JULY 2024
JOELLE MAKES HISTORY AT NZ CHAMPS
CLUB UPLIFT NEW GUIDES FOR BETTER COURTS FAQWHY DID THE GRADING SYSTEM CHANGE?
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16. Development programme for juniors in Whanganui
17. Club Uplift - New guides to court improvements
18. Coach profile - Mark Unwin
19. Referee in the hot seat / Allan Bailey
20. Hey Ref!
20. Racketball
22. Volunteer of the month 23. Blast from the past 24. SquashLevels 25. National Tournament Calendar
Chief Executive Update
Tēnā koutou
It definitely feels like we are in the peak of the season. Although I don’t feel it as a participant, with my key Masters events still ahead, I do feel it as an administrator. Supporting the team to lead national events, manage teams offshore, develop the new iSquash/MySquash 2025, and work closely with stakeholders to steer the sport in the right direction for the future keeps the whole team very busy.
I understand some people are still coming to terms with SquashLevels. Rest assured, we are reviewing it in detail and will continue to do so at the end of the season. We will explore how to enhance it for the NZ market and will be surveying everyone for your feedback, likely in late October. Last week, we registered our constitution. While it may not sound
Upcoming events
Event
NZ Secondary Schools Squash Nationals
Masters Club Team Championships
Otago Masters
Wellington Junior Open
Racketball Festival
Central Juniors
Eastern Junior Age Group Open
NZ Inter-District Team Championships
Wellington Masters
Kawaroa Park Racketball Open
exciting, it’s a necessary task. Every club will need to do this sometime next year, and our goal now is to make the process as easy as possible for all our clubs.
Finally, it was great to see Joelle back in action in New Zealand. She is such an amazing role model for squash, and it was magnificent to observe her on court. I had the privilege to watch one of her strength and conditioning sessions at the HP Centre in Cambridge – wow, it made my workouts look very mild in comparison!
Ngā mihi Martin Dowson
Date
2nd - 4th August
9th - 11th August
9th - 11th August
16th - 17th August
17th August
17th - 18th August
23rd - 25th August 31st Aug - 1st Sep 31st Aug - 1st Sep 31st August
Venue
Hutt City Squash Club
Whanganui Squash Club
Alexandra Squash Club
Upper Hutt Squash Club
Devoy Squash and Fitness
Okato Squash Club
Hawkes Bay Lawn Tennis & Squash
Otago Squash Club
Khandallah Tennis & Squash Club
Kawaroa Park Squash Club
Don’t miss any upcoming events. Click HERE to access the full tournament calendar
Wayne Werder Named Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa
Life Member
Wayne Werder has been a notable figure in the world of squash for more than three decades, leaving a mark both nationally and internationally.
His unwavering dedication and significant contributions have seen him awarded a life membership, particularly in light of the recent success of the New Zealand Festival of Squash, which Werder played a key role in running.
Werder’s involvement in squash began as an elite player, representing New Zealand at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games in 1998 where he competed in the mixed doubles and men’s doubles.
Transitioning from a distinguished playing career into administrative roles, his impact on squash in New Zealand became even more pronounced. Serving as the Squash New Zealand Operations Manager for six years and later as Chair of the Squash NZ Board, Werder played a crucial role in shaping the direction of the organisation, with his leadership and vision instrumental in driving initiatives aimed at advancing the sport nationwide.
Werder has also held roles as Assistant Coach and Manager for various international championships, including the 2017 World Doubles Championships and the 2018 Commonwealth Games teams, where his extensive experience both on and off the court made him a valued asset to New Zealand’s athletes.
More recently Werder was instrumental in running the extremely successful New Zealand Festival of Squash, holding the position of Tournament Director in 2022 and 2023. The event not only brought international squash back to New Zealand but also showcased the country on the global stage.
The Festival of Squash was a testament to Werder’s leadership, as he brought together a diverse team to deliver world-class events. Beyond the excitement of international competition, the festival provided opportunities for local squash enthusiasts to upskill and for clubs to receive valuable upgrades. Werder’s vision and determination were key in making the events a resounding success.
“Reflecting on my journey in squash, both on and off the court, I realise the profound impact this sport has had on my life,’ said Werder. “You learn so much through sport, and I am very grateful for all the opportunities I have had.
“I have fond memories of competing on the world circuit and representing New Zealand, and have been fortunate to meet some great people as a result, many who have become lifelong friends. I have always felt a need to give back to the game that has given me so much, so I am glad I have been able to help out a bit.
“Being made a life member is very special. You don’t do it for the recognition, and there are so many other people that also deserve to be singled out, but it is nice to be recognised and I certainly appreciate it.”
The notice board
What’s happening in our community
JAMIE ARCHIBALD - OUR NEW FACILITIES ADVISOR
We are delighted to welcome Jamie Archibald to SNZ as our new Facilities Advisor, succeeding Mat Walsh, who has left to work for Auckland Unlimited. Mat has been excellent in his role, supporting numerous clubs over the past eight months and helping our club uplift guidelines. Jamie brings over 20 years of experience in the Sport and Recreation sector, with extensive expertise in facility management and community sport. In his most recent role, Jamie has assisted project teams in navigating the processes associated with facility development, as well as investigating the redevelopment or renewal of existing facilities. He understands that good planning, good design, and appropriate funding are key to creating accessible, well-used, and future-proofed facilities. In his spare time, Jamie is actively involved as a coach and volunteer within the sports clubs his children attend. He understands firsthand the challenges of the current sporting landscape.
BUCK HANGS UP THE CLIP BOARD
After decades of dedication to squash, Chris Buckland (aka Buck) is hanging up his referee clipboard!
Starting his squash journey at Otago University in 1971, Buck moved to Ashburton for a teaching role, where he was famously conned into officiating by a national referee. Buck’s path led him to become a national referee by 1982, officiating his first big match at the 1983 World Champs in Henderson—Robbie Wyatt vs. Qamar Zaman (poor Robbie!).
Over the years, Buck took on roles at prestigious events worldwide:
• 2006: Junior Men World Champs
• 2009-2011: Australian Open
• 2009, 2013: Australian Doubles
• 2010: Commonwealth Games, Women’s World Teams
• 2015, 2019: Pacific Games (Papua New Guinea, Samoa)
• 2015: Commonwealth Youth Games (Samoa)
• 2017: Oceania Championships, Junior World Championships, World Masters
• 2022: NZ Open
• 2023: World Men’s Teams
Buck’s refereeing journey took him to India, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tahiti, and Australia, spreading his wisdom far and wide. Even though he’s retiring from the hot seat, Buck isn’t going far—as a WSO L3 Appraiser, he’ll still be around to help other aspiring referees improve through upskilling and mentoring.
Cheers to an incredible career, Buck!
TREVOR JOHNSTON
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Trevor Johnston, a revered figure in the world of squash and a cherished member of the New Zealand sporting community. Trevor passed away peacefully earlier this month.
A left-hander from Palmerston North, Trevor Johnston was the trailblazer who ended Charlie Waugh’s dominance over New Zealand men’s squash. His remarkable skills and dedication later established him as one of the world’s leading amateur players. Johnston’s ascent to prominence began in 1964 during his first trip to Australia with the New Zealand team.
In a stunning debut at the Australian Championship, he challenged Ken Hiscoe, considered the top amateur player globally, pushing him to a gripping 9-6 in the fifth set. This match marked the beginning of an illustrious international career for Johnston. Between 1966 and 1975, he clinched three national titles and, in 1969, achieved the notable distinction of being seeded eighth at the World Amateur Championship in England - a rare feat for a New Zealander at the time.
Known for his lean and fit physique, Johnston’s game was characterised by precision and power. He was the first New Zealand-born player to compete successfully against the world’s best, setting a high standard and paving the way for future generations.
SQUASH SQUAD - WINNER OF THE BEGINNER PRIZE PACK!
We are thrilled to announce the winner of the Beginner Prize Pack for participating in Squash Squads!
Congratulations to Vanessa who attended the Remuera Rackets Club sessions!
Vanessa shared their excitement with us, saying, “The experience is amazing as it is so good to trial squash and to realise I love this sport! I hope I am fit enough to keep going. Squash Squad was perfect too as we could choose the sessions to do the trial.
Thank you for everything, this is the first time I have been lucky enough to win a prize, I’m actually thrilled.”
We are delighted to have provided an opportunity for new players to discover and enjoy the sport of squash. A big thank you to everyone who participated in the Squash Squad promotion, and we look forward to seeing you on the court again soon!
Johnston’s legacy extends beyond his achievements on the court; his passion for squash and his sportsmanship inspired many. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the entire squash community.
Trevor
Trevor Johnston (left)
2024 New Zealand squash Championships
A CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE AND RECORD-BREAKING ACHIEVEMENTS
The 2024 New Zealand Squash Championships concluded with a remarkable display of talent and sportsmanship, held at Devoy Squash and Fitness Centre in Tauranga.
The event showcased high-caliber competition, highlighted by Joelle King’s historic win and the intense men’s final featuring the Chileshe brothers.
Brooke Pryor who was tournament controller praised the venue’s state-of-the-art facilities, including an all-glass court, which garnered positive feedback from players and spectators alike. The well-organised schedule ensured smooth transitions between matches and adequate rest periods, maintaining the high level of play. Notably, Racketball was showcased between rounds on Saturday, adding to the event’s diversity.
Brooke also highlighted the exceptional performance of referees and officials, ensuring fairness and upholding the rules consistently. This tournament marked the end of an era for Chris Buckland, who retired from officiating at a national level after an illustrious career since 1982. Buckland will continue to contribute as a WSO L3 Appraiser, mentoring aspiring referees.
The championship was marked by intense competition, with emerging talents Oliver Dunbar and Joe Smyth challenging top-seeded players Joel Arscott and Lwamba Chileshe in thrilling five-game quarterfinal matches. The finals drew significant attention, with seasoned professionals and rising stars delivering standout performances.
In the women’s final, Joelle King made history by securing her 11th national title, surpassing Dame Susan Devoy’s record of 10 titles. King defeated 18-year-old Ella Lash in a compelling match, winning 11-5, 7-11, 113, 11-8. Reflecting on her victory, King said, “To dream of winning one was huge when I was a child, so to be on my 11th is surreal. I’ll never match some of Suzie’s records but to beat one of them is no mean feat and I’m really pleased.”
Continued on p12
2024 New Zealand squash Championships
King’s triumph was especially significant given her recent recovery from a disc problem in her back and a torn meniscus, which sidelined her for eight months. “It’s been the toughest time of my career. To just be back on court playing is a big win,” she shared.
In the men’s final, Lwamba Chileshe emerged victorious against his younger brother Temwa in a highly competitive match. Lwamba won in three games, with a dramatic 17-15 opening game setting the tone. “It was a bittersweet victory for me today as I always want the best for my brother,” said Lwamba. He humorously added, “Shout-out to Paul Coll who is New Zealand number one and decided to have his wedding at the same time as nationals to give the rest of us a shot at this title!”
Other notable performances included Elijah Thomas securing third place in the men’s division by defeating Joel Arscott, and Jena Gregory overcoming Winona-Jo Joyce to place third in the women’s division.
The championships featured 44 athletes playing around 125 matches, with strong community engagement and vibrant attendance, particularly during the finals. The live streaming of matches allowed fans to follow the action closely.
Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa Chief Executive Martin Dowson expressed his gratitude to all involved, stating, “This has been a fantastic event and it’s been great to see our squash community out in force to cheer on our stars and our athletes of the future. As well as being an elite tournament, the National Championships is also a significant development opportunity for many of our younger players.”
Looking ahead, the organising team are committed to reviewing feedback and making necessary adjustments to enhance the structure for the 2025 championships.
The 2024 New Zealand Squash Championships were a resounding success, characterized by high levels of competition, exceptional sportsmanship, and community engagement. The event not only celebrated the achievements of seasoned champions like Joelle King and Lwamba Chileshe but also provided a platform for emerging talents to shine. The squash community eagerly anticipates the 2025 edition, promising another exciting chapter in New Zealand squash.
For more information and a full list of New Zealand Squash Champions, click here
Thank you to all players, officials, volunteers, and fans for making this championship memorable. See you next year!
JOELLE MAKES HISTORY!
Joelle King has made history, becoming the first ever athlete to win 11 New Zealand Squash Championship Titles.
The win over young up-and-comer Ella Lash sees King break squash legend Dame Susan Devoy’s 32-year-old record of 10 national titles.
“To dream of winning one was huge when I was a child, so to be on my 11th is surreal,” said King.
“I’ll never match some of Suzie’s records but to beat one of them is no mean feat and I’m, really pleased.”
South Island Junior Age Groups
12 - 14TH JULY / OTAGO
SQUASH CLUB
The South Island Junior Age Groups was held Otago Squash Club. With over 80 entries from across the country and even a few visitors from America, it was a great weekend!
ON THE PODIUM
Girls U11
1st Mia Mennell
2nd Violet Casey
Girls U13
1st Yusra Rashid
2nd Lakisha Mennell
3rd Ivana Preston
Girls U15
1st Brooke Valois
2nd Casey Ellery
3rd Simone Strange
Girls U17
1st Aria Bannister
2nd Victoria Moran
3rd Grace Brenssell
Girls U19
1st Grace Rhodes
2nd Tayla Breward
3rd Sofia Strange
Boys U11
1st Caleb Smith
2nd Liam Hogg
3rd Romeo Michalakis
Boys U13
1st Levi Casey
2nd Zavier Hansen
3rd Ben Smith
Boys U15
1st Eamon Gannon
2nd Benjamin Robb
3rd Mason Hansen
Boys U17
1st Thomas Gray
2nd Shahmir Choundhry
3rd Chapman Roedder
Boys U19
1st Jack Frisken
2nd Shay Gannon
3rd Zachary Wight
north Island Junior Age Groups
19 - 21ST JULY / TAUPO
SQUASH CLUB
The North Island Junior Age Groups was held at Taupo Squash Club. The NIJAG had more than 140 players which is is a massive increase from previous year!
We even had a group of American boys that travelled to both events, the coach said “All in all, it was a fantastic squash tour and experience for the US boys and they are motivated and inspired to work hard on their games in anticipation of more great trips in the future!”
ON THE PODIUM
Girls U11
1. Addison Rouse
2. Mia Mennell
3. Hannah Jiang
Girls U13
1. Yusra Rashid
2. Lakisha Mennell
3. Julia Chen
Girls U15
1. Brooke Valois
2. Emily Senior
3. Amalia Ricketts
Girls U17
1. Aria Bannister
2. Charlee Neilson
3. Grace Burnard
Girls U19
1. Erin Wyllie
2. Mackenzie Tait
3. Aisha Lotfy
Thank you to the players, club volunteers, parents, supports and coaches that attended the SIJAG and NIJAG events, and a special thank you to Aynsley Munro (Otago Squash Club) and Vicki Beker (Taupo Squash Club) for all your work to ensure these events were a massive success.
Boys U11
1. Angus Drummond
2. Elijah Delaney
3. Sid Roy
Boys U13
1. Hemi Gregory
2. Harry Murfitt
3. Hugo Phillips
Boys U15
1. Vihan Chathury
2. Zac Laing
3. Eamon Gannon
Boys U17
1. Brodie Bennett
2. Maximus Mathews
3. Fergus Hill
Boys U19
1. Jonty Collier
2. Ben Jones
3. Riley Noonan
2024 World Junior champs
HOUSTON / TEXAS / USA
NEW ZEALAND’S WORLD JUNIOR TEAM
Boys
Ollie Dunbar
Freddie Jameson
Charlie Prince
Chris Hebberd
Flynn Venmore
Liam Linton
Girls
Ella Lash
Anabel Romero Gemmell
Maiden-Lee Coe
Ella Hill
Emma Merson
Moriya Karati
Coaches: Paul Hornsby, Jonathan Kemp, Emma Millar
Manager: Cat Logan - McLeod
Event Summary:
The New Zealand team had a tough start to the World Junior Individual Championships, with their flight delayed by three days due to Hurricane Beryl. This meant that the team arrived the night before the first round, having travelled for over 20 hours and with a 17-hour time difference to contend with. The players did their best to deal with the situation, with Oli Dunbar standing out in particular for his second-round performance against Jose Torres Lara, the 3/4 seed from Colombia. Oli battled for over an hour before finally succumbing 3-1. He then fought back from 2-0 down in his second match of the day to beat the talented American, Oscar Okonkwo, 3-2.
As the tournament progressed, performances improved, and the players’ confidence grew. They have all gained a lot from the experience and will be tougher and more resilient as a result, something that we hope will stand them in good stead for the team event.
Teams Event:
The New Zealand women’s team overcame early trip disruptions to exceed expectations, finishing 8th in the team event—their highest placement in seven years.
Ella Lash led the charge, delivering some of her best squash as the top New Zealand player. Her victory over Akari Midorikawa, who placed 11th in the individual event, was particularly notable and helped propel the team into the top eight. Ella won all her matches except those against the USA and Egypt, the top two teams in the event, which should boost her confidence as she progresses in her professional career.
Anabel Romero Gemmell gained confidence as the event progressed. She mounted a valiant comeback from 2-1 down in the 7th/8th playoff match against India, narrowly losing 11-9 in the fifth set. Anabel was an invaluable member of the team, playing in all the team matches, an experience that will benefit her greatly for next year.
Maiden Lee Coe played in two team matches, securing one win and one loss before illness sidelined her for the remaining fixtures.
Ella Hill played in four of the six matches, winning two. Her crucial victory against Japan, where she held her nerve to win 16-14 in the fifth set, secured New Zealand’s top-eight finish. Ella’s strong performances in Houston will undoubtedly boost her confidence for next year, as she is also available to compete again.
The men’s team had a disappointing finish, placing 16th after losing two winnable ties against Hong Kong and Kuwait on the final two days.
Oli Dunbar performed well throughout the event, including taking a game off the runner-up from the individual event and winning three of his six matches. His performances against top players should give his confidence a boost and show him that he can play at the very highest level.
The other three team members were hampered by illness, and despite their efforts, they are likely disappointed with their performances.
Overall, it was a tough trip for the men’s team, but the challenges have provided plenty of opportunities for the players and coaches to learn and grow.
grow the game
DEVELOPMENT FOR JUNIOR SQUASH PLAYERS IN WHANGANUI
Junior squash has been reinvigorated in Whanganui with a development programme for entry-level squash to help kids who haven’t played before learn to play and get into the sport.
Led by junior convenor Tim Easton, every Monday during school term there is a junior evening from 4-6pm. They take over the Squash Club, with about 25 juniors playing.
Read the full article from Steve Carle of the Whanganui Chronicle here
squash trivia
Q1: Who is the first player to win 3 consecutive World Junior Squash Championships titles?
Q2: Where was the World Junior Championships played in August 2024?
Q3. Who has the most NZ Championship titles ever?
Q4. Where is the NZ Open being played in 2025?
Q5: What famous ocean liner had a squash court on it?
Q6: What trophy is competed for at the Masters Club Team Championships?
Q7: Who is the second ranked NZ men’s PSA player and newest National Champion?
Q8: Which club is hosting the 2024 Masters Club Team Championships?
Answers
A1: Amina Orfi
A2: Houston, Texas
A3: Joelle King
A4. Isaac Theatre Royal, Ōtautahi, Christchurch
A5: The Titanic
A6: AD Long Cup
A7: Lwamba Chileshe
A8: Whanganui Squash Club
THREE NEW CLUB UPLIFT GUIDES ARE OUT!
SNZ have developed club uplift guidelines to assist clubs in facility and court upgrades. The three latest guides cover floor sanding, floor replacement and new lights. These guides are practical with handy tips and links to suppliers. Check them out in the links below!
Squash court floor sanding
Sanding
Squash court – Floor replacement
Why? Many floors
for
their
with
If you are interested in taking up this offer, get in contact with Shaun at Hardwood Technology: shaun@hardwood. co.nz or 021 0455 989. They have branches across the country, so Shaun can put you in touch with your local provider.
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.
Coach Profile
MARK UNWIN
Island Bay Tennis & Squash Club
Mark is currently involved in the coach mentoring programme and is being supported by Matt Green. Check out Mark’s story below:
Reflections on a Squash Coaching Journey
I’ve been involved in squash on and off for about 40 years. My first experience was in PE class at school, and I remember just loving it, waving my squash racket wildly like a true weapon of mass destruction and bouncing into walls like an irritated blowfly. I had the bug instantly. Unfortunately, an injury curtailed my involvement somewhat a while ago, but I’ve been coaching for about six years now.
My main motivation to coach came from walking in the gallery and seeing the mistakes we all makeplayers putting little thought into what they were doing. It irritated me somewhat, but it wasn’t my place to criticize. Common errors included standing too close to the ball, wild swings, not watching their opponent, or even inadvertently maiming them. A young, innovative club member started a coaching program for adults and asked me to help, and it went from there. Around the same time, after a few beers one evening (I think we hit a dozen), a few old hands decided we should start a D grade team, and I could be the coach.
My main coaching philosophy is mental awareness and creating the best possible outcome from any given position. Predominantly, it’s a game of logic and common sense. Some of the most intelligent people I know don’t look like Einstein on the court. Even if you’re doing a Paul Coll and abusing the court surface, you should always be in control of your thoughts, thinking about where you’re hitting the ball at the very last moment. James Willstrop is a great example of mental awareness. Chuck in a bit of fitness and a dash of skill, and you’re away.
The simple moments are often the most rewarding. I recall a beginner gripping his racket so tightly it seemed he was rather nervous. He wasn’t really a natural, but by the end of the class, he was better and could hit the ball after a few early mishaps. He expressed afterward that he really enjoyed the hit, so I felt I had achieved something too. I also had been working on the lob in D grade training, which we hadn’t practiced before. It came out in a game when it was needed to slow the game down, and he eventually won. It’s always good when something transpires through training, and I always enjoy the team camaraderie of an away trip as well.
My advice is that you don’t have to be a Jahangir Khan to be a good coach. It might help a little at the elite level, but not so much at the lower level. Developing an eye for coaching is key, and even that can be trained if you do it enough and implant it in your muscle memory. Remember, there’s a breakdancing Razor Robertson in all of us.
referee - in the hot seat
Club/District Affiliation:
Kawaroa Park Squash Club in New Plymouth
Referee Certification:
World Squash Officiating (WSO) Level 3
Referee Experience:
How long have you been refereeing?
Having spent over half my life on court as a player, I started the WSO Level 3 refereeing pathway a couple of years ago and was recently certified with my Level 3 badge. This has been my first year refereeing at big events such as the NZ Junior Open, NZ Championships, and two 6k PSA events in the South Island and it has been a blast.
Refereeing Philosophy:
What do you believe are the most important qualities for a referee to possess?
The referee can have a big impact on matches - while match management is a key part of the referee’s role, it’s important to be able to keep from imposing your ego on the match and remain emotionally neutral and clear-headed during even the most challenging of matches. There are also certain players who you will know are more challenging to referee than others, so it is important to go into those matches without a bias against such players and not penalise them unnecessarily. To steal a quote from a fellow referee, it’s vital that you are “prepared, but not prejudiced”.
Be confident but not cocky, clear but concise, and know the rules!
Memorable Moments:
Any memorable experience as a referee you wish to share?
First one was prior to me being a WSO referee, but at the Panmure PSA a couple of years ago, I had to referee a pair of identical twins, Vini and Vitri Kulasegaran playing each other. They’re absolutely cracking up on court because they know what a pain that is for the referee, especially when their names are so similar!! So they walk on court again after the warmup, spin a racket, look up at me, I look at them, I look at the colours they’re wearing, and I announce the match as “Red vs Blue, Blue to serve, best of 5 games, love all!”.
My second memory is from refereeing Joe Williams vs Joe Smythe at Senior Nationals last year, I was getting assessed, and one of the boxes I had yet to tick on my level 3 pathway was the injury one, usually a difficult one to tick because the odds of someone getting injured is quite low. During the match, Joe Williams lunged too big and skinned his knee. When it happened, I’m trying not to smile because I’m stoked I’ve ticked that box, and I have to super seriously announce that Mr Williams has sustained a self-inflicted blood injury and has 5 minutes, with a straight face. Sorry Joe, hope your knee’s alright now!
Advice and Tips:
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in becoming a squash referee?
Watch a lot of squash - watch PSA matches, and when there are decisions, consider all the different factors and why the referee may have made the decision they made. Consider where each player is moving in/off the ball, where the ball is, where the swing is - all the little parts that factor into a decision - and think about what decision you would have made and why.
Be open to feedback and be self-reflective - what did I do well during a match that I refereed, and where could I improve?
I’m going to steal a fellow referee’s tip to me here - it can be helpful to memorise some short phrases so that when you are asked for an explanation on the spot, you can be concise and accurate e.g. “you prevented his swing”, “incorrect line to the ball” instead of being flustered and overtalking.
And lastly, it never hurts to have a wee cheat sheet close to hand during a match, for the different injury categories and timings!
Future Goals:
How do you plan to continue improving your skills and knowledge as a referee?
Continue the refereeing pathway towards getting my WSO Level 4/5 qualifications and maybe even referee at the Olympics one day!
ALLAN BAILEY
Hey Ref!
QWhat are the rules around people crying on court? Recently I witnessed a game where a player was crying on court and the opponent had to wait several minutes between serves while they composed themselves – this happened throughout the 5 games.
AThe rules state that play must be continuous, and after the marker has called the score, both players must resume play without undue delay. If a referee deems the delay of play to be unacceptable, the referee may award a conduct penalty
Rules 5.6, 15.6.8
Do you have a refereeing question or a situation you are not sure about?
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.
racketball
NZ RACKETBALL OPEN
For the second year running, two Racketball draws were played alongside the National Squash Championships at the Devoy Squash & Fitness Centre in Tauranga in early July. This allows for extra exposure for the game with plenty of eyes on hand to see the bouncy ball and shorter racquets in action, with many picking up racquets themselves to give it a go.
Men’s and Women’s 8-draws were played out during the day, with Becky Clarke (Devoy) and John Fletcher (Mt Maunganui) taking our their respective draws.
Racketball returns to Tauranga on Saturday 17 August for the annual NZ Racketball Festival, a social, fun teams event open to all players from experienced Racketballers to those wanting to give it a go with some friends. This year the event will be fundraising for Bowel Cancer NZ with a portion of the entry fees going to this deserving charity.
See all the Festival details here
New Zealand Racketball Festival
Devoy Squash & Fitness Centre, Tauranga
$90 per team – includes dinner and prizes
Entries close Friday 9 August
Enter via the QR code
To register as an individual or for more info email john@squashnz.co.nz
Bryan Smith July
Bryan’s service to club and district spans over 10 years within our community.
Having held many roles across club and the Board of Squash Wellington, Bryan is an active and enthusiastic member who excels in the “doing” as well as a strategic leader.
As Treasurer for his Club, Bryan has been instrumental in securing a significant amount of grant funding, a first for the club, which has enabled the purchase of a few things to improve the club facilities and member experience. One such purchase is moveable temporary seating which will allow for additional viewing capacity.
Bryan is also leading the planning of the upcoming NZ Secondary Schools Squash Championships, co-hosted with two other Wellington Clubs. This has
involved countless hours, with more to come. Having successfully led previous national events such the National Junior individuals and Senior and Junior team events, we have been extremely lucky to have this knowledge and experience to lean on. Bryan’s advice is regularly sought by other clubs and districts, particularly for major squash events.
As a SW Board member Bryan manages two portfolios as Financial Officer and Masters Convenor. Many more hours spent in this capacity and often gone unnoticed, although Bryan will shy away from recognition. Like many other amazing volunteers, Bryan does this for the love of the sport and the community. He is a well-respected and valued member of our Te Whanga-nui-a-Tara whanau.
THE JUNIORS MAKE THEIR MARK
New Zealand Juniors first travelled officially to Australia in 1966 accompanying the New Zealand senior team to the Australian Championships. It wasn’t until 1971 that NZ made a real impression across the Tasman with Shane Kennedy, Stephen Hughes, Robert Lust and Bruce Brownlee winning the Victorian Junior Title, impressing many with the strength of our male players. In 1990, history repeated itself but this time it was our female players blowing the competition away. Jade Wilson, Sarah Cook and Leilani Marsh won their finals in straight sets at the Australian Nationals.
After the 1971 explosion, New Zealanders played starring roles in Australian Tournaments over the past 50 years. Our ability to compete against our Trans-Tasman rivals has been a significant contributor to our talent development.
Click here to purchase Long or Short by Joseph Romanos
squashlevels
FAQS ANSWERED
Q1 - Why did the grading system change?
Answer - by using a more accurate and universal rating system, SquashLevels, there are benefits to all players to ensure fairness in seeding events, selecting teams and interclub playing order, and for rankings at all levels and grades.
The ultimate goal of any rating system is to give an accurate depiction of every player’s playing level at any given time rather than focusing on past performance, which SquashLevels does extremely effectively.
The old system, while embedded in New Zealand squash culture, required constant reviewing and adjusting, and we know was misaligned across region, gender and age group. SquashLevels solves all these problems.
Finding people to play at a similar level is a problem amongst non-graded players. From 2025 noncompetitive players are able to get a Level even if they don’t play in leagues or tournaments. They simply need to play against another player with a Level and they get their own provisional Level. The fact that box matches and organised club matches can be included from 2025, with a lower weighting than competitive matches, also help to include non-competitive players of all abilities.
Q2 - What is pool calibration?
Answer - where players in a pool are treated ‘as one’ and then compared with other pools such that their respective pool levels are equivalent. The comparisons are made by analysing the results of those players who play in more than one pool.
SquashLevels is a global system and part of its nightly processing is to calibrate the levels of players across clubs, regions, countries and even time. This process chips away at the levels of players as groups or ‘pools’, whether up or down, with the goal to ensure that player levels are equivalent across the entire SquashLevels system.
The starting levels of both players and pools are worked out and set but after that they can only be adjusted a very small amount each match. To be able to factor in these dynamic adjustments needed over time, the system uses a ‘level pump’. This effectively runs throughout the calibration process adding or reducing each player’s level after each match to make the overall adjustments needed. They must be small enough to be virtually unnoticed but large enough that they have enough effect. If you look at the match review page you will see at the bottom an allowance for this dynamic adjustment.
Click HERE to read more about how calibration works on the SquashLevels website
NEW ZEALAND SQUASH CHAMPIONSHIPS REPORT
SquashLevels have taken the data from the event and analysed the incredible performances, finding out the most improved players and the largest level increases
Read the full report HERE
Create your free SquashLevels account and get 90 days free Gold trial, plus 25% off an annual subscription for affiliated club memberswww.squashlevels.com/membership
SQUASH NEW ZEALAND POIPĀTŪ AOTEAROA
National tournament calendar
16th - 18th
1st - 3rd
26th - 28th
16th -19th
24th - 26th
31st - 2nd
7th - 9th
21st - 23rd
19th - 23rd
28th - 30th
5th - 7th
12th - 14th
19th - 21st
2nd - 4th
9th - 11th
17th
31st - 1st
18th - 21st
18th - 21st
18th - 21st
18th - 21st
18th - 21st
4th - 6th
7th - 8th
18th - 20th
21st - 22nd
Event
Rochelle Hobbs Memorial Henderson PSA Open
NZ Doubles Championships
NZ Junior Open
Auckland Open PSA Challenger
Oceania Closed PSA
Mitchell Cup & Cousins Shield
Morrinsville PSA Challenger
National Graded Championships
Skillzea PSA Open
Trident Homes South Island Open PSA Challenger
NZ Squash Championships
South Island Junior Age Groups
North Island Junior Age Groups
NZ Seconday Schools Squash Nationals
Masters Club Team Championships
NZ Racketball Festival
NZ Inter-District Team Championships
G.J. Gardner Homes National Superchamps
B Grade Superchamps
C Grade Superchamps
D Grade Superchamps
E Grade Superchamps
F/J Grade Superchamps
G.J. Gardner Homes NZ Junior Age Group Championships
NZ Inter-District Junior Team Championships
G.J. Gardner Homes NZ Masters Championships
NZ Inter-District Masters Team Championships
Southland
Auckland
Auckland
Wellington
Wellington
Club
Henderson Squash Club
Christchurch Squash Club
Squash Gym Palmerston North
North Shore Squash Club
Papakura Tennis & Squash Club
Hawkes Bay Squash Rackets Club
Morrinsville Squash Club
Henderson Squash Club
Pirates Squash Club
Richmond & Christchurch Football SC
Devoy Squash & Fitness Centre
Otago Squash Club
Taupō Squash Club
Hutt City Squash Club
Whanganui Squash Club
Devoy Squash & Fitness Centre
Otago Squash Club
Whangarei Squash Club
Hamilton Squash & Tennis Club
Methven Squash Club
Kawaroa Park Squash Club
Squash City Invercargill
North Shore Squash Club
North Shore Squash Club
Tawa & Manā Squash Clubs
Tawa & Manā Squash Clubs
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