The Boast - May edition

LASH AND DUNBAR WINS

NZ JUNIOR OPEN

CLUB UPLIFT

TE PUKE GOES SOLAR NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH NEW BALANCE MAY 2024

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Chief Executive Update

Tēnā koutou

I have spent the last few weeks immersed in observing high-level squash whilst getting back into the groove of the season by regularly playing myself. The speed, accuracy, consistency, and patience of the top players continue to amaze me. Watching the Junior Open in Palmerston North and the PSA event in Auckland recently, I was struck by the sheer skill and endurance on display. Many matches went down to the wire, with thrilling five-game battles showcasing the players’ allround abilities.

Despite my hopes, merely watching such top-tier squash hasn’t magically improved my own game—I wish it did! But it has deepened my admiration for those at the pinnacle of our sport.

I’ve also been incredibly impressed by the hard work of the volunteers at these events. Their dedication

Upcoming events

Event

Auckland Junior Age Groups

Morrinsville PSA Challenger

Waikato Junior Open

Otago Open

Wellington Open

Northland Open

Central Open

Midlands Open

June National Graded Championships

Skillzea Open PSA

Herne Bay Racketball Open

Date

7th - 8th June

7th - 9th June

7th - 8th June

7th - 8th June

7th - 8th June

14th - 15th June

14th - 15th June

14th - 15th June

21st - 23rd June

21st - 23rd June

22nd June

ensures a positive experience for the players. From providing fruit to creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere between games, and maintaining clear communication about court schedules, these little touches make a big difference. Kudos to everyone involved in running recent tournaments—it’s no easy task!

Additionally, I had the pleasure of attending the venue launch for the NZ Squash Open, set for March 2025 in Christchurch at the Isaac Theatre Royal. This promises to be an incredible event, offering a stunning site to witness world-class squash. Tickets are sure to sell out quickly, so plan early and stay tuned!

Ngā mihi Martin Dowson

Venue

Remuera Rackets Club

Morrinsville Squash Club

Te Awamutu Squash Club

Otago Squash Club

Masterton & Red Star Squash Clubs

Whangarei Squash Club

Whanganui Squash Club

Timaru Squash Club

Henderson Squash Club

Pirates Squash Club

Herne Bay Ponsonby Rackets Club

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

Doug Lawrie Named Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa Life Member

Doug Lawrie is the longest serving squash administrator in the country and one of the greatest servants of the sport in New Zealand, with an almost unbelievable 75-year tenure in the sport.

Lawrie first became involved in squash as an athlete, aged 15 in 1948 he fell love with the sport, not knowing that it would grow to have a profound influence on his life. In the 1950’s he grew into one of the foremost players in New Zealand, winning the Cousins Shield (the premier event of the time) in 1956 and 57. He continued to play to a high level in the 1960s while also moving into administration, working as a selector, team manager and a coach.

Lawrie’s coaching prowess grew in the following years, becoming one of the premier coaches in the country as his hands-on approach, coupled with his keen tactical analysis moulded numerous national champions and world class players including Joanne Williams, Stuart Davenport and Tamsyn Leevey.

In addition to his work on court, Lawrie was also frequently found in squash boardrooms, where he was involved in district administration for more than 35 years. He managed District teams in Canterbury and Midlands for over 25 years, and contributed his skills to junior coaching weekends from 1970 through to the end of the 1980s.

Lawrie has also sat on the Hall of Fame Board and Hall of Fame Selection Panel, helping to record the history of squash in New Zealand and celebrate its athletes. Much of the work done by Lawrie was as a volunteer, and given simply for the love of the game.

“Lifetime membership as a form of recognition has been a very pleasant surprise, given that in my mind I have simply been following a 75-year passion for the sport,” said Lawrie.

“I feel that what I have gained throughout the years in terms of close friends and experiences, money just can’t buy. The satisfaction of seeing so many people enjoying the benefits of Squash has been so rewarding.

“To have contributed to the development of players who have gone on to achieve their goals both nationally and internationally has been very special. Any contribution I have made on the administrative side has always been with the betterment of Squash in mind.”

At 90-years-old Lawrie’s passion for squash remains. He is still involved with New Zealand Squash Hall of Fame and the Canterbury Squash Foundation and also regularly talks to coaches and athletes, offering up advice where possible. In 2022 and 2023 he travelled from Timaru to Tauranga to cheer on New Zealand and see the world class squash on offer at the New Zealand Festival of Squash.

Lawrie is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in New Zealand squash history, with his involvement helping to shape the game in Aotearoa. Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa is pleased to name him a life member.

Doug Lawrie with the NZ Plate in 1955

Lawrie at the Oamaru Squash Club 75th Jubilee in 2012

The notice board

What’s happening in our community

2024 NATIONAL PROMOTIONSQUASH SQUADS HAS BEEN A HIT!

We had a great turn out for this year’s national promotion. A total of 720 ladies signed up to Squash Squads, with an array of participants registering their interest, from complete beginners to ex-players keen to get back on court. One club managed to get 87 sign ups alone!

Squash Squads is a national campaign that throughout April promoted 2 free introductory trial sessions to woman at a participating club. We can’t wait to show you how the sessions went in the next issue...

MEET MYLES: OUR NEW GENERAL MANAGER AT CLUB KELBURN

We’re thrilled to introduce Myles as our new General Manager at Club Kelburn! Myles has hit the ground running this month, taking the helm of our Squash and Fitness Center in Wellington.

With a passion for squash that’s wellknown throughout the community, Myles clinched both the Wellington and SNZ Volunteer of the Year awards in 2021 for his outstanding dedication at Island Bay Squash Club. His diverse background spans graphic design and managing a prominent cricket club in Wellington. As a devoted father of two, we’re excited to welcome Myles aboard and look forward to collaborating with him!

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Squash New Zealand Poipātū AotearoaAdministrative Support Co-ordinator

Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa are offering a full-time Administrative Support Co-ordinator role. Are you detail-oriented, tech-savvy, and passionate about sports administration?

We’re seeking a dynamic individual to manage logistics coordination, IT support, and general administration. Check out the role is on Seek HERE or contact martin@squashnz.co.nz for more details.

Christchurch venue launch

On May 8th in Christchurch, the NZ Squash Open 2024 was launched at the Isaac Theatre Royal. A strong turnout gathered to hear from key organisers and local officials before sitting in the darkened theatre to watch a 60-second hype video. They also listened to Paul Coll and local juniors express their excitement for the event. Watching squash in a theatre will be amazing from a spectator’s perspective, and the space they have for the players and officials will also be exceptional. Bring on March 2025! Watch out for tickets later in the year.

See some the action from last year’s New Zealand Squash Open HERE

partner with New Balance

Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa announces partnership with Belgravia/New Balance as official sports apparel supplier

Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with Belgravia/ New Balance, making them the official sports apparel supplier for our organisation. New Balance, a brand renowned for its high-quality sports apparel and strong reputation, is particularly popular among young athletes, aligning perfectly with our strategic goals.

Martin Dowson, Chief Executive of Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are extremely excited to partner with Belgravia/New Balance. Working with a high-end brand like New Balance, which is wellregarded by young athletes, aligns perfectly with our mission to grow the game of squash in New Zealand. We believe this partnership will ensure that our players will continue to be equipped with top-of-the-line gear that will support their performance and comfort both on and off the court.”

The first to benefit from this partnership will be our World Junior team, who will be proudly outfitted in New Balance apparel as they head to the World Junior Championships in Houston, US. This opportunity allows our young athletes to compete in with high

performance products which will have comfort and style, showcasing New Zealand’s commitment to excellence on the world stage.

In recognition of this exciting new partnership, all MySquash members will receive an exclusive 30% discount on New Balance products. This special offer will be available from the 2nd to the 9th of June, providing our community with the chance to enjoy premium sports apparel at a great price.

Brian Waldron, COO of Belgravia Apparel, said “ We are proud to be associated with Squash New Zealand. This partnership is a testament to the joint commitment by Belgravia and New Balance to foster talent and promote a healthy lifestyle through sports. We look forward to working closely with Squash New Zealand and contributing to the overall growth and success of the sport in New Zealand.”

This partnership represents a significant milestone for Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa, and we look forward to a successful collaboration with Belgravia/ New Balance. Together, we are committed to fostering the growth of squash in New Zealand and supporting our athletes in achieving their best.

New Zealand junior open

26 - 28TH APRIL / PALMERSTON NORTH

Lash and Dunbar take New Zealand Junior Open Honours

New Zealand’s best young squash athletes are recovering following three days of intense competition at the New Zealand Junior Open.

More than 150 athletes aged 18and-under converged on Palmerston North’s Squash Gym for the competition.

Both first division finals went down to the wire in five game battles. In the women’s division Auckland’s Ella Lash managed to beat Sophie Hodges, winning the final game 11-6.

In the men’s Oliver Dunbar got the better of Freddie Jameson in another five game thriller, winning the last game 11-7.

“Winning it last year I really wanted to regain that title, not too many players have back-to-back titles,” said Lash.

“I’ve been a bit unwell so I didn’t put too much pressure on myself but on court I was feeling good and got that adrenaline rush and I’m really happy to get that win. Any national event is always so cool, it was a great event, great to see everyone and just really good vibes all round.”

The New Zealand Junior Open is the only Squash New Zealand National Junior event that does not sort players into age groups – it is seeded solely on grades.

In 1950 the boys began contesting the Panmure squash club cup and from 1956 the girls have played off for the Dr T C Childs Vase (Silver Tray since 2004).

Boys Open

1st Oliver Dunbar

2nd Freddie Jameson

3rd Rain Wong

Boys Div 1

1st Jack Lord

2nd Malachy O’Connor

3rd Ollie Collier

Boys Div 2

1st Cody Caton

2nd Eamon Gannon

3rd Toby Freyria

Girls Div 3

1st Meeah Bailey

2nd Hana Harding

3rd Kiara Kean

Boys Div 4

1st Blake Stevens

2nd Samuel Barlow

3rd Angus Drummond

Girls Open

1st Ella Lash

2nd Sophie Hodges

3rd Anabel Romeo-Gemmel

Girls Div 1

1st Zara Hinton

2nd Francesca Pilcher

3rd Amelie Lianto

Girls Div 2

1st Mikayla Carroll

2nd Sasha Hardie

3rd Tahlia Kean

Girls Div 3

1st Meeah Bailey

2nd Hana Harding

3rd Kiara Kean

Girls Div 4

1st Emily Chan

2nd Claudia Westrup

3rd Jessie Harding

renewed partnership with Omrub

SNZ Poipatu Aotearoa is pleased to announce it has renewed its partnership with Omrub Ltd for another year, with the company continuing as an official supplier to SNZ. This partnership ensures that all players representing New Zealand and winners of national tournaments will receive a tin of the New Zealand-created and made Omrub.

Angela Elderbroek and Apa Fatialofa acquired Omrub in July 2022, recognising its potential to fill a gap in the topical antiinflammatory market with a 100% natural, certified organic product. They noted its benefits for their PSA-playing family members, Elijah Thomas and Mason Smales. Omrub can be used as often as pain occurs, unlike mainstream antiinflammatories which have restricted use due to synthetic ingredients and chemicals.

Angela and Apa have worked tirelessly to raise awareness of this unique Kiwi product, reporting significant growth in sales as the brand becomes more widely known. They are thrilled to support New Zealand squash at all levels and express their gratitude to the squash community for their support, which has been instrumental in raising awareness of Omrub as an effective, organic pain relief solution.

Omrub is excellent for loosening up tight muscles and joints before a game and provides welcome relief for post-match aches and pains. Many clubs sell it so their players always have relief at hand, and the competitive wholesale rates offer a valuable income stream for the clubs.

Omrub is also available for purchase at the SNZ online store, ensuring you can always have a tin in your squash bag!

Click HERE to buy Omrub in our web shop.

Thank You!

Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa would like to thank Pub Charity Limited for their support in helping us to fund our new competition management system that will be released early 2025.

This support could not have been achieved without the hard work of their local partners who operate the Pub Charity Limited gaming machines that generated the funds we received. We would like to acknowledge and thank the following venues in Napier 1. Sideline Bar 2. The Bay View 3. The Duke Of Gloucester 4. TheStation

2024 Oceania Championships

The 2024 Oceania Championships were played at Papakura Tennis & Squash Club last week (22nd - 26th May).

This tournament brought an array of players from across New Zealand and Australia. The women’s PSA had the Top 3 Australian players, Jess Turnbull [1], Alex Haydon [2] and Sarah Cardwell [3] leading the draws with New Zealand’s Number 2, Kaitlyn Watts in the fourth seed. While the Men’s PSA had Top Australian player, Joeseph White [1] and New Zealand number 2, Lwamba Chileshe [2], leading the draws.

Round 1 had no major upsets in the men’s draw. However, our World Junior team member, Emma Merson, managed to snag a win off higher seeded Australian, Shona Coxshedge, to push through to the Quarter finals. Sadly, Kaitlyn Watts, sustained an injury in the first round and had to retire from the tournament.

In round two the Men’s draw had two upsets from the Australian players, Bradley Fullick [14] clinching a big five set win against Nicholas Calvert [7] and David Turner [12] defeating Tate Norris [8] in straight sets to gain a spot in the Quarterfinals.

The top 4 seeded players in the Men’s progressed through to the semifinals. The top 3 Australian players moved through to the semifinals in the women’s draw, with New Zealand’s Lana Harrison [13] claiming the final spot.

The women’s PSA semifinals saw Lana Harrison take a game off top seed, Jess Turnbull, but eventually went

down to the Australian number 1 in a tight 4 sets. Alex Haydon faced off against fellow Australian, Sarah Cardwell managing to secure her spot in the final in 4 sets as well. In the Men’s semifinals, Temwa Chileshe [3] created a big upset, taking down Joeseph White in 4 to secure his spot in the final against his big brother, Lwamba, who defeated fellow New Zealander, Elijah Thomas [4] in the other semifinal.

The grand finals saw Lwamba Chileshe taking the men’s PSA title in 4 against Temwa. while Australia’s, Jess Turnbull, took the women’s PSA title in 4 as well against Alex Haydon.

2024 OCEANIA CHAMPIONSHIPS

Men’s PSA Winner: Lwamba Chileshe Runner up: Temwa Chileshe

Women’s PSA Winner: Jess Turnbull Runner up: Alex Haydon

Keith Hobman , Temwa Chileshe, Jason Mouat, Lwamba Chileshe and Courtney Webster-Frost

Keith Hobman, Jason Mouat, Jess Turnbull and Courtney Webster-Frost

Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Squash Open

15- 19TH MAY / AUCKLAND

New Zealand Commonwealth Games squash player Temwa Chileshe has finally won the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Squash Open after three years of being a beaten finalist.

However Chileshe’s title wasn’t easy as he was given a decent fight for the title from second Anthony Lepper from Auckland.

Chileshe entered the tournament with a PSA World Squash ranking of 121 against Lepper at 144 started the final well taking the first set 11-6.

In the second game Lepper was ahead 6-1, but after a service error Chileshe started to work his way back and actually take the set 11-8.

However, the third game saw a fired up Lepper create a bit of havoc and take the game 11-8 with a few authoritative shots. The fourth game followed suite with Lepper taking the game to Chileshe who made a few uncharacteristic mistakes.

The Aucklander won the fourth set 11-7 with a big shot and a roar for the large crowd at the North Shore Squash Club.

But the fifth game had Chileshe re-establish himself and win the game 11-7 for the title and an eventual scoreline of 11-6, 11-8, 8-11, 7-11, 11-7.

It was the second PSA Challenger Tour title for Chileshe after being a finalist on numerous occasions around New Zealand and around the world.

In the women’s final between the two 18-year-olds, Madison Lyon from Australia the top seed and Ella Lash from Auckland, the second seed it was a contest for a first Challenger title.

Lyon had an entry ranking of 133 and beat Lash, ranked 146 in the Oceania Junior Championships recently, while Lash had won in the Australian Junior Championships.

In the Auckland Open Lash started well, winning the first set 11-8, before Lyson settled down and proved more aggressive dominating the front of the court to eventually win 8-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-5.

From left - Anthony Lepper, Temwa Chileshe, Madison Lyon, Ella Lash.

END TO END PATHWAYS

The New Zealand team to compete at the 2024 Junior World Championships was named on May 1st.

There are 12 players traveling to Houston in July for the individual world championship event, and then 4 boys and 4 girls staying on to represent New Zealand in the team championships. The naming of the team shifted the focus of the development pathway into one of performance. Players who successfully made the cut have been required to complete weekly load monitoring. Allowing a strength and conditioning coach to optimize their training. Players attended a training camp on May 11-12 in Tauranga where they were given

NEW ZEALAND’S SELECTED PLAYERS

HPSNZ support in the way of nutrition and athlete life support. They have been focusing on match strategy and how to handle pressure. The highlight of the camp was the early morning, team bonding exercise which required all players to get into the water at 8am on the coldest morning of the year. Players were required to work together to solve puzzles and complete activities while in the freezing water. The whole experience was full of giggles, and squeals and was an absolute highlight for all. The next camp is scheduled for mid-June in Auckland.

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

masters

ANNOUNCING THE MASTERS SELECTORS

The 2024/ 2025 Masters Selectors have been named. We are very grateful to have Kathryn McKay, Lawrence Skurr and Malcolm Vaile taking on the roles of Masters Selectors. The first order of duty for the group was to finalize the selection criteria for the 2025 Masters Trans Tasman event which is taking place in Perth in September 2025. The criteria is largely based on

previous years with the inclusion of a clause considering the caliber of opponents players have been competing against (senior vs masters) and a requirement for appropriate fitness to be successful across the full tour.

To read the full Selection Criteria click HERE

PARTNER WITH US!

We are seeking a partner to bring our Squash Walls into the country and introduce thousands of young people to Squash.

We’re looking for a partner to support us in purchasing 150 Squash Walls, which will be used to deliver school and club programmes to young people across New Zealand. A partner who is aligned with the values of delivering squash to school students to cover the cost of the Walls.

The design of the Walls is customisable, providing an opportunity to add a partner logo to each of the Walls, exposing their brand to thousands of students and teachers each year.

A partner will allow Walls to be delivered to clubs and coaches around the country for free, and potentially with a small amount of equipment such as balls and racquets.

Current exposure

• 50 Squash Walls currently in use around the country

• Being used by development officers and coaches in 7 of 11 districts nationally

• Also purchased by clubs and schools

Used in a vareity of settings

• At schools in halls or outdoors

• At clubs during junior events or school holiday programmes

• At the Fun Zone at the NZ Open, Nations Cup, and World Men’s Teams Champs in Tauranga in 2022 and 2023

• At community events

Click HERE to find out more.

Or email Martin Dowson at: martin@squashnz.co.nz

Q1: There was a squash court on the Titanic (true/ false)

Q2: Where was Carol Owens Born?

Q3: How many Medals has NZ won at the commonwealth games?

Q4: Squash was derived from tennis? (true/ false)

Q5: What is the record for the worlds fastest squash ball ever hit?

Q6: How long was the longest squash game ever?

Q7: What country has the fastest growing participation rates for Squash?

Q8: What country has the most Squash Courts nationally

Q9: Who were the two Squash Hall of Fame inductees in 2023?

Murray Lilley and Geoffrey Kingscote

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

TE PUKE SQUASH CLUB BECOMES MORE SUSTAINABLE

Shane and Claire from Te Puke Squash Club were looking at ways to become more sustainable and to save money on their operating costs. They were able to identify an innovative solution, funded through grants that cut their power bill by two thirds.

A few questions we asked them about the project:

What was the original driver for looking at solar?

We wanted to create a more sustainable club and our power bills were a huge drain on funds as we upgraded the ventilation and ducting system to ensure that our courts remained dry. These heat pumps have to run 24 hours a day and our power bills were huge, but we deemed it necessary to making sure our players and tournament visitors had a top experience on our courts with no wet walls!

What did you consider when looking at a supplier?

We wanted to go with a local supplier as we have some great sponsors in Te Puke and always look to support them if possible. We got quotes from two of our current sponsors and one from a new company in Papamoa (where a huge number of our members live). We went with Bay Solar in the end as he offered us a number of flexible options as the most competitive price.

What was the cost of the project?

We installed an inverter and 48 solar panels. This cost $29500 (including GST). At this time, we also upgraded our lounge furniture with 4 new couches ($7290.98 including GST) and 30 stackable chairs with storage trolley ($4485.00 including GST). This was all covered by funding from both the Lion Foundation and TECT.

What was the impact on your operating costs?

Huge. Our power bills have decreased by 50-60%. For instance, our Feb 2022 bill was $1140.87 and Feb 2024 $469.88.

Were there any learnings you took from the project?

Someone on the committee who can complete, search for and follow up funding grants is essential. We would not have done any of these projects and made our facility future proof without Shane’s hard work.

If you want to get in touch with TePuke Squash Club to find out more email: tepukesquash@gmail.com or call: 027-327-6048.

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.

ELEVATING JUNIOR SQUASH:

Regional Coaching Conference (BOP/Waikato)

On April 20th, the Mount Maunganui Squash Club was alive with excitement. Coaches, junior convenors, and volunteers from across the Bay of Plenty region and Waikato gathered for an inspiring day focused on the future of junior squash. Facilitated by Robbie Wyatt and Emma Millar, the conference built on the success of the 2023 event in Tauranga, offering fresh insights and strategies to engage young players.

With 27 participants from clubs including Mount, Devoy, KatiKati, Geyser City, Waikite Valley, Putaruru, Tokoroa, and Te Puke, the event showcased a strong commitment to nurturing youth in squash.

Engaging presentations by Brendon Morrison, Robbie Wyatt, Tweedy Seymour, Graeme Randolph, and Emma Millar ensured attendees left with actionable ideas. A key focus was on modern warm-ups and fun activities for foundation-level players. Presenters shared creative exercises designed to build basic skills while keeping sessions enjoyable for young athletes.

Highlights included live demonstrations, providing a great opportunity for participants to learn new activities. Additionally, insights into the structure of junior development squads were shared, showcasing effective approaches to group training and player progression.

“As a junior convenor, I found the session on modern warm-ups and activities incredibly helpful. I can’t wait to implement these new ideas with our young players,” shared one participant.

Engagement and retention of junior players were also hot topics. Interactive discussions explored various activities and strategies to keep young athletes

motivated. The open forum Q&A session turned into a treasure trove of shared knowledge, fostering a strong sense of community and mutual support.

“The open forum was fantastic. Hearing different approaches and solutions from other clubs really broadened my perspective on how we can keep our junior players engaged,” said a volunteer from a Western BOP Club.

As the event concluded, there was a palpable sense of excitement for the future. The next conference, tentatively scheduled for April 2025, promises to build on this year’s success, continuing to empower junior convenors, coaches, and volunteers with the tools they need to elevate junior squash.

Robbie remarked, “The regional conference was fantastic and a pivotal step in enhancing junior squash in the region. With the collaborative efforts and shared passion of all involved, the future looks promising.”

If you’re passionate about junior squash, this is an event you won’t want to miss next year! Alternatively, reach out to your district for opportunities in your region.

referee - in the hot seat

PAULINE CHAPMAN

Club/District Affiliation:

Whanganui/Central

Referee Certification: L2

Referee Experience:

How long have you been refereeing?

Only a couple of years.

Refereeing Philosophy:

What do you believe are the most important qualities for a referee to possess?

Willingness to learn and adapt along with high level of attention to detail and diligence.

Memorable Moments:

Any memorable experience as a referee you wish to share?

A player completely flipping his lid and refusing to continue the match after two very basic calls not going as he had thought they should. The reaction was so over the top and animated it was comical and made it very hard to keep a straight face.

Advice and Tips:

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in becoming a squash referee?

It’s a continual learning process, you never stop learning and practice as much as you can. It will take time.

Future Goals:

How do you plan to continue improving your skills and knowledge as a referee?

Question as much as I can to try and see many perceptions. I would like to learn more about Doubles refereeing in future.

Hey Ref!

Q A

If a player is very noisy on court, grunting and cheering for themselves, can their opponent ask for a let?

Some players do grunt a bit when playing their own shot, but they should not do this when the other person is playing a shot, or cheer, shout or talk during a rally. That could be construed as deliberate distraction and the referee should, as a minimum, issue a conduct warning in the first instance. If it continues or is significant, then a conduct stroke may be appropriate.

Rules 12.1, 12.2.1 and 12.2.2, 15.6

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.

Nicky McNaught

April

Nicky McNaught is dedicated to her refereeing and takes every opportunity available to further her qualifications and career. She also gives back to the local community by helping out at local tournaments [of all levels and ages] when she is available. She also now runs the District Rules & Referee nights at local clubs, using a format which she created herself, giving up her time to improve the overall referee standard in Southland (for no financial benefit).

Having Nicky run these Rules & Referee sessions gives all Southland clubs clear and direct access to a local WSO qualified referee, using an up to date format with practical on court examples of some tricky game situations. These are excellent for newer players to understand the basic interference calls, while also providing experienced and high Graded players with an opportunity to refresh their interpretations of some of the rules!!!

SOME OF NICKY’S HIGHLIGHTS FORM THE LOCAL QUALIFICATION PERIOD:

World Men’s Teams’ Event (December 2023, Auckland). Refereed 27 matches, including 2 Quarter Finals (+ video referee for 2 more)

Refereed a total of 224 matches in 2024 at Regional and National level.

Auckland & Oceania Open - 2 x PSA Semi Finals + Men’s Open Final

fi innovations Southland Open - 2 x Semi Finals + Men’s 3v4 + Men’s Final

Morrinsville PSA - 1 x Men’s QF + 1 x Men’s SF + Women’s Final

NZ Champs - 1 x Women’s SF + 1 x Men’s SF + Men’s Final

NZ Junior Age Group Champs - 3 x SF, 2 x Finals

Trans-Tasman Masters Test Series - 3 Tests w/ 5 x Men’s SF + 2 x Women’s SF + 1 x Men’s Final + 1 x Women’s Final

Oceania Juniors - 4 x SF, U19 3v4, U17 Boys’ Final, U17 Girls’ Final

SUSAN DEVOY’S LONG WALK

Many people know of Susan Devoy’s triumphs on court, however what may not be more commonly known is her incredible philanthropic feats.

Inspired and humbled by a morning tea with children living with Muscular Dystrophy and encouraged by English cricketer, Ian Botham’s Walk from John O’Grots to Land’s End. Susan walked the length of Aotearoa New Zealand, from Cape Reinga to Stewart Island, in 53 days. She raised approximately $500,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, collecting coins and notes in buckets on her way.

Devoy’s walk put the spotlight on the association and that had its own spin-off benfits.

To learn more about the story of New Zealand squash, purchase ‘Long or Short?’ by Joseph Romanos.

Click here to purchase Long or Short by Joseph Romanos

racketball

BLUE BALLS TROPHY TO WAIKATO UPCOMING 1-DAY EVENTS

The Blue Balls Trophy has returned to the Waikato after a Bay of Plenty team travelled over the Kaimais to put the trophy on the line on Saturday 4 May in Morrinsville. After an enjoyable day of 16 singles matches, Waikato squeezed out a 9-7 victory to get their hands back on the trophy.

The day concluded with a mixed bag of combinations played Racketball doubles. While a format new to many, there were plenty of laughs and great feedback from players.

Saturday 22 June - Herne Bay Rackets Club, Auckland. 11am start. All levels catered for. 3 matches per player. $25 entry.

Email Cherie Fletcher on cpfnz@yahoo.com.au to enter.

Saturday 6 July - Devoy Squash & Fitness Centre, Tauranga (during NZ National Championships). 12pm start. 3 matches per player. Limited to 24 entries. Email john@squashnz.co.nz to enter.

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

squashLevels

MOST IMPROVED

A new regular feature of The Boast will be our national most improved table, highlighting our top 10 improvers on SquashLevels during the previous month.

Congratulations to Hemi Gregory of Te Rapa who topped the leaderboard for April, with a massive 65.8% level improvement during April!

Why does my level change and I’m not even playing?

A The answer is calibration!

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, whether up or down, with the goal to ensure that player levels are equivalent across the board.

The changes each night are very small and, for those playing regularly, they will largely go unnoticed but, if you take a break and then come back, you can find your level has changed over that time and it may be more obvious.

Read more here

FRIDAY 5TH - SUNDAY 7TH JULY

DEVOY SQUASH & FITNESS CENTRE, TAURANGA

• MEN’S AND WOMEN’S OPEN DIVISIONS ONLY - TOP 32 PLAYERS ENTERED AS AT 10 MAY

• ENTER VIA ISQUASH

• $50 ENTRY FEE

• ENTRIES CLOSE 10 MAY

• INFO: WWW.SQUASHNZ.CO.NZ

21ST-23RD JUNE, HENDERSON SQUASH CLUB

Info/email: brooke@squashnz.co.nz

Divisions: A, B, C, D, F -grade

Livestreaming will be available via Squash NZ TV

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

Want to be featured in The Boast?

Email tyler@squashnz.co.nz with stories from your club or district to be featured in the next edition of The Boast.

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