RULES
OF WORLD SINGLES SQUASH 2001
The Singles Rules for 2001 have been revised
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.
An indication of the changes for 2001 is
given below. As there are many changes a detailed summary would be too long. An
alternative version where changes are underlined in bold type is available on
request from WSF.
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.
Appendix
11 - Guidelines for Tournament Referees. Deleted - this is the subject of a
separate WSF Rules and Referees Committee booklet.
The WSF Rules Sub-committee of Graham Waters,
Bruce Kettle and myself have been greatly assisted in this review by the input
of a number of people. All are sincerely thanked for their time, original ideas
and reviews of draft documents.
Don Ball
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
G4 Player Hit by the Ball, including
Turning and Further Attempt
G5 Interference on Turning or Further
Attempt
G6 Making Every Effort and Minimal
Interference
G7 Interference with the Swing and
Reasonable Fear of Hitting Opponent
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. |
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MATCH |
The complete contest between two players, commencing with the warm-up and concluding at the end of the final rally. |
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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). |
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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). |
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OFFICIALS |
The Marker and the Referee. |
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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). |
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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. |
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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. |
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QUARTER COURT |
One of two equal parts of the court bounded by the short line, the back wall and the half court line. |
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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. |
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RELEASE |
A player’s action to drop or throw the ball from a hand or a racket for service. |
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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. |
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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. |
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REASONABLE SWING |
This consists of a reasonable backswing, strike at the ball and reasonable follow-through. |
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SERVICE |
A player’s action to put the ball into play at the commencement of a rally. |
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SERVICE LINE |
A line on the front wall between the board and the out line, extending the full width of the court. |
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SHAPING |
The preparation of the racket prior to making an attempt. |
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SHORT LINE |
A line on the floor extending the full width of the court. |
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SPECIFIED |
The description given to balls, rackets and courts that meet existing WSF specifications. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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). |
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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.) |
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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
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FAULT |
To indicate that the service is a fault. See Rules 4.4.3 and 4.4.4. |
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FOOT-FAULT |
To indicate that the service is a foot-fault. See Rule 4.4.1. |
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NOT UP |
To indicate that the player did not strike the ball in accordance with the Rules. (See Definition in Appendix 2). |
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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). |
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OUT |
To indicate that an otherwise good service or return has gone out. (See Definition in Appendix 2). |
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HAND OUT |
To indicate that the server has become the receiver, i.e. a change of server has occurred. (See Definitions in Appendix 2). |
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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
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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"). |
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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). |
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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). |
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GAME BALL |
To indicate each time it occurs that the server requires one point to win the game in progress. See Definitions "GAME BALL". |
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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).
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YES LET, LET |
Repeating the Referee’s decision that a rally is to be replayed. |
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STROKE TO (PLAYER or TEAM NAME) |
Repeating the Referee’s decision to award a stroke to that player or team. |
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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
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STOP |
To stop play. |
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TIME |
To indicate that a period of time prescribed in the rules has elapsed. |
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HALF TIME |
To advise players of the midpoint of the warm-up period. |
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YES LET |
When allowing a let, following a player's appeal for a let. |
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NO LET |
When disallowing a player's appeal for a let. |
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STROKE TO (PLAYER or TEAM) |
To advise that the player or team named is being awarded a stroke. |
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FIFTEEN SECONDS |
To advise the player(s) that fifteen seconds of a permitted interval remain. |
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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. |
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CONDUCT WARNING |
To advise a player of an offence committed under Rule 17 and that the Referee is giving a warning. |
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CONDUCT STROKE |
To advise a player of an offence committed under Rule 17 and that the Referee has awarded a stroke to the opponent. |
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CONDUCT GAME |
To advise a player of an offence committed under Rule 17 and that the Referee has awarded a game to the opponent. |
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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
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Decision |
Rule |
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Did interference occur? |
Ù |
NO |
NO LET |
12.7.1 |
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t YES |
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Was the interference minimal? |
Ù |
YES |
NO LET |
12.7.1 |
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t NO |
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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 |
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t YES |
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Did the obstructed player move past the point of interference and play on? |
Ù |
YES |
NO LET |
12.7.3 |
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t NO |
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Did the obstructed player create the interference in moving to the ball? |
Ù |
YES |
NO LET |
12.7.4 |
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t NO |
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Did the opponent make every effort to avoid interference? |
Ù |
NO |
STROKE to player |
12.8.1 |
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t YES |
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Did the interference prevent the player’s reasonable swing? |
Ù |
YES |
STROKE to player |
12.8.2 |
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t NO |
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Could the obstructed player have made a winning return? |
Ù |
YES |
STROKE to player |
12.8.3 |
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t NO |
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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 |
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STROKE to player |
12.8.4 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Bleeding recurrence |
Stop play. Award game and allow 90 second interval between games. |
None |
Award game to opponent. |
16.1.1 |
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t |
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Bleeding unstoppable |
If after 90 second interval between games bleeding continues Referee awards the match. |
None |
Award match to opponent. |
16.1.1 |
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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 |
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Injury |
Confirm injury is genuine. Decide category of injury, announcing this to players. |
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Decide category |
16.3 |
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Either: Self-inflicted |
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t |
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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 |
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Or: Contributed |
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t |
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If additional time is required, consider tournament schedule. |
Referee discretion |
Allot time |
16.3.3.2 |
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Or: Opponent inflicted |
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Rule 17 penalty, award match |
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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.
SQUASH
COURT DIMENSIONS DIAGRAM
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.