PSA Squash Tour WSO Directive 2025/26

Players;

• Should be ready promptly following the referee calling the score.
• Should be ready to play after a review has finished, having used time during a review or when the court is being cleaned to use the towel.

Some examples of Time-Wasting Behaviour are;

1. Excessive Ball Bouncing: Taking an unusually long time to bounce the ball before serving.
2. Hitting the Ball Between Rallies: Hitting the ball back and forth between rallies or after a video review.
3. Delayed Serving: Taking extra time to serve after the referee calls the score.
4. Prolonged Discussions with the Referee: Extended discussions or arguments with the referee.
5. Towel Breaks: Taking longer than necessary to use the towel.
6. Walking Between Points: Walking slowly to retrieve the ball or to starting position.

Referees;

Management Approach:

• Be proactive in reading the match situation. Consider the context – differentiate between natural breaks after dramatic rallies, where both players need recovery time, versus tactical delays to disrupt the opponent’s rhythm.
• Feel the pace and emotion of the game when determining appropriate intervention.

Intervention:

When delays become excessive, politely encourage the relevant player to increase their speed of play before applying sanctions as outlined in the Code of Conduct Framework (Section 8).

Foot Faults

Players;

• One foot must be in contact with the floor inside the service box when striking the ball and no part of that foot may touch the service box boundary.

• Foot fault calls are not reviewable by players.

Referees:

• The referee will immediately call “fault” for any foot fault detected whilst serving. Only call clear, obvious foot faults when certain of the violation.

Line Calls and Video Referee Intervention

A Video Referee may intervene with conclusive evidence before the next serve for any line call, including foot faults. However, players cannot request reviews for line calls, including foot faults.

Updated rule in PSA Squash Tour Rule Book 3.6.6.2 Towel Usage

• Players are only permitted to use their towel: (i) during any Video Review; (ii) during any Referee Review; and (iii) immediately following an incident (for example a dive, fall or break in play) with permission from the match referee.

Players;

• May use their towel during video reviews and referee reviews without referee permission.
• May use their towel during a break in play or court cleaning periods with referee permission.
• Be ready to continue play as soon as a video review, referee review or court cleaning ends.

Referees;

• Avoid saying “quickly please” or rushing the player immediately after granting them permission to use the towel – allow the player to reach the towel box first. If a player is taking excessive time with the towel, then inform them that they are taking too long and ask them to be ready to play.
• Remind players to use towels during breaks, such as reviews or court cleaning.
• Players do not need permission to use towels during video reviews or court cleaning.

Important 2025 Change: Rule 8.1.2 now requires “access to the ball” (removing “unobstructed direct” which created unnecessary limitations). This acknowledges the practical realities of movement in squash whilst maintaining fair play and respect principles. 

Terminology Note: This directive uses “incoming player” and “outgoing player” to clarify movement responsibilities during the transition phase of a rally. The “outgoing player” is the one who has just played the ball and must provide access. The “incoming player” is the one moving to play the next shot. This distinction is important because the official Rules define “striker” as a player from the moment the opponent’s return rebounds from the front wall until the player’s return hits the front wall (Appendix 1). During the critical clearing and access phase, the practical responsibilities are better described by whether a player is moving away from (outgoing) or toward (incoming) the ball. Rule 8.1 requires players to “make every effort to clear” but the fundamental requirement is to provide access to the ball.

Players;

What is considered acceptable movement?

• Making every effort to play the ball.
• Weight transfer as part of a standard shot technique – this must not restrict or prevent your opponent’s access.
• Creating appropriate space for shot execution – this must not be exaggerated to restrict or prevent your opponent’s access after completing a reasonable follow-through.
• Movement consistent with the player’s technique – this must not restrict or prevent your opponent’s access.

What is considered unacceptable movement?

Outgoing player;

• Not making every effort to provide access to the incoming player (Rule 8.1).
• Restricting or preventing an opponent’s access to the ball (whether deliberate or not) (Rule 8.1.2).
• Unnecessary or exaggerated movement or contact after playing the shot (Rule 8.1).
• Unnecessary contact away from the ball (Rule 8.1).

Incoming Player;

• Moving into the outgoing player rather than making every effort to play the ball (Rule 8.8.1) (whether deliberate or not).
• Not allowing the outgoing player to finish a reasonable follow-through (Rule 8.1).
• Taking a path to the ball that causes interference and then requesting a let (Rule 8.8.2).
• Making avoidable contact with the opponent (Rule 8.8.1 Note).

Important Note: Unacceptable movement isn’t always deliberate. Players sometimes misjudge situations or get caught in difficult positions. Referees will consider intent and circumstances when making decisions.

Referees;

Communication and Implementation:

• Use calm, considerate commuication whilst maintaining authority. Listen actively to player concerns and provide measured explanatons when it supports match flow and understanding.

Key Clarifications on Interference

Q: What happens when unacceptable movement by a player restricts or prevents access during a rally?
The referee will award a Stroke to the non-offending player. Whether additional sanctions are applied depends on the circumstances – was it deliberate, dangerous, or part of a pattern? Not all poor movement requires additional penalties.

Q: What should a player do after hitting a loose shot?

A player must clear and continue to clear as necessary to provide access. Players should avoid stepping into the opponent’s path or making it difficult for the opponent to access the ball.   

Q: What if a player stands close to the opponent and moves into them immediately after the opponent has hit the ball?

Players must make every effort to play the ball (Rule 8.8.1). The outgoing player should be allowed the opportunity to complete a reasonable swing and space to clear. If a player is not making every effort to reach the ball but instead moves towards the opponent rather than the ball, this could result in a No Let being awarded.

Q: What if there are repeated, unacceptable movements by a player that seek to cause or actually cause unnecessary contact during the course of a rally that result in their opponent getting further out of position, playing the shot off-balance or affecting the racket/racket arm, but the opponent still could or does make a good return?               

It is vitally important that outgoing players make every effort to clear and provide access, while incoming players take a path to the ball that avoids unnecessary contact and play the ball where possible. Where there are repeated occurrences of unnecessary contact that does not prevent the player from seeing and getting to the ball to make a good return (Rule 8.6.4), or a player continuing to play beyond interference (Rule 8.6.3), the Match Referee (with the assistance of the Video Referee when available) should be aware that the outgoing player may not be making every effort to avoid the interference (Rule 8.6.5) and/or the incoming player may be creating unnecessary contact (Rule 8.8.2). 

Referees should take appropriate action to ensure the outgoing player makes every effort to clear and provide access, and the incoming player takes a path to the ball that avoids unnecessary interference. Appropriate action from referees may include application of the Code of Conduct Framework where necessary. 

When court conditions change during play

• Rule 12.3.1: If conditions change through no fault of either player, play must cease, and a Let is allowed. When play resumes, the score at the time of the interruption stands.

Wet Court Conditions (Rule 12.3.6 – 12.3.8):

• Normal Sweat: Either player may request the court be wiped at the end of a rally.
• Player Creates Wet Area (Rule 12.3.7): If a player has left a wet area on the court while attempting to play the ball due to slipping, lunging, diving, or any part of their body touching the floor:
• The player who caused the wet area must continue play or concede the rally
• The opponent may request a let before hitting their next shot
• If play continues, neither player may request a let
• The referee will decide if the conditions are safe for play to continue
• If the Referee believes the wet area was caused deliberately to gain advantage, Code of Conduct will be applied

Referees (Rule 12.3.8):

• Must decide if conditions are safe for play to continue
• May allow a Let without a request having been made, stopping play if necessary for safety reasons.

Key WSO Clarification: A player who sustains a legitimate and genuine injury during a match may request recovery time only at the time that the injury occurs, including if an injury occurs in the final rally of a game. A player cannot request recovery time during the interval between games. The referee will determine whether the injury is legitimate and genuine, as well as the category of injury and the permitted recovery time.

Players;

• You may only request recovery time when the injury occurs – this includes injuries in the final rally of a game.
• Self-inflicted injuries: Up to 3 minutes recovery (includes any game interval).
• Contributed injuries: Up to 15 minutes recovery.
• Opponent-inflicted injuries: As determined by the referee based on Rule 13.2.4.3.
• If an injury reoccurs: You have three options – resume immediately, concede the current game and use the interval, or concede the match.
• Physical impediments (such as cramps, nausea, blisters, breathlessness, asthma): Must either continue play immediately or concede the game in progress and take the game interval, if available, to recover (Rule 13.1.1).

Please note: Recovery time is for legitimate and genuine injuries only – misuse for tactical advantage will result in the referee requesting the player to continue or risk Code of Conduct being applied under Rule 14.

Referees;

• Communication Approach: Handle injury situations with measured and clear communication, ensuring player welfare whilst maintaining match flow. Listen to player concerns and provide explanations as appropriate.
• Injury Information: When the referee confirms that a legitimate and genuine injury has occurred within that rally, inform the player of the injury category and their options: “You have sustained a [self-inflicted/contributed/opponent-inflicted] injury. Do you need injury time now? If you continue playing, you cannot request injury time later for this injury.” This ensures the player understands both the type of injury determined and the time implications of their decision.
• Recovery Time Begins, when the referee announces the injury category and provides clarity on timing. For injuries and blood injuries, the time allowed for recovery starts when the Referee has determined the condition is legitimate and genuine and has decided on its category (Rule 13 Note).

Pre-existing Wounds (Rule 13.3.1.1): It is the player’s responsibility to cover existing wounds before the match commences. If a blood injury occurs from an uncovered or inadequately covered pre-existing wound, the injured player must immediately concede the game in progress and take the game interval for treatment.

Please Note: Under Rule 4.1, the match commences with the warm-up.      

Players;

• Cover all existing wounds, cuts, or abrasions before the warm-up or competitive play commences.
• If bleeding reoccurs from an uncovered or inadequately covered pre-existing wound during the warm-up, you must end your warm-up and use the remaining time available for treatment before competitive play starts.          
• If bleeding reoccurs from an uncovered or inadequately covered pre-existing wound during competitive play, you must concede the game and may use the game interval, if available, for treatment.
• If bleeding cannot be stopped from an uncovered or inadequately covered pre-existing wound during the interval, you must concede the match.
• If bleeding reoccurs because of opponent contribution or if the pre-existing wound had been adequately covered, it will be treated as a new blood injury.

Referees;

• You must require a player to cover any visible wounds before the warm-up or competitive play commence.
• If bleeding reoccurs from a pre-existing wound that was uncovered or inadequately covered, the player must concede the game.
• If bleeding reoccurs because of opponent contribution or if the pre-existing wound had been adequately covered, it will be treated as a new blood injury.
• Your decision is final on all matters relating to blood injuries.

Philosophy: Referees should read the match situation and feel the natural drama and emotion of competitive squash. Differentiate between tactical behaviour designed to disrupt opponents and genuine competitive emotion.

Penalty Structure: Penalties are awarded based on the severity of the offence. The referee has the authority to award the appropriate level of penalty and may impose the same level penalty for subsequent similar offences but may not award a less severe penalty than the previous penalty for the same offence (Rule 14.8).

Unacceptable Behaviour (Rule 14.6) includes;

• Audible or visible obscenity.
• Verbal, physical or any other form of abuse.
• Unnecessary physical contact, which includes pushing off the opponent.
• Deliberate or dangerous play, including an excessive racket swing and turning dangerously.
• Dissent to an Official.
• Attempting to influence the referee (Rule 14.6.6).
• Abuse of equipment or court.
• Unfair warm-up.
• Delaying play, including being late back on court.
• Deliberate distraction.
• Receiving coaching during play.

Code of Conduct Application;

• Initial Management: For minor infractions or first-time issues, referees should initially ask players politely to modify their behaviour (e.g., “Please accept the decision and continue play” or “Please increase the speed of play”).

Formal Sanctions:

• Conduct Warning: For continued minor infractions after initial management, or moderate first-time offences.
• Conduct Stroke: For persistent behaviour after warnings, or more serious first-time offences.
• Conduct Game: For severe or repeated offences.
• Conduct Match: For the most serious offences.

For Referees:

• Consider the match context, player emotions, and competitive situation when determining an appropriate response.
• Apply discipline appropriate to the severity and context.
• Clearly explain the reason and level of penalty when issuing formal sanctions (Rule 14.11).
• The referee can impose the same level penalty for subsequent similar offences but may not award a less severe penalty than the previous penalty for the same offence (Rule 14.8).
• Multiple penalties may be assessed for single incidents if warranted.
• Complete the required documentation for all formal Conduct Strokes and above.

Important: Rule 14.10.3 states that if the referee awards a Conduct Stroke after a rally has finished, the result of the rally stands, and the Conduct Stroke is also added to the score.

Player Dissent and Referee Decision Explanations

Q: What is the difference between requesting an explanation and dissent?
Player dissent involves expressing disagreement or objection to a referee’s decision through behaviour such as repeated questioning, using an aggressive tone or body language, arguing, shouting, or making sarcastic or disrespectful comments. Body language indicators of dissent include exaggerated gestures, eye rolling, shaking the head dismissively, throwing hands up in frustration, or turning away dismissively from the referee. This behaviour is deemed unacceptable (Rule 14.6.5).

Q: Can players request explanations for decisions?
Rule 3.6.11 allows referees to provide explanations when they determine it would be helpful. Players may request explanations, and referees may provide brief, clear explanations when it supports understanding and match flow. Players must accept decisions and any explanations given respectfully. Referees should consider that players may be frustrated, disappointed, out of breath, or facing language barriers when making requests.

Players:

• You may respectfully request a single explanation for a decision.
• You must accept all decisions and explanations without further argument.
• Repeated questioning after an explanation has been given constitutes dissent.
• Address referees respectfully – no aggressive language or confrontational behaviour.
• You may not attempt to influence referee decisions by shouting what you want awarded or making comments during rallies (Rule 14.6.6).
• Players must not open the court door without the referee’s permission.
• When a review has been requested, neither player should engage with the referee about the decision until the review has taken place.

Referees;

Communication Approach: Use calm, measured communication to maintain match control. Recognise player emotions whilst maintaining clear boundaries. Listen actively and provide short clear explanations to support understanding.

Managing Dissent:

• Initial Approach: calmly and respectfully inform the player that the decision has been made and continue play.
• If dissent continues or is aggressive from the outset: Apply appropriate sanctions as outlined in the Code of Conduct Framework (Section 8)

WSO Clarification: Any deliberate simulation, exaggeration of interference, or attempt to influence the referee by faking obstruction or contact will be penalised according to the Code of Conduct Framework (Section 8).

Players;

• Avoid exaggerating interference or contact.
• Avoid creating unnecessary interruptions through simulation.
• Avoid attempting to influence referee decisions through theatrical decisions.