Cambs Squash

It was really interesting to listen to the really wide range of views expressed at the AGM and to know that every single one from “great idea” to “total bloody disaster if you ask me” has already been expressed by the great and the good in the game we love.

Many of you will already know about the various forms of PAR scoring that have been used, but for those who don’t, maybe the following personal view will help.

1.Why is this change being made?

The survival of top level professional sport depends on money coming into the game. Money from lottery funding; Sponsorship, and then ultimately TV deals and the Olympics.

Money at the top level eventually cascades down to grass roots - county level.

The change in scoring has been made to make the game more attractive( TV friendly) and exciting to the paying public. Similar changes to scoring have also been made in Badminton and Table Tennis for similar reasons

2. When did it start and how is it progressing?

Changes were made in the Mens Pro game several years ago and a lower tin height was introduced to make the game more attack minded and exciting to to the general viewer. 2 hours of “up and down the side wall” doesn’t put bums on seats!!!

Initial fears that games would be very short were countered by adopting PAR to 15 however once players adapted to the new format there was little difference and games times started to increase again

3. How has this affected things?

After a while with PAR 15 it was seen that if one player got a large lead then the opponent would let the game go and save himself for the next set. So there could be sets being “thrown” and again this is not good for the fans paying to watch.

As such the next change was for PAR to 11. Again fears that games would be too short but again players adapted to the change and matches far in excess of 90minutes are not uncommon and many with incredibly tense finishes – look no further the Mens Final at the British Open

4. What is the program for the future.

So then we had the strange situation of Men’s and Women’s Pro squash being played to different scoring and this has been a confusing situation for TV and the paying public

WISPA – the Women’s organisation have been considering the change for close to 2 years and have only just switched in the last couple of tournaments.

But now the Womens professional game uses PAR 11
We have also just been told that all Sanctioned Junior events will be PAR to 11 with immediate effect.

5. So do we have to change?

The simple answer is – right now no we don’t. However, it’s not a question of IF there will be a change across the whole sport but WHEN.
It is entirely probable that this time next year the scoring rules of Squash will be PAR 11.

6. So why change?

Our top County and Junior players will have to play PAR 11 in competition.
We want more and more success in the county, so enabling them to play PAR in weekly league games is seen as a way to help them adapt and therefore not be at a disadvantage in competition.

7. Why not PAR 11 across the board

Well, we all share the same apprehension about change so a sensible compromise is for the Top Mens and Womens divisions to play PAR
to give them the experience they need. However, we will use 15 to ensure games are not too short while the experience is being gained.

Since there is no formal pressure on us to change (yet) we will leave the other leagues unchanged. However we would urge all those players to play practice games in readiness for the change whenever it happens

8. And finally

I recently read the following comments from a world-class lady player- who is struggling with the new format - “Actually the game is fundamentally the same. You still need to serve and receive really well. You still need to attack and defend at the right times, with good line and length. What you can’t do is to switch off mentally because in a flash your lead is gone- and at 10 all your nerves are really jangling –it’s electric”

Doesn’t sound like a bad old game does it?

Enjoy your Season

Cheers
Bob Maison