The Boast - May Edition

MAY 2025

OCEANIA JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS & JUNIOR TRANS TASMAN ACTION PICS AND RESULTS WITHIN THE LAUNCH OF SQUASHTV NZ THE DIGITAL HOME FOR SQUASH IN NZ MYSQUASH COMEPITIONS NEW FEATURES AND HOW-TO VIDEOS RELEASED

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CONTENTS 10. Launch of SQUASHTV NZ 12. 2025 Oceania Junior Championships 14. Junior Trans-Tasman Test Series 16. PSA Satellite & Challenger Events 17. No rest for the NZ Junior Squash Athletes 18. Player profile - Aria Bannister 20. Guest Writer – Rachel McLeod 21. Player Magazine exctract 24. Club of the Month - Whanganui Squash Club 25. Tournament Controller Pathway - Recruiting Volunteers 26. Club Uplift - Court Renewal at Herne Bay Rackets Club 28. Referee - Player Conduct and Dissent 30. Coach Profile - Dino Michalakis 32. The Grip - Where to Hold the Squash Racket? 36. MySquash - New features and How-to 43. National Tournament Calendar

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Chief Executive Update Tēnā koutou It was fantastic to attend parts of the Oceania Junior Championships last month in Hamilton, watching talented young players from across Oceania in action. The courts were alive with energy, players moving at incredible speed, coaches calling out in French or broad Aussie accents, and supporters willing every point. There’s a unique buzz when international players come together at one event, and it was a refreshing reminder of how the game should be played — so fast, so dynamic, so competitive. More than once I found myself thinking (or saying), “How on earth did they get to that ball?” On the home front, we’re finally turning the corner with our new digital platform. After some teething pains, we’re now adding real value through MySquash — our one-stop hub for players and clubs. I encourage you to explore our new livestreaming feature, which now includes free highlights from the PSA World Tour.

And if you haven’t yet tried the new Ladders on MySquash, now’s the time — set one up at your club or among your network of friends and bring some fresh competition into your routine. Right now, I’m also focused on discussions with insurance providers, aiming to develop solutions that will help clubs tackle challenges and offer additional benefits to members. I’m hopeful we can finalise a partnership in the coming months. Finally, if you know a potential sponsor who’d love to support the next generation, please drop me a line at martin@squashnz.co.nz. Our exciting new Squash Stars programme launches in Term 3, giving 5–12 year olds the chance to give squash a go — and we’d love your help to make it a real success. Ngā mihi Martin Dowson

Upcoming events Event

Date

Venue

BOP Open

9-11 May

Taupo Squash Club

Canterbury Masters

16-18 May

Christchurch Football Club

Waikato Masters

22-24 May

Huntly Squash Club

Auckland Open

22-25 May

North Shore Squash Club

Southland Open

23-25 May

SquashCity Invercargill & ILT Stadium Southland

Central Junior Open

23-25 May

Ohakune Squash Club

Mitchell Cup / Cousins Shield

30 May - 1 June Cambridge Racquets Club

Don’t miss any upcoming events. Click HERE to access the full tournament calendar

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rd a o b e ic t o n e h T What’s happening

in our community

World Squash, PSA & US Squash Reaction as Draw Sizes Confirmed for LA28 Olympic Games The final athlete quota allocation for squash at the LA28 Olympic Game is decided as confirmed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board (EB) on April 9, 2025 Read the article HERE

SCOTTISH WIN FOR KAITLYN Congratulations to Kaitlyn Watts who took out the Grange Open PSA Satellite The event was held at Grange Sports Club,Edinburgh, Scotland, 25-27th April Kaitlyn had a 3-0 victory over Australian Erin Classen in the final.

Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa Welcomes New Board Members Mandy Kennedy and Laura Bradley Squash New Zealand Poipātū is delighted to welcome Mandy Kennedy and Laura Bradley to our Board. Both bring a deep passion for the game and a wealth of experience across playing, coaching, governance, and leadership. Mandy Kennedy has been playing squash for over 45 years, having represented at club, county/district, and country level in both England and New Zealand, as well as gaining coaching experience in India. A proud member of North Shore Squash Club for the past 15 years, Mandy has also played in their Mitchell Cup team. Mandy says: “I’ve been incredibly lucky to make lifelong friendships through squash. I love the inclusiveness of the game, it’s for everyone, at every stage of life. Joining the Board is a chance to give back to a sport that’s brought me so much joy.” Professionally, Mandy is a Technology Leader for a not-for-profit organisation, with expertise in leading transformational change in complex environments. Her global squash perspective, gained over five decades and three continents, brings valuable insight to the Board. Laura Bradley brings similarly broad experience to the Board as a player, administrator, sponsor, club coach, and referee. She is currently President of Pirates Squash Club in Dunedin, where she also runs their tournaments, including their PSA event. Under her leadership, the club was named Otago Club of the Year in 2024. Laura also serves on the Squash Otago Board and is a strong advocate for growing squash at all levels, club, district, and national. She is passionate about encouraging others into coaching and refereeing pathways, helping to futureproof the sport. With an MBA and previous governance roles, Laura also brings strong business and leadership acumen. As the founder and CEO of a small business and an experienced business consultant, she values good governance, inclusion, and cultural awareness. Laura shares: “Squash has given me so much, community, opportunity, and fun. I’m excited to support the growth of our sport and ensure it thrives for future generations.” Both Mandy and Laura bring a shared commitment to strengthening squash across Aotearoa. Their combined experience will help guide the sport into a strong and inclusive future, and we are thrilled to have them join our governance team.

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Letters to the office Hi Guys

Good afternoon

Last weekend’s tourny felt like the most stress free, smoothly run and FUN one that I’ve run so far – and I’m putting it down to all your hard work in making MySquash so easy and user friendly!!

I’m wondering if someone can help me please as I’m locked into the Individual Competitions page and cannot get out of it. I have been locked here for 3 days now and cannot even logout off this screen. When I hit log out it just bounces back to the individual competitions page. I have tried Cntrl/shift/R as previously suggested but this didn’t work either.

The live scoring was a resounding success – the odd person not keen to give it a go, but by the end of the weekend everyone had the hang of it and I made sure they realised what a time saver it is for us on TC. However, I had 3 players who weren’t “competitive” when I was working on the draw, so no results are showing. Do I just enter their results manually from my end? A couple of little blips that you may already be aware of: • Live scoring allows the result to be entered as a 4-1 win haha!! • The attached “6 Draw Type C” seems to have put the 2nd and 3rd position in the Pool B the wrong way round (I think!) Thanks again guys, From your No.1 fan

Many thanks

Hi Can you just close the tab Competitions is open in and then log out of MySquash (rather than Competitions). Go to www.mysquash.nz if you need to first to log out. Then go back to www.mysquash.nz and log in, and then go through to Competitions. That should reset the login because you’ve logged fully out of both. Cheers

Hi, Thanks for the feedback again, always nice to hear. It’s a fairly straightforward fix for this. 1. Register the players again in the tournament but ensure they have their player code attached this time (which will come up if they now have a player subscription). 2. Go into the draw for one of them and go into Matches. Starting with their last match, click into the match and in the dropdown box where their name is, select the same player but the one with ‘Waiting List’ next to their name. This is the new registration with their player code attached. 3. Click on Save. 4. Do the same for their second-to-last match, and so on, until you do their first match last. Basically, you do it last to first so you don’t confuse the system by changing the first round match and it’s already got another player who is different in the second round match. 5. Do the same for the other players and then you’re done!

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We welcome letters to the national office. Please send your letter to admin@squashnz.co.nz We will publish a selection each month, all questions will receive a response if not published.

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Universal Studios Lot Confirmed

AS SQUASH VENUE FOR THE OLYMPIC GAMES LOS ANGELES 2028 (LA28)

World Squash, US Squash, and the Professional Squash Association (PSA) are thrilled to announce that squash will make its Olympic debut at none other than the iconic Universal Studios Lot in Los Angeles, California during the LA28 Olympic Games (LA28). World Squash President Zena Wooldridge said: “On behalf of the global squash community, I would like to thank the teams from the IOC, LA28 and NBCUniversal for their brilliant creative vision in proposing squash for what will surely be one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world. As one of the world’s most famous film studios, Universal Studios Lot in Los Angeles will present a unique and spectacular Hollywood setting for squash’s Olympic premiere, one which I’m sure will excite squash fans across the world.” US Squash President and CEO Kevin Klipstein added: “For squash in the United States, there could not be a more ideal location for our sport’s Olympic debut than in Los Angeles and at Universal Studios. We are immensely grateful to LA28 and Comcast NBCUniversal for partnering to present squash during the Olympics in such spectacular Hollywood fashion.” PSA CEO Alex Gough said: “Squash has always prided itself on being played in remarkable, iconic locations. By combining its world-class facilities, entertainment expertise, and strategic location, the Universal Studios

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Lot promises to create an unforgettable Olympic experience for our players, fans, and the sport. We are thrilled to be part of this historic moment and look forward to welcoming fans from across the globe to experience squash in such a unique and inspiring setting.” Additional information about the LA28 Olympic Games squash competition schedule will be revealed by LA28 in the coming months — so stay tuned! Across the United States and around the globe, the squash community is buzzing with excitement, united by a shared passion for the sport and the Olympic values of unity, sportsmanship, and excellence. This is more than just a debut — it’s a celebration of everything squash stands for on the world’s biggest stage. The countdown is on. We’re ready. We’re proud. And we absolutely can’t wait!

second edition of Long or Short Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa, in partnership with the Squash Hall of Fame, is proud to launch the second edition of Long or Short: A History of Squash in New Zealand. JOSEPH ROMANO

Originally published in 2010, Long or Short celebrates the remarkable people, pivotal moments, and passionate community that have shaped squash in Aotearoa. As well as covering the full history of squash in New Zealand, the newly updated edition also captures the sport’s most exciting moments and milestones from the past 15 years.

JOSEPH

S

ROMANO

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“This book brings together the proud legacy of squash in New Zealand, from our grassroots courts to global titles,” said Stephen Cunningham, Chair of the Squash Hall of Fame, which co-funded the publication alongside Squash New Zealand. “In the last 15 years a huge amount has happened within our squash community, including fantastic international success by Paul Coll and Joelle King. The updated edition does an excellent job of capturing this exciting recent history.” ISBN 978

-0-986

4615-1

-4

9 780986

461514

“Squash in New Zealand has a rich and fascinating history, filled with champions, characters and passionate communities. I’m proud to help tell that story, and I hope players and fans find it as compelling as I did.” Former world champion and squash legend Dame Susan Devoy wrote the foreword for the second edition and is encouraging all players to read the book. “Our sport has a wonderful legacy in New Zealand and it’s been beautifully captured in Long or Short. All squash players will enjoy reading this history, and I’d like to say a big thank you to Joseph Romanos for his work on this book.”

Long or Short is available to read online for all MySquash digital subscribers, free of charge at: www.mysquash.nz/register

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Author Joseph Romanos says it was a privilege to work on the book.

THE STOR NEW ZEALY OF AND SQUA

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THE STOR

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In addition to the online version, 100 handnumbered hard copies have been printed exclusively for distribution to sponsors and philanthropists who support our high performance programme and emerging pro players. If you would like to support New Zealand squash and receive a limited edition copy, please visit: squashnz.co.nz/support and contact martin@squashnz.co.nz

Snippets of some of the new pages in Long or Short

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launch of SQUASHTV NZ SQUASH NEW ZEALAND LAUNCHES ‘SQUASHTV NZ’ AND PROVIDES FREE ACCESS TO SQUASH PLAYER MAGAZINE FOR MYSQUASH SUBSCRIBERS Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa is proud to announce the launch of SQUASHTV NZ, a brand-new livestreaming platform dedicated to showcasing the very best of squash in Aotearoa and beyond. The platform is now live at www.squashtv.nz and marks a significant milestone in Squash NZ’s digital journey. Developed in partnership with Squash Media & Marketing (SMM), the commercial arm of the Professional Squash Association (PSA), SQUASHTV NZ will be free to all MySquash subscribers, offering live coverage of national events, highlights from the global PSA Squash Tour, and the ability to rewatch past matches, all in one place. The first live event will be the Oceania Junior Championships, streaming from Saturday, 19 April. But the added features doesn’t stop there. As part of this exciting partnership, all MySquash Lifestyle and Competitive subscribers will also shortly, end of May, receive free digital access to Squash Player Magazine, the world’s leading squash publication, delivered quarterly and valued at over NZD $70 per year. Known for its rich storytelling, expert commentary, and global squash insights, it’s another premium addition to the MySquash experience. “Partnering with SMM to create SQUASHTV NZ is a major step forward for squash in Aotearoa,” says Martin Dowson, Chief Executive of Squash New Zealand. “To have a platform that brings together national livestreaming, international PSA highlights, and now Squash Player Magazine, all integrated into MySquash are standout new features. We are deeply grateful to SMM for their commitment to supporting squash in New Zealand with such high-quality offerings.” SQUASHTV NZ becomes the digital home for squash SQUASHTV NZ will eventually feature not only national tournaments but has the potential to host other events like district opens events, club PSA events, and special showcases. Whether it’s watching live, catching up on replays, or revisiting iconic moments, SQUASHTV NZ becomes the digital home for squash content in Aotearoa.

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Tommy Berden, Chief Commercial Officer of the PSA and SMM, shared: “We are proud to support Squash New Zealand in launching SQUASHTV NZ — a locally tailored platform powered by our technology, while also offering New Zealanders a direct window into the PSA Squash Tour. Adding Squash Player Magazine into the mix delivers real value to MySquash users, and we’re excited to play a part in supporting squash communities across New Zealand.” SQUASHTV NZ and Squash Player Magazine access are both integrated into the MySquash platform, delivering on Squash New Zealand’s vision of a one-stop digital hub for everyone involved in the sport — from grassroots players to elite athletes and passionate fans.

Visit SQUASHTV NZ here

Sign up or log in to MySquash

Something New is Coming for Young Kiwi Squash Stars!

GET READY — SQUASH IS ABOUT TO GET A WHOLE LOT MORE FUN FOR KIDS! Launching in Term 3, Squash Stars is an exciting new programme designed especially for tamariki aged 5 to 12. Created by Squash New Zealand, this fresh initiative aims to introduce young players to the game in a way that’s fun, active, and confidence-boosting—all while helping them build new skills and make new friends.

With colourful gear, age-appropriate activities, and heaps of movement, Squash Stars is perfect for kids who are brand new to the sport—or just keen to give something different a go. And the best part? It’s easy for local clubs to offer and will be popping up in communities across Aotearoa very soon. Registrations are currently underway for clubs to sign up to be part of this exciting initiative and deliver Squash Stars. Kicking off with a nationwide promotional campaign from 2 June to 13 July, you’ll be seeing Squash Stars featured across Facebook and Instagram—so keep an eye out for how your whānau can get involved! WANT TO HELP BRING SQUASH STARS TO LIFE? If you’re passionate about working with kids and growing the game, consider becoming a Squash Stars Activator. No coaching experience? No problem—everything you need is provided, including training and session plans. Just reach out to your local club to find out how you can get involved in delivering this awesome programme. Whether your child’s a future squash champion or simply wants to try something new, Squash Stars is where the journey begins. 11

2025 Oceania Junior

Championships

The 2025 Oceania Junior Championships were held over the Easter weekend at the Hamilton Squash and Tennis Club, bringing together over 170 talented players from across New Zealand and the wider Oceania region. Competitors from Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tahiti showcased an impressive level of skill and sportsmanship over three exciting days of squash. The event not only delivered high-quality competition on court but also fostered strong friendships and a great sense of camaraderie off the court. Congratulations to all the winners and participants for making the tournament such a success!

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RESULTS: Boys U19 Winner: Oliver Dunbar Runner Up: Thomas Scott (AUS) Third: Jackson Wylie (AUS) Boys U17 Winner: Maximus Matthews Runner Up: Stanley Chung (AUS) Third: Vihan Chathury Boys U15 Winner: James Boswell (AUS) Runner Up: K.Kohombange (AUS) Third: Eamon Gannon Boys U13 Winner: Levi Casey Runner Up: Shawn Hu Third: Angus Drummond Boys U11 Winner: Nathan Lin Runner Up: Nikos Michalakis Third: Romeo Michalakis Girls U19 Winner: Emmy Lamb (AUS) Runner Up: Maiden-Lee Coe Third: Sarbani Maitra (AUS) Girls U17 Winner: Tina Ma (AUS) Runner Up: Lily Wilson (AUS) Third: Brooke Valois Girls U15 Winner: Emily Senior (JPN) Runner Up: Olivia Van Zon (AUS) Third: Liberty Jones Girls U13 Winner: Animaia Payne Runner Up: Elizabeth Wang (Aus) Third: Julia Chen Girls U11 Winner: Shelby Duncan Runner Up: Mila Gregory Third: Vala Mathews

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Pride, Grit, and Growth at the Junior Trans-Tasman Test Series

The 2025 Junior Trans-Tasman Test Series was held at Hamilton Squash and Tennis Club on April 22–23, bringing together the top junior players from New Zealand and Australia for two days of intense cross-Tasman competition. While Australia came away with the overall win—taking 21 matches to New Zealand’s 11—our Kiwi juniors represented their country with pride, resilience, and real competitive spirit. From the first point to the last, our players gave it everything. It was clear that New Zealand looked like the fitter team, pushing through long rallies and tough five-setters with real grit. While Australia had the upper hand in squash skill and experience in key moments, the margin is narrowing. Our team fought hard in every match, and the lessons learned will only strengthen their development going forward. In the lead-up to the event, the team faced a tough blow when our number one Under 19 girls’ player was ruled out due to injury. This meant a reshuffle in the playing order, with every girl moving up a spot in the line-up—a challenge they met with confidence and composure. We also called in reserve player Erin Wylie, who stepped in seamlessly and delivered a strong performance under pressure. One of the most rewarding aspects of the event was the outstanding team culture. Players supported each other loudly and proudly, brought energy to every session, and created an environment that lifted everyone around them. The connection within the group was clear, and it’s that culture that will be the foundation for future success.

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There were plenty of memorable moments on court, but two players in particular stood out. Liberty Jones in the Under 15 girls and Max Mathews in the Under 17 boys each claimed two victories from two matches. Liberty played with poise and precision, while Max’s two thrilling five-set wins showed exceptional mental toughness and determination. Although the final result didn’t go New Zealand’s way, the series was a valuable experience for all involved. It gave our players a chance to test themselves against quality opposition and see firsthand the level required to succeed at the international level. Congratulations to all players, coaches, and supporters. This group showed what it means to wear the silver fern—with heart, pride, and unity—and they’ve laid another strong stepping stone for the future of New Zealand squash.

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HIGH PERFORMANCE PSA Satellite & Challenger Events AND THEIR ROLE IN DEVELOPING KIWI TALENT The New Zealand has hosted PSA (Professional Squash Association) Satellite and Challenger 3/6 level events for many years. These tournaments provide important opportunities for developing players to earn ranking points and experience professional competition close to home. However, the true value of these events—for both players and clubs—depends on thoughtful coordination and effective planning. A Shared Opportunity For players, these events offer a rare chance to build their PSA ranking early, without the cost and barriers of international travel. For clubs, they can add a new dimension to the calendar, offering local players more to aim for and adding a level of interest and energy around the event. But these benefits are only realised when events are scheduled thoughtfully, communicated clearly, and supported properly. With the right coordination, we can make sure: • Events are timed to fit within player schedules and other commitments • Referee availability is secured early • The extra effort from clubs leads to meaningful outcomes for players • The calendar is spaced in a way that allows for good participation and reduces pressure

A Shift in Approach As we move into the second half of 2025, we will work collaboratively to create better structure and planning to support clubs and players alike. The goal is to develop a national schedule of PSA Satellite and Challenger 3/6 events for 2026 that works for everyone—athletes, clubs, and organisers. This will involve improved communication, earlier planning, and a more consistent approach across the board. What to Expect If you’re already running a PSA event, Squash New Zealand’s High Performance Manager will be in touch soon to check in, offer support, and help develop a plan that works for your club and the wider squash community. If you’re thinking about running a PSA event in 2026 but aren’t sure where to start, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to talk through what’s involved, how SNZ can support you, and what kind of role your event could play in the wider development pathway. By working together and planning ahead, we can ensure that these events are not only successful, but meaningful—for the players, for clubs, and for the growth of squash in New Zealand.

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No Rest for the Committed:

NZ JUNIOR SQUASH ATHLETES FACE THE FIRE

While most Kiwis enjoyed a relaxed Easter, New Zealand’s top junior squash players were thrown into one of the most demanding weeks of their development journey so far. For athletes in Squash New Zealand’s National Development Program, Easter 2025 marked a brutal— but brilliantly designed—seven-day test of physical, mental, and emotional resilience. The week included back-to-back high-stakes events— Oceania Juniors and the Trans-Tasman Test Series— followed immediately by a two-day National Development Camp that pushed players to their absolute limits. This week was never intended to be comfortable. It was about building the ability to handle pressure, fatigue, and adversity. Since late 2024, the program has centred around one theme: doing hard things. That means performing when tired, staying composed under pressure, and stepping up when it matters most. By the time the final camp began, most athletes had already played five days of intense squash. Yet they were expected to dig deeper—competing in more high-stakes matchups, often against teammates and friends, with major goals on the line. This setup was deliberate. The goal isn’t just to produce athletes who make teams—it’s to develop players who can thrive on the world stage. That takes more than skill. It takes resilience, consistency, and the ability to embrace discomfort and still deliver. Every athlete who showed up and gave their all this week deserves huge recognition. What they went through wasn’t easy—and it wasn’t meant to be. But in facing it headon, they’ve shown what this program is truly about: growth through challenge, and confidence built through effort. This was a defining week for our junior athletes. And it’s only the beginning. 17

HIGH PERFORMANCE National development player ARIA BANNISTER, 17, MT. MAUNGANUI SQUASH CLUB What’s your why? Why do you play squash? I love the opportunities that squash has given me including friendship, travel, and representing my country. The process is an exciting part for me, constantly challenging myself to improve and picking apart different components of my game that are strong, or weak. In addition, I also hope to pursue squash as a career, giving myself the opportunity to travel the world, and compete against some of the worlds top athletes. What has been the most memorable moment in your squash career so far? 2024 was an exciting year for me, winning the U17 North Island Junior Champs, U17 South Island Junior Champs, and the U17 National Age Group Champs. How do you stay motivated during tough training or competitions? I always like to set myself small realistic goals throughout training, and tournaments to help push through and remind myself why the hard times can be important for self growth. I try not to always make my goals result orientated, but something I want to achieve for myself whether it’s maintaining focus under pressure, staying present during each moment, or simply enjoying the process. These personal goals keep me grounded and remind me that growth isn’t always about winning, but about showing up, learning, and giving my best no matter the outcome. Who has had the biggest influence on your career, and how? My dad is the person who first got me into squash at a young age, encouraging me to have a few hits and eventually play in junior tournaments. Funny enough, I didn’t actually enjoy squash at the beginning my heart was set on becoming an Olympic swimmer, but thanks to his constant support, I’ve been able to achieve so many of my goals throughout my junior career. He’s coached me my entire life, and we still work together to this day. Without his encouragement, guidance, and a whole lot of patience, I wouldn’t have had the same opportunities that I’m so grateful for now. What do you think is the most important quality for success in squash? I believe the most important quality for success in squash is self-belief. You can have countless people around you who believe in your potential, but at the end of the day, it’s just you and your opponent on the court. The independence and inner strength to genuinely believe that you’re capable of giving your best every time you step out there has to come from within.

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When you’re not on the court, what do you enjoy doing in your free time? An important part of my life is balance. I love to hangout with my family, and friends in my spare time, but also do activities individually such as reading, walking, and shopping. prioritising activities that aren’t always squash related. What’s one thing you’ve learned through playing squash that you apply to other areas of your life? One of the biggest things I’ve learned through playing squash is the importance of planning and structure. Just like I plan my training sessions to get the most out of each one, I’ve learned to plan my days outside of squash too whether it’s balancing study, rest, or time with friends. It’s taught me that being organised doesn’t just help with performance, but also makes life feel more manageable and less overwhelming. If you could change one thing about the sport of squash, what would it be? I would love to see squash have a bigger profile to attract bigger crowds, more prize money and increase funding to support more squashies onto the world stage. What’s your ultimate goal in squash, and how do you plan to achieve it? I would love the opportunity to represent New Zealand in singles and doubles in the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. It’s always been a dream of mine to play doubles on a big stage, and hopefully medal with someone I have grown up playing with. What’s something people might not know about you? If I had to choose any meal for the rest of my life it would be pasta...or soup.

WATCH ON SQUASHNZ.TV

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Guest Writer – Rachel McLeod

More Than a Game When people used to ask me “what’s squash?”, I would give a quirky scripted answer along these lines: “it’s this game where you’re inside a concrete box and you chase a little black ball around, it’s kinda like tennis, but better”. The reality is that squash is so much more than the game itself. I grew up in the New Zealand squash scene with my big brother and big sister. At 17 months older than me, my big sister was my hero. Growing up I would’ve done anything she said, so when I first took to the court at 11 years old and she told me that I had to serve to her forehand every time and she served to my backhand, I didn’t question it for a second. When it was time to play in my first tournament she gave me a pep talk - “it’s actually pretty good when you lose because your opponent buys you a drink!”. She had lost every single match she played in her first year of playing 3/0, so she was preparing me for the harsh reality of competitive F grade squash. There were a lot of mixed emotions when I found myself at the bar after the game buying my opponent a drink. Squash is a lesson in learning to be happy for the success of others. Early Lessons and Growing Pains

From these inauspicious beginnings we soldiered on. I eventually realised that I was allowed to serve to her backhand and she didn’t hold it against me that I found it a bit easier to start with than she did. When we were 17 and 18 we found ourselves vying for spots in the NZ junior team for the world championships. Long story short, I didn’t make it and found myself enduring the world’s longest car ride home back to Auckland from Napier sharing the car with the girls who did make the team and the coaches. The windscreen froze, the heating wouldn’t work, and my heart was broken. Squash is a lesson in learning how to cope when your all isn’t enough. Finding Home Far from Home

At 18 I headed for a gap year in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The first thing I did was find the local squash club and join up. At the Belfast Boat Club I found an instant place of belonging, wrapped in the care and companionship of fellow squash players who looked out for a young girl on the other side of the world. They believed in me and they helped me to believe in myself again. Squash is a community. Pride and Pain

I returned to NZ with a renewed love of squash. I wanted to do myself proud and play for me. I did pretty well - I managed to get to a best ranking of #5

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in NZ (still #3 in my family), but my body had other plans for me. I was been riddled with injuries, and after operations on my knee, shoulder (x2), hip, and both lower legs I decided it was time to step away. Squash is brutal on your body. The Long Hiatus

I didn’t play squash for 8 years, but longed for the game and community I loved. Then masters came around. A little fire ignited in me...maybe, just maybe I could do it all again. The comeback was spectacular - I got back to A1, I won my second age group title (35-39) 24 years after winning my first one as a 12 year old (NZ U13 champion), and was selected for the NZ Masters team for the Trans-tasman competition. During the first match of that series my opponent ran into me and I ruptured my ACL for a second time. Squash is unpredictable. Facing the Final Blow

So here I am, two additional knee surgeries (taking my total surgery count to 8), and finding out that I actually have a connective tissue disorder that puts me at extreme risk of joint dislocation and injury. The advice of the doctors is “if you play squash again, the question is not if you will have another major injury, but when”. That is a pretty grim reality. Yet, every few months a wee spark in me starts to flicker... “but maybe I could just play Mitchell Cup”... “but maybe...”. And I think that sums up what squash is: knowing that playing again WILL result in another catastrophic injury yet still contemplating another spectacular comeback far too many times to be considered sensible. So what is squash? Squash is home.

RACHEL MCLEOD Rachel McLeod was a top New Zealand junior, consistently ranked among the best in her age group. She won the Irish Junior Open while on her OE, reached a career-high A1 grade, and was once ranked 5th nationally in senior women. Rachel has stayed involved in the sport through coaching, NZ team management, and her work as a sport psychologist with Squash NZ’s high performance programme. She recently represented New Zealand in the 2022 Masters Trans-Tasman Test Series.

Late BLOOMER

LATE BLOOMER

P59

BY NATHAN CLARKE

CORY MCCARTNEY PROVES THAT DREAMS DON’T EXPIRE There’s a strange, persistent fantasy that clings to the back of the minds of many armchair athletes. Watching the world’s best compete, these dreamers convince themselves that, given a little more time or a change in circumstances, they could have been at the top. Shortly after Paris 2024 finished, a British survey showed that nearly 27% of people believe they could qualify for the 2028 Olympics if they started training now. For some, the fantasy lingers. For others, it fades. But for Cory McCartney, that fantasy wasn’t a wistful daydream. It became his reality. McCartney was already 19 years old when he first picked up a squash racket. In a sport where the pathway to professional ranks is usually laid out in childhood, with years of coaching and junior competition, McCartney is an outlier - someone who wasn’t supposed to make it. Yet, in 2023, the Toronto native had fought his way to a career-high world ranking of no.146. His journey, improbable and defiant, is a testament to what is possible when ambition meets an almost irrational persistence. To understand McCartney’s rise, it helps to start where his sporting life began: not with squash, but with gymnastics. “I was a national-level gymnast,” McCartney says. “From the time I was five until I was 16, I trained 24 hours a week.” His goal was clear: representing Canada at the Olympics. But fate, as it often does, had different plans. “I fell badly and herniated a disc in my back. That was the end of my gymnastics career,” McCartney says. Like many young athletes, McCartney found himself standing in the wreckage of a dream and was left with a void.

“His journey, improbable and defiant, is a testament to what is possible when ambition meets an almost irrational persistence”

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LATE BLOOMER “Gymnastics is a young man’s sport, so once you know you’re not going to make it to the Olympics, there’s nowhere else to go,” he explains. His entire life had revolved around training, and suddenly, that structure was gone. McCartney turned to other sports, looking for something to fill the gap gymnastics had left. He tried his hand at rugby and basketball, excelling in both at a “decent” high school standard. But it wasn’t until he began university that squash entered his life. What began as casual games with his father and brother quickly became something more. “It was just something fun at first,” McCartney says. “But I got the bug immediately.” The fun turned serious when McCartney realised how challenging squash truly was. “We were good athletes,” he says, “but there were these old guys at the University of Toronto who would kick our ass every time we played.” It was the first time McCartney had experienced the frustration of losing in a sport, and it sparked something in him. “We just couldn’t figure out how to beat them,” he says, laughing. “It was a totally different kind of challenge.” That challenge quickly became an obsession. “Squash has this mental grind that you don’t find in a lot of other sports,” McCartney says. “ I love the skill set, but you get that in a lot of racket sports, you could argue, but I think what separates squash is that real physical and mental grind.” He likens it to his earlier days in gymnastics, where mental toughness was just as important as physical strength. “In squash, you’re in the same space as your opponent. It’s a battle, and the only way you win is by digging deeper than they can. There’s a masochistic pleasure from coming through a five-game battle and knowing that you managed to dig deeper - I love that side of the game.” In just a few years, McCartney went from picking up a squash racket for the first time to competing in tournaments. His trajectory was unusual, to say the least. “I picked it up when I was 19/20 and within a couple of years, I was winning local and regional A-draws,” he says. The rapid rise through the local ranks led to McCartney considering something he never could have imagined: going pro. By this time, McCartney had completed a degree in neuroscience at UOT - a field he had once thought would define his career. But as the allure of squash grew, and by the time McCartney finished his degree he found himself at a crossroads. “I had spent all these years training to become a neuroscientist,” he says, “but the more I played squash, the more I realised that I didn’t want to spend my life in a lab. I wanted to see how far I could go in this sport.” It was a fellow squash player, Kale Wilson, who pushed McCartney to take the leap. “He convinced me,” McCartney says. “He said, ‘You’re playing well enough. Why not give it a try?’” And so, against the advice of his family and friends, McCartney turned down the path of professional squash - a path that would prove to be anything but easy.

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“In squash, you’re in the same space as your opponent. It’s a battle, and the only way you win is by digging deeper than they can. There’s a masochistic pleasure from coming through a five-game battle and knowing that you managed to dig deeper - I love that side of the game” Life on the professional squash tour is far from the glamorous image often associated with elite sports. “It’s difficult - it is a grind,” McCartney says bluntly. “The lower-level tournaments don’t pay much, and you’re constantly balancing the need to earn money with the desire to improve your game.” For McCartney, a life-altering solution appeared when he took a job at a small squash facility where he could coach and still travel to compete. “I happened to fall into a job at a small squash facility, where they were willing to have me come in as a traveling pro. They were happy to have me on board as a coach, but one that travelled to play events - so that allowed me to make enough money to pay rent and live - so I could survive. That enabled me to go on the tour - that was kind of my big introduction, but playing full-time was never an option.” The reality of the professional squash tour is one of constant hustle. “You’re playing fiveand ten-thousand-dollar events, traveling around the world, staying in budget hotels, and hoping you can break even,” McCartney says. “It’s tough.”

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LATE BLOOMER The financial and mental strain of the tour echoes the journey of NFL legend Kurt Warner, who, like McCartney, took an unconventional path to the top. Warner spent years working in a grocery store and playing in the Arena Football League before finally getting his break in the NFL. McCartney draws a parallel between his own struggles. “It’s humbling,” McCartney says. “You’re putting everything into this, and there are moments when you wonder if it’s all worth it.” Every match, every tournament, no matter the level, is a battle both on and off the court. “Everyone thought I was crazy - quitting my full-time job to play squash as a pro after only playing the game for a few years,” McCartney says. His family was sceptical, but his conviction never wavered. He knew he had to give himself a shot. “I told myself, ‘You’ve got one shot to do something like this…why not try?’ The allure of that challenge is so strong for me, I wanted to, and still want to, just get the most I can out of myself and see as far as I can go - I don’t want to leave with questions hanging around about whether I could gotten more from myself.” In 2019, his breakthrough came at the Nash Cup in London, Ontario. After battling through the qualifiers, McCartney found himself facing Ireland’s Stuart Hadden, a far more experienced player. The match was a gruelling five-set affair, lasting 79 minutes. “It was a battle,” McCartney recalls. “There was diving, calls going back and forth, but I managed to win 12-10 in the fifth.”

P61

That victory was a turning point for McCartney. “That match made me feel like I belonged on tour,” he says. “When you start late in a sport, it’s hard to feel like you fit in. “When you’ve only been playing for a few years and you’re on tour with people who’ve been doing this since they were kids, there’s this lingering feeling that you don’t deserve to be there - so there was always a little bit of, almost imposter-syndrome at the beginning. “But that win gave me the confidence to keep going - it sort of justified the sacrifices in many ways.” But even as McCartney began to find his footing, the challenges kept coming. The COVID-19 pandemic put the professional squash tour on hold, and for McCartney, the timing couldn’t have been worse. “I was 28, and I had finally gotten a couple of years of experience on tour,” he says. “Then everything stopped.” The enforced break was more difficult than he expected. “It took me a lot longer than I thought to get back to playing well,” McCartney admits. Yet, through all the setbacks, McCartney’s love for squash has remained unwavering. Even after sustaining an MCL injury at the end of last season, McCartney made the decision to renew his membership with the PSA (Professional Squash Association) for another year. “I thought about hanging it up,” he says, “but I still love the game. As long as I’m healthy and competitive, I’ll keep going to see how far I can go.”

“Now 32, McCartney sits at No. 185 in the world rankings. His journey, stitched together through persistence and passion, is a rare example of what can happen when a person refuses to give up on their dreams” Now 32, McCartney sits at No. 185 in the world rankings. His journey, stitched together through persistence and passion, is a rare example of what can happen when a person refuses to give up on their dreams. He regularly shares his story with the juniors he coaches, many of whom worry that starting late will put them at a disadvantage. “I tell them all the time - it’s never too late,” McCartney says. “A lot of these kids feel like they’ve missed the boat, especially when they see others who’ve been playing since they were 10. But I’m living proof that it’s not about when you start, it’s about how hard you work once you get started. “I didn’t start until I was 19, and I’ve made it this far. They can do it too. “So there’s hope for all the dreamers out there,” McCartney says. “You’ve got one shot to do something like this…why not try?” There’s something profoundly comforting in McCartney’s words. The only thing you can’t afford to lose is your belief.

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Whanganui Squash Club WHANGANUI / CENTRAL DISTRICT Over the past year, the Whanganui Squash Club has experienced a period of remarkable growth and revitalization. Through a range of strategic initiatives focused on increasing engagement and membership, the club has successfully strengthened its position as a key hub for squash in the Central District. A major highlight has been the resurgence of the club’s junior programme, which has seen a wave of young players returning to the courts. The junior membership base has grown significantly, rising from 11 to 28 full junior members. This renewed energy has not only bolstered participation but also laid a strong foundation for future talent development. The club’s female membership has also thrived, increasing from 77 to 94. This growth is largely attributed to the introduction of dedicated women’s sessions, which have successfully encouraged female players to step into tournaments and regional competitions. Efforts to boost participation across all levels have yielded impressive results. The popular Business House competition was expanded, and Club Night was revitalized, creating a more inclusive and engaging environment for players of all skill levels. As a result, many casual players have transitioned into full-time members. While casual memberships dropped by 59, this was offset by a strong gain of 84 full members. Additionally, the “New to Squash” special membership deal attracted 36 new players—double the number from the previous period. In terms of performance, the club’s players have shone across various competitive platforms. Junior athletes Thor Darlington and Max Mathews were selected for the district junior team, while seniors Kent Darlington and Matt Ratcliffe represented the district at senior nationals. Paul Tuffin and Matt Nation earned spots on the masters team, and six players competed in the Central vs Eastern Senior Challenge, with two others in the Central vs Wellington Junior Challenge. The club’s crowning achievement came with their team winning the NZ Masters Club Team Champs, and they proudly sent a team to the prestigious Cousins Shield for the first time in 40 years—an historic milestone for the club.

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The club has also made major investments in its facilities, including the installation of a new ventilation system for the courts and an upgrade to the deck area. Regular working bees have fostered a strong sense of community, with members pitching in to maintain the club before enjoying a shared BBQ. A part-time administrator now welcomes members and the public throughout the week, and a new website has been launched to centralize communications, updates, and key policies. Sponsorship has played a critical role in supporting club activities. This year, the club secured 14 sponsors across court signage, tournament partnerships, and the Business House competition. Local businesses generously contributed goods and discounts for the NZ Masters Club Teams Champs, enhancing the event experience. The club also increased lounge and bar hire, generating valuable off-season income. Financially, the Treasurer restructured the accounts to optimize interest earnings and secure discounts through annual payments on key expenses. Finally, the Whanganui Squash Club continues to serve as a central hub for the district—hosting meetings, the AGM, awards dinners, and two of the region’s most successful tournaments: the NZ Masters Club Teams Champs and the Central Open. With future-focused planning and a vibrant community spirit, the club is wellpositioned for continued success.

Recruiting Volunteers Tournaments cannot be run alone and having a team of support around you can make this experience a lot more enjoyable Before you start recruiting volunteers it is good to make a list of what you need help with before the tournament and what you need help with during the tournament. It is also helpful to create a roster with the different roles during the event with time slots for volunteers to add their names to, this is a great way to know when you are short on helpers.

Recruiting volunteers: •

Start with asking your committee for their help and get them to ask around on your behalf.

•

Talk to your members, put notices up around the club, in your club newsletter and emails to your members asking for help and sharing the tasks list/ roster.

•

Look at your older club juniors to see if they are willing to give back to their club.

•

Parents of juniors playing are often stuck at the club, to see if you can get them involved.

•

Don’t be afraid to ask your new members, it is a great way for them to meet other members and become part of the club.

Check out the volunteer template tab in the Event planning spreadsheet for example templates. Create your own schedule or update these to suit your club tournament’s needs, print out the rosters, display them around the club and encourage your members to put their names down to help. Another option is to create a google form with the tasks and timeslots and send this out via email to your members.

Click here to find out more

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Share your club’s uplift journey! Email jamie@squashnz.co.nz

COURT RENEWAL AT HERNE BAY RACKETS CLUB / AUCKLAND The Herne Bay Rackets Club has a proud history of success in Squash, but their courts were beginning to look tired and in poor condition, because of work not being done to them in several years. The club wanted to restore the facility and bring it back to life, making it a great place for their members and future participants. In February 2023, Auckland was hit by devastating flash floods, which were triggered by an unprecedented rainfall event. It was described as the worst flooding in the city’s modern history and left many sports clubs with damage to their facilities. Herne Bay Rackets club suffered flood damage to their courts because of the drainage around the facility not being able to cope with the volume of water that fell in such a short space of time. This event was the catalyst for the Courts renewal project getting underway. What work was undertaken The club did a complete refit of all four courts including new floors, refurbished side walls, new front walls, new LED lighting and some other minor works like painting, cleaning of dividing curtains and new ceiling tiles. They also put in new drainage to protect the facility from future weather events. What products and services did you use Lighting: They went with LED battens as they were an easy replacement for the existing hanging fluorescent tube system. They considered a ceiling panel system, but their ceiling tile layout didn’t suit this well. Supply and installation were by BLH Electrical, whose owner is a long-standing club member and sponsor.

Flooring: Supply and install Junckers floor system (WSF accredited flooring) by Hardwood Technology was chosen as they are NZ’s top sports floor company with huge experience. The club had very little height to work making options limited,but the Junckers system is a beautiful product with great cushioning. Front Walls: They installed new ASB Squash System 40. (sand backed particle board) The ASB system is a world leading system ideal for fitting inside existing buildings. Side Walls: The existing side walls were made from Armourcoat Plaster, a UK specialist plaster for squash walls. Unfortunately, they were unable to be restored as they had deteriorated too much, so had to be coated with an overcoat system and painted with Resene Squash Court Paint. Rear Glass Walls: These had to be removed and reinstalled to facilitate the demolition and work undertaken. This was carried out by Wood gass. Custom Clearance: By JF Ross Brokers who were recommend by Nevon Barbour Painting: The painting was done by Tony Dye, an exsquash pro, they met while doing regular maintenance at Remuera Rackets Club. Tony was a great Painter, and the club would highly recommend him. Demolition/ Labor / Local Supplies: The club was fortunate to have Steve Livesay, a long-term member of the club, and his company Oxcon who provided services at cost. What was the cost of the work undertaken Total cost was $245,000 for the Four courts. This was under their initial budget. If you would like a further cost breakdown, reach out to the club. The club was able to get some of the funding through an insurance settlement after the floods, and the rest came from a combination of grants (thanks to Lion Foundation and Pub Charity) and club fundraising.

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What have been your learnings • Need to be conscious of the details like heights of floor vs the walls and doors. • Closing the facility and doing the work is a big undertaking so make sure you do everything you can while you have the right gear and access. • We will be maintaining the courts much better than we had previously. Unfortunately, we let the wear and tear get too much to restore, so the only way was a full refit. • It would have been nice to redo the ceilings, but we were conscious of not exceeding our budget. Renovations can be challenging to maintain to budget, so we elected not to do this. Unfortunately, this will be much harder without the glass and flooring removed so it might be some time before this happens. • We still have to do some major repairs to the roof and exterior of the facility, so have reserved some funds to get a good start on that project. What has been the feedback: We have had excellent feedback from our members and visitors. The courts play beautifully, are well lit and feel great. “Energy and activity at the club is near back to its peak”. We are now working hard on recruitment of new squash members, and planning towards hosting more regional & national tournaments. Just recently we hosted the Northern Regions Quads Junior team’s tournament between Northland, Auckland, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty. It went tremendously well, and the players all commented about the great on-court experience.

Acknowledgements: We would like to thank Neven Barbour for his support and advice at all stages of the project. Huge thanks to all our supporters, funders, and especially Steve (and his company Oxcon) for project managing the squash courts upgrade. We are very lucky to have someone as experienced in this area as Steve, and he was a key factor in why we achieved completion of the project on time and under budget.

If you are looking for info on developing your facility, jump on our Facility Support page, we have Contractor Contacts, Special Offers and more to help clubs out. 27

referee PLAYER CONDUCT AND DISSENT If you watch many of the PSA matches, or follow comments about decisions on social media, you may be aware there are lots of different opinions about how referees approach player behaviour. We have heard the word ‘dissent’ used quite a bit lately, so what exactly does this mean? To dissent is to publicly disagree with an official opinion or decision. In the context of a squash match, this is to disagree with the decision of the referee. Player conduct toward referees in squash is taken pretty seriously, especially in organized or competitive play. So, let’s take a look at what is considered acceptable and unacceptable behaviour and what may be likely to get you in hot water with the ref:

Acceptable Conduct

• Respectful communication: Players may politely ask for clarification or an explanation on a decision (e.g., “Can I ask why that was a stroke?”). Under the rules, the referee MAY give an explanation, but this is not an automatic right for the player and it is not an ongoing open discussion. • Acknowledging decisions: Even if a player disagrees, they’re expected to accept the referee’s call respectfully and without argument. • Minimal, calm appeals: Players can appeal for a let or stroke, but it must be done respectfully and without aggressive body language. • Non-verbal feedback: A shake of the head or a shrug might be tolerated, as long as it’s not disrespectful or excessive.

Unacceptable Conduct

Referees have the authority to: • Issue a conduct warning

• Making comments to the referee before they have made their decision

• Award a conduct stroke (penalty point to opponent)

• Arguing or challenging decisions aggressively

• Award a conduct match in extreme cases

• Ongoing discussion after a decision • Using foul or abusive language • Intimidating or trying to influence the referee (physically or verbally) • Throwing racquets, hitting walls, or showing visible frustration aimed at the official • Persistent dissent: Even if it’s not loud or abusive, continually questioning the referee can lead to penalties.

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What Happens If a Player Crosses the Line?

• Issue a conduct game • Depending on the severity of the offence, the first penalty may start at any of these levels It is important to always remember that referees are volunteers, they are doing the best they can and making a judgement call based on what they see in real time. Realistically, they may not always get it right, and their perspective from the back of the court may well be different to that of the players. However, the emphasis must always be on maintaining respect, sportsmanship and the flow of the game.

Hey Ref!

Q

When is encouragement to a player considered coaching during play?

Providing support to a player during a game is permitted, as long as it is not instructing the player in any way. This includes hand signals, such as indicating to the back corners or down the walls etc. Supporters should consider the words they use when supporting, for example “take your time”, “focus” or “play your game” could all be considered to be coaching as they are instructions.

A

Generic encouragement such as applauding a good rally, or “good shot” are acceptable as they are not specific instructions Coaching is only allowed during the intervals between games. If the referee is aware of a player receiving coaching during the game, a conduct penalty may be applied to the player.

Rule 15.6.10 Conduct – Receiving coaching during play

h

s a u q s

a i v i tr

Q1: In what NZ City was squash first played? Q2: How many Commonwealth medals has Joelle King won? Q3. How many of those medals were gold? Q4. What is the venue for squash in the 2028 LA Olympics? Q5: True or False: the NZ Junior Team beat Australia in the recent Trans-Tasman Test series? Q6: Who is the current mens world number 1 squash player? Q7: What material were the first squash rackets made from? Q8: True or False: A digital subscription to MySquash is free?

Do you have a refereeing question or a situation you are not sure about?

Answers on p. 30

Chances are others may have the same query. Send your query to our NZ Referees c/mikejack@xtra.co.nz and we will share the answers with the squash community each month.

Please note – every situation is different and without seeing the exact context (player skill, direction of movement etc) we are giving our responses based on the rules and some guidance on how to apply them.

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Coach Profile DINO MICHALAKIS

Hawkes Bay Lawn Tennis and Squash Club in Napier. What inspired you to get into coaching? Ha. I was never inspired to be a coach. It was in my DNA. Up until the day I became a father, I saw myself as an athlete, selfishly spending countless hours running, biking, swimming, competing in ironman and marathons. From the day I became a dad, ‘selfish athlete’ instinctively became a life coach for my family and kids. As a parent you are a coach in every aspect of life for each of your children. As they grow you become a role model, not only to them, but to their friends and eventually the wider community. A part of this experience sometimes involves coaching kids in sport. As a youngster I was on the receiving end of a wealth of coaching experiences, some positive and some not so. This allowed me to develop my tools and skills to compete at a very high level in seven different sporting codes. Squash is a sport I have always loved and so as a part of giving back, I bring a wealth of ideas, angles and experiences to my approach as a coach. As I reminisce about my personal squash journey, squash for me was a hugely positive experience. I started as a child at 4 years old, with a sawn down wooden blue racket with a neatly wrapped rag towel as a grip. I learnt on a dusty, sandy squash court open to the elements in the desert, overseas in the Middle East. It was a family affair with my parents and three siblings all playing regularly on the hand made squash court my father and friends built. When we moved to New Zealand I became a Junior, first at Papakura and then Howick squash club back in the 80s and 90s. In all my variety of sporting codes, I remember the effort of individuals who gave me the tools for mental and physical growth as a sportsman. I remember the communities who created vibrant atmospheres and events which you wanted to be a part of. They were really positive experiences, which I’d love to recreate for my family and our local squash community. Trying to recreate these positive experiences is what inspires me today. It’s like the full circle of (squash) life, coming back around, from the moment I introduced my 4, 5 and 7 year old to the squash court for the first time it was history repeating itself.

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So, I guess my coaching journey started with my positive experiences as a youth. Then as a father passing on the positive tools to my children. It then changed to creating an experience for my family, and now it’s flowing into an experience for the whole community. What is your coaching philosophy? I believe wholly that ‘if there is a will, there is a way’. I believe anybody can achieve their goals and dreams in any skill, sport or activity, whether it be playing a violin, becoming a doctor or playing squash. I am a believer that if the individual is willing to put in the hours of dedication towards any skill, they can eventually master that skill. All it takes is the right amount of dedicated practice. I look for the willingness in an individual. I try to foster and grow the willingness. If the individual is more willing, they become more dedicated. It’s the dedicated individuals that will eventually achieve their dreams in the end.

What is something surprising you have learned about coaching? Everyone is a coach!! I know this for a fact now. To a certain level, everyone is always coaching in every facet of life. In life, in general we learn from our parents, teachers, peers. We don’t learn everything from just one person in life, and it’s the same in squash. I like now to explain and teach my players in a way they understand why and what they are doing so that they might be able to reproduce our session with another person. That way, they in their own way, also become feeders of information. I believe dozens of mini coaches passing on and teaching the masses good positive information is better than one good coach not getting the information to the masses. I believe anyone can pass pearls of wisdom to others, no matter their age, young or old. My children, aged 11, 9 and 8, regularly coach other kids. I had my youngest when he was 6 helping me feed balls to teenagers on the court. I am currently being coached by a 65 year old ex multiple time club champ at our club. The kids are learning, I am learning, the 65 year old veteran is learning, you are never too young or old to learn. Once we are taught something positive by somebody, I hope we will go on and help ten others with that same information. If everyone does this in a constructive way, it creates an amazing environment where so many people are willing to give a little to someone else. It’s a bit like a pyramid scheme!! What advice would you give to new coaches? Look at the people in front of you. Get to know them well and listen to where they are in life and on their sporting journey. Learn where they want to go. Then draw on your experiences and your knowledge. Hand on your tools and knowledge and experience in a positive and memorable way to send them further on their journey. If they have a positive experience they may bring others to share their experiences on this journey and if we’ve done our job right, they themselves will be able to use and hand their tools, knowledge and experiences to recreate further positive flow on.

THANK YOU

for a grant to help us with Coach Developent and the development of MySquash

Answers to squash trivia (from p 29) A1: Christchurch (1907) A2: 8 A3: 5 A4: Universal Studios Lot

I believe anyone can pass pearls of wisdom to others, no matter their age, young or old

A5: False – Australia won 21 – 11 A6: Mostafa Asal A7: Wood (usually ash) A8: True – it is free to everyone

Dino Michalakis

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the grip WHERE IS THE PROPER PLACE TO HOLD THE SQUASH RACKET?

Joelle King’s grip

Paul Coll’s grip

At the recent coaching conference, a question was asked of one of the pathway players: “Why do you hold the racket high up on the grip?” The player couldn’t give a technical answer—just that it felt comfortable. They did acknowledge, however, that their grip changes depending on the situation. If you look closely at top players, you’ll see the same adaptability. For example, Paul Coll tends to use what I’d call a short grip, while Ali Farag opts for a more neutral grip. But during a rally, this can change. When retrieving a ball deep in the back court, players often shorten their grip for greater control and to allow more room to swing the racket. Conversely, when reaching fully into the front court, they may lengthen their grip to get that little bit of extra reach or when they have time to generate more power. In simple terms: • Shorter grip = more control • Longer grip = more power Ultimately, what matters most is comfort and adaptability. That said, here are a few fundamentals of a sound squash grip: Think of holding a pen Your grip should create a V shape between your thumb and forefinger, running along the edge of the racket handle. This V provides a stable foundation for your shots. Your forefinger should extend slightly up the

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shaft—much like a conductor guiding an orchestra. This extension allows finer control over the racket head and helps with precision and touch. Your grip pressure should be balanced—not too tight to avoid tension, and not too loose to prevent instability. I heard at a coaching course someone offer a brilliant analogy: “Hold it like a wine glass. Too tight, and you’ll break the glass. Too loose, and you’ll drop it.” It’s a perfect comparison—especially for those in the Women & Wine programme! A good grip enables consistent racket face control and better decision-making under pressure. Without it, you may struggle to progress or adapt in tough match situations. So, take a moment to assess your grip. Does it give you both comfort and control? Happy playing!

Watch Jesse from SquashSkills share his tips on the grip HERE

National Coaching Conference: A WEEKEND OF LEARNING, SHARING, AND CONNECTION The National Coaching Conference, 4–6 April at Club K in Wellington brought together passionate coaches and coach developers from across the country for a weekend of learning, connection, and inspiration. It all kicked off on Friday with a session for current or potential coach developers. People came from six squash districts— including guests from other sports codes and a partnership with Nuku Ora. This initial session set the tone for the weekend, featuring insightful presentations from Sport NZ on their approach to coach development. External experts also shared their wisdom on essential skills for coach developers, including how to handle tricky conversations, crafting memorable learning experiences, and employing effective problem-solving techniques. The main conference followed over the weekend, and it was buzzing with energy. There were handson sessions, powerful stories, and plenty of lightbulb moments. Emma Millar took the stage to talk about how she created the 13 & Under Squash Festival—a fun and exciting event that’s inspiring kids, parents, and young coaches alike. Sport NZ built on their earlier messages with an update on the “Balance is Better” philosophy and introduced their new Sport Pathways framework. These are both designed to help young athletes thrive in a positive and well-rounded way. Jonathan Kemp demonstrations featuring players from the pathway programmes showed theory turned into action. Meanwhile, Robbie Wyatt’s session on deception—teaching it from beginner to advanced levels—sparked plenty of creativity as coaches considered how to bring those ideas into their own settings. Fletch introduced Squash Stars, our brand-new junior programme, and unpacked the “SMILES” approach. He also demonstrated how using coaching cards and games-based learning can add a fun, tactical twist to sessions. Of course, the weekend wasn’t just about workshops and presentations. Coaches had loads of chances to catch up, share stories, and build new relationships.

That sense of community was one of the biggest wins of the weekend. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with the conference scoring an average of 4.5 out of 5. Here are just a few things people said: “Learning about Squash Stars and the new phrase ‘SMILES’ was fantastic!” “Great conference with an excellent variety of coaching options to consider.” “Learning about the squash festival was inspiring— we can do it too!” “It was great to have the conference again and see some new faces—our network is growing.” A big thank you to Myles and the team at Club K for being such amazing hosts. And a shoutout to our presenters—Emma Millar, Robbie Wyatt, Jonathan Kemp, Kelly Curr (Sport NZ), Garratt Williamson (BBNZ), and David King (Sport Manawatu)—for bringing their energy, ideas, and experience to the stage. As the conference wrapped up, there was a real buzz in the air. People left feeling energised, connected, and ready to take what they’d learned back to their clubs and communities. The connections made and knowledge shared will have a lasting impact on the coaching community, driving forward the development of coaches and athletes alike.

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Gavin King

May Gavin, unlike most students, has been a long-standing member of the Otago University Squash Club joining in 2012 and becoming actively involved in the club’s administration in 2016 covering many positions. Since 2018 he has held the positions of Secretary/Treasurer which he continues to hold today. This is such an important position especially Gavin’s continuous service in dealing with a transient membership. He really is the glue that has kept the Otago University Squash Club sustainable and relevant over many years. As Secretary/Treasurer, Gavin has overseen all aspects of the club’s administration and maintenance including running club nights and tournaments, encouraging new and grading players, interacting with OUSA and the Otago University; applying for funding; bar work including replenishing stocks - in fact he has been ‘johnnie on the spot’ taking care of anything that needed doing. Gavin’s dedication to the club has seen him totally involved and spending numerous hours in trying to find a new home for the students which has included dealing with the frustrating and unsuccessful negotiations with various sporting groups and councils. 34

Gavin was also part of the negotiating team that secured a temporary arrangement with the Otago Squash Club which has allowed the students certainty and continuity as a club until they can achieve ‘their goal’ of having their own ‘home’ again obviously based in North Dunedin close to the University Campus. Gavin is an active and regular interclub and tournament player and is a very popular and respected person within the Dunedin squash community. He is ready to help with and support all squash initiatives and clubs with his common sense, reliable and methodical work ethic. Last year Gavin was recognized for his outstanding service to the club with life-membership.

NEW ZEALANDERS LEAD THE WORLD New Zealanders were a dominating presence in world squash in the 1980s. The decade began with Murray Day president of the international Squash Rackets Federation and ended with Susie Simcock as vice-president of the World Squash Federation (She was to become its president in 1996). The Women’s Squash Players Association was formed in 1984 and New Zealander Robyn Blackwood was elected to chair it. Stuart Davenport chaired the equivalent men’s body, the International Squash Players Associated, from 1986-90. New Zealand wasn’t doing too badly on court at the time, either, with Susan Devoy ruling women’s squash from 1986-90 and Ross Norman world men’s champion in 1996. Source: Long or Short? the Story of New Zealand Squash, written by Joseph Romanos

35

New Features CLIMB THE RANKS: MySquash Launches Exciting New Ladders Feature for Clubs and Players

GRADING LIST FAVOURITES and Saved Filters for Smarter Navigation

We are proud to unveil an exciting new feature in its MySquash Competitions platform — Ladders — designed to foster greater participation, friendly competition, and stronger connections within the squash community. The new Ladders functionality enables clubs to run dynamic, ongoing internal competitions where players can challenge each other to climb the rankings. It offers a fun, low-pressure way to keep members engaged and active throughout the year. Importantly, this feature is not limited to clubs alone. All subscribed players now have the power to create their own social ladders—perfect for organising competitive play among friends, training partners, or local groups. Whether you’re playing for fun or climbing toward the top spot, Ladders makes tracking results and progress simple and rewarding. “Our goal with Ladders is to make squash more accessible and engaging at every level,” says the Squash New Zealand team. “It’s about encouraging regular play and strengthening the social side of our sport, which is just as important as competition.” To help users get started, a comprehensive user guide is available now via the Help page in MySquash, with step-by-step video guides coming soon. Whether you’re managing a club or looking to add structure to your casual games, Ladders offers a new way to connect, compete, and improve. Log in today and start your climb to the top.

Navigating the Grading List in MySquash just got a whole lot easier, thanks to the introduction of two new features: Favourites and Saved Filters. Players can now mark favourite profiles for quick access—ideal for keeping track of family members, interclub teammates, or frequently viewed competitors. Simply hover over the player’s rank in the left-hand column and click the star icon that appears. Once selected, tick the ‘Favourites’ checkbox in the top-right corner of the grading list to instantly filter and view only those marked players. On mobile devices, users can access this functionality by tapping into the Filters menu and selecting ‘Show only favourites’. In addition, MySquash will now remember your last set of filters on a given device. That means if you’ve sorted or narrowed the grading list in a particular way, the system will automatically retain that view the next time you return—eliminating the need to reselect filters each time. Note that this filtered view is stored locally on your device (via caching), so it will only apply when accessing MySquash from the same device and browser. These upgrades are all about making the platform more intuitive and tailored to your preferences—giving you more time to focus on the game, not the clicks. Check out the video demonstration HERE

If you have questions regarding MySquash Please send your question to admin@squashnz.co.nz

36

How-To How to save MySquash and MySquash Competitions to your home screen for quick access anytime iPhone or iPad 1. Open Safari, navigate to MySquash (www.mysquash.nz) and log in. 2. Tap the Share icon at the bottom of the screen, which looks like a box with an up arrow 3. Select Add to Home Screen 4. If prompted, you can edit the name to MySquash 5. Tap Add in the top right corner 6. Go into MySquash Competitions and repeat from step 2. Android 1. Open Chrome, navigate to MySquash (www.mysquash.nz) and log in 2. Tap Share on the right of the address bar 3. Select Add to Home Screen 4. Confirm or edit the website details and tap Add 5. Go into MySquash Competitions and repeat from step 2. You will now have two icons on your home screen to take you straight into MySquash and MySquash Competitions. MySquash is a progressive web app (PWA) which is fully mobile compatible based on the Hello Club platform. That means you can add MySquash to your device’s home screen and run it just like any other app, and even receive push notifications to your mobile device.

HOT TIP

in MySquash Competitions ‘Competitions Actions’ area is where you complete an action, such as enter a tournament or record an interclub result. ‘Current Competitions’ is where you view events, such as tournament or interclub draws and results.

MySquash Competitions: Viewing tournament draws and results Watch the video guide here

MySquash Competitions: How to live score your interclub matches on your device

Rather than having a native app which you download from the App Store or Play Store, this allows it to make the full set of features from the platform available to anyone on any device, and roll out new updates much faster, without having to maintain three different apps.

Watch the video guide here

37

MOST IMPROVED FEMALE

congratulations JULIA CHEN / Eden Epsom

46.8%

MOST IMPROVED MALE

congratulations

MAX WOOLHOUSE / Mangakahia

38

67.9%

North-Island Junior Age Group Championships Whangarei Squash Club | Saturday 28th – Monday 30th June

Entries Enter in MySquash Competitions, Entry fee $45, Entries close Sunday 15th June. Divisions Under 11, 13, 15, 17, 19 boys and girls divisions as at the last day of the tournament. 11am start on Saturday morning. Info Shelley Kitchen manager@whangareisquash.co.nz, 021 167 2817 39

2025 40

SQUASH NEW ZEALAND POIPĀTŪ AOTEAROA

junior EVENT CALENDAR

Event

Date

Venue

New Zealand Junior Open

7th - 9th March

Christchurch Squash Club

Canterbury Junior Open

4th - 6th April

Rangiora Squash Club

Oceania Junior Championships

19th - 21st April

Hamilton Tennis & Squash Club

Central Junior Open

23rd - 25th May

Ohakune Squash Club

Auckland Junior Open

6th - 8th June

Remuera Rackets Club

Waikato Junior Open

12th - 14th June

Morrinsville Squash Club

North Island Junior Championships

28th - 30th June

Whangarei Squash Club

South Island Junior Age Groups

11th - 12th July

Ashburton Squash Club

Wellington Junior Open

17th - 19th July

Tawa Squash Club

Northland Junior Open

25th - 27th July

Keri Keri Squash Club

BOP Junior Open

25th - 27th July

Whakatane Squash Club

NZ Secondary Schools Squash Nationals

1st - 3rd August

Hutt City Squash Club

Eastern Junior Age Groups

22nd - 24th August

Hawkes Bay Squash Rackets Club

Otago Junior Open

22nd - 24th August

Cromwell Squash Club

Southland Junior Open

29th - 31st August

SquashCity Invercargill

Midlands Junior Open

5th - 6th September

Timaru Squash Club

G.J. Gardner Homes NZ Junior Age Group Championships

26th - 28th September

Henderson Squash Club

NZ Inter-Disrtict Junior Team Championships

29th - 30th September

Henderson Squash Club

2025

SQUASH NEW ZEALAND POIPĀTŪ AOTEAROA

masters EVENT CALENDAR Event

Date

Venue

New Zealand Masters Games

6h - 9th February

Whanganui Squash Club

Auckland Masters

20th - 22nd March

Kumeu Squash Club

Central Masters

11th - 12th April

Okato Squash Club

Canterbury Masters

16th - 18th May

Christchurch Football Club

Waikato Masters

22nd - 24th May

Huntly Squash Club

Midlands Masters

11th - 12th July

Ashburton Celtic Squash Club

Wellington Masters

17th - 19th July

Tawa Squash Club

Otago Masters

8th - 9th August

Pirates Squash Club

Masters Club Team Championships

8th - 10th August

Hutt City Squash Club

Northland Masters

22nd - 24th August

Kamo Squash Club

BOP Masters

29th - 31st August

Te Puke Squash Club

Southland Masters

29th - 31st August

SquashCity Invercargill

G.J. Gardner Homes NZ Masters Championships

17th - 19th October

Nelson Squash Club

NZ Inter-Disrict Masters Team Championships

20th - 21st October

Nelson Squash Club

41

2025 42

SQUASH NEW ZEALAND POIPĀTŪ AOTEAROA

DISTRICT OPEN

EVENT CALENDAR

Event

Date

Venue

Waikato Open

14th - 16th March

Hamilton Squash & Tennis Club

Eastern Open

2nd - 4th May

Hastings Squash Club

BOP Open

9th - 11th May

Taupo Squash Club

Auckland Open (PSA)

22nd - 25th May

North Shore Squash Club

Southland Open

23rd - 25th May

SquashCity Invercargill & ILT Stadium Southland

Otago Open

6th - 7th June

Otago Squash Club

Northland Open

6th - 8th June

Whangarei Squash Club

Wellington Open

6th - 8th June

Club Kelburn

Central Open

13th - 15th June

SquashGym Palmerston North

South Island & Canterbury Open

19th - 22nd June

Christchurch Football Club & Richmond Squash Club

Midlands Open (PSA)

28th - 31st June

Temuka Squash Club

2025

SQUASH NEW ZEALAND POIPĀTŪ AOTEAROA

National tournament calendar

Month

Date

Event

Level

District

Club

March

4th - 9th

New Zealand Open

PSA

Canterbury

Isaac Theatre Royal Christchurch

7th - 9th

New Zealand Junior Open

Premier

Canterbury

Christchurch Squash Club

28th - 29th

New Zealand Doubles Championships

Major

Wellington

Hutt City Squash Club

April

19th - 21st

Oceania Junior Championships

Premier

Waikato

Hamilton Tennis & Squash Club

May

30th - 1st

Mitchell Cup & Cousins Shield

Major

Waikato

Cambridge Rackets Club

June

28th - 30th

North Island Junior Championships

Regional

Northland

Whangarei Squash Club

July

4th - 6th

New Zealand Championships + National Graded Champs

Premier

Auckland

North Shore Squash Club

11th - 12th

South Island Junior Age Groups

Regional

Midlands

Ashburton Squash Club

1st - 3rd

NZ Secondary Schools Squash Nationals

Other

Wellington

Hutt City Squash Club

8th - 10th

Masters Club Team Championships

Regional

Wellington

Hutt City Squash Club

15th - 16th

NZ Inter-District Team Championships

Major

Central

Squash Gym Palmerston North

August

G.J. Gardner Homes National Superchamps

September

October

10th - 14th

B Grade Superchamps

Major

Midlands

Timaru Squash Club

10th - 14th

C Grade Superchamps

Major

Otago

Otago Squash Club

10th - 14th

D Grade Superchamps

Major

Southland

SquashCity Invercargill

10th - 14th

E Grade Superchamps

Major

Eastern

Hawkes Bay Squash Rackets Club

10th - 14th

F/J Grade Superchamps

Major

BOP

Geyser City Squash Club

26th - 28th

G.J. Gardner Homes NZ Junior Age Group Championships

Premier

Auckland

Henderson Squash Club

29th - 30th

NZ Inter-District Junior Team Championships

Major

Auckland

Henderson Squash Club

17th - 19th

G.J. Gardner Homes NZ Masters Championships

Major

Canterbury

Nelson Squash Club

20th - 21st

NZ Inter-District Masters Team Championships

Major

Canterbury

Nelson Squash Club

43

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