Squash and Social Distancing Do Not Mix

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.

Squash and Social Distancing
Attribution: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

Restarting the tournaments is fundamental to PSA’s 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 after the lockdown
Attribution: julesgriff

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 don’t mix well.

For now, squash and social distancing will need to find a way to co-exist. Though, that’s 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 don’t 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

Follow Government guidelines regarding sporting activities in your area
Be aware that guidelines vary from one community to another.
Phased approaches may apply to the reopening of your city.
Avoid the courts if you exhibit COVD-19 symptoms or have been in contact with someone infected with the virus.

Safe Squash for Players

Warm-up in open areas of the gym or outdoors.
Initially, stick to drills versus playing games.
Reduce time on the court – Start with 30 minutes or less.
Avoid sharing racquets, eye guards, muscle rollers, or any other personal items.
Take the time to get in shape before competitive play.
Limit playing partners to folks you know and deem safe.
Carry spare clothes – Change as often as you need to.
Change your racquet grip as often as you can.
Try wearing a glove on your non-playing hand to handle the ball.
Avoid handshakes and high-fives.

Safe Squash for Clubs

Schedule frequent cleaning of the squash court’s sidewalls and back wall.
Relax court-booking rules to accommodate solo practice.
Limit court booking time-slots to 30 minutes.
Make hand sanitizers available in high-touch areas and exits.
Encourage players to bring their own water and towels.

These certainly are unusual times. As the old Persian adage goes, “This too shall pass.”

Meanwhile, it is essential to remind yourself again: You don’t play squash to stay healthy; you stay healthy to play squash.

Dax Nair
Latest posts by Dax Nair (see all)

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2 Comments

  1. Hi RacquetSocial, Apologies for the comment but we thought your readers might be interested in the game from which squash was born i.e. Rackets.
    We have an introduction to the sport in the link below and would be happy to provide more background if it were of interest to your readers?

    • Thanks for the comment. It looks like a tough sport.

      I can see the ball making the game quicker and more dangerous. I have kept the link in your comment for anyone to click through if they want to read more.

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