SQUASH

APPROVED BY THE WORLD SQUASH FEDERATION
EFFECTIVE 1 MAY 1997 TO 30 APRIL 2001

INTRODUCTION

The Rules of Squash have been thoroughly analysed to produce this 1997 update. The background process has included the evaluation by the full W.S.F. Rules and Referees Committee of inputs from the widest possible base among Squash-playing nations of the world. The final Rules document was written by a specialist sub-committee which took into account the opinions expressed by delegates of W.S.F. member nations at seminars in 1995 and 1996.
I believe that the process has been probably the most thorough ever undertaken in any four year rules cycle to date. I sincerely hope that the 1997 Rules of Squash will provide you with a clear and accurate presentation of the Rules requirements of the modern game of Squash.
The Changes section is a summary only of major changes to the Rules. To assist you with a more thorough appreciation of changes to the 1993 Rules, all wording alterations in the accompanying Rules document are underlined.


David Donelly
Director
W.S.F. Rules and Referees Committee

CHANGES

The significant changes are as follows:

1. Whereas previous Rules of Squash used masculine pronouns for convenience, the 1997 Rules are non-gender specific, recognising the fact that Squash is as much a game for females as for males. Considerable minor rewording has been necessary to achieve this important change.
2. Wording of the service rule has been simplified to avoid duplication. To initiate service, any player may now drop the ball from either a hand or the racket, and more than one attempt is permitted to strike the ball. The cut line has been renamed the service line.
3. Rule 7 has become Continuity Of Play (the former Rule 7. Let, is now a definition). The obligations of a player suffering an illness or disability are detailed in this Rule and in Guideline G2. Contained in this Rule also are the considerations of a player dropping an object to the floor of the court. If this occurs, basically play has to stop unless the object is a racket, and the player will lose the stroke unless a collision or interference situation is the cause. Guideline G4 amplifies the requirements.
4. The requirements for non-striker struck by the ball have been more clearly defined, and the former Marker call of "Down" is no longer required. If the non-striker is hit by the ball coming from the front wall, and interference is not the reason, then the non-striker will lose the stroke in all cases except further attempt. Rule 8.3 outlines the requirements, and a Guideline G5, covers all cases of player struck by the ball, both striker and non-striker.
5. A separate rule for injury now exists, Rule 16, and although the three categories of injury remain, the third is renamed "Opponent-inflicted". Recovery time for a self-inflicted injury is limited to three minutes unless blood flow accompanies the injury (a Guideline, G15, amplifies the requirements). The stipulated recovery time for a contributed injury is one hour but that may be extended in some circumstances. Requirements relevant to blood flow are detailed in this rule, including re-bleeding, and also included is the procedure for a claimed injury not accepted as such by the Referee.
6. A minor wording change in the rule relating to on court offences now makes it mandatory to penalise a player when an offence has occurred.
7. The correct position for marking and refereeing a Squash match forms part of the rules instead of appearing as an appendix.

APPENDICES

• App. 1: This Appendix contains 22 Guidelines, the Guideline numbers being referenced in the Rules themselves.
  Significantly altered or new Guidelines are Guideline 2, dealing with illness or disability; Guideline 4, fallen object provisions; Guideline 5, player struck by the ball; Guideline 15, self-inflicted injury and blood flow; Guideline 16, coaching and crowd control; Guideline 18, requirements for single official; Guideline 19, examples of Marker's calls.
• App.2: A new Marker's call of "Stop" is defined.
• App.3: The W.S.F. will evaluate one experimental officiating system only during the validity of the 1997 Rules, that known as the 2-Referee system, and will discontinue consideration of either of the two 3-Judge systems.
• App. 6: A Squash court diagram accompanies the description and dimensions of world singles and doubles courts.
• App. 10: Protective eyewear recommendations and standards are set out.

CONTENTS

SQUASH - RULES OF THE WORLD SINGLES GAME

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.

1. THE GAME

The game of Squash is played between two players, each using a racket, with a ball, and in a court, all three of which meet WSF specifications.

2. THE SCORE

A match shall consist of the best of three or five games at the option of the organisers of the competition. Each game is to nine points, in that the player who scores nine points wins the game, except that, on the score being called eight-all for the first time, the receiver shall choose before the next service is delivered to continue that game either to nine points (known as "Set one") or to ten points (known as "Set two") in which latter case the player who scores two 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 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. POINTS

Points can be scored only by the server. The server, upon winning a stroke, scores a point; the receiver, upon winning a stroke, becomes the server.

4. THE SERVICE

4.1 Play commences with a service and the right to serve first is decided by the spin of a racket. Thereafter, the server continues to serve until losing a stroke, 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 has the choice of serving from either box 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.

Note To Officials
If it appears that the server intends to serve from the wrong box, or either player appears undecided as to which is the correct box, the Marker shall advise which is the correct box. If the Marker makes an error with this advice, or there is any dispute, the Referee shall rule on the correct box.

4.3 When serving, a player shall drop or throw the ball from either a hand or the racket before striking it. Should the player, having dropped or thrown the ball, make no attempt to strike it, the ball shall be dropped or thrown again for that service.

4.4 A service is good when it does not result in the server serving the hand out. The server serves the hand out and loses the stroke if:



4.4.1 The ball, after being dropped or thrown for service, touches a wall, the floor, ceiling or any object(s) suspended from the walls or ceiling before being served. - Called "Fault".

4.4.2 At the time of striking the ball the server fails to have 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 provided that it does not touch the line). - Called "Foot fault".

4.4.3 The server makes one or more attempts to strike the ball, but fails to do so. - Called "Not up".

4.4.4 The ball is not struck correctly. - Called "Not up".

4.4.5 The ball is served out. - Called "Out".







4.4.6 The ball is served against any wall of the court before the front wall. - Called "Fault".

4.4.7 The ball is served onto the floor or onto or below the service line. - Called "Fault" if above the board and "Down" if on the floor or on or below the board.

4.4.8 The first bounce of the ball, unless volleyed by the receiver, is on the floor on or outside the short or half court lines of the quarter court opposite to the server's box - Called "Fault".





4.5 The server must not serve until the Marker has completed calling the score.


Note To Officials
The Marker must not delay play by the calling of the score. However, if the server serves or attempts to serve prior to completion of the calling of the score, the Referee shall stop play and require the server to wait until the calling of the score has been completed.

5. THE PLAY

After a good service has been delivered 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, on an appeal by a player, or on a call by the Marker or Referee.

6. GOOD RETURN

6.1 A return is good if the ball, before it has bounced more than once upon the floor, is returned correctly by the striker onto the front wall above the board, either directly or via sidewall(s) and/or back wall, without first touching the floor or any part of the striker's body or clothing, or the opponent's racket, body or clothing, provided the ball is not hit out.

6.2 It shall not be considered a good return if the ball touches the board before or after it hits the front wall and before it bounces on the floor, or if the racket is not in the player's hand at the time the ball is struck.

After the first service is delivered play shall be continuous so far as is practical provided that:

7.1 At any time play may be suspended, owing to bad light or other circumstances beyond the control of the players, for such period as the Referee shall decide. The score shall stand.
If another court is available when the court originally in use remains unsuitable, the match may be transferred to it if both players agree or as directed by the Referee.
In the event of play being suspended for the day the score shall stand unless both players agree to start the match again.

7.2 An interval of ninety seconds shall be permitted between the end of the warm up and commencement of the first game and also between all games. Players may leave the court during such intervals but must be ready to play prior to the expiry of the ninety-second time interval.
By mutual consent of the players play may commence or resume prior to the expiry of the ninety-second time interval.

7.3 (G1) Provided a player satisfies the Referee that a change of equipment, clothing or footwear is necessary, the player may leave the court, but is required to effect the change as quickly as possible, and shall be allowed a period not exceeding ninety seconds for this purpose.

7.4 When fifteen seconds of a permitted ninety-second time interval remain the Referee shall call "Fifteen seconds" to advise the players to be ready to resume play. At the end of this interval the Referee shall call "Time". The calls should be made in a loud voice.
It is the responsibility of the players to be in a position to hear the calls of "Fifteen seconds" and "Time".



Notes To Referees
A. Should one player fail to be ready to resume play when "Time" is called, the Referee shall apply the provisions of Rule 17.
B. Should neither player be ready to resume play when "Time" is called, the Referee shall apply the provisions of Rule 17 for both players.



7.5 (G2) A player suffering illness or disability has the choice of continuing or resuming play without delay, conceding the game in progress, or conceding the match. If conceding the game the player shall retain any points already scored and at the conclusion of the ninety-second interval between games shall either resume play or concede the match.
However, if the illness or disability involves visible blood flow, a continuation or resumption of play is not permitted. The player shall leave the court but is not required at that time to concede the game in progress. If the player wishes to resume play the illness or disability shall be dealt with by the Referee as a self-inflicted injury and the provisions of Rule 16.2 shall apply.

7.6 In the event of an injury to a player the Referee shall refer to the provisions of Rule 16.

7.7 (G3) The Referee shall apply the provisions of Rule 17 to a player who in the opinion of the Referee, delays play unreasonably. Such delay may be caused by:


7.7.1 Unduly slow preparation to serve or to receive service.
7.7.2 Prolonged discussion with the Referee.
7.7.3 Delay in returning to the court, having left under the terms of Rule 7.2, 7.3 or 15.1.


7.8 (G4) 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:


7.8.1 The Referee, on becoming aware of a fallen object, shall stop play immediately.
7.8.2 A player becoming aware of a fallen object may stop play and appeal for a let.
7.8.3 If the object falls from a player then that player shall lose the stroke unless Rule 7.8.5 applies or unless the cause is a collision with the opponent. In the latter case a let shall be allowed except that if an appeal for interference is made the Referee shall apply the provisions of Rule 12.
7.8.4 If the object falls from a source other than a player a let shall be allowed unless Rule 7.8.5 applies.
7.8.5 If a player has already made a clear winning return when the object falls to the floor of the court then that player shall win the stroke.



7.9 If a player drops a racket the Referee shall allow the rally to continue unless Rule 12, 13.1.1, 13.1.3 or 17 applies.

8. STROKES

A player wins a stroke:

8.1 Under Rule 4.4 when the player is the receiver.

8.2 If the opponent fails to make a good return of the ball when the opponent is the striker, unless a let is allowed or a stroke is awarded to the opponent.

8.3 (G5) If 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 rule accordingly.

8.4 If a stroke is awarded to the player by the Referee as provided for in the rules.

   9. HITTING AN OPPONENT WITH THE BALL

If the ball, before reaching the front wall, hits the striker's opponent (including anything worn or carried), the ball shall cease to be in play and:

9.1 Unless Rule 9.2 applies, the striker shall win the stroke if the return would have been good and the ball would have struck the front wall without first touching any other wall.

9.2 (G6) If the return would have been good but the striker has either followed the ball round and turned or the ball has passed 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) then a let shall be allowed in all cases.



Note To Referees
If the striker has followed the ball round and turned, or if the ball has passed around the striker, and the striker chooses not to continue the rally due to a reasonable fear of striking the opponent, then the striker may appeal for a let. The Referee shall not refuse a let if, in the opinion of the Referee, a reasonable possibility of striking the opponent did exist, and the striker would have been able to make a good return.



9.3 If the ball either had struck or would have struck any other wall and the return would have been good, a let shall be allowed unless, in the opinion of the Referee, a winning return has been prevented, in which case the striker shall win the stroke.



Note To Referees
The stroke award provisions of Rule 9 do not apply to turning, ball passing around the striker, or further attempts.



9.4 If the return would not have been good, the striker shall lose the stroke.



Note To Officials
When a player has been struck by the ball as described in Rule 9, the Referee shall assess the trajectory of the ball and make the appropriate decision.

10. FURTHER ATTEMPTS TO HIT THE BALL

If the striker strikes at and misses the ball, further attempts to strike it may be made. If, after being missed, the ball touches the opponent (including anything worn or carried) then, in the opinion of the Referee:

10.1 If the striker could otherwise have made a good return a let shall be allowed, or

10.2 If the striker could not have made a good return the striker shall lose the stroke.

If any such further attempt is successful but results in a good return being prevented from reaching the front wall by hitting the striker's opponent (including anything worn or carried), a let shall be allowed in all circumstances. If any such further attempt would not have resulted in a good return, the striker shall lose the stroke.

11. APPEALS

The loser of a rally may appeal against any decision of the Marker affecting that rally.
An appeal to the Referee under Rule 11 should be prefaced with the words "Appeal please". Play shall then cease until the Referee has given the decision.

If an appeal under Rule 11 is disallowed the Marker's decision shall stand. If the Referee is uncertain a let shall be allowed except where provided for in the Note To Referees after Rule 11.2.1 and Notes To Referees C and D after Rule 11.2.2.

Appeals upheld or Referee intervention under Rule 20.4 are dealt with in each specific situation below.

Note To Referees
A pointing gesture is not an appeal.

11.1 Appeals on Service.

11.1.1 If the Marker calls "Fault", "Foot fault", "Not up", "Down" or "Out" to the service the server may appeal. If the appeal is upheld a let shall be allowed.

11.1.2 If the Marker fails to call "Fault", "Foot fault", "Not up", "Down" or "Out' to the service the receiver may appeal, either immediately or at the end of the rally if the receiver has played or attempted to play the ball. If in the opinion of the Referee, the service was not good, the Referee shall stop play immediately and award the stroke to the receiver.

11.2 Appeals on Play other than Service.

11.2.1 If the Marker calls "Not up", "Down" or "Out" following a player's return, the player may appeal. If the appeal is upheld the Referee shall allow a let except that if, in the opinion of the Referee:



- The Marker's call has interrupted that player's winning return, the Referee shall award the stroke to the player.

- The Marker's call has interrupted or prevented a winning return by the opponent, the Referee shall award the stroke to the opponent.

Note To Referees
In the latter case the Referee shall also award the stroke to the opponent if uncertain whether the Marker's call was correct.



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 if the opponent has played or attempted to play the ball. If, in the opinion of the Referee, the return was not good, the Referee shall stop play immediately and award the stroke to the opponent.

Notes To Referees


A. No appeal may be made after the delivery of a service for anything that occurred before that service, except as is provided for in Rule 14.3.

B. When the loser makes more than one appeal concerning a rally the Referee shall consider each appeal (the rally may have been won by any of the methods described in Rule 8. Strokes).

C. If the Marker's call of "Foot Fault", "Fault", "Not up", "Down" or "Out" to a service is appealed but that same service subsequently is clearly a fault, not up, down or out, then the Referee shall rule only on the subsequent occurrence.

D. If the Marker's call of "Not up", "Down" or "Out" to a return is appealed but that same return subsequently is clearly down or out, then 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:

12.2.1 Unobstructed direct access to the ball.
12.2.2 A fair view of the ball.
12.2.3 Freedom to hit the ball.
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, irrespective of whether the opponent makes every effort to fulfil those requirements.

Notes To Referees

A. (G7) In Rule 12.2.1 the opponent must move to allow the player direct access to the ball as soon as the opponent has completed a return, i.e. at the completion of a reasonable follow-through of the racket swing. The player must also make every effort to get to the ball.

B. In Rule 12.2.2 fair view of the ball applies only to its rebound from the front wall.

C. (G8) In Rule 12.2.3 freedom to hit the ball requires that the opponent permit the player an arc of racket swing comprising reasonable backswing, strike at the ball and reasonable follow-through. Interference caused by a player's excessive backswing cannot result in the award of a stroke to that player.

A player's excessive follow-through may cause interference for the opponent when it becomes the latter's turn to play the ball.

12.4 A player encountering possible interference has the choice of continuing with play or of stopping and appealing to the Referee.

12.4.1 (G9) The correct method of appeal, whether a let or a stroke is sought by the player, is with the words "Let please".

12.4.2 (G10) An appeal may be made only by the player (the person whose turn it is to play the ball). The appeal must be made either immediately the interference occurs or, where the player clearly does not continue with play beyond the point of interference, without undue delay.

12.5 The Referee shall decide on the appeal and shall announce the decision with the words "No let", "Yes let" or "Stroke to...(name of appropriate player)". In assessing the situation the only relevant opinion is that of the Referee and the decision of the Referee shall be final.

12.6 The Referee shall not allow a let and the player shall lose the rally if:

12.6.1 There has been no interference.

12.6.2 Interference has occurred but either the player would not have made a good return or the player has not made every effort to get to the ball.

12.6.3 The player has clearly accepted the interference and played on.

12.6.4 (G11) The player has created the interference in moving to the ball.

12.7 The Referee shall allow a let if there has been interference which the opponent has made every effort to avoid and the player would have made a good return.

12.8 The Referee shall award a stroke to the player if:

12.8.1 There has been interference which the opponent has not made every effort to avoid and the player would have made a good return.

12.8.2 There has been interference which the opponent has made every effort to avoid and the player would have made a winning return.

12.8.3 The player has 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, ball passing around player, or further attempt applies).

12.9 The Referee is also empowered to allow a let under Rule 12.7 or to award a stroke under Rule 12.8 without an appeal having been made, if necessary stopping play to do so.

12.10 The provisions of Rule 17. Conduct On Court, may be applied in interference situations. The Referee shall, stopping play if it has not already stopped, apply an appropriate penalty if:

12.10.1 (G12) The player has made unnecessary physical contact with the opponent or vice versa.

12.10.2 The player has endangered the opponent with an excessive racket swing.

13. LETS

In addition to lets allowed under other rules, lets may or shall be allowed in certain other cases. Any request for a let should be prefaced by the words "Let please".

13.1 A let may be allowed:

13.1.1 If the ball in play touches any article lying on the floor.

Note To Referees
The Referee shall ensure that no articles are placed on the floor or within the court..

13.1.2 (G13) If the striker refrains from hitting the ball owing to a reasonable fear of injuring the opponent.

Note To Referees
This shall include the case of the striker wishing to play the ball onto the back wall.

13.1.3 If, in the opinion of the Referee, either player is distracted by an occurrence on or off the court.

13.1.4 If, in the opinion of the Referee, a change in court conditions has affected the result of the rally.

13.2 A let shall be allowed:

13.2.1 If the receiver is not ready and does not attempt to return the service.

13.2.2 If the ball breaks during play.

13.2.3 If the Referee is asked to decide an appeal and is unable to do so.

13.2.4 If an otherwise good return has been made but either the ball lodges in any part of the playing surface of the court preventing it from bouncing more than once upon the floor, or the ball goes out on its first bounce.

13.3 If the striker appeals for a let under Rules 13.1 (1 to 4), in order for a let to be allowed the striker must have been able to 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 No let shall be allowed under Rules 13.1.2 and 13.2.1 if the striker attempts to play the ball but may be allowed under Rules 13.1.1, 13.1.3, 13.1.4, 13.2.2, 13.2.3 and 13.2.4.

13.5 The appeals requirements of Rule 13 are:

13.5.1 An appeal by the player is necessary for a let to be allowed under Rules 13.1.2 (striker only), 13.1.3, 13.2.1 (striker only) and 13.2.3.

13.5.2 An appeal by the player 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, another ball may be substituted by mutual consent of the players, or on appeal by either player at the discretion of the Referee.

Note To Referees
Either player or the Referee may examine the ball at any time it is not in actual play to check its condition.

14.2 If a ball breaks during play, it shall be replaced promptly by another ball.

Note To Referees
The Referee shall decide whether a ball is broken.

14.3 If a ball has broken during play but this has not been established, a let for the rally in which the ball broke shall be allowed if the server appeals prior to the next service or if the receiver appeals prior to attempting to return that service.

Note To Referees
(G14) If the receiver appeals prior to attempting to return service and, in the opinion of the Referee, the ball broke during that service, the Referee shall allow a let for that rally only, but if unsure 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. An appeal in this case must be 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 stroke.

14.6 Between games the ball shall remain within the court unless removal is permitted by the Referee.

15.1 Immediately preceding the start of play the two players together shall be allowed on the court of play a period of five minutes for the purpose of warming up the ball to be used for the match.

After two and a half minutes of the warm up, the Referee shall call "Half time" and ensure that the players change sides unless they mutually agree otherwise. The Referee shall also advise when the warm up period is complete with the call of "Time".

15.2 Where a ball has been substituted under Rule 14 or when the match is being resumed after considerable delay, the Referee shall allow the ball to be warmed up to playing condition.

Play shall then resume on the direction of the Referee, or upon mutual consent of the players, whichever is the earlier.

 Note To Referees
The Referee must ensure that both players warm up the ball fairly (Rules 15.1 and 15.2). An unfair warm up shall be dealt with under the provisions of Rule 17.

15.3 The ball may be warmed up by either player between the end of the five-minute warm up and start of play, between games and when the opponent is changing equipment.

16. INJURY

 16.1 In the event of an injury to a player the Referee shall decide whether the injury category is:

16.1.1 Self-inflicted (where the injury to the player was not contributed to by the opponent, other than as described in Note C).

16.1.2 Contributed (where the injury was accidentally contributed to, or accidentally caused by, the opponent).

16.1.3 Opponent-inflicted (where the injury was caused by the opponent's dangerous play, or by a deliberate or dangerous action).



Notes To Referees
A. In all injury situations, the Referee must determine that the injury is genuine.

B. Having decided that an injury exists, the Referee shall advise both players of the category of the injury, and of the requirements of the rules applicable to it.

C. In Rule 16.1.2, the Referee must not interpret the words "accidentally contributed to" or "accidentally caused by" to include the situation where the injury to the player was as a result of that player occupying an unnecessarily close position to the opponent.

16.2 (G15) For a self-inflicted injury (Rule 16.1.1) the Referee shall allow the injured player three minutes to recover from the injury. This time interval may be extended at the discretion of the Referee only if the injury involves visible blood flow. The Referee shall call "Time" at the end of the three-minute period and at the end of any additional period permitted. If the injured player has not returned to court when "Time" is called the Referee shall award the match to the opponent. If additional recovery time is needed by the player beyond the total time permitted by the Referee, the Referee shall require the injured player to resume play; or concede one game, accept the time interval available and then either resume play or concede the match.

16.3 For a contributed injury (Rule 16.1.2) the Referee shall allow one hour for the injured player to recover, or such additional time as is provided for in the time schedule of the competition.
The injured player must, by the end of this period of time, resume play or concede the match. If play is resumed the score at the conclusion of the rally in which the injury occurred shall stand, except that if play is resumed on another day the match may start again if both players agree.

16.4 For an opponent-inflicted injury (Rule 16.1.3) the Referee shall apply an appropriate Rule 17 penalty, except that if the injured player requires time to recover the Referee shall award the match to the injured player.

16.5 Irrespective of the category of injury, or of illness or disability, a player shall not resume play while a wound which is bleeding remains uncovered, or blood flow is visible from a covered wound or on any part of the player's body, or with blood-stained clothing.

16.6 An injured player, having been granted a period of recovery time, may resume play prior to the expiry of that period of time provided that the opponent is also ready to resume play.

16.7 If a player resumes play, having treated bleeding that resulted from a contributed injury, and that wound again begins to bleed, the Referee shall then consider this under the category of a self-inflicted injury, and the provisions of Rule 16.2 shall apply.

16.8 If a player resumes play, having treated bleeding that resulted from a self-inflicted injury, and that wound again begins to bleed, the Referee shall require the player to concede the match; or concede one game, accept the time interval available, and then either resume play or concede the match.

16.9 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.

17. CONDUCT ON COURT

If the Referee considers that the behaviour of a player on court could be intimidating or offensive to an opponent, official or spectator, or could in any way bring the game into disrepute, the player shall be penalised.

(G16) Offences which should be dealt with 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 unnecessary physical contact and excessive racket swing (Rule 12.10), unfair warm up (Rule 15.2 Note To Referees), late back on court (Rule 7.4 Notes To Referees A and B), dangerous play or action (Rule 16.1.3) and time wasting (Rule 7.7).

(G17) For these and any other offences which, in the opinion of the Referee, justify the application of this rule, one of the following penalty provisions shall be applied.

• Warning by the Referee (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).
   Notes To Referees
  A. If the Referee stops play to give a warning a let shall be allowed.
  
  B. If the Referee stops a rally to award a conduct stroke then that stroke award becomes the result of the rally. If the Referee awards a conduct stroke at the conclusion of a rally, the result of the rally stands and the conduct stroke award is additional but without change of service box. A conduct stroke awarded after the end of a game shall be carried over to the next game.  
  
  C. If the Referee awards a game that game shall be the one in progress or the next game if one is not in progress, in which latter case the interval between games shall not apply.
  The offending player shall retain any points already scored in the game awarded.

A match is normally controlled by a Referee, assisted by a Marker. One person may be appointed to carry out the functions of both Referee and Marker. After making a decision the Referee shall announce it to the players and the Marker shall repeat it with the subsequent score.

The correct position for refereeing and marking a Squash match is one located at the centre of the back wall, as close to that wall as is physically possible, above the out line on the back wall, and preferably with seating.

Notes To Officials
A. (G18)It is desirable to have separate Officials to carry out the roles of Marker and Referee.

B. Players are not permitted a change of Marker or Referee on request. The Tournament Referee has the sole right to replace a Marker or Referee before or after the commencement of a match.

19.1 The Marker shall call the play, followed by the score, with the server's score called first. The Marker shall call "Fault", "Foot fault", "Not up", "Down", "Out", "Hand-out" and "Stop" as appropriate, and shall repeat the Referee's decisions.

19.2 (G19) If the Marker makes a call the rally shall cease.

 Note To Markers
The Marker, if unsighted or uncertain, shall make no call.

19.3 When play ceases the Marker, if unsighted or uncertain, shall advise the players and shall call on the Referee to make the relevant decision; if the Referee is uncertain a let shall be allowed.

(G20) Note To Markers
Markers must use recognised calls, including when the rally has ceased (Appendix 2.2).

20.1 (G21)The Referee shall allow or disallow appeals for lets, and award strokes; make decisions where called for by the rules, including all cases when the non-striker is struck by the ball, and for injuries; and shall decide all appeals including those against the Marker's calls or lack of calls. The decision of the Referee shall be final.

20.2 The Referee shall exercise control:


20.2.1(G22) Upon appeal by one of the players, including an appeal against any specification.

20.2.2 To ensure that all relevant rules are applied correctly.



20.3 The Referee shall not intervene in the Marker's calling of the score unless, in the opinion of the Referee, the score has been called incorrectly in which case the Referee shall have the Marker call the correct score.


Note To Officials
Both the Marker and Referee are required to record the score.



20.4 The Referee shall not intervene in the Marker's calling of the play unless, in the opinion of the Referee, 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 is responsible for ensuring that all rules relating to time are strictly enforced.

20.6 The Referee is responsible for ensuring that court conditions are satisfactory for play.

20.7 The Referee may award a match to a player whose opponent fails to be present on court, ready to play, within ten minutes of the advertised time of play.

APPENDICES

INTRODUCTION

The over­riding 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 from the time the match starts until its conclusion.

The following Official Guidelines on Rules Interpretations are those which have been approved by the Rules and Referees Committee of World Squash Federation and should be read in conjunction with the rules.

G1. CHANGE OF EQUIPMENT

In order to avoid the situation of one player gaining an unfair rest interval through a change of equipment, the Referee, before allowing a player to leave the court to make the change, must 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 allowing a change of equipment. Although up to ninety seconds are allowed for a change of equipment players are required to carry out the change as quickly as possible.

If a player's glasses break or the player loses a contact lens, then following the appropriate time interval for change of equipment, that player must resume play or an appropriate Rule 17 penalty will be applied.

If a player is unable to resume play because of lack of alternative equipment then the Referee should award the match to the opponent.

G2. ILLNESS OR DISABILITY ON COURT

A player suffering illness or disability on court has the options, except for a blood flow situation, of completing the game in progress or of conceding it 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 must concede the game. After informing the Referee, the player should take the time interval between games for recovery, then be ready to play; or concede the match. One game only may be conceded.

If a player vomits on or fouls the court, so that the court conditions become such that play cannot continue, the Referee should award the match to the opponent, irrespective of whether the sick player is able to resume play (Rule 17. Conduct On Court). The Referee's decision with regard to court conditions is final.

If the illness or disability involves visible blood flow the player will be required by the Referee to leave the court immediately. A resumption of play is not permitted while the blood flow is visible. However, recovery time will be permitted and if the player intends to resume play after treatment the Referee is to apply the procedures applicable to a self­inflicted blood flow injury. The Referee, when advising of the requirements applicable to the situation, should ascertain the player's intentions regarding a resumption of play.

G3. TIME WASTING

Time wasting represents 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 particularly mentioned (Rule 7.7). Where this occurs the Referee should apply an appropriate Rule 17 penalty at the earliest opportunity.

It should be noted that while excessive ball bouncing prior to service does constitute time wasting, the server should not be considered to have served the hand out.

Players should be aware that during permitted 90­second 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 shall be penalised under Rule 17.

G4. FALLEN OBJECT

Rule 7.8 now makes it clear that if any object falls (or is thrown) to the floor of the court then play must cease. Cessation of play could be initiated by the Referee with the word "Stop" or by one of the players stopping and appealing. The reason for the stoppage is that injury could occur if a player treads on any object of significant size or texture. Obviously if a tiny or light object falls to the floor and is not noticed then play will not be stopped.

Players are responsible for ensuring that all of their own equipment is retained and, as a general rule, a player will lose the stroke if equipment is dropped. Exceptions to stroke loss are a collision (although in a collision resulting in an appeal for interference Rule 12 will take precedence over the "let" decision normally appropriate to a collision), and the considerations of a winning return having been hit.

If a player drops a racket then under most circumstances the rally will be allowed to continue. It is accepted that a player dropping a racket is already at a significant disadvantage because that player must pick up the racket to remain in the rally.

Deliberate dropping or throwing of an object to the floor of the court by a player should, of course, be dealt with by the Referee under the provisions of Rule 17. Conduct On Court.

G5. PLAYER STRUCK BY THE BALL

If the non­striker is struck by the ball the Referee is required to make a decision in all cases and the Marker's call is not required until after the Referee has made this decision.

If the non­striker is hit by the ball coming from the front wall (without interference) then the non­striker loses the 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 to be interpreted as an attempt, but stroke preparation comprising only backswing, with no racket movement towards the ball, is not an attempt.

The various situations where the non­striker is hit by the ball going to the front wall are covered in Rules 9 and 10.

If the striker is hit by the ball (without interference) then the striker loses the stroke and the Marker should make the call of "Not up", because the ball has not been struck "correctly". The Referee is not required to make a decision.

However, in any case where either player is struck by the ball in an interference situation then the Referee should apply the provisions of Rule 12.

G6. SHAPING TO PLAY THE BALL

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 (i.e. from right to left or vice versa) then this is not considered to be either turning or making a further attempt, and the provisions of Rule 12 apply if interference occurs.

This position frequently occurs after the ball has hit the side/front wall nick and then rebounds into the middle of the court.

G7. MAKING EVERY EFFORT

The outgoing striker is required to make every effort to clear the ball after playing a return. This route should be on a path which allows the incoming striker direct access to the ball, provided the incoming striker has not moved in to play the ball so quickly as to block the outgoing striker's exit.

However, it is equally important for the incoming striker to make every effort to get to the ball. If the incoming striker does not make every effort to get to the ball, then 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 degree of effort that is required by the incoming striker, in order to demonstrate "making every effort," is for the Referee to decide. Players should note that this does not give them licence to abuse their opponents physically, and unnecessary physical contact will be penalised under Rules 12 and 17.

A Referee, however, should not refuse lets in situations where the player was clearly making every effort (albeit short of physical contact with the opponent) to get to the ball and had demonstrated to the Referee the ability to reach the ball.

G8. 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 must 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 , in the act of playing the ball, which includes the downswing , hit and reasonable follow­through, there is interference, an appeal is justified. The Referee should consider whether crowding has occurred in deciding whether to allow a let or to award a stroke.

G9. METHOD OF APPEAL

The correct method of appeal in interference situations is with the words "Let please".

Other forms of appeal are sometimes used by players including a raised hand or racket, especially where communication between players and Referee is poor.


A Referee accepting any form of appeal other than the standard "Let please" must be satisfied that an appeal is actually being made (not a rally conceded), if necessary clarifying this with the player.

G10. EARLY APPEAL

If a player makes an early appeal because of interference and the opponent's service or return prior to that appeal subsequently goes down or out, the Referee should not consider the appeal but should rule on the service or return and award the stroke to the player.

G11. CREATED INTERFERENCE

At all times a player must be allowed direct access to play the ball and the opponent, having completed a return, must always endeavour to provide this direct access.

However, sometimes the situation arises where the opponent has caused no interference (i.e. the opponent has clearly provided the required access) but the player has taken an indirect route to the ball which takes the player through, or very close to, the opponent's position. The player then appeals for a let because of being "obstructed" in access to the ball.

But if there is no genuine reason for this indirect route, the player has in effect created the interference where none otherwise existed and if appealing for a let should not be allowed one. Whether a good return could have been made is not even a consideration; in order to remain in the rally the player must get to and play the ball.

This is not to be confused with two situations where a player, in attempting to recover from a position of disadvantage, does not have direct access to the ball. The first is where a player is "wrong­footed" 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 player should be allowed a let on appeal if the recovery is sufficient to demonstrate that a good return would have been made. In fact, if the incoming player has been prevented from playing a winning return that player may be awarded a stroke.

Secondly, if a player plays a poor return that gives the opponent a position of advantage, the player should be allowed a let only if, in taking the direct line to the ball for the next return, it is obvious to the Referee that, but for the interference, that player would have been able to get to, and play, the ball.

G12. UNNECESSARY PHYSICAL CONTACT

Unnecessary physical contact is both detrimental to the game and potentially dangerous. In blatant cases the Referee should stop the rally and award the appropriate penalty accordingly. The Referee should also be aware of a player who "pushes off" the opponent. Where this has no significant effect on the opponent, then the rally should be allowed to continue and a warning given at the end of the rally.

G13. APPEALS FOR FEAR OF INJURY

When an appeal for a let has been made and there has been no interference the Referee's decision is usually "No let". However, occasionally, although interference as defined in Rule 12.2 does not exist, there may be reasonable fear of injury to the opponent, in which case a let should be allowed under Rule 13.1.2.

G14. BROKEN BALL

When the receiver makes an appeal prior to attempting to return the service, the Referee has discretionary power to decide whether to replay the previous rally or to allow a let in respect of the rally in which the ball was found to be broken.

This also applies if the service is not good.

G15. SELF­INFLICTED INJURY

1. When a player suffers a self­inflicted injury, i.e. an injury which clearly does not involve the opponent or which is described in Rule 16 Note C, the Referee should allow the recovery time permitted in Rule 16.2 when:

2. There is reasonably clear evidence to the Referee that an injury has occurred. This could be as the result of a blow, especially to the face or head, as a result of the player coming into heavy contact with walls or floor, or a sudden stoppage action by the player that might be caused by a muscle tear or sprained joint.
3. or
   
   
4. 2. Any occurrence, including injury, illness or disability, results in visible blood flow.
   
   In the case of symptoms of tiredness, alleged injuries not reasonably evident to the Referee or pre­existing ailments, recovery time should not be permitted (except that the player concerned must be allowed the option of conceding one game to gain a ninety­second interval between games). Included in this category are occurrences such as cramps, whether abdominal pains or muscle cramps, actual or impending nausea, and breathlessness including asthma conditions.
   
   Where recovery time for blood flow is permitted the requirements of Rule 16.5 apply. A player unable to stop blood flow within the total time permitted by the Referee must either concede one game to gain a further ninety seconds and then continue play without blood flow, or concede the match.
   
   If a player's clothing has become blood­stained as a result of the injury then that clothing must also be changed before the player is permitted to resume play.
   
   It is the responsibility of the injured player to be back at the court when "Time" is called by the Referee, 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 then the Referee must award the match to the opponent.
   
   Any decision to resume play must be made by the player. The Referee's role is to decide whether an injury exists, to apply and monitor time intervals, and to apply the laid­down requirements when total allocated time has elapsed.

G16. COACHING AND CROWD CONTROL

Coaching of players is permitted only during the interval between games. Coaching should not be taken to mean brief comments of encouragement between rallies which clearly have no effect on the continuity of play. The Referee is expected to exercise discretion in deciding between such comments and what constitutes coaching a player.
The use of external communication aids is prohibited.

The Referee may penalise coaching in any form during play by applying Rule 17. Conduct On Court, to the player being coached.

If the behaviour of any spectator, official, manager or coach is considered by the Referee to be disruptive to the continuity of play, then the Referee should suspend play until the disruption has ceased. If necessary play should be suspended until the offending person has left the court area.

G17. PROGRESSION OF PENALTIES

The penalties available to the Referee under Rule 17 are:
• A warning.
• A stroke.
• A game.
• The match.


• The guidelines for applying the penalties are as follows:
  
  
  The first penalty imposed by the Referee for a particular offence may be at any level to suit the seriousness of the offence, i.e. a warning, stroke, game or match. However, any subsequent penalty for the same type of offence should not be of a lesser severity than the previous penalty for that offence. Thus the Referee may award several warnings or several strokes for the same type of offence if of the opinion that the offence did not warrant a more severe penalty.
  
  When issuing penalties the Referee should use the following terminology:
  
  Conduct warning....(player's name) for.....(offence).
  Conduct stroke.......(player's name) for.....(offence), stroke to (opponent's name).
  Conduct game........(player's name) for.....(offence), game to (opponent's name).
  Conduct match.......(player's name) for.....(offence), match to (opponent's name).
  
  The Marker should repeat only that part of the Referee's decision which affects the score.

G18. SINGLE OFFICIAL

If it is not possible to have two Officials for a match then the single Official acts as both Marker and Referee. The Official calls the play and the score as Marker and answers appeals as Referee.

Decisions which are made directly by the Referee such as when a player is struck by the ball or in answering appeals made by the players under Rule 12. Interference, present no problems when there is a single Official.

However, players should be aware of the limitations in the appeals process when they appeal against a decision made by the Marker. A Marker making a positive call (e.g."Out") is unlikely to reverse that decision on appeal as the Referee. In the event of a failure to call by the Marker (e.g. a suspected service fault) an appeal may be worthwhile because the Marker/Referee's opinion will be either "Good" or "Uncertain" in which latter case a let would be allowed.

G19. MARKER'S CALLS

The Marker must call to stop a rally if of the opinion that a player has failed to deliver a good service or make a good return.

However, if because of a service or return which was obviously not good, both players cease play without the Marker making a call, then the appropriate call of "Not up", "Down" or "Out" may be omitted.

G20. MARKER'S GUIDELINES

In general 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, hand­out 4­3."
"Down, 8­all, set one, game ball."
"Out, 8­all, set two."
"Yes let, 3­4."
"No let, hand­out, 5­7."
"Stroke to Jones, 8­2, match ball."
"Foot fault, hand­out, love­all."
"Fault" (appeal by server, Referee uncertain). "Let, 8­3, game ball."

Match introduction:
"Smith serving, Jones receiving, best of 5 games, love­all."

End of a game:
"9­7, game to Smith. Smith leads one game to love."
"10­9, game to Smith. Smith leads two games to love."
"9­3, game to Jones. Smith leads two games to one."
"9­4, game to Jones, two games all."
"10­8, match to Smith, 9­7, 10­9, 3­9, 4­9, 10­8."

Start of subsequent game:
"Smith leads one game to love, love­all."
"Two games all, love­all."

After award of Conduct penalty:
"Stroke to Smith, 7­2".
"9­7, game to Jones, two games all".

G21. ADDRESSING THE PLAYERS

The use of first names should be avoided to eliminate any risk of familiarity with either player which could be interpreted as favouritism.

G22. EXPLANATION BY REFEREES

Following an appeal by a player, the Referee will normally give the decision and play resumes. However, on some occasions, it may be appropriate to explain the decision in order to clarify the situation for the players. Where appropriate the Referee should give the decision followed by a concise and objective statement of explanation.

It is helpful to the players if the Referee uses the terminology of the appropriate rule when explaining a decision.

• APPEAL A player's request to the Referee to consider an on or off court situation. "Appeal" is used throughout the rules in two contexts:­
  1) Where the player requests the Referee to consider varying a Marker's decision.
  2) Where the player requests the Referee to allow a let, or to consider the award of a stroke.
  The correct form of appeal by a player is "Appeal please" or "Let please". Play ceases when a player appeals.
• ATTEMPT An attempt to play the ball is made when in the opinion of the Referee, the striker has moved the racket towards the ball from the backswing position. The Referee shall decide what is an attempt.
• BOARD The lowest horizontal marking on the front wall, with the tin beneath it covering the full width of the court.
• 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.
• COMPETITION A championship tournament, league or other competitive match.
• CORRECTLY The ball being hit by the racket (held in the hand), not more than once or not with prolonged contact on the racket.
• DOWN The expression 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. ("Down" is also used as a Marker's call).
• GAME Part of a match, commencing with a service and concluding when one player has scored or been awarded nine or ten points (in accordance with the rules).
• 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).
• HALF­COURT LINE A line set 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".
• HALF TIME The midpoint of the warm up ("Half time" is also used as a Referee's call).
• HAND The period from the time a player becomes server until becoming receiver.
• HAND­OUT Condition when a change of server occurs. ("Hand­out" is also used as a Marker's call to indicate that a change of server has occurred).
• LET An undecided rally. No stroke is won for the rally in respect of which a let is allowed, and the server is required to serve again from the same box.
• MATCH The complete contest between two players, commencing with the warm up and concluding when both players have left the court at the end of the final rally.
• MATCH BALL The state of the score when the server requires one point to win the match. ("Match ball" is also used as a Marker's call).
• NOT UP The expression used to indicate that the ball has not been struck in accordance with the rules. "Not up" applies when 1) the ball is not struck correctly by the server or striker, 2) the ball bounces more than once upon the floor before being struck by the striker, 3) the ball touches the striker or anything worn or carried other than the racket, 4) the server makes one or more attempts to strike the ball but fails to do so. ("Not up" is also used as a Marker's call).
• OFFICIALS The Marker and the Referee.
• OUT The expression used to indicate that 1) 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 wall above the out line or, 2) the ball has passed through any fitting attached to the ceiling and/or wall above the out line or, 3) in addition to 1) and 2) 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 used as a Marker's call).
• OUT LINE A continuous line comprising the front wall line, both side wall lines and the back wall line and marking the top boundaries of the court.
  
  Note: When a court is constructed without provision of 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 decision should be made in the normal manner by the Marker, subject to appeal to the Referee.
  
• POINT A unit of the scoring system. One point is added to a player's score when that player is the server and wins a stroke.
• QUARTER COURT One half of that part of the court between the short line and the back wall which has been divided into two equal parts by the half­court line.
• RALLY A service only, or a service and any number of returns of the ball, ending when the ball ceases to be in play.
• REASONABLE BACKSWING The initial action used by a player in moving the racket away from the body as preparation prior to racket movement towards the ball for contact. 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's decision on what constitutes a reasonable as distinct from an excessive backswing is final.
• REASONABLE FOLLOW THROUGH The action used by a player in continuing the movement of the racket after it has ­ contacted the ball. A follow­through is reasonable if it is not excessive. An excessive follow­through 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 momentary period of time. An excessive follow­through 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's decision on what constitutes a reasonable as distinct from an excessive follow­through is final.
• SERVICE The method by which the ball is put into play by the server to commence a rally.
• SERVICE LINE A line upon the front wall, extending the full width of the court. A service is not good if the ball is served onto or below this line.
• SHORT LINE A line upon the floor, extending the full width of the court. A service is not good if the first bounce of the ball on the floor on service delivery is on or in front of this line.
• SPECIFIED The description given to balls, rackets and courts that meet existing WSF specifications.
• STRIKER The player whose turn it is to hit the ball after it has rebounded from the front wall, or who is in the process of hitting the ball, or who ­ up to the point of the return reaching the front wall ­ has just hit the ball.
• STROKE The gain achieved by the player who wins a rally, either in the course of play or on award by the Referee, and which results in either the scoring of a point or change of server.
• 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.
• 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.

All Definitions are the same as for Singles, except for:


• GAME Part of a match, commencing with a service and concluding when one side has scored or been awarded fifteen or seventeen points (in accordance with the rules).
• GAME BALL The state of the score when either side requires one point to win the game in progress. ("Game ball" is also used as a Marker's call).
• HAND The period from the time a player becomes server until losing the right to serve.
• HAND­OUT Condition when the first server of side­in has served and side­in loses the stroke. ("Hand­out" is also used as a Marker's call).
• MATCH The complete contest between two sides, commencing with the warm up and concluding when all players have left the court at the end of the final rally.
• MATCH BALL The state of the score when either side requires one point to win the match. ("Match ball" is also used as a Marker's call).
• MATCH BALL, GAME BALL Condition when one side requires one point to win the match and the opponents
• require one point to win the game in progress.
• POINT A unit of the scoring system. One point is added to a side's score when it wins a stroke.
• SIDE­IN The side which serves is called side­in.
• SIDE­OUT Condition when the serving side becomes the receiving side, also the name of the receiving side ("Side­out" is also used as a Marker's call).
• STRIKER A partner of the striking side who attempts to hit the ball or who does hit the ball.
• STRIKING SIDE The side whose turn it is to hit the ball after it has rebounded from the front wall, or which has one partner in the process of hitting the ball, or which, up to the point of the return reaching the front wall, has just had one partner hit the ball.
• STROKE The gain achieved by a side which wins a rally, either in the course of play or on award by the Referee, and which results in the scoring of a point.

The recognised Marker's calls are defined below.

Calls made by the Marker as referred to in:
Rule 19 DUTIES OF A MARKER


FAULT To indicate that the service is a fault. See Rules 4.4.1, 4.4.6, 4.4.7, 4.4.8.

FOOT FAULT To indicate that the service is a foot fault. See Rule 4.4.2.

NOT UP To indicate that the ball has not been struck in accordance with the rules. See Definitions, "NOT UP".

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 Definitions "DOWN".

OUT To indicate that an otherwise good service or return has gone out. See Definitions "OUT and "OUT LINE".

HAND­OUT To indicate that the server has become the receiver, i.e. a change of server has occurred. See Definitions "HAND­OUT" and "HAND".

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 SCORE
4­3 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. "love­all").

SET ONE To indicate that the game in progress is to be played to nine points after the score has reached 8­all (called once only in any game).

SET TWO To indicate that the game in progress is to be played to ten points after the score has reached 8­all (called once only in any game).

GAME BALL To indicate each time it occurs that the server requires one point to win the game in progress. See Definitions "GAME BALL".

MATCH BALL To indicate each time it occurs that the server requires one point to win the match. See Definitions "MATCH BALL".





Calls made by the Marker as referred to in:
Rule 18 CONTROL OF A MATCH (Repeating Referee Decisions).



YES LET / LET Call made by the Marker after the Referee has ruled that a rally is to be replayed.

STROKE TO (NAME OF PLAYER) Call made by the Marker after the Referee has awarded a stroke to that player.

NO LET Call made by the Marker after the Referee has disallowed an appeal for a let.

All Marker's calls for Doubles are the same as for Singles, except for:

Calls made by the Marker as referred to in:
Rule 19 DUTIES OF A MARKER


HAND­OUT To indicate that side­in has lost a stroke when its first server had served. See definitions, "HAND­OUT' and "HAND".

SIDE­OUT To indicate that the serving side has become the receiving side, i.e. a change of serving side has occurred.



Calls made by the Marker as referred to in:
Rule 2 THE SCORE


SET ONE To indicate that the game in progress is to be played to fifteen points after the score has reached 14­all (called once only in any game).

SET THREE To indicate that the game in progress is to be played to seventeen points after the score has reached 14­all (called once only in any game).

GAME BALL To indicate that either side requires one point to win the game in progress. See Definitions "GAME BALL".

MATCH BALL To indicate that either side requires one point to win the match. See Definitions "MATCH BALL".

MATCH BALL GAME BALL To indicate that one side requires one point to win the match and the opponents require one point to win the game in progress.

STOP To stop play.

TIME To indicate that a period of time prescribed in the rules has elapsed.

HALF TIME To advise players of the midpoint of the warm up period.

YES LET When allowing a let, following a player's appeal for a let.

NO LET When disallowing a player's appeal for a let.

STROKE TO (PLAYER'S NAME) To advise that the player named is being awarded a stroke.

FIFTEEN SECONDS To advise the player(s) that fifteen seconds of a permitted ninety­second
time interval remain

LET (May be accompanied by an explanation). To advise that a rally is to be replayed in circumstances where the wording "Yes let" is not applicable.

CONDUCT WARNING To advise a player of an offence committed under Rule 17. Conduct On Court, and to give a warning.

CONDUCT STROKE To advise a player of an offence committed under Rule 17. Conduct On Court, and that a stroke is to be awarded to the opponent.

CONDUCT GAME To advise a player of an offence committed under Rule 17. Conduct On Court, and that a game is to be awarded to the opponent.

CONDUCT MATCH To advise a player of an offence committed under Rule 17. Conduct On Court, and that the match has been awarded to the opponent.

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 1997 rules.

The system is known as the 2­Referee system. A brief description of it is provided in this appendix but the full details are available free of charge from the World Squash Federation and WSF Member Nations.

Any organiser of competitive Squash wishing to trial 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 2­Referee system uses two officials only, known as the Referee and Appeals Referee.
The Referee performs all of the duties traditionally done by both Marker and Referee in standard officiating, and 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. Either player may appeal to the Appeals Referee against any decision of the Referee. The decision of the Appeals Referee is final.

All initial appeals on interference, player struck by ball and non­call of service or return are dealt with by the Referee but any appeal against a Referee call on play goes directly to the Appeals Referee because the decision of the Referee is already known.

The standard scoring system described in Rule 2. The Score and Rule 3. Points, of the Rules of the World Singles Game of Squash remains the approved scoring system for singles Squash. The following variations apply if point­a­rally scoring (PARS) is used:

2. THE SCORE
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 being called fourteen­all the receiver shall choose, before the next service is delivered, to continue that game either to fifteen points (known as "Set one") or to seventeen points (known as "Set three") in which latter case the player who scores three more points wins the game. The receiver shall in either case clearly indica