Player and Parent Referee Education Sessions

Everyone knows there’s no sport without officials, and Squash Australia is working with State and Territory Members to support a more welcoming environment for referees during events and competitions.

During the recent Australian Junior Open in Melbourne, Squash Australia delivered the first of a series of Player and Parent Referee Education Sessions.

The aim was to provide players and parents with a foundational understanding of squash rules, how they can be applied and how to pursue a referee certification.

Targeted towards players and parents with little to no referee experience, the session was attended by over 20 individuals.

Following the session, feedback to Squash Australia reported a 100% satisfaction rate bolstered by every participant indicating that they would attend future sessions.

The successful delivery of this session resulted in two parents going on to complete their L1 certification.

What topics during the session did you find to be most beneficial?
"Myth busting and question time"
"The information around lets and strokes "
"Clearing some of the misconceptions around lets and strokes"
 
Did you find the session beneficial for your officiating knowledge?
Yes – 100%

"Supporting the growth and education of our parents and players is not just an investment into refereeing, but in the future of our sport,” said Shaun McEachin, Squash Australia National Development Lead. “Educated parents and players create a safer, more respectful and more enjoyable environment for all participants.

“Referee development is integral to the success and sustainability of our sporting community.”

Based on this feedback, Squash Australia is supporting the state bodies by rolling out more sessions throughout the country over the course of the year. Courses are being aligned to state junior tournaments, making it extremely easy to attend, with members of each state’s referee community presenting at these sessions.

"Investing in the development of referees is crucial to maintaining the integrity and fairness of our sport,” said McEachin. “By providing parents and players with ongoing training and resources, we lay down the foundation for growth in our referee community.

“This ultimately enhances the experience for players, coaches and parents alike."

The next session will take place this Saturday during the SA Junior Open in Adelaide, with more scheduled over the coming weeks in NSW and WA.

Please find session and registration details below.

Player and Parent Referee Education Sessions
Target Attendees: Parents and players
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Cost: Free
Objectives:

1. Educate players and parents, better preparing them to referee matches if needed and improving attitudes towards referee
2. Recruit new referees by removing barriers including awareness and cost.

Benefits:
All attendees of the session that go on to complete a L1 certification through the SqA Learning Centre will have their certification costs reimbursed (must be 16+ and a member of an affiliated club/centre). Each STM will have access to the attendee list and enjoy opportunity to recruit new referees.
 
Upcoming sessions
 
South Australia
Sat 22 Jun 2024 17:00 — 18:30
The ARC, 531 Lower Northeast Road Campbelltown
Register here
 
Western Australia
Sat 29 Jun 2024 16:00 — 16:30
WA State Squash Centre, 144 Robinson Avenue, Belmont WA 6104
Register here

New South Wales
Fri 12 Jul 2024 17:30 — 18:30
Dapto Squash Centre, 121-123 Lakelands Drive, Dapto NSW 2530
Register here