SQUASH RULES EXPLAINED.
SOME OF THE RULES OF SQUASH ARE DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND. BELOW ARE SOME OF THE MORE CONFUSING RULES IN BRIEF.
Play on
The new Rules encourage this. Not only do they revert to the previous wording demanding players ‘make every effort to get to and play the ball’, but in future ‘lets’ will not be awarded for minimal interference. If any interference or contact is so slight that it does not affect your sighting of the ball, or your freedom to get to and play it, then play on. Stop - and you will get a ‘No Let’.
Distracting your opponent
Another good new rule is the one which allows for a stroke to be given against you if you distract your opponent when he or she is about to make a winning return.
Dangerous Play
Dangerous play is still outlawed and in future, if your opponent is too close and has prevented (important word) your reasonable swing, or would have been hit by it if you had continued, you will get a stroke. If you stop the swing because of slight contact with an opponent who is trying to clear, or because the opponent is uncomfortably, but not too, close you will get a let. But, be warned, if you stop and your opponent is well clear - ‘No Let’ is the result. Also, a stroke will not be awarded to a player who causes interference with an excessive swing.
Turning on the ball (everyone's favourite)
This Rule dictate that if a player turns unnecessarily, to avoid playing a tricky ball rather than in an attempt to try to play it, ‘No Let’ is the decision. To reinforce this, if you turn and hit your opponent with the ball you lose the stroke, rather than getting a let as previously.
Full and abbreviated rule books can be viewed on the World Squash Federation website by clicking on the links below.
STAFFORD SQUASH CLUB
244 Kitchener Road, Stafford, 4053
Telephone 3359 4578