PST Commissioner Joseph McManus

July10, 2012 - In a memo to players and referees on Monday, PST Commissioner Joseph McManus informed players of a "zero tolerance policy regarding dissent."

 

On court behavior of players has long been a discussion point globally. Some have even suggested it as a reason for the sport not yet being invited into the Olympics.

 

"PST is about family friendly entertainment," said McManus. "We want grandparents and grandchildren enjoying front row seats."

 

During match play a player may appeal to the referee for a point if he believes his shot to the front wall or his movement to a playable ball was prevented by his opponent.

 

According to McManus, "a player may state why he is requesting a referee decision at the time of his appeal . . . Once a referee has made his ruling, there will be no further discussion.

"Please consider this a zero tolerance policy regarding dissent."

 

I will instruct referees to move quickly from conduct warning to penalizing points and games for any player who delays play by dissent in body language or tone.

 

Squash is unique in many ways as a sport. One important one for fans is that the referee sits among them during match play. So when a player starts yelling at a referee, he is in effect yelling at his own fans as well.

 

Pro Squash Tour became America's largest tour last season, hosting more tournaments in more cities than any other squash tour. More than 150 years old, squash is played by 20 million people in 185 countries around the world. PST's season begins in August and runs through May.

 

To read the full memo to players, please click here.