Squash Australia announces Events and Competitions revamp

Squash Australia has released the recommendations of an independent competition and events review that will restructure, refine and standardise competitions and events held. 

Moving out of COVID lockdowns and after the recent Squash Australia’s National rebranding in August 2021, the timing is perfect for Squash Australia to reinvigorate the national squash events calendar with the aim to increase the number of participants and engage with new members of the public. 2022 is set to be a blockbuster year for the Australian squash community at home and abroad with the Commonwealth Games in July.  

Recent data showed that there was a decline in the number of squash players who are registering for and attending events held in Australia. 

In unveiling the recommendations for the Events and Competition review, Squash Australia aims to develop modern competitions and events that are inclusive and encourage participation that not only provides a pathway to the highest level of the sport but allow players to have a lifelong playing career.

With this focus, a modified form of squash called Squash57, which is endorsed by the World Squash Federation (WSF), has been identified as a new participation program for juniors and Master level players. The report has recommended the reshaping and reformatting of national and state-level events to allow for increased participation and exposure of the sport to the general public.

In identifying the needs of squash in Australia a number of forums were held to engage with stakeholders including junior/senior players, parents and coaches, facility operators, clubs, and state association representatives for feedback on what they wanted from competition.

Stakeholders pointed to opportunities to create a ‘fun, festival’ environment that has been experienced abroad, more resources to help clubs run and promote their events, and the addition of community-based events and competitions, to name a few.

The recommendations of the review will ensure that Squash Australia has a pathway for all players and abilities with a combination of existing events and the introduction of new competitions including the National Interschools Championships, Australian Squash57 Masters Championships, Australian Club Championships, and the Australian Squash Tour Finals.

There will also be a re-structuring around PSA Events to ensure that where possible PSA events are conducted in groups of 3-4 events across subsequent weekends to make it more convenient and manageable for both domestic and international players to participate.

The new formats and re-structuring of competition and events will begin implementation from 2022 with the full schedule of new and reformatted events in place from 2023 as the sport looks to foster its development and growth.  

The announcement comes after Squash Australia’s National rebranding in August 2021, which saw State and Territory organisations present a new integrated brand for the sport in Australia.

To view a summary of Events Strategy plan click here.