Squash Canada E-News - November 2019

November 24, 2019

Squash Canada - New Singles National Rankings System Released
 
Squash Canada is pleased to release its pilot of a new national rankings system for singles: Click Here
 
The new rankings system will list players in descending order of their Club Locker player rating within any given category. The player’s rating will be based upon thousands of match results entered into Club Locker over the past 16 months. Any tournament, ladder or league play that uses Club Locker will see those results fully automated into the system, with ratings being updated nightly. Club Locker is Squash Canada’s comprehensive home for ratings/rankings as well as our tournament management platform. Read more...
2019 CANADIAN JUNIOR OPEN:
LARGEST IN HISTORY
 
From December 6th to 10th, The Club at White Oaks in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario will open its doors to 330 players, along with their respective family and coaches, from across Canada and around the World. The most prestigious junior tournament held in Canada, the Canadian Junior Open will mark the largest in the events history. In order to accommodate the added number of participants, the tournament has been extended to five days, with matches beginning Friday, December 6th at 10 a.m. and concluding Tuesday, December 10th with all championship finals.
 
“This tournament is by far my favourite of the year, especially with the diversity in the draws, the different level of play we get, and of course the prestige that it has developed over the years,” said Canadian Nikhil Ismail, who will be competing for the Boys U19 title. “I have been training really hard for this particular tournament and believe that I have a really good shot at winning it for the first time.”
 
“White Oaks is excited to be hosting the 2019 Canadian Junior Open. This year we will be using our NEW digital scoring system – Club Locker Venue that includes Live Scoring TV monitors for spectators on each court. No more dry erase boards for court control, its all-digital and can be checked online from your mobile phone,” said Tournament Director Matt Easingwood. “Hosting an International Championship like the Canadian Junior Open is a great honour and we look forward to seeing all the outstanding athletes, coaches and family members at our Four Diamond Resort. Please check out our website to learn more about what is available during your stay.”
 
For more information on the event: Click Here
SQUASH CANADA ANNOUNCES
2020 CAN-AM CUP CAPTAINS
OTTAWA (November 12, 2019) – Squash Canada is pleased to announce the Captains for the 2020 Can-Am Cup, a doubles team event that will take place in Baltimore, Maryland, USA: Ruth Castellino & Al Hunt.
 
SQUASH CANADA EMBARKS ON FEMALE PARTICIPATION AND LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE
 
Ottawa, ON (October 18, 2019) - Squash Canada is pleased to announce that it is embarking on a goal to enhance female participation and leadership in Canadian squash. Sport Canada has recently announced new funding to help support this initiative that will enhance Squash Canada’s long-term efforts towards gender equity in squash. Read More...
SQUASH CANADA WELCOMES SQUASH DESIGN AS OFFICIAL APPAREL PARTNER
 
OTTAWA, ON (October 22, 2019) - Squash Canada is pleased to announce that Squash Design, a leading supplier of customized high performance wear specific to squash, is partnering with the organization as the Official Apparel Partner of Squash Canada.

SAFE SPORT
Squash Canada Safe Sport Overview
  • Squash Canada believes that everyone in the sport has the right to enjoy the sport at whatever level or position they participate. Athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers have the right to participate in a safe and inclusive training and competitive environment that is free of abuse, harassment or discrimination. Squash Canada believes the welfare of everyone involved in the sport is a foremost consideration and in particular, the protection of children/athletes in the sport is the responsibility of each individual, member and organization in the squash community. Read more...
 
Code of Conduct Policy (Updated): Cannabis
  • Yes, it is legal in Canada, but just as all squashers should not participate under the influence of alcohol, the same applies to cannabis.
  • Squash Canada Code of Conduct has been amended to include prohibition of cannabis during participation by players, coaches, and officials.
  • Yes, cannabis is legal under the criminal code, but it is still on the WADA list of banned substances.
  • Read more...
 
Concussion Protocol
  • Squash Canada has developed the Squash Canada Concussion Protocol to help guide the management of athletes who may have a suspected concussion as a result of participation in Squash Canada activities.
  • 4 R's of Concussion Management: Recognize, Remove, Referral, Return
  • Read more...
 
 
JUNIORS CORNER
Be Part of Team Canada at the 2020 Pan American Junior Championship
  • Squash Canada is pleased to announce the selection criteria for the 2020 Pan American Junior Championships that will be held will be held in San Salvador, El Salvador, from July 4 to 11, 2020.
  • This follows Canada’s successful hosting of this event in 2019 that saw the women’s team capture gold in the team event, on Brianna Jefferson’s exciting 5th game win in the final match. Canadians also captured a bronze in women’s singles and mixed doubles.
  • There’s lots of great squash at these championships. The event includes an individual event, a Teams event, a softball doubles event, and a softball mixed-doubles event (doubles events on a singles court). Parity and national pride prevail, as competitors from countries in North, Central and South American and the Caribbean make for a fierce battle.
  • Be part of the 4 junior men, 4 junior women Canadian Team! Players will need to cover their expenses. Selection is via an application process, which are due February 19, 2020.
 
Amendment to Selection Criteria: 2020 World Junior Men’s Team
  • The Board of Directors of Squash Canada has amended these criteria to address a challenge for players who observe Ramadan. The 2020 Canadian Junior ‘Closed’ Championships, which was deemed a ‘Mandatory Selection Event’ within the selection criteria, occur over Ramadan, on April 23-26.
  • Ramadan is a holy month in the religion of Islam and is marked by a time of required fasting from dawn until dusk. This includes abstaining from drinking and eating, and engaging in acts of worship.
  • Excluding players from selection consideration who are unable to attend these Championships due to Ramadan, or requiring them to compete over four days while disadvantaged due to fasting were in contrast to the association’s inclusivity and athlete-centeredness values.
  • The organization has therefore made a provision whereby a player who observes Ramadan may apply for an exemption from competing in the 2020 Canadian Junior ‘Closed’ Championships, while remaining eligible for World Junior Championship selection consideration. If approved, the player will be required to compete in 3 of 4 (vs 2) additional Designated Selection Events in lieu.
  • The amended criteria can be viewed HERE.
  • The Board took the decision after considerable research as to how sport has addressed this issue to date, followed by consultations with numerous organizations like the Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada, the Professional Squash Association, and human rights professionals. 
 
 

Upcoming Canadian Championships

 
Canadian Masters Team Championships – January 10-12, 2020
Vancouver Lawn Tennis and Badminton Club, Vancouver, BC

Canadian Women’s Team Championships – February 14-16, 2020
Squash Outaouais (La Sportheque), Gatineau, QC
 
Canadian Men’s Team Championships – February 14-16, 2020
Winnipeg Squash Racquets Club, Winnipeg, MN
 
Canadian University and College Championships – March 6-8, 2020
Mayfair Lakeshore Racquet Club, Toronto, ON
 
Canadian Doubles Championships – April 2-5, 2020
Toronto Cricket, Skating & Curling Club, Toronto, ON
 
Canadian Mixed Doubles Championships – April 23-26, 2020
Mayfair Parkway, Markham, ON
 
Canadian Junior Closed Championships – April 23-26, 2020
Cedar Hill Squash Club & St. Michaels University School, Victoria, BC
 
Canadian Squash Championships – May 5-10, 2020
    * Open Qualifiers – Tuesday May 5th
    * Open, A and Masters categories – Wednesday May 6th to Saturday May 9th
    * Companion B, C, D categories – Thursday May 7th to Sunday May 10th
The Club at White Oaks, Niagara on the Lake, ON

Canadian U23 Championships – May 7-9, 2020
The Club at White Oaks, Niagara on the Lake, ON
Become a Certified Squash Official!
 
 
Become a Certified Squash Official by taking the Online Officiating Exam!! Help give back to your club or local tournaments by reffing matches. And it may just help improve your squash game too!!
 
Take the exam now!!