In a significant move to modernize and streamline the sport, World Squash’s Member Federations unanimously approved comprehensive updates to its Championship Regulations and the Rules of Squash at an Extraordinary General Meeting held on June 14, 2025. These changes are strategically timed as squash approaches its highly anticipated debut at the LA28 Olympic Games.
Among the notable revisions to the Championship Regulations is a reduction in the maximum entries for the World Junior Championships, from six individual players to four per gender. This adjustment aims to elevate the overall quality of the draw, prioritize player well-being by reducing the number of matches, and enhance cost-effectiveness for both host nations and National Federations.
A major review of the Rules of Squash was undertaken by the World Squash Rules Commission, chaired by South Africa’s Mike Collins. The commission focused on aligning the general rules with recent developments in top-level competition, including World Championships and the Professional Tour, while also simplifying and clarifying existing regulations.
Key changes to the Rules of Squash include:
- The introduction of a new diving rule as part of a new “conditions of play” section.
- The addition of a new pre-existing blood injury rule to prevent unnecessary delays during matches.
- Expansions to the conduct rule to now cover aspects such as attempting to influence the referee.
- Alignment of time intervals across the sport to ensure consistency.
Zena Wooldridge OBE, President of World Squash, emphasized the continuous evolution of the sport in response to technological advancements and its inclusion in the LA Olympic program. “The traditional guiding principles of fairness and safety now need to consider other factors such as fan engagement and broadcast, exemplified by the new diving rule,” Wooldridge stated.
She further highlighted the challenging nature of officiating squash, given its dynamic and gladiatorial essence. “These Rules changes also aim to make the referee’s task a little easier whilst also reducing interruptions to play to enhance the sport’s fan and broadcast appeal,” Wooldridge added, expressing gratitude to the National Federations for their “wholehearted support” in adopting these crucial changes.
These rule modifications are set to come into effect on September 1, 2025, marking a new chapter for squash as it prepares for its biggest global stage yet.
