Women’s League – Rules and Regulations

ODSA (Ottawa District Squash Association)

Players and spares participating in the league must belong to member clubs of the ODSA.

SCORING/RULES

International scoring and rules apply.  Each game is played to 15 points.  The player who scores 15 points first wins the game except that if the score reaches 14-all, the game continues until one player leads by two points.  Either player may score points (point-a-rally).  The server, on winning a rally, scores a point and retains the service; the receiver, on winning a rally, scores a point and becomes the server.

The winner of each game will receive one point.   The player who wins the first three games will win the match.

PLAYING TIMES

All matches are to be played at the scheduled locations (no rescheduling).

Play starts at 7:00 pm sharp.  This means that you must be ready to start your match at 7 pm or immediately following the previous match, if later than the scheduled time.

Once you go on court, a 5-minute ball and play warm-up will start immediately, as per the rules of squash. Note: it is customary to hit the ball to yourself two to three times and then pass to your opponent.

Below is a list of estimated start times for each level of play. Exact start time will depend on the length of the preceding matches on a court. Players are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes prior to the estimated start time. This ensures people are ready to go on court in the case of a default or shortened match.

First Match:       7:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Second Match:  7:30 pm – 8:00 pm (estimate)
Third Match:      8:00 pm – 8:30 pm (estimate)
Fourth Match:    8:30 pm – 9:00 pm (estimate)

DEFAULTS

Players must be on court ready to play at the scheduled time.  For each ten minutes that a player is not on court ready to play, a game will be awarded to the opponent.  After 30 minutes, the match will be awarded to the opponent.

Any player defaulting twice will not be permitted to participate in further league play for the remainder of the session.

SPARES

Players are responsible for arranging for their own spares at their designated level only. All changes to the schedule (including time changes and names of spares) should be communicated to the league coordinator. A list of spares with their rankings will be given to each player with the session play schedule.

If a player is unable to find a spare at her level, the player has the option of asking another player to play a second match that week.

General guidelines for finding a spare:
– If you know of weeks that you will be away, let the league coordinator know before the start of the session and this can be built into the schedule
– Email players at your level who have a bye first (if applicable)
– Email players on the spares list who are at or near your level
– Solicit current players to play twice (if your opponent agrees to a time change)
– If still no success, be sure your opponent knows that she will not have a game

REFEREES

Everyone is encouraged / required to participate in refereeing the matches.  The winning player is required to referee the match following theirs unless they make arrangements with their opponent. Players scheduled for the second match are required to be on time and referee the first match of the evening.

Note:  We would like Women’s City League to be both enjoyable and a learning experience for new and veteran players alike.   Therefore, we ask that all players be patient and understanding with referees and their calls.  League participants who are new to refereeing should solicit help from other players until they feel comfortable.

RULES CLINIC

All players, including spares, are encouraged to attend an ODSA rules clinic that are offered from time to time by an ODSA representative.  Notice of rules clinics will be provided during City League and posted at the various clubs.

EYE PROTECTION
All players are strongly encouraged to wear appropriate eye protection while on court.

SEASON PLAY

The first session of Women’s City League runs from September to December.  The second session begins in January and ends in April.  If interest permits, a third session will run from May to June.  Please refer to the schedule for additional details.

LEAGUE FEES:
League fees will be established and communicated to all players at the beginning of each session.  Spares do not pay league fees.