Sunnyvale Squash Club

How well do you know the rules (old and new). What is the interval between games? How long can you bleed on court?

Sunnyvale Squash Club is holding a rules night on Thursday 26 March - 6:30pm in the Club area just off the Village Green. All welcome

Summary of new rule changes
1. Game Timings and Intervals (Rule 7)
• Between Games: The break between games has been increased from 90 seconds to 2 minutes.
• Warm-up: The interval between the warm-up and the start of play is reduced to 1 minute.
• Equipment Change: Time allowed for changing damaged equipment is increased to 2 minutes

2. Interference and Access (Rule 8)
• "Access to the Ball" Rule: The requirement for "unobstructed direct access" has been simplified to just "access to the ball".
Access to the ball demonstration: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1175376677859519
• Swing Interference: Rules have been updated to note that a let is allowed if the swing "could have been" affected by the opponent's position (not just physical contact).
• Stricter Clearing: Players must still make every effort to clear. Standing still after a shot to block an opponent is now more likely to result in a stroke

3. Court Conditions and Safety (Wet Patches)
• Sweat/Wet Floor: If a player creates a wet patch (e.g., through diving or falling), they cannot immediately request a let for safety.
• Playing Through: If a wet patch exists, the opponent must immediately ask for a let, or play through it. If they play on, they cannot later request a let for that same spot
Explanation: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQpzlj3AjCt/

4. Turning
• Definition: A new, more precise definition of "turning" is used, occurring when a player loses sight of the ball or the opponent, or the ball passes behind their body.
• Stroke/Let: If a player turns and interference occurs, a stroke is awarded if the swing was prevented, or a let is allowed if the non-striker had no time to avoid the interference
Turning demonstration: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=4304881919833391

5. Conduct and Officiating (Rule 14)
• Influencing Referees: "Attempting to influence the referee" is now a specific, actionable conduct offence.
Explanation of influencing the referee rule: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQiKIP5CP8m/
• Definition of Illness: The definition now includes physical impediments such as cramps, blisters, and nausea

6. Illness / Injuries (Rule 13)
• Pre-existing Injuries: If a pre-existing wound reopens, the player must immediately concede the current game to receive treatment.
• Timing: Recovery time now begins immediately when the referee announces the injury category

Singles Rules (2025) -https://www.worldsquash.sport/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/250901_World-Squash-Rules-of-Singles-Squash-2025-V1.2.2.pdf
International Doubles Rules (2022) - https://www.worldsquash.sport/rules-of-squash-2/

Rules of Squash - World Squash Rules of Squash Singles Rules 2025 Effective 1 September 2025 International Doubles Rules 2022 Effective 1 January 2022 International Hardball Doubles Rules 2024 Effective 1 January 2024 – changes approved World Squash EGM 2025

From mid-July to the end of October 2025, the Dunedin City Council plans to trial extra carparking on the wide shoulder area on Main South Road beside the Sunnyvale Community Centre and sports field. The trial provides new parking for around 30 cars.
Please see the image provided with this message. The white line shows where the trial will take place – from opposite Thompson Street to opposite 331 Main South Road.

Feedback must be sent by 31 October 2025 to: [email protected]

Why is the car parking trial taking place?
The Sunnyvale Community Centre has asked for our assistance in preventing regular parking issues.
Sunnyvale Community Centre’s carpark is often full at weekends due to sports events, especially on Saturdays in winter. Drivers looking for a park often create congestion by waiting for a space to come free or they park on the grass verges beside Main South Road, causing damage. The trial may lead to a low-cost option for preventing these issues.

What will you see during the trial?
The dotted yellow lines in the trial area will be painted out.
DCC Transport staff will monitor the trial. If monitoring shows it is necessary, restriction for parking during the week will be restored during the trial, with signage showing ‘No parking except Sat’ put on lighting poles.

What is planned after the trial?
If the trial has favourable results and feedback, we would install:
• permanent line marking and signage
• asphalt paths from the new parking across the verge toward the centre. The paths would further encourage people to park on the road rather than circling the carpark. They would also provide safer dropoff/pickup points for children using the facility.

Congratulations Liam in making the top 10 of the most improved players in NZ. All that practice is paying off

Come along and relive the glory days of squash with us.

The time has come to stop boasting about it. The new target is to get these courts cleaned.
Cleaning bee Sunday 18 May 10:00am - all welcome

And for those who really want to me in the know and/or get organised here is the 2025 tournament and interclub schedule. A printed copy will soon appear on the noticeboard

Time to pick up your rackets again. Entries for the Summer Tourney close on Friday 7 February

Round 5.
Rematch against Henderson
We gave it a good crack, Russell and Neil led the charge with a couple of 5 setters. Some good length from Neil claimed his opponents racquet, unluckily he'd remembered his spare.
As we were already 2 matches down and with realistic expectations for his owe Shane talked his opponent into a fun run with the banjos.
Cam backed up his last win over Adriaan without dropping a game this time. And June backed up his win over Yogi, but he must've worked harder since there's less tins in the fine book.
Finished the week with a 77.7% strike rate on the reverse boasts, 143 from 184.

The combined Pirates team bounced back from 2 down to win the womens Final. They came and helped run our fine book in the morning, so naturally we reciprocated 😉