Rules Of The Maidenhead Squash League
In general, we follow the standard set of squash rules as detailed by World Squash.
However, in summary and assuming you already know the basics of how to play squash, here are the key points for the Magnet Squash League.
01 League Structure
Each league usually lasts for 6 weeks although this may be extended at certain times of year such as Christmas to allow more time to complete games. The league consists of a number of divisions usually containing 6 players each although this on accoasion may be reduced to 5 or increased to 7 to accommodate new players and players leaving the league.. Each player plays each other player in their division once during the course of the season. It is the responsibility of each player to arrange their matches and enter their scores appropriately in the league table.
It is important to make all efforts to play all your 5 games in a league as non-playing is an increasing source of frustration for other players. In the event that circumstances arise which prevent you from playing during a league, please notify all the other players in your division and/ or the league administrators. Please also see point 3 below.
02 Scoring
All matches are best of 5 games.
Traditionally, the scoring system used for the league is 'English Hand In/ Hand Out (HiHo)' scoring where each game is to nine points with points only scored with serve. If the score reaches eight-all the receiver (non-server) has to choose to play either to nine points (known as "Set One") or to ten points (known as "Set Two") and advise the server. (There is no requirement that a player needs to be two points ahead to win a game).
​
However, if both players agree, you are free to use 'American Point-A-Rally (PAR)' scoring where points are scored on each rally regardless of who served. PAR scoring can be to 11 or 15 points and if the points are level (10 all or 14 all) then players must win by two clear points.
In the event a game is not finished, players can elect to complete the match at a later date if time permits.
​​​
All games are played with double yellow spot balls and court fees are to be split equally between the two competing players unless otherwise agreed.
​​
Points awarded for each match are calculated by Squashlevels when you enter your scores as per the table below: ​​​​​​​​​​Example: a 3-1 match score would equate to 5-2 in points respectively.
Score | Box points |
|---|---|
W-0 | 4-0 |
0-0 | 0-0 |
1-1 | 2-2 |
1-0 | 2-1 |
2-2 | 3-3 |
2-1 | 3-2 |
2-0 | 3-1 |
3-2 | 4-3 |
3-1 | 5-2 |
3-0 | 6-1 |
03 Non-Playing
All players are asked to make every effort to play all of their 5 games in the league as not responding to match requests and not playing is an increasing frustration for many players in the league. We understand that work or personal circumstances may prevent you from playing all your matches, but if this is the case please advise the other players in your division and the league administrators as soon as possible so everyone is aware.
To ensure we all continue to participate in an active and rewarding squash league, all players are expected to play at least one game in 2 leagues. Players who do not play at least one game in 2 consecutive leagues will automatically be removed from the league.
​
If you have a '*' by your name in the league table it means you have not played enough games and will be removed from the boxes at the next rollover. To remove the '*' and avoid being removed, just play a game!
​
Remove players can of course apply to rejoin the league at the same level whenever they wish.
04 Promotion & Relegation
​
In a normal league period, the top two players will be promoted and the bottom two players will be relegated. However, this may not always be possible due to players dropping out of the league, new players joining and the over-riding objective to try and keep 6 players in each box. Therefore, there may be occasions where this may not be possible and players who come top or second in a box may not be promoted.
​
We will try and minimise these situations occurring but, when they do, we ask that you understand that it may not be possible.
05 Walkover
Players are asked to avoid these wherever possible by being reasonable about arranging and rearranging match fixtures. Where this has not been possible we offer the following guidelines for a justifiable 4-0 Walk Over claim:
1. Non-show to an agreed match date and time unless both players agree to rearrange.
2. Cancellation within 24 hours of an agreed fixture
3. Non-response to two emails requesting match dates by the final week of the league.
4. Refusal to accept two sensible fixtures with none offered in return
5. Cancellation of a fixture within the last 7 days with no alternative offered
If player plays one or more game in a league but then fails to play the remaining games due to injury, the remaining players in the division will be entitled to register a walkover score of 4-0 for their games against that player.
​
The following examples are not valid walkovers:
6. Sending an email during the last week before the league ends. This is usually too late since players have last minute games and the courts will be booked at peak times. Also 1 week notice is fair for players to organize their week, childcare, etc.
7. If you booked a court without agreeing the date & time with your opponent, you can neither claim a walkover nor the cost of the court from them if they don't show up.
​
To claim a walkover enter W on your name and 0 (zero) on your opponent's name. Please enter this in the match score not the individual game scores. See Tutorial 09 for details.
06 Lets & Strokes
Lets and strokes are rules which are notoriously difficult to have a clear policy of. As a way of helping players decide whether interference results in a let or a stroke we refer to World Squash rules which can be found here >
In all cases players must use their own judgement and good sportsmanship to resolve such issues. The league administrators cannot arbitrate on such matters.