding the opponent;
16.3.1.3
opponent-inflicted, where the opponent solely caused the injury.
16.3.2 If the injury involves
bleeding, Rule 16.1 shall apply until the bleeding has stopped.
Subsequently Rule 16.3.3 applies.
16.3.3 If bleeding is not involved
the following rules shall apply:
16.3.3.1 for a
self-inflicted injury (Rule 16.3.1.1) the Referee shall allow 3
minutes for the injured player to recover. The Referee shall call
"Time" at the end of the 3 minute period after giving a 15 second
warning. If the player requests additional recovery time beyond 3
minutes, the Referee shall require the injured player to concede one
game, accept the 90 second time interval between games and then
resume play or concede the match. If the injured player has not
returned to the court when "Time" is called, the Referee shall award
the match to the opponent;
16.3.3.2 for a contributed
injury (Rule 16.3.1.2) the Referee shall allow one hour for the
injured player to recover and such additional time as the
time-schedule of the competition permits. The Referee shall call
"Time" at the end of any recovery time allowed. The injured player
must, by the end of this period, resume play or concede the match.
If the injured player resumes play, the score at the conclusion of
the rally in which the injury occurred shall stand;
16.3.3.3 for an
opponent-inflicted injury (Rule 16.3.1.3) the Referee shall apply
Rule 17 and if the injured player requires time to recover, the
Referee shall award the match to the injured player.
16.4 If an injured player, having
been granted a period of recovery time, wishes to resume play prior
to the expiry of that time, the Referee shall permit the opponent
sufficient time to prepare to resume play.
16.5 If a player claims injury
and the Referee is not satisfied that an injury has occurred, the
Referee shall require the player to resume play; or concede one
game, accept the time interval available and then either resume play
or concede the match.
16.6 If conceding the game, the
player shall retain any points already scored and at the conclusion
of the 90 second interval between games shall either resume play or
concede the match.
17.
CONDUCT ON COURT
17.1 If the Referee considers
that a player’s behaviour is disruptive, intimidating or offensive
to the opponent, an official or a spectator, or could in any way
bring the game into disrepute, the Referee shall penalise the
player.
(G15) 17.2 Offences with which
the Referee shall deal under this rule include audible and visible
obscenities, verbal and physical abuse, dissent to Marker or
Referee, abuse of racket, ball or court and coaching, other than
during the interval between games. Other offences include
significant or deliberate physical contact (Rule 12.12.1), excessive
racket swing (Rule 12.4), unfair warm-up (Rule 3.2), late back on
court (Rule 7.4), dangerous play or action (Rule 16.3.1.3) and
time-wasting (Rule 7.6).
(G16) 17.3 The Referee shall
apply one of the following penalties for these and any other
offences.
Warning (called a Conduct Warning).
Stroke awarded to opponent (called a
Conduct Stroke).
Game awarded to opponent (called a
Conduct Game).
Match awarded to opponent (called a
Conduct Match).
17.3.1 If the Referee stops play to
give a Conduct Warning, the Referee shall allow a let.
17.3.2 During a rally, if an
incident occurs warranting the award of a Conduct Stroke, the
Referee shall stop play, if it has not already ceased, and award a
stroke. Application of the Conduct Stroke becomes the result of the
rally.
17.3.3 If the Referee awards a
Conduct Stroke as a result of an incident between rallies, the
result of the completed rally stands and the Conduct Stroke award is
additional to the score but without further change of service box.
17.3.4 If the Referee awards a
Conduct Game, that game shall be the one in progress or the next
game if one is not in progress. In the latter case the interval
between games shall not apply. The offending player shall retain any
points already scored in the game awarded.
18.
CONTROL OF A MATCH
(G17) 18.1 A Referee, assisted
by a Marker, normally controls a match. Although the Referee may
undertake the duties of the Marker as well, the WSF recommends that
separate officials carry out the two roles.
18.2 The correct location for the
Referee and Marker is at the centre of the back wall, as close to
that wall as possible, above the out line on the back wall and
preferably with seating.
19.
DUTIES OF A MARKER
(G18) 19.1 The Marker shall
call the play, followed by the score, with the server's score called
first. The Marker shall call services and returns which are not good
using the recognised calls of "Fault", "Foot-fault", "Not up",
"Down", "Out", "Hand-out" and "Stop" (see Appendix 3.1) as
appropriate and shall repeat the Referee's decisions.
19.2 At the end of the rally the
Marker shall call the score without delay and after the Referee has
decided any appeals.
19.3 If the Marker makes a call,
the rally shall cease.
19.4 The Marker, if unsighted or
uncertain, shall make no call.
19.5 If play ceases without the
Marker having made a call, the Marker, if unsighted or uncertain,
shall advise the players and the Referee shall make the relevant
decision. If also uncertain, the Referee shall allow a let.
19.6 The Marker shall keep a
written record of the score and the correct side for service.
(G19)
20. DUTIES OF A REFEREE
20.1 The Referee shall rule on
all appeals, make decisions where the Rules call for them and shall
decide all appeals against the Marker's calls or lack of calls. The
decision of the Referee shall be final.
The Referee must announce all
decisions to the players on the court and must make all calls in a
voice loud enough to be heard on the court and in the gallery.
20.2 The Referee shall exercise
control:
20.2.1 when one of the players
appeals, including an appeal against any specification;
20.2.2 to ensure that all relevant
rules are applied correctly;
20.2.3 when the behaviour of any
spectator, official, manager or coach is disruptive to the play or
offensive to the players, officials or spectators. The Referee shall
suspend play until the disruption has ceased and, if necessary,
shall require the offending person(s) to leave the court area.
20.3 The Referee shall not
intervene in the Marker's calling of the score unless the Referee
decides that the Marker has called the score incorrectly. In that
case the Referee shall correct the score and the Marker shall repeat
the corrected score.
The Referee shall
not intervene in the Marker's calling of the play unless the Referee
decides that the Marker has made an error in stopping play or
allowing play to continue, in which case the Referee shall
immediately rule accordingly.
20.5 The Referee shall enforce
all Rules relating to time.
20.6 The Referee shall keep a
written record of the score and the correct side for service.
20.7 The Referee is responsible
for ensuring that court conditions are satisfactory for play.
20.8 The Referee may award a
match to a player whose opponent is not present on court, ready to
play, within ten minutes after the announced time of play.
APPENDIXES
APPENDIX 1 - GUIDELINES ON RULES
INTERPRETATIONS
Guideline numbers are referenced in
the rules
INTRODUCTION
The over-riding
principle governing the Rules of Squash and their interpretation is
to allow a fair result to each match. This requires that the Referee
implement the rules fairly for both players throughout the match.
The Guidelines
should be read in conjunction with the Rules and have been approved
by the World Squash Federation.
G1.
CHANGE OF EQUIPMENT
In order to prevent one player from
gaining an unfair rest interval through a change of equipment, the
Referee, before allowing a player to leave the court to make the
change, shall 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 the player to change that
equipment. The player may leave the court to effect the change as
quickly as possible and must do so within 90 seconds.
If a player's glasses break or a
player loses a contact lens, that player is permitted 90 seconds,
after which the player must resume play.
If a player is unable to resume play
because of lack of alternative equipment, the Referee shall award
the match to the opponent.
G2.
TIME-WASTING
Time-wasting is an attempt by one
player to gain an unfair advantage over the opponent. Prolonged
discussion with the Referee and slow preparation to serve or receive
service are examples. The Referee shall apply Rule 17 when this
occurs.
While excessive ball-bouncing prior to
service is time-wasting, it does not constitute serving the hand
out.
Players should be aware that during
the 90 second intervals, the Referee's call of "Fifteen seconds" is
advice for them to return to court. A player who is not ready to
resume play on the call of "Time" is gaining an unfair advantage and
the Referee shall apply Rule 17.
G3.
FALLEN OBJECT
Rule 7.7 makes it clear that, if any
object falls (or is thrown) to the floor of the court, play must
cease. Since an injury may occur if a player treads on any object of
significant size or texture, the Referee or Marker shall halt play
with the word "Stop", or the player(s) may stop and appeal. If the
fallen object is unnoticed by players and Officials until the end of
the rally and the Referee judges there has been no effect on the
outcome of the rally, the result of the rally shall stand (Rule
7.7.6).
Players are responsible for retaining
their equipment. As a general rule, a player who drops or throws a
piece of equipment will lose a stroke. Exceptions are equipment
falling as a result of a collision when the Referee may allow a let
or award a stroke depending on whether the player has hit a winning
return. If the collision results in an appeal for interference, Rule
12 will take precedence.
If a player drops a racket without
colliding with the opponent, the Referee shall allow the rally to
continue under most circumstances. It is considered that the player
is already at a significant disadvantage, as the player must pick up
the racket to remain in the rally.
The Referee shall deal with a player’s
deliberate dropping or throwing of an object to the floor of the
court under Rule 17.
G4.
PLAYER HIT BY THE BALL INCLUDING TURNING AND FURTHER ATTEMPT
If the ball hits the non-striker the
Referee shall make a decision in all cases and the Marker's call is
not required until after the Referee has made this decision.
If the ball, coming from the front
wall, hits the non-striker without interference occurring, the
non-striker loses a stroke unless further attempt applies (Rule 10).
The definition of "Attempt" makes it clear that even a fake swing of
the racket or feint at the ball is an attempt, but racket
preparation comprising only backswing with no racket movement
towards the ball is not an attempt.
Rules 9 and 10 cover the various
situations in which the ball going to the front wall hits the
non-striker.
If the ball hits the striker (without
interference) the striker loses the rally and the Marker shall call
"Not up", because the striker has not struck the ball correctly.
The Referee need not make a decision unless the Marker fails to make
a call.
When the ball strikes either player
and interference occurred, the Referee shall apply Rule 12.
In deciding to play the ball on
turning, a player must ensure that the return will not hit the
opponent. If the player does hit the opponent with the ball after
turning, the Referee shall award a stroke to the opponent, unless
the opponent made a deliberate movement to prevent a good return
reaching the front wall, in which case the Referee shall award a
stroke to the striker.
G5.
INTERFERENCE ON TURNING OR A FURTHER ATTEMPT
When a player turns or makes a further
attempt to play the ball, the opponent still has an obligation to
make every effort to provide the player with freedom to sight the
ball and to get to and play the ball as provided for in Rule 12.
However, the act of turning or of recovering for a further attempt
is often so quick that the opponent does not have a reasonable
opportunity to clear before the interference occurs. In such cases,
the Referee shall allow a let. Conversely, if the opponent had ample
time to clear but made no effort to do so, or deliberately moved
thereby creating the interference, the Referee shall award a stroke
to the player.
When a player shapes to play the ball
on one side and then brings the racket across the body to take the
ball on the other side, it is neither turning nor making a further
attempt and, if interference occurs, Rule 12 applies. This position
frequently occurs after the ball has hit the side wall and the front
wall simultaneously and then rebounds into the middle of the court.
G6.
MAKING EVERY EFFORT AND MINIMAL INTERFERENCE
The opponent must make every effort to
clear the ball after playing a return. The opponent’s route should
allow the player unobstructed direct access to the ball, provided
the player has not moved in to play the ball so quickly as to block
the opponent’s exit. In the latter case the Referee shall allow a
let, unless the player could not have made a good return, in which
case the Referee shall not allow a let.
However, it is equally important for
the player to make every effort to get to and play the ball. If the
player does not make every effort to get to and play the ball, 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 Referee shall decide the degree of
effort that the player should make to demonstrate "making every
effort". This does not give the player the right to abuse the
opponent physically and the Referee shall penalise significant or
deliberate physical contact under Rule 12 or Rule 17.
When a player appeals for a let,
having encountered some interference, the Referee, when deciding
that the interference had no effect on that player’s sighting of the
ball and freedom to get to and play the ball, shall not allow a let.
This is minimal interference and includes situations in which: the
opponent crossed the flight of the ball very early in its trajectory
from the front wall but still allowed the player time to sight the
ball; the player brushed past the opponent on the way to the ball
without affecting the player’s direct access; and the racket swing
brushed the opponent, the opponent’s clothing or racket without
affecting the racket’s swing.
However, when interference has
occurred, the Referee shall not refuse a let in situations in which
the player was clearly making every effort (albeit short of physical
contact with the opponent) to get to and play the ball and had
demonstrated to the Referee the ability to reach the ball.
G7. INTERFERENCE WITH THE
STRIKER’S SWING AND REASONABLE FEAR OF HITTING THE OPPONENT
Rule 12.2.3 allows the striker
"freedom to hit the ball with a reasonable swing". If the striker
stops play because of the opponent not granting this freedom and
appeals, the Referee shall consider following options:
1. If the opponent is too
close and has prevented the striker’s reasonable swing and is hit or
would have been hit with the racket, the Referee shall award a
stroke to the striker.
If the striker
stops play as a result of slight racket contact with the opponent,
who is making every effort to clear, the Referee shall allow a let.
This is different from the minimal interference described in G6. The
amount of contact must be sufficient to affect the player’s swing,
but insufficient to prevent it.
If the striker
stops play for fear of hitting the opponent and the opponent, though
close to, does not prevent the striker’s reasonable swing, the
Referee shall allow a let under rule 13.1.2 - reasonable fear of
injury. As long as the opponent does not prevent a reasonable swing,
a let is the appropriate decision.
If the striker
stops play for fear of hitting the opponent and the opponent is well
clear of the reasonable swing, the Referee shall not allow a let, as
the striker has judged the opponent’s position incorrectly.
G8.
METHOD OF APPEAL
The correct method of appeal when
interference or Rule 13 instances have occurred is to say "Let
please" and for other occurrences under Rule 11 is to say "Appeal
please".
Players sometimes use other forms of
appeal including a raised hand or racket, especially when
communication between players and Referee is difficult. A Referee
accepting any form of appeal other than the standard "Let please" or
"Appeal please" must be satisfied that the player is actually making
an appeal.
G9.
TIMING OF APPEALS
The timing of an appeal on
interference is important.
In the case of an appeal concerning
fair view and freedom to hit the ball directly to the front wall
(commonly known as "crossing the flight"), the Referee shall
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 there is interference in the act of
playing the ball, which includes a reasonable backswing, hit and
reasonable follow-through, an appeal is justified. The Referee shall
consider whether the opponent was crowding and not allowing
freedom to play the ball in deciding whether to allow a let or to
award a stroke.
If a player appeals for not being
ready to receive service, the Referee shall allow a let, unless
deciding the player delayed play unnecessarily. In the latter case
the Referee could apply Rule 17.
G10.
EARLY APPEAL
If a player makes an appeal for
interference before the result of the opponent’s return is known,
this is regarded as an early appeal. If a player makes an early
appeal and the opponent’s return subsequently goes down or
out, the Referee shall allow the result of the rally to stand, the
player winning the rally.
When the opponent appeals for a let
for interference before the player has completed a reasonable follow
through, this is also regarded as an early appeal. In this case the
opponent has no right of appeal and the Referee shall not award a
let.
G11.
CREATED INTERFERENCE
At all times an opponent must allow
the player unobstructed direct access to play the ball.
However, sometimes the situation
arises in which the opponent has caused no interference (i.e. the
opponent has clearly provided the required direct access) but the
player takes an indirect route to the ball which takes the player
towards, or very close to, the opponent's position. The player then
appeals for a let because of being "obstructed" in access to the
ball.
If there is no genuine reason for this
indirect route, the player has created the interference where none
otherwise existed and, if the player appeals, the Referee shall not
allow a let. Whether the player could make a good return is not a
consideration - in order to remain in the rally the player must get
to and play the ball.
This is different from two situations
in which a player, in attempting to recover from a position of
disadvantage, does not have direct access to the ball. In the first
situation the player is "wrong-footed" and anticipates the opponent
hitting the ball one way, starts moving that way, but having guessed
wrongly, changes direction to find the opponent in the way. In this
situation the Referee shall allow the player a let on appeal if the
recovery is sufficient to demonstrate the player would have made a
good return. In fact, if the opponent prevents the incoming player
from playing a winning return, the Referee shall award a stroke to
that player.
Secondly, if a player plays a poor
return that gives the opponent a position of advantage, the Referee
shall allow the player a let only if, in taking the direct line to
the ball for the next return, the Referee determines that, but for
the interference, that player would have been able to get to and
play the ball.
G12.
SIGNIFICANT OR DELIBERATE PHYSICAL CONTACT
Significant or deliberate physical
contact is both detrimental to the game and potentially dangerous.
In blatant cases the Referee shall stop the rally and award the
appropriate penalty. Where the player "pushes off" the opponent and
this has no significant effect on the opponent, the Referee shall
allow the rally to continue and give a warning to that player at the
end of the rally. Where there is a significant effect, the Referee
shall stop play and apply Rule 17.
G13.
BROKEN BALL
When the receiver, without attempting
to return the service, appeals that the ball is broken, the Referee
will normally allow a let for that rally. However, if the Referee
considers that the ball broke in the previous rally, the Referee
shall allow a let for the previous rally. This also applies if the
service is not good.
G14.
BLEEDING, ILLNESS, DISABILITY or INJURY
1. If a player has visible
bleeding, the Referee shall require the player to leave the court
immediately. The Referee shall not permit play to resume while the
bleeding is visible. The Referee shall permit recovery time for
bleeding according to Rule 16.1. A player, unable to stop bleeding
within the total time the Referee permits, shall either concede one
game to gain a further 90 seconds and then continue play without
bleeding, or concede the match.
If a player's clothing has become
blood-stained as a result of the injury, the player shall change
that clothing before resuming play.
If the bleeding recurs after recovery
time has been allowed, the Referee shall allow no further recovery
time, except that the player may concede the game in progress and
use the interval between games to recover.
2. A player suffering illness
or disability on court has the option, except where blood is
visible, of completing the game in progress or of conceding that
game or the match.
A player who does not wish to concede
the match, but who requires recovery time or who needs to leave the
court, shall concede the game. After informing the Referee, the
player shall take the 90 second interval between games for recovery,
then be ready to play; or concede the match. The player may concede
only one game.
If a player vomits or otherwise makes
the court unplayable, the Referee shall award the match to the
opponent, irrespective of whether the sick player is able to resume
play (Rule 17.). The Referee's decision with regard to court
conditions is final.
In the case of symptoms of tiredness,
alleged injuries not reasonably evident to the Referee or
pre-existing ailments, the Referee shall not permit recovery time
(except that the Referee shall allow the player concerned the option
of conceding one game to take the 90 second interval between games
and then resume play). Included in this category are cramps, whether
abdominal pains or muscle cramps, actual or impending nausea and
breathlessness including asthmatic conditions.
3. If a player is injured the
Referee, after confirming that the injury is genuine, shall advise
the players of the requirements of the Rules, inform the players of
the category of the injury and shall ascertain the player's
intentions regarding a resumption of play.
When a player suffers a self-inflicted
injury, i.e. an injury which clearly does not involve the opponent
as described in Rule 16.3.1.1, the Referee shall allow the recovery
time permitted in Rule 16.3.3.1. Such an injury could be the result
of a blow, especially to the face or head, as a result of the player
colliding with the walls or floor, or a possible muscle tear or
sprained joint causing the player to stop suddenly.
It is the responsibility of the
injured player to be back at the court when the Referee calls
"Time", either to resume play, or to request an extension of
recovery time, if required, in the case of an injury which is still
bleeding. If the player is not present when "Time" is called the
Referee shall award the match to the opponent.
The player shall make the decision to
resume play. The Referee's role is to decide whether an injury
exists, to apply and monitor time-intervals and to apply the Rules
when the total allocated recovery time has elapsed.
G15.
COACHING
Coaching of players is permitted only
during the interval between games. Coaching does not include brief
comments of encouragement between rallies that clearly have no
effect on the continuity of play. The Referee shall decide whether
comments are permissible encouragement or improper coaching.
The use of external communication aids
is prohibited.
The Referee may penalise coaching in
any form during play by applying Rule 17 to the player being
coached.
G16.
PROGRESSION OF PENALTIES
The penalties available to the Referee
under Rule 17 are:
Warning (called a Conduct Warning).
Stroke awarded to opponent (called a
Conduct Stroke).
Game awarded to opponent (called a
Conduct Game).
Match awarded to opponent (called a
Conduct Match).
The guidelines for applying the
penalties are as follows:
When the Referee imposes the first
penalty for a particular offence, it should be a warning, stroke,
game or match depending on the seriousness of the offence. However,
any subsequent penalty for the same type of offence for the same
player should not be less severe than the previous penalty for that
offence. Thus the Referee may award more than one warning or stroke
for the same type of offence if the Referee decides that the offence
does not warrant a more severe penalty.
When issuing penalties the Referee
shall use the following terminology:
Conduct warning (player or
team's name) for (Offence).
Conduct stroke (player or team's
name) for (Offence), stroke to (opponent or opposing team's
name).
Conduct game (player or team's name)
for (Offence), game to (opponent or opposing team's name).
Conduct match (player or team's name)
for (Offence), match to (opponent or opposing team's name).
The Marker shall repeat only that part
of the Referee's decision that affects the score.
G17.
SINGLE OFFICIAL
If it is not possible to have two
Officials for a match, a single Official acts as Marker and Referee.
The Official calls the play and the score as Marker and answers
appeals as Referee.
When there is a single Official, the
decisions which the Referee normally makes directly - such as when
the ball strikes a player or answering appeals under Rule 12 -
present no problems. However, there are limitations in the appeals
process related to the Marker’s decisions. Specifically a Marker
making an affirmative call (e.g. "Out") is unlikely, as Referee, to
reverse that decision on appeal. On the other hand, in the event of
the Marker’s failure to call (e.g. a suspected service fault) an
appeal may be worthwhile because the Referee's response shall be
either "Good" or "Uncertain". In the latter case the Referee shall
allow a let.
G18.
MARKER'S GUIDELINES
The Marker shall call services and
returns that are not good as soon as they occur using the
appropriate call, thereby stopping the rally.
The correct order of calls is:
1. Anything affecting the
score.
2. The score with the server's
score always called first.
3. Comments on the score:
Examples are:
"Not up, hand-out, 4-3."
"Down, 8-all, set one, game ball."
"Out, 8-all, set two."
"Yes let, 3-4."
"No let, hand-out, 5-7."
"Stroke to Jones, 8-2, match ball."
"Foot fault, hand-out, love-all."
"Fault" (appeal by server, Referee
uncertain). "Yes let, 8-3, game ball."
Match introduction:
"Smith serving, Jones receiving, best
of 5 games, love-all."
End of a game:
"9-7, game to Smith. Smith leads one
game to love."
"10-9, game to Smith. Smith leads two
games to love."
"9-3, game to Jones. Smith leads two
games to one."
"9-4, game to Jones, two games all."
"10-8, match to Smith, 9-7, 10-9, 3-9,
4-9, 10-8."
Start of subsequent game:
"Smith leads one game to love,
love-all."
"Smith leads two games to one, Jones
to serve, Love-all"
"Two games all, Smith to serve,
love-all."
After award of Conduct penalty:
"Stroke to Smith, 7-2".
"9-7, game to Jones, two games all".
G19.
REFEREE’S GUIDELINES
Addressing the players: Officials
should use the player’s surname/family name, rather than the given
name, when addressing players. This eliminates any appearance of
familiarity that players or spectators could interpret as
favouritism.
Explanations: Following
an appeal by a player, the Referee normally gives the decision and
play resumes. However, on some occasions, it may be appropriate to
explain the decision to the players. In those cases the Referee may
give a concise explanation following the decision. It is helpful to
the players if the Referee uses the terminology of the appropriate
rule when explaining a decision.
APPENDIX 2 - DEFINITIONS
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APPEAL |
A player's
request for the Referee to make a ruling. "Appeal" is used
in two contexts: -
1) To
request the Referee to allow a let, or award a stroke;
2) To request the Referee to
review the Marker's decision.
The correct form of appeal by
a player is "Appeal please" or "Let please". |
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ATTEMPT |
The
movement of the racket from a backswing position towards the
ball. |
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BOARD |
The lowest
horizontal marking on the front wall, with the tin beneath
it covering the full width of the court. |
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BOX
(SERVICE) |
A square
area in each quarter court bounded by part of the short
line, part of the side wall and by two other lines and from
within which the server serves. |
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COMPETITION |
A
championship tournament, league or other competitive match. |
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CORRECTLY |
The ball
being hit by the racket, held in the hand, not more than
once and without prolonged contact on the racket. |
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CROWDING |
The
situation of an opponent standing too close to the striker
and not allowing freedom to play the ball. |
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DOWN |
The term
used to indicate that an otherwise good service or return
has struck the floor before reaching the front wall, or has
struck the board or tin before striking the floor. ("Down"
is also a Marker's call). |
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GAME |
Part of a
match, commencing with a service and concluding when one
player’s score reaches nine or ten points in accordance with
the rules. |
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GAME
BALL |
The state
of the score when the server requires one point to win the
game in progress. ("Game ball" is also used as a Marker's
call). |
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HALF-COURT
LINE |
A line on
the floor parallel to the side walls, dividing that part of
the court between the short line and the back wall into two
equal parts and meeting the short line at its midpoint to
form the "T". |
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HALF
TIME |
The
midpoint of the warm-up ("Half time" is also used as a
Referee's call). |
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HAND |
The period
from the time a player becomes server until becoming
receiver. |
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HANDOUT |
Condition
when a change of server occurs. ("Hand-out" is also used as
a Marker's call to indicate that a change of server has
occurred). |
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INTERVAL |
A
time-period prescribed by the Rules for a delay in play. |
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|
LET |
An
undecided rally. If the Referee allows a let, neither player
wins a stroke for that rally and the server shall serve
again from the same box. |
|
|
|
|
MATCH |
The
complete contest between two players, commencing with the
warm-up and concluding at the end of the final rally. |
|
|
|
|
MATCH
BALL |
The state
of the score when the server requires one point to win the
match. ("Match ball" is also used as a Marker's call). |
|
|
|
|
NOT UP |
The
expression used to indicate that a player did not strike the
ball in accordance with the Rules. "Not up" applies when
either the player did not strike the ball correctly,
or the ball bounced more than once on the floor before the
striker hits it, or the ball touched the striker or anything
worn or carried other than the racket, or the server made
one or more attempts to strike the ball but failed to do so.
("Not up" is also a Marker's call). |
|
OFFICIALS |
The Marker
and the Referee. |
|
|
|
|
OUT |
The term
used to indicate that either the ball has struck the out
line, or a wall above the out line, or the ceiling, or any
fitting attached to the ceiling and/or the wall above the
out line or the ball has passed through any fitting attached
to the ceiling and/or the wall above the out line. In
addition, on courts which are not fully enclosed, the ball
has passed over the out line and out of the court without
touching any wall or, if no out line is provided, passed
over any wall and out of the court. ("Out" is also a
Marker's call). |
|
|
|
|
OUT LINE |
A
continuous line comprising the front wall line, both side
wall lines and the back wall line and marking the top
boundaries of the court.
Note: When
a court is constructed without such a line, i.e. the walls
comprise only the area used for play, or without part of
such a line (e.g. a glass back wall) and the ball in play
strikes part of the horizontal top surface of such a wall
and deflects back into court, the ball is out. The Marker
shall make the decision in the normal manner, subject to the
player’s appeal to the Referee. |
|
|
|
|
POINT |
A unit of
the scoring system. The Marker adds one point to a player's
score when that player is the server and wins a rally or is
awarded a stroke. |
|
|
|
|
QUARTER
COURT |
One of two
equal parts of the court bounded by the short line, the back
wall and the half court line. |
|
|
|
|
RALLY |
A service
only, or a service and any number of returns of the ball,
ending when a player cannot make a good return, a player
appeals, the Marker makes a call or the Referee stops play.
|
|
|
|
|
RELEASE |
A player’s
action to drop or throw the ball from a hand or a racket for
service. |
|
|
|
|
REASONABLE
BACKSWING |
A player's
action to move the racket away from the body to prepare for
a swing towards the ball. A backswing is reasonable if it is
not excessive. An excessive backswing is one in which the
player's racket arm is extended towards a straight arm
position and/or the racket is extended with the shaft
approximately horizontal. The Referee shall decide whether a
backswing is reasonable or excessive. |
|
|
|
|
REASONABLE
FOLLOW-
THROUGH |
A player's
action continuing the movement of the racket after it has
contacted the ball. A follow-through is reasonable if it is
not excessive. An excessive follow-through is one in which
the player's racket arm is extended towards a straight arm
position with the racket also extended with the shaft
horizontal, particularly when the extended position is
maintained for other than a moment. An excessive
follow-through is also one in which the arm extended towards
a straight position takes a wider arc than the continued
line of flight of the ball. The Referee shall decide whether
a follow-through is reasonable or excessive. |
|
|
|
|
REASONABLE
SWING |
This
consists of a reasonable backswing, strike at the ball and
reasonable follow-through. |
|
|
|
|
SERVICE |
A player’s
action to put the ball into play at the commencement of a
rally. |
|
|
|
|
SERVICE
LINE |
A line on
the front wall between the board and the out line, extending
the full width of the court. |
|
|
|
|
SHAPING |
The
preparation of the racket prior to making an attempt. |
|
|
|
|
SHORT
LINE |
A line on
the floor extending the full width of the court. |
|
|
|
|
SPECIFIED |
The
description given to balls, rackets and courts that meet
existing WSF specifications. |
|
|
|
|
STRIKER |
The player
whose turn it is to hit the ball after it has rebounded from
the front wall, or who is in the process of hitting the
ball, or who - up to the point of the return reaching the
front wall - has just hit the ball. |
|
|
|
|
STROKE |
An award
by the Referee which results in the player winning the
rally, thereby scoring a point if serving or becoming the
server if receiving. |
|
|
|
|
TIN |
The area
below the board, covering the full width of the court, which
should be constructed of a material that makes a distinctive
sound when struck by the ball. |
|
|
|
|
TURNING
(TURNS,
TURNED) |
The action
of the striker when the ball is followed around and the
striker physically turns, or the ball is allowed to pass
around the striker who, in either case, strikes the ball to
the right of the body after the ball has passed to the left
(or vice-versa). |
|
|
|
|
TOURNAMENT/
CHAMPIONSHIP
REFEREE |
The person
given overall responsibility for all marking and refereeing
matters throughout the tournament, including the appointment
and replacement of Officials to matches. (See WSF booklet
"Guidelines for Tournament Referees" for a full
description.) |
|
|
|
|
WARM-UP |
The time
allowed, immediately preceding the start of play, for the
players to prepare themselves on the match court and to warm
the ball to playing condition. |
APPENDIX 3.1 - MARKER'S CALLS
The recognised Marker's calls are
defined below.
Calls made by the Marker as referred
to in Rule 19 DUTIES OF A MARKER
|
FAULT |
To
indicate that the service is a fault. See Rules 4.4.3 and
4.4.4. |
|
|
|
|
FOOT-FAULT |
To
indicate that the service is a foot-fault. See Rule 4.4.1. |
|
|
|
|
NOT
UP |
To
indicate that the player did not strike the ball in
accordance with the Rules. (See Definition in Appendix 2). |
|
|
|
|
DOWN |
To
indicate that an otherwise good service or return has struck
the floor before reaching the front wall or has struck the
board or tin. (See Definition in Appendix 2). |
|
|
|
|
OUT |
To
indicate that an otherwise good service or return has gone
out. (See Definition in Appendix 2). |
|
|
|
|
HAND
OUT |
To
indicate that the server has become the receiver, i.e. a
change of server has occurred. (See Definitions in Appendix
2). |
|
|
|
|
STOP |
To stop
play as appropriate when the Referee has failed to do so and
other calls are not relevant. |
Calls made by the Marker as referred
to in Rule 2 THE SCORING
|
4-3 |
An example
of the score. The server's score is always called first,
thus in this example the server leads by four points to
three. If points are equal the wording used is "all" (e.g.
"love-all"). |
|
|
|
|
SET
ONE |
To
indicate that the game in progress is to be played to nine
points after the score has reached 8-all (called once only
in any game). |
|
|
|
|
SET
TWO |
To
indicate that the game in progress is to be played to ten
points after the score has reached 8-all (called once only
in any game). |
|
|
|
|
GAME
BALL |
To
indicate each time it occurs that the server requires one
point to win the game in progress. See Definitions "GAME
BALL". |
|
|
|
|
MATCH
BALL |
To
indicate each time it occurs that the server requires one
point to win the match. See Definitions "MATCH BALL". |
Calls made by the Marker as referred
to in Rule 19 DUTIES OF A MARKER
(Repeating Referee Decisions).
|
YES
LET, LET |
Repeating
the Referee’s decision that a rally is to be replayed. |
|
|
|
|
STROKE
TO
(PLAYER or TEAM NAME) |
Repeating
the Referee’s decision to award a stroke to that player or
team. |
|
|
|
|
NO
LET |
Repeating
the Referee’s decision that an appeal for a let is
disallowed. |
APPENDIX 3.2 - REFEREE'S CALLS
The recognised
Referee’s calls are defined below
|
STOP |
To stop
play. |
|
|
|
|
TIME |
To
indicate that a period of time prescribed in the rules has
elapsed. |
|
|
|
|
HALF
TIME |
To advise
players of the midpoint of the warm-up period. |
|
|
|
|
YES LET |
When
allowing a let, following a player's appeal for a let. |
|
|
|
|
NO LET |
When
disallowing a player's appeal for a let. |
|
|
|
|
STROKE
TO
(PLAYER or TEAM) |
To advise
that the player or team named is being awarded a stroke. |
|
|
|
|
FIFTEEN
SECONDS |
To advise
the player(s) that fifteen seconds of a permitted interval
remain. |
|
|
|
|
LET |
To advise
that a rally is to be replayed in circumstances where the
wording "Yes let" is not applicable. May be accompanied by
an explanation. |
|
|
|
|
CONDUCT
WARNING |
To advise
a player of an offence committed under Rule 17 and that the
Referee is giving a warning. |
|
|
|
|
CONDUCT
STROKE |
To advise
a player of an offence committed under Rule 17 and that the
Referee has awarded a stroke to the opponent. |
|
|
|
|
CONDUCT
GAME |
To advise
a player of an offence committed under Rule 17 and that the
Referee has awarded a game to the opponent. |
|
|
|
|
CONDUCT
MATCH |
To advise
a player of an offence committed under Rule 17 and that the
Referee has awarded the match to the opponent. |
APPENDIX 4.1 - Flowchart: Referee’s
line of thinking for Rule 12
INTERFERENCE
|
|
|
|
Decision |
Rule |
|
Did interference occur? |
Ù
|
NO |
NO LET |
12.7.1 |
|
YES |
|
|
|
|
|
Was the interference minimal? |
Ù
|
YES |
NO LET |
12.7.1 |
|
NO |
|
|
|
|
|
Could the obstructed player have got
to the ball and made a good return and was that player
making every effort to do so? |
Ù
|
NO |
NO LET |
12.7.2 |
|
YES |
|
|
|
|
|
Did the obstructed player move past
the point of interference and play on? |
Ù
|
YES |
NO LET |
12.7.3 |
|
NO |
|
|
|
|
|
Did the obstructed player create the
interference in moving to the ball? |
Ù
|
YES |
NO LET |
12.7.4 |
|
NO |
|
|
|
|
|
Did the opponent make every effort
to avoid interference? |
Ù
|
NO |
STROKE to player |
12.8.1 |
|
YES |
|
|
|
|
|
Did the interference prevent the
player’s reasonable swing? |
Ù
|
YES |
STROKE to player |
12.8.2 |
|
NO |
|
|
|
|
|
Could the obstructed player have
made a winning return? |
Ù
|
YES |
STROKE to player |
12.8.3 |
|
NO |
|
|
|
|
|
Would the obstructed player have
struck the opponent with the ball going directly to the
front wall or if going to a side wall would it have been
a winning return? |
Ù
|
YES |
STROKE to player |
12.8.4 |
|
|
Ø
|
NO |
YES LET |
12.9 |
APPENDIX 4.2 - Flowchart: Referee’s
decisions under Rule 16
BLEEDING, ILLNESS, DISABILITY or
INJURY.
|
Incident |
Referee action |
Recovery time |
Decision |
Rule |
|
Bleeding |
Stop play. Allow time to staunch
bleeding, cover wound or change clothing. Allow play to
continue, once bleeding stopped. |
Referee discretion |
Allot time |
16.1 |
|
Bleeding recurrence |
Stop play. Award game and allow 90
second interval between games. |
None |
Award game to opponent. |
16.1.1 |
|
Bleeding unstoppable |
If after 90 second interval between
games bleeding continues Referee awards the match. |
None |
Award match to opponent. |
16.1.1 |
|
Illness or disability |
Require the player to play on,
concede the game, taking the 90 second interval between
games, or concede the match |
None directly |
Player decides |
16.2 |
|
Injury |
Confirm injury is genuine. Decide
category of injury, announcing this to players. |
|
Decide category |
16.3 |
|
Either: Self-inflicted
|
Allow initial recovery time. |
3 minutes |
Allow time |
16.3.3.1 |
|
|
If additional recovery time is
required, award that game to the opponent and allow 90
second interval. |
90 sec |
Award game |
16.3.3.1 |
|
Or: Contributed
|
Allow recovery time. |
One hour |
Allot time |
16.3.3.2 |
|
|
If additional time is required,
consider tournament schedule. |
Referee discretion |
Allot time |
16.3.3.2 |
|
Or: Opponent inflicted |
Apply Rule 17. If player unable to continue award the
injured player the match. |
None |
Rule 17 penalty, award match |
16.3.3.3 |
APPENDIX 5.1 - DESCRIPTION AND
DIMENSIONS OF A SINGLES COURT
DESCRIPTION
A Squash Court
is a rectangular box with four vertical walls of varying height;
being the Front Wall, Side Walls and Back Wall. It has a level floor
and a clear height above the court area.
DIMENSIONS
Length of court
between playing surfaces 9750 mm
Width of court
between playing surfaces 6400 mm
Diagonal
11665 mm
Height above
floor to lower edge of Front Wall Line 4570 mm
Height above
floor to lower edge of Back Wall Line 2130 mm
Height above
floor to lower edge of Service Line on Front Wall 1780 mm
Height above
floor to upper edge of Board 480 mm
Distance to
nearest edge of Short Line from Back Wall 4260 mm
Internal
dimensions of Service Boxes 1600 mm
Width of all
lines and the Board 50 mm
Minimum clear
height above the floor of the court 5640 mm
NOTES
1. The Side Wall Line is
angled between the Front Wall Line and the Back Wall Line.
2. The Service Box is a square
formed by the Short Line, the Side Wall and two other lines marked
on the floor.
3. The length, width and
diagonal of the court are measured at a height of 1000 mm above the
floor.
4. It is recommended that the
Front Wall Line, Side Wall Line, Back Wall Line and Board are shaped
so as to deflect any ball that strikes them.
5. The Board shall not project
from the Front Wall by more than 45 mm.
6. It is recommended that the
door to the court is in the centre of the Back Wall.
7. The general configuration
of a Squash Court, its dimensions and its markings are illustrated
on the diagram.
CONSTRUCTION
A Squash Court
may be constructed from a number of materials providing they have
suitable ball rebound characteristics and are safe for play;
however, the WSF publishes a Squash Court Specification which
contains recommended standards. The standards must be met for
competitive play as required by the appropriate National Governing
Body of Squash.
APPENDIX 5.2 - SPECIFICATIONS OF A
STANDARD YELLOW DOT SQUASH BALL
The following
specification is the standard for a yellow dot ball to be used under
the Rules of Squash.
Diameter (millimetres)
40.0 + or - 0.5
Weight (grams) 24.0 + or
- 1.0
Stiffness (N/mm) @ 23
degrees C. 3.2 + or - 0.4
Seam Strength (N/mm) 6.0
minimum
Rebound Resilience - from 100
inches/254 centimetres
@ 23 degrees C. 12% minimum
@ 45 degrees C. 26% - 33%
NOTES
1. The full procedure for
testing balls to the above specification is available from the WSF.
The WSF will arrange for testing of balls under standard procedures
if requested.
2. No specifications are set
for faster or slower speeds of ball, which may be used by players of
greater or lesser ability or in court conditions which are hotter or
colder than those used to determine the yellow dot specification.
Where faster speeds of ball are produced they may vary from the
diameter and weight in the above specification of a standard yellow
dot squash ball. It is recommended that balls bear a permanent
colour code or marking to indicate their speed or category of usage.
It is also recommended that balls for beginners and improvers
conform generally to the rebound resilience figures below.
Beginner Rebound resilience
@ 23 degrees C not less than 17%
Rebound
resilience @ 45 degrees C 36% to 38%
Improver Rebound resilience
@ 23 degrees C not less than 15%
Rebound
resilience @ 45 degrees C 33% to 36%
Specifications for balls currently
fulfilling these requirements can be obtained from the WSF on
request
The speed of balls may also be
indicated as follows
Super slow - Yellow Dot
Slow - White Dot or
Green Dot
Medium - Red Dot
Fast - Blue Dot
3. Yellow dot balls which are
used at World Championships or at similar standards of play must
meet the above specifications but additional subjective testing will
be carried out by the WSF with players of the identified standard to
determine the suitability of the nominated ball for Championship
usage. The slowest speed of balls intended for elite players and
Championship usage may if required be identified by a double yellow
dot. Such balls will be deemed for the purposes of this
specification to be yellow dot squash balls.
4. From 1 May 2001, yellow dot
balls of a larger diameter than 40.0mm specified above, but which
otherwise meet the specification, may be authorised for use in
tournaments by the official organising body.
APPENDIX 5.3 - DIMENSIONS OF A SQUASH
RACKET
DIMENSIONS
Maximum
length 686 mm
Maximum width,
measured at right angles to the shaft 215 mm
Maximum length
of strings 390 mm
Maximum strung
area 500 sq. cm
Minimum width
of any frame or any structural member (measured in plane of
strings) 7 mm
Maximum depth
of any frame or other structural member (measured at right angles to
plane of strings) 26 mm
Minimum radius
of outside curvature of frame at any point 50 mm
Minimum radius
of curvature of any edge of frame or other structural member 2
mm
WEIGHT
Maximum
weight 255 gm
CONSTRUCTION
a) The head of the racket is
defined as that part of the racket containing or surrounding the
strung area.
b) Strings and string ends
must be recessed within the racket head or, in cases where such
recessing is impractical because of racket material, or design, must
be protected by a securely attached bumper strip.
c) The bumper strip must be
made of a flexible material which cannot crease into sharp edges
following abrasive contact with the floor or walls.
d) The bumper strip shall be
of a white, colourless or unpigmented material. Where for cosmetic
reasons a manufacturer chooses to use a coloured bumper strip, then
the manufacturer shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the WSF
that this does not leave a coloured deposit on the walls or floor of
the court after contact.
e) The frame of the racket
shall be of a colour and/or material which will not mark the walls
or floor following an impact in normal play.
f) Strings shall be gut,
nylon or a substitute material, provided metal is not used.
g) Only two layers of strings
shall be allowed and these shall be alternately interlaced or bonded
where they cross and the string pattern shall be generally uniform
and form a single plane over the racket head.
h) Any grommets, string
spacers or other devices attached to any part of the racket shall be
used solely to limit or prevent wear and tear or vibration and be
reasonable in size and placement for such purpose. They shall not be
attached to any part of the strings within the hitting area (defined
as the area formed by overlapping strings).
i) There shall be no unstrung
areas within the racket construction such that will allow the
passage of a sphere greater than 50mm in diameter.
j) The total racket
construction including the head shall be symmetrical about the
centre of the racket in a line drawn vertically through the head and
shaft and when viewed face on.
k) All changes to the racket
specification will be subject to a notice period of two years before
coming into force.
The World
Squash Federation shall rule on the question of whether any racket
or prototype complies with the above specifications, or is otherwise
approved or not approved for play and will issue guidelines to
assist in the interpretation of the above.
APPENDIX 6 - PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR
The WSF
recommends that all Squash players should wear protective eye
guards, manufactured to an appropriate National Standard, properly
over the eyes at all times during play. It is the responsibility of
the player to ensure that the quality of the product worn is
satisfactory for the purpose.
As at October
2000 National Standards for Racket Sport Eye Protection are
published by the Canadian Standards Association, the United States
ASTM, Standards Australia/New Zealand and British Standards
Institution.
APPENDIX 7 - POINT-A-RALLY SCORING
The standard
scoring system described in Rule 2 The Scoring is the approved
scoring system for singles Squash. If Point-a-Rally scoring (PARS)
is used, the following text replaces Rule 2.
2.
THE SCORING
2.1 Either player may score
points. The server, on winning a stroke, scores a point and retains
the service; the receiver, on winning a stroke, scores a point and
becomes the server.
2.2 A match shall consist of the
best of three or five games and each game shall be played to nine or
fifteen points at the option of the organisers of the competition.
Where each game is to fifteen points,
the player who scores fifteen points wins the game, except that on
the score reaching fourteen-all the receiver shall choose, before
the server delivers the next service, to continue that game either
to fifteen points (known as "Set one") or to seventeen points (known
as "Set three") In the latter case the player who scores three more
points wins the game. The receiver shall in either case clearly
indicate this choice to the Marker, Referee and the opponent.
Where each game is to nine points, the
player who scores nine points wins the game, except that on the
score reaching eight-all the receiver shall choose, before the
server delivers the next service to continue that game either to
nine points (known as "Set one") or to eleven points (known as "Set
three"). In the latter case the player who scores three more points
wins the game. The receiver shall in either case clearly indicate
this choice to the Marker, Referee and the opponent.
The Marker shall call "Set one" or
"Set three" as applicable before play continues.
The Marker shall call "Game ball" to
indicate that either player requires one point to win the game in
progress, "Match ball" to indicate that either player requires one
point to win the match, "Match ball, game ball" if the server
requires one point to win the match and the receiver requires one
point to win the game in progress and "Game ball, match ball" if the
server requires one point to win the game in progress and the
receiver requires one point to win the match.
4.
THE SERVICE
The spin of a racket decides the right
to serve or to receive first.
Note: The
Marker’s use of the terms "Game ball", "Match ball", "Point" and
"Stroke" must be adjusted to comply with the Point-a-Rally scoring
system.
APPENDIX 8.1 - EXPERIMENTAL
OFFICIATING SYSTEMS
The World
Squash Federation is evaluating an experimental officiating system
to determine if it is a viable alternative to the standard
Marker/Referee system described in Rules 18, 19 and 20.
The evaluation
will continue through the validity of the 2001 rules.
The system is
known as the 2-Referee system. This Appendix provides a brief
description of it. The full details are available free of charge
from the World Squash Federation and WSF Member Nations.
Any organiser
of competitive Squash wishing to try this system is urged to obtain
the details from WSF and (if possible) to forward a brief report to
WSF Head Office on the effectiveness of the system.
The 2-Referee
system uses two officials only, known as the Referee and Appeals
Referee. The Referee performs all the duties the Marker and Referee
traditionally do in standard officiating. The Appeals Referee takes
no part in control of the match unless there is an appeal by one of
the players against a decision of the Referee or the Appeals Referee
is certain the Referee has made an error in allowing play to
continue. Either player may appeal to the Appeals Referee against
any decision of the Referee. The decision of the Appeals Referee is
final.
The Referee
deals with all initial appeals on interference, player struck by
ball and non-call of service or return, but any appeal against a
Referee call on play goes directly to the Appeals Referee because
the decision of the Referee is already known.
Both the
Referee and the Appeals Referee can invoke Rule 17 Conduct on Court.
The players cannot appeal against Rule 17 decisions.
APPENDIX 8.2 - EXPERIMENTAL RULES
The World
Squash Federation may from time to time request or authorise its
members to carry out certain rules experiments.
Tournament
organisers using experimental rules shall specify at the time of
entry the manner in which any rules, definitions or appendices
differ from those of the WSF.
