The Role of the Referee.
What the rule book says
Hints for Referees
The Referee's job is:
to control a match
to make sure it is played according to the rules
to ensure that it is a pleasant experience for the players and those watching
To achieve these aims, several things are needed of you as Referee:
You must have a thorough knowledge of the rules.
To help you in this you can obtain one or two books from the VRSSA:
World Squash Singles Rules (the latest published book is dated 2001)
This is the definitive work on the rules.
Guide to Understanding the Rules of Squash
This is also published by the World Squash Fereration, but is not the official wording of the rules. However, it gives a very clear interpretation of the rules, with excellent examples and humorous illustrations. It is well worth the purchase price.
What else do you need to be a good Referee?
You should remain as unobtrusive as possible, while ensuring the game is played properly.
Make rulings with confidence. This will give the players a good idea of where they stand in relation to your refereeing.
If you show doubts the players will doubt your refereeing ability.
Don't let one or both players conduct long arguments with you. On the other hand don't be too authoritarian.
It is reasonable for a player to request a brief explanation of a ruling for which they do not understand the reason.
Give them a short, clear explanation and then insist on play continuing.
Do not allow this to develop into a long dialogue or argument.
That would be time-wasting and should be dealt with under the "Conduct on Court" rule.
It is not reasonable for a player to request an explanation of every, or nearly every decision you make.
This is time-wasting and should be dealt with under the "Conduct on Court" rule.
Use the correct calls. Why?
The correct calls are both quite clear and very concise.
Think of the environment we are operating in:
Acoustics are bad
Lots of noise around
The players are not all that close to the officials - there is plenty of scope to not hear calls properly
By using the correct calls, you are:
limiting the choices the players need to make in interpreting your call
giving the players the chance to continue play with a minimum of stress
saving time by enabling the game to keep going
So, What do you say?
Stop If the marker has missed a call or anything happens that should stop the rally.
(Make sure you give the marker time to call before jumping in.)
Following the stop call you will give the call that should have been made.
Not up or Down?
Many referees and markers seem to be confused about which of these to call. It is really quite simple:
If the ball is hit legally, but does not make it to the front wall above the board (tin), it is Down.
If the ball is not hit legally it is Not Up. Examples of the ball not being hit legally include:
the ball bounces a second time before being hit
the ball is hit twice
the ball is in contact with the racket for a prolonged time
the ball hits the striker or anything worn or carried by the striker
(but the striker may make a further attempt if legal to do so)