Automatic points deduction for inactivity to commence

Automatic points deduction for inactivity is set to commence on 20 January 2015, as previously communicated.

Among the five changes to the grading list announced by the Grading List Advisory Group in August 2013 was the automatic deduction of grading points for players who are inactive for 12 months or more.

This change - like the others announced in August 2013 - came into effect on January 2014.  As such, the first points deductions for inactivity will be made on 20 January 2015.

As a reminder of the specific details: inactive players who do not play a competitive match for 12 months will lose 50 points.  10 points will be deducted for every month of inactivity thereafter.

Players can avoid the points deduction by coming off the grading list.  This is a simple process - just talk to your club about this.

This change was made in order to promote and encourage playing activity.  Aside from keeping our sport healthy, increased activity also improves the accuracy of the grading list.

More information on this change, along with FAQs, is available in this Info Sheet.  You can also read the Info Sheet/FAQs below.

• An automatic loss of grading points for inactivity was introduced from January 2014.

• After the first 12 months of player inactivity (where no results are sent to the grading list), 50 grading points will be automatically deducted from the player (the initial period of 12 months began from January 2014, meaning the first points will be automatically deducted in January 2015).

• For every additional month of inactivity, a further 10 points will be deducted.

• Players can be removed from the grading list at any time to avoid points deduction.

• The automatic points deduction will occur once per month. 

• Where a player plays a match in time to avoid losing points, but the result is entered late, the automatic deduction of points will be cancelled the following month.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Why is this rule being introduced?

A: The rule is aimed at promoting activity (which improves the accuracy of the grading list), and ensuring that players do not retain grades that do not reflect their current abilities.

Q: What if I’m injured/pregnant?

A: The rule still applies to players with injuries; for this reason a lengthy 12 month initial period has been allowed before points are deducted for inactivity.  If a player has a long term injury, they can ask their club to remove them from the grading list to avoid losing points, and then come back on to the grading list at such time as they are ready to resume competitive play.

Q: If I haven’t played since May 2014, will I lose points if I don’t play before January 2015?

A: No. The rule will be introduced from January 2014, and points will be deducted for inactivity from January 2015, but only for players who haven’t played in a full 12 months.  If you have played in May 2014, you have until May 2015 to play again.

Q: Will players be able to use this as a mechanism to drop points for Superchamps/Champion of Champions?

A: The majority of players will be unlikely to do this, as in order to lose enough points to go down a grade, a player would need to sacrifice at least a full year of squash.  Also, team lists and the grading list will be closely scrutinised around Superchamps and Champion of Champions time.  Squash New Zealand reserves the right to alter the eligibility of players for these events where there is evidence of grading manipulation.

Q: How can I remove myself from the grading list?

A: Talk to your club statistician/iSquash administrator about coming off the grading list – it is a simple process.  But better yet, why not play a few games?!

Q: If I am removed from the grading list but come back in two years, will I lose points for the time I’ve been off the grading list?

A: No – no points will be adjusted while players are off the grading list.  Players should only come back on to the grading list if they are going to be playing competitive matches.

Q: How do I know if I’m on the grading list?

A: Visit www.isquash.co.nz and click on the grading list tab.  Search your name, if you don’t show up, you’re not on the grading list!  You can also check this by logging into iSquash.  If you are on the grading list, your grade, points and code will appear at the top of the home page.

Q: What if I am going to lost points for inactivity on the 1^st of the month, so play a match on the 30^th, but the result isn’t entered until the 4^th of the following?

A: In the event of a result being entered ‘late’, the automatic points deduction will initially occur, but later be removed.