The Professional Squash Association (PSA) is probably caught between a rock and a hard place. It has been nearly two months since the lockdown went into effect.
Restarting the tournaments is fundamental to PSAโs revenue streams. But, their obligation to keep the players and their fans safe has to take precedence.
And, therein lies the rub. Squash and social distancing do not mix well.
After all, squash is played in a confined space with two players on the same side of the court. Social distancing is not something you can effectively implement on the squash court.
Squash is not alone in its post-coronavirus struggles.
After a few high-profile COVID-19-related tournament cancellations, professional tennis resumed earlier this month. The first match of the Tennis Point Exhibition series kicked off near Koblenz in Germany with no fans, line-judges, or ball-kids. However, Artificial intelligence technology provided by PlaySight ensured that there was TV coverage.
Perhaps, in the short term, the PSA can run with the closed-doors model.
Playing without fans seems to be the go-to option for most professional sports leagues. Major leagues such as the NFL, NBA, and the NHL have been considering it. While fans-less arenas are not what the leagues want, there is still revenue to be had from broadcasting contracts.
Unlike the major leagues, the squash community is smaller. Tournaments without paying-fans and sponsors would hurt the players and the PSA.
The show must go on, even when squash and social distancing donโt mix well.
For now, squash and social distancing will need to find a way to co-exist. Though, thatโs easier said than done.
Other racquet sports bodies like the USTA have come up with recommendations for social distancing on the tennis court. Unfortunately, most of the tennis-specific recommendations donโt work for squash. New guidelines, specific to squash, have to be put in place before the clubs can allow players back on the courts.
Even with the guidelines, it will be really up to individual players and fans to exercise responsible judgement and stay off the courts and venues, as and when they should.
Borrowing from Government guidelines and recommendations from sports bodies, here are some short-term, common-sense options that I believe are workable for squash clubs and club players.
Comply with local rules and regulations
Safe Squash for Players
Safe Squash for Clubs
These certainly are unusual times. As the old Persian adage goes, โThis too shall pass.โ
Meanwhile, it is essential to remind yourself again: You donโt play squash to stay healthy; you stay healthy to play squash.
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