ABOUT WORLD SQUASH OFFICIATING

World Squash Officiating (WSO) is the globally recognised organisation dedicated to the regulation and development of squash officiating worldwide. WSO comprises a team of highly skilled and trained individuals who play a pivotal role in ensuring fair play, enforcing rules, and maintaining the integrity of the sport. These officials are responsible for officiating squash matches at all levels, from grassroots tournaments to prestigious international competitions. With a comprehensive understanding of the rules and a keen eye for detail, World Squash Officiating professionals are instrumental in upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship, professionalism, and accuracy within the dynamic and fast-paced game of squash.

WSO Values

World Squash Officiating (WSO) upholds a set of core values that form the foundation of its operations. First and foremost, WSO is committed to integrity, ensuring that the rules and regulations of squash are adhered to consistently and fairly. They promote sportsmanship and respect among players, coaches, and spectators, fostering an environment of fair competition and mutual respect. WSO values professionalism, stressing the importance of well-trained and knowledgeable officials who demonstrate composure and professionalism in every match they oversee. We also value continuous improvement, providing training and development opportunities to officials to enhance their skills and stay updated with the evolving nature of the sport. Finally, WSO is dedicated to inclusivity, striving to ensure that squash officiating is accessible and open to individuals from diverse backgrounds, promoting equality and diversity within the officiating community.

WSO and Stakeholders in Squash

World Squash Officiating (WSO) works with various stakeholders within the squash community to promote and advance the sport of squash officiating, including:

• WSF Continents and National Governing Bodies (NGBs): WSO works closely with WSF Continents and NGBs from around the world. Both play a vital role in implementing WSO’s officiating standards and training tools to complement the programs within their respective nations. WSO provides support, guidance, and resources to help support, develop, and enhance their officiating programmes. Discover our existing Member Nation Federation Partners here. 
• Squash Event Organisers: WSO collaborates with organisers of squash events, tournaments, and championships globally. These include all World Squash Federation and Professional Squash Association World Tour events. WSO’s involvement ensures that global officiating standards and guidelines are achieved and maintained during these events. By working together, WSO and event organisers ensure fair and consistent officiating, thereby enhancing the overall quality of the events. Discover how WSO can help you appoint the best refereeing team for your event.
• Squash Players: WSO’s ultimate aim is to provide a fair and enjoyable playing environment for squash players. WSO works with players to inform them while looking to understand their needs, address their concerns, and gather feedback on officiating standards and practices. This collaboration helps shape the rules and regulations to ensure a positive experience for the players. WSO offers player specific courses designed to inform players while improving performance and the general squash experience. Learn more about WSO player certificates.
• Squash Coaches: WSO recognises the importance of coaches in the development and success of squash players. WSO collaborates with coaches to provide them with officiating education, resources, and support. This partnership helps coaches understand officiating standards, enabling them to guide and prepare their players effectively. We believe that it is important for coaches to understand the latest line of thinking and what referees are looking for. As coaches it is our responsibility to inform the players with the correct information that will allow them to thrive on a squash court. Find out more here. 
• Officials and Referees: WSO works directly with squash officials and referees. WSO provides training, certification, and ongoing professional development opportunities for officials. Through this collaboration, WSO helps officials improve their skills, knowledge, and professionalism, ultimately contributing to the overall quality of squash officiating. Get started with the online WSO courses for referees here.
• World Squash Federation (WSF) and Professional Squash Association (PSA): WSO was founded by WSF, the governing body for squash, and the PSA and maintains a close relationship with both. WSO, WSF, and PSA collaborate on various initiatives, such as rule development, implementation of officiating standards, and coordination of officiating at major international squash events.
• Sponsors and Partners: WSO partners with various sponsors and organisations that support the growth and development of squash officiating. These partnerships help provide resources, funding, and opportunities for WSO to expand its programs and initiatives, benefiting the squash officiating community. Visit the WSO partners page here.