February 2017

National Squash Roadshow Returns

Throughout the month of March, Squash New Zealand staff will be 'On the Move' conducting a series of FREE workshops throughout New Zealand for the benefit of managers, administrators, board members and volunteers. The interactive workshops will cover practical ways to grow and retain members whilst utilising the club tools, resources and support services available. Clubs will be able to provide feedback on any pressing issues and voice what support they require over the coming months as well. Find out when and where Squash New Zealand will be here.

Refereeing rules

We will be addressing some of the most commonly misunderstood rules in the game of squash throughout the season. These will be posted on our website under the referees section. This month we look at what happens if you hit your opponent with the ball. If you think you are ready to take the Online Club Referee exam you can do this here.

The New Zealand squash family grows

We have recently welcomed 10 clubs from the Mid Canterbury region who have recently re-affiliated with both Squash Midlands and Squash New Zealand. This sees around 650-700 more members join the national squash family and brings a wide range of benefits to the region and the sport. Find out more

Streamed events 2017

Squash New Zealand is pleased to announce that a number of events will be LiveStreamed during the 2017 season. Check out the LiveStream section of our website to see what will be on display as well as making sure you catch up on all the events from past years.

If you think you are a bit of a bit of a commentating whiz then make sure you sign up to SPALK and commentate a variety of matches from the comfort from your own home. Find out about this awesome opportunity here.

Get your new members off to a flying start

As existing squash players, we already know how enjoyable and rewarding the game can be both on and off the courts. However, for people looking to get into the game, it can often be an overwhelming experience. In order to create a welcoming environment to attract and retain new squash players, clubs need to support them and show that they care about them. Use the proven approach to achieving this here.

The keys to a successful club

Getting people to fall in love with squash is driven by what is around us and comes in many different forms. In your club, it’s the facility, the programmes you offer, the social relationships between members, how you help members achieve their goals, the education you provide, your coaches; it’s even subtle, intangible things like your club culture and how easy it is for members to sign up and feel like they belong. Find out how your club can tick all these boxes here.

Upcoming national events

The 2017 season is about to swing into action in great style. Check out the details for our upcoming events as well as checking out the accompanying rules which have been released.

• Southern Cross Travel Insurance Oceania Junior Championships @ Henderson Squash Club: 14-17 April.
• Aon New Zealand Junior Open @ Cambridge Racquets Club: 21-23 April.
• Cousins Shield and Mitchell Cup @ Herne Bay / Ponsonby Racquets Club: 2-4 June.
• New Zealand Senior Nationals Individual Championships @ Havelock North and Hastings: 30 June - 2 July.

Want to be part of the World Junior Squash Champs action?

The NZ Junior Classic is a fantastic new tournament being run during the World Championships. Open to all New Zealand and international juniors (entries will be limited and may be balloted based on grade). Venues are Mount Squash Club, Te Puke Squash Club and Devoy & Fitness Centre, it is open to all junior Under 19 players as at 23 July 2017.

Championship Director Marcus Niles said "we are expecting a number of overseas players to take up the opportunity and it's also a once in a lifetime chance for our local players to get amongst the action".

New Zealand players can enter via iSquash and all entries will receive a t-shirt. What better way to be part of the action and watch some of the international athletes and our New Zealand stars compete. The squash will be thrilling, the atmosphere will be electric with the all-glass court on showcase, the club will be great hosts and the city will be buzzing. The event is being LiveStreamed as well, providing great local and international coverage.

For further information contact Marcus Niles, Championship Director on 021 0466 838 or worldjuniors@squashbop.co.nz

Other news

• 7 reasons we all need to have a squash buddy. Find out more
• IMPORTANT change to scoring for all junior events - all juniors will now play PAR 11 as approved at the District Forum 2016. Read more here
• Is the price right at your club? Find out more
• Paul Coll claimed the 2016 Squash Player Magazine's most improved male. Read more here
• Three easy ways to create a welcoming environment at your club. Find out more
• Rod Sturm, the 1983 World Men's Champs Director has passed away. Read more here
• Squash New Zealand are seeking expressions of interest for the role of Assistant Coach / Manager at the 2017 World Doubles and 2018 Commonwealth Games. Find out more
• Our kiwis have just competed at the Windy City Open. Find out more and see how Paul Coll went against the world number one here
• India are set to host the 2018 World Junior Championships. Find out more
• DrugFree Sport NZ have launched a new anti-doping e-learning course for coaches and athletes here
• See who the latest supporters are for the World Junior Championships and how you can be part of the action as a volunteer here
• Locate your nearest court to have a hit or join a club with our court finder here