A while back I wrote an article on squash etiquette and the general unspoken rules that all players should try their best to follow.
Well, since then, I've thought of a few more so I've decided to do a part 2!
I would put my money on the fact that almost all squash players already do all of these things, the purpose of this newsletter isn't to point any fingers, it's primary purpose is to be informative!
Just because somebody doesn't follow one of these rules doesn't mean that they're a bad person either, they may be newer to the sport, or, they may just not be aware of that particular piece of etiquette yet!
So, just a disclaimer, if you do see anybody not following these rough rules, don't approach them with aggression or malice, just try to be friendly, polite, and informative, I imagine that most people will be very understanding and perhaps even thankful that they've learned something too!
Anyway, I'll start off with a quick summary of the 12 points I covered last time (just to bring anybody up to speed who perhaps missed that newsletter), then I'll delve into my new list of examples of squash etiquette...
A Summary of Part 1
As I mentioned, here's a brief summary of the 12 examples of squash etiquette I gave last time...
Shaking Hands
Always shake hands with your opponent after every match, regardless of the outcome. It's a meaningful gesture of sportsmanship and respect.
Warm-Up Etiquette
During the warm-up, take two to three shots before hitting the ball crosscourt to your opponent. Avoid taking excessive shots to ensure both players get a fair chance to warm up.
Calling Double Bounces
If the ball bounces twice and you know it, always call it. Honesty is essential to maintain fairness and mutual respect on the court.
What To Wear
Always wear non-marking soled shoes to protect the court and appropriate sportswear for comfort during play.
Safety First
Never risk hitting your opponent with the ball or racquet. Stop the rally if there's any danger and prioritize safety over scoring points.
Be On Time
Show respect for your opponent and others by arriving punctually for your matches.
Acknowledge Good Shots
If your opponent plays a great shot, acknowledge it with a quick "good shot" or similar compliment. It keeps the game positive and enjoyable.
Pass The Ball Respectfully
After losing a point, pass the ball to your opponent gently and considerately. Avoid smacking it or leaving it for them to collect.
Avoid Arguing
Disputes with referees or opponents should be handled calmly and politely. If in doubt, play a let to keep the game fair and respectful.
Control Frustration
Avoid smashing your racquet or shouting excessively. Staying composed demonstrates mental strength and keeps the match enjoyable.
Celebrate With Respect
Celebrate wins respectfully without overshadowing your opponent. Always shake their hand before celebrating further.
Always Try Your Best
Giving your full effort, regardless of the match situation, is fundamental to good sportsmanship.
Image credit: Steve Cubbins
Now, before I dive in to my new list, I know I referred to etiquette as being 'unwritten rules' so to speak in the introduction, but just to further clarify what I mean, etiquette (as the dictionary defines it) is essentially a customary code of polite or expected behaviour in society (or squash, in this case).
So, now that you're caught up, let's dive into my newly thought examples of squash etiquette! These might be a little more nuanced and less obvious than the original 12, but, I still think they're things that every player should try their best to follow...
Be Transparent with Let And Stroke Calls
Now, this one is mainly for when you're playing matches with no marker, that could be a friendly match, or, an internal league match, or anything really.
Even tournaments don't always have people to mark your match, so, it's important to be as fair as possible with your opponent.
When it comes to no lets, lets, and strokes, things can get quite unclear and even controversial, especially if one player thinks one thing and the other player thinks another.
Generally, in friendlies, the unwritten rule is to just play a let if you don't agree on a decision.
Especially in recreational games, try to err on the side of generosity when deciding on lets as a whole.
If there’s any doubt about whether interference occurred or if you were in the way, giving your opponent the benefit of the doubt and replaying the point helps maintain a friendly and cooperative atmosphere.
The last thing that you want is for your opponent to be frustrated and start playing through interference, which can make things more dangerous.
If the match is a more important than just a general friendly and there is a dispute about any decision, it can definitely become a little more complicated.
If your opponent calls a let or stroke, it's important to try your best to respect their perspective and consider it fairly, even if you don’t entirely agree.
Discuss the situation calmly and avoid confrontational language. If the call seems unclear, it’s often best to agree on a let and replay the point. If your opponent refuses this, just make sure not to get into any kind of argument, move onto the next point, take the moral high ground, and just try to forget about it.
An alternative is that you can always ask spectators what their thoughts are if anybody is watching!
If you know that you personally caused interference, acknowledge it and say something like “that was my fault – let’s play a let,”. This shows fairness and sportsmanship.
Honesty in these moments fosters mutual respect and sets a positive tone for the match as a whole.
Don't Argue With The Referee
If you do have a referee for your match, congratulations, things are now a lot easier!
However, the most important rule is not to argue with your referee. You never know what their squash situation might be, they may be very new to the sport, or, they may just be a very nervous ref, which is understandable.
Other times, the referee is likely to be someone you know, and you wouldn't argue with them right?
When I say argue, I don't mean that you can't briefly dispute a decision that you don't agree with. If the referee calls a let when you think it was a stroke, you're well within your rights to ask why.
But, once the decision is made, the referee can't (or definitely shouldn't) go back on it (unless both players agree on a different decision together).
The first principle of dealing with referees is to trust their judgment.
It is quite surprising how many players don't realise that the view of the match from the balcony gives a much better perspective of certain situations than actually being in the heat of a match on the court.
Refs are there to apply the rules impartially, and while you might not agree with every decision, accepting their calls gracefully is part of the game.
Even if you feel super strongly that a call was incorrect, voicing frustration or engaging in a dispute will likely do more harm than good, both to your focus and to the flow of the match.
Referees play a vital role in the sport, often without the recognition or appreciation they deserve. It's easy to watch the PSA Squash Tour referees, for example, and disagree wildly with some of their decisions, however, it's important to remember the pressure that they're under with a huge crowd, professional players, and in big tournaments.
A simple “thank you” at the end of your match, regardless of the outcome, is a small gesture that goes a long way. Showing gratitude reinforces mutual respect and acknowledges the effort they’ve put into officiating the game.
If there was any arguing with the referee, make sure to apologise and make ammends with the ref off court after the game if you can!
Keep the Court Clean
A pretty simple one, but maintaining is a major part of squash etiquette.
I've seen people leave water bottles, food wrappers, and even dirty socks on the court after themselves! But, litter really isn't too common on a squash court, as most people don't eat or drink on court...
Keeping the court clean often relates more to the playing surfaces. Keeping a clean playing surface not only ensures safety but also shows respect for the facility and the players who will use the court after you.
Sweat marks, ball smudges, and scuff marks are inevitable during an intense game, but leaving the court in an actual mess is definitely avoidable.
Scuff marks from shoes are a common issue, and wearing non-marking squash shoes is a foolproof way to prevent them. Make sure your shoes are clean and that your soles do not mark the wooden flooring before stepping onto the court.
Dust, dirt, or grit from outside can not only damage the surface but also affect ball bounce and grip, compromising the quality of play.
Once your match or training session is over, pack up your belongings, and leave the space as you found it. If you notice any damage to the court, such as cracks or broken fixtures, report it to the facility staff immediately so it can be addressed.
Be Aware Of Your Sweat
This kind of follows on from the previous point, but, we all know how sweaty playing squash can make you, it's one of the toughest sports on the planet after all!
Depending on the time of year, courts can be unbelievably hot in summer, but, they can also be pretty toasty in winter too if the court is insulated and the heaters are powerful.
Squash courts are indeed supposed to be on the warmer side to keep the ball bouncy, so nobody is going to be angry at you for sweating.
But, if you're a prefusive sweater like myself, it can affect your opponent and even other members who want to use the court after you.
When it comes to your opponent, if you're dripping sweat all over the court, it can get slippery and even dangerous (that goes for both of you). If you're predicting a sweaty match, make sure to bring a towel onto the court so you can wipe up in between points, especially if you do an explosive dive (or fall over)!
Once a match is finished or the court booking is finished and the next players are about to come on, try your absolute best to mop up any remaining sweat from the floor and walls. It's just common courtesy!
Image credit: Steve Cubbins
Keep Noise Levels Down
We know that squash is an intense and passionate sport, especially given the pace at which it is played, but maintaining a reasonable level of noise is essential for creating a respectful and enjoyable environment for everyone.
It's completely natural to express emotion during a match, whether it’s celebrating a point or venting a bit of frustration, it’s important to keep these reactions in check to avoid disturbing other players and spectators.
Excessive shouting, loud arguments, or persistent complaining can quickly have a negative impact on the atmosphere on and off the court.
Players on adjacent courts will likely be disrupted by sudden and constant loud noises. Squash is played in enclosed spaces, and sound carries easily, meaning even seemingly minor outbursts can become quite a significant distraction.
Plus, slamming your racket or shouting in anger not only disrupts the flow of your own game but also sets a poor example for others, especially younger players who may be watching or playing on a nearby court.
If you’re watching a match, be mindful of your volume as well. Conversations and cheering are fine in moderation but should not detract from the focus of the players.
Applause or encouragement is best saved for between rallies or at the end of the match.
Control Your Body Language
This is a pretty big tip for squash in general as having negative body language is a pretty big giveaway to your opponent that you're struggling mentally, however, from an etiquette perspective, if you're making minimal effort, sulking, and just generally looking as though you don't want to be there, it's a bit of a no go.
Staying composed and respectful in your gestures is key to maintaining good sportsmanship, regardless of the game's outcome.
It's natural to feel frustration after a mistake or elation after a well-played point, but exaggerated or negative body language can sometimes come across as unsportsmanlike.
It kind of goes without saying, but it's still seen on occasion, try to avoid actions like throwing your racquet or glaring at your opponent.
These behaviours not only distract others but also convey disrespect, whether intentional or not.
A composed presence on the court demonstrates mental resilience and a respect for the sport's etiquette. It shows you're in control of your emotions and committed to playing in the right spirit too!
Positive body language can also have a strong psychological impact on your game.
Standing tall, staying calm, and maintaining focus can boost your confidence and unsettle your opponent.
Even if you're struggling during a match, projecting calmness signals determination and composure. Squash is as much a mental game as it is physical, and controlling your body language is a vital part of that battle.
Return Borrowed Equipment in Good Condition
Many clubs are kind enough to offer members (or players visiting the club) rental or spare racquets and balls.
It kind of goes without saying, but please try your best to return any borrowed items in as best condition as possible.
Of course, squash racquets break, strings break, and balls burst. This is just the nature of the game, so don't worry too much if any of these things happen with borrowed equipment, the club will certainly understand!
But, with that said, things like racquet breaks are somewhat avoidable.
If your opponent hits a tight shot and you're using your racquet, you'll certainly be comfortable swinging hard at it to make every effort to get the ball back onto the front wall.
But, try to treat gear you've borrowed from the club as though you're borrowing a close friend's racquet. By all means, try to scrape those tight shots off the wall, but don't swing with all your force, just use your best judgement, that's all I mean!
Respect Court Bookings
Another one that's quite glaringly obvious, but make sure to respect court booking times.
Leave the court or come off when your court time ends, especially if the next players are eagerly waiting for their turn to play. It might be tempting to say 'Let's just play a couple more points to finish off the game', but that's unfair and disrespectful to those next players on.
Of course, they may be happy to let you play on and finish the match, but make sure to ask first!
If nobody is coming on the court next, then maybe it's alright to stay on a little longer to close out the match, however, this depends on how strict your club is and whether you have to pay for the lights to come on.
My local club's booking time is 40 minutes, which isn't long. By the time you've warmed up, you've only got just over 30 minutes of actual match play, so every minute counts!
Respect Club Facilities and Staff
Off the court, it's expected etiquette to keep changing rooms tidy and in order. These can arguably get even more neglected than the courts themselves with litter, dirty clothing, and shower gel being left.
Most clubs will have somebody to regularly clean the changing rooms, but, that doesn't mean they're there just to pick up after the members.
If you're a regular player at the club, I imagine you want it to be in great condition, and it's pretty easy to do your part to keep it that way!
It’s equally important to show appreciation for the club staff, who work hard to keep things running smoothly.
Whether it’s the front desk personnel, cleaners, or maintenance workers, their efforts are crucial to the overall experience.
A friendly greeting and a thank you for their hard work can go a long way in keeping the club a happy place. If you encounter any issues with the facilities, approach staff politely and allow them to address the situation rather than becoming frustrated.
Finally, respecting the club’s rules and policies is a fundamental part of creating a good environment.
Whether it's opening and closing times, health and safety measures, or, paying guest fees, these guidelines are in place not only for the club to run on a day-to-day basis, but also to ensure that everyone has the best possible experience.
Following these rules helps ensure that the squash club remains a great place to play and socialize for everyone.
Be Courteous In Mixed Skill Level Matches (Regardless Of Whether You're Better Or Worse Than Your Opponent)
This is arguably one of the most important points, so perhaps I should have mentioned it first, but, squash relies heavily on mutual respect between players.
This is also the case in matches where there’s a noticeable skill gap.
Whether it's a less experienced player facing a better player, or vice versa, maintaining courtesy and competitive spirit is key to ensuring the match is enjoyable and, most importantly, valuable for both players.
If you find yourself playing against someone less experienced or with a lower skill level, it's important to avoid overwhelming them with an excessively one-sided performance.
While it’s tempting to use every shot in your arsenal to dominate the match, that's going to be no fun for either player. Instead of relentlessly battering your opponent, aim to play with a sense of control, giving them a chance to engage with the game.
Use it as an opportunity to practice certain shots, tactics, or techniques, it can be a great time to work on your length game and volleying in particular!
Offering encouragement can also go along way, praising your opponent's good shots or rallies can also help them stay motivated and enjoy the experience too.
Alternatively, when playing against a more skilled opponent, it’s crucial not to simply give up or become discouraged, as easy as it might be to slip into this trap.
The most important thing to do is to think of it as a learning experience.
Just remember that there's absolutely no pressure on you as a player to win this match, this should allow you to relax and play your best squash.
Then, after the match, you can go off court and reflect on what it is that your opponent was better at than you.
Good etiquette is for players to try their best, showing respect by maintaining focus and fighting for every point, regardless of the scoreline.
Ultimately, squash is about mutual respect and enjoyment.
The last thing you want to do is not allow a beginner to get any points, as they'll never want to play again.
So, whether you're facing a more experienced player or a newcomer, being courteous in mixed skill level matches ensures that everyone walks away from the court feeling good (or as good as one can feel after a loss)!
This article was taken from our On The 'T' Newsletter, if you're interested in receiving more content like this, please feel free to sign up using the subscribe section located at the bottom left of this page (or underneath the article if you're on mobile), thanks!
