League Rules

(Adopted 1^st October 2011)

Section 1 General League Administration

1)     The Warwickshire Squash and Racketball Leagues will be open to teams whose home club and playing members are currently and appropriately affiliated to the England Squash and Racketball (subsequently abbreviated to ESR) (see Appendix 1a)

 2)    Teams from Warwickshire based clubs will be eligible for entry into the Leagues and teams from clubs in other Counties will be allowed into the Leagues at the discretion of the County Management Committee.

 3)    A League Secretary, under the jurisdiction of the WSRA Management Committee will be responsiblefor routine activities. All matters of dispute should be submitted in writing (including email) to the League Secretary. The dispute will then be submitted to League Committee convened for such purposes.  Final appeal will lie with the full County Management Committee. (See Appendix 1c)

 4)    Entry forms will be dispatched to the previous winter and Summer League contacts at least 4 weeks before the closing date. The Team entry fee will be determined by the Management Committee of WSRA and is due, at the latest, by 28^th August for Winter League and 25^th April for Summer League. Teams whose fees have not been paid by 15^th September (winter) and 12^th May (summer) will not be entered into the league. Dates for later payments are only possible after agreement with the League Secretary.

5)    Each year the County Committee will advise clubs of the “200 Club” prize draw levy currently £10 per team and this will be become part of the League entry fee and applies for all section of the Leagues including Racketball.  

 6)    If a team withdraws after the League structure has been decided then no return of entry fee will be allowed.

 7)    The League Rules will be posted on the WSRA Website. Changes to the rules must be proposed at the WSRA AGM or September League Meeting and each club will have one vote.

 8)         The League will consist of three basic sections

                       Mens League                                   Ladies League            Racketball League

The same general rules applies to all Sections however the number of players and scoring system will vary and are detailed below.  
 

Section 2 Scoring, Divisional Structure, Promotion & Relegation

9)    The number of teams in each division can only be decided after entries have been received but the aim is to have a minimum of 5 and maximum of 10 teams per division. In other exceptional circumstances the League Secretary will seek the opinion of the Teams/clubs in the section of the League and amend accordingly.

10)  Each team will play all other teams in its division, both home and away.

 11)  At the end of the season the League table will be arranged on the basis of the number of League points scored by each team. Should there be a tie on points then the number of matches won, then rubbers won, will be taken into account.
 

12)       At the end of the season the following promotions and relegations will usually take place. Mens Squash League Div 1, bottom 2 teams relegated: top 2 from Div 2 promoted, 3 promoted from Div 3 and below and three relegated from Div 2 and below.For Racketball and Ladies Squash top two promoted and bottom two relegated.

 In principle for Summer Squash (Mens and Ladies) and all Racketball Leagues the top two teams will be promoted and bottom two relegated but this will be dependent on the teams entering the Summer League and  based on the previous Summers tables.

 13) In the event of a Veterans League being formed no promotion or relegation as only one division will exist initially.

14)  The League Committee retains the discretion to offer special promotion or relegation to additional teams in order to level out the leagues.

 15)  The champion team in a division will always be promoted. Variations of promotions and relegations will be decided by the League committee after written representation from the clubs.

 16)  New teams will be normally placed in the lowest division. However in exceptional circumstances the League Committee may allow a team to enter the League at an appropriate level but never directly into the top divison.

 17) Any club wishing to enter or withdraw a team from the league must inform the League Secretary before or no more than 2 weeks after the Closing date for entries.

18)   The Scoring systems will be as follows

        Mens Division 1                                                             Point a Rally to 11 then 2 clear points

        Mens Divisions 2 and below and Ladies Divisions             Hand in Hand Out to 9 points

        Racketball Divisions 1                                                   Point a Rally to 11 (two clear at 10 all)

        Racketball Division 2 and below                                     Point a Rally to 15 with setting

Section 3 Match Organisation, Fixtures & Timekeeping
 

19)   Two courts are required for each squash match, where there are two or more courts available.

20)  The home team shall provide some food and refreshment at no cost to the away team after the match (see appendix 3b). In the Summer League if after-match refreshment is not being provided the opposition must be informed in advance.

 
21)  The home squash team shall provide two new SRA approved balls to be used i.e. standard mark double yellow dot unless both players agree otherwise. In Racketball the “Price Blue” ball will be used unless mutually agreed by the individual opponents when the Price “Black” ball can be used

22)   The fixture list will be compiled by the league secretary and dispatched to team contacts. All Mens Winter Squash League matches are expected to start within 10 minutes of scheduled start time usually 7.15 p.m. on Monday evenings unless otherwise mutually agreed or advertised on the Contact List and must be played on the days arranged and before the 31st March (Winter).

 ii)    For the Mens Summer Squash, Ladies (Summer and Winter) and Racketball (Summer and Winter) the Home Night will be advised (excluding Saturdays) and matches completed by 31st March (Winter) and 20^th September (Summer).

23)  Once published, the fixture list dates should be maintained and it is advisable for clubs to confirm fixtures at least one week prior to a match.

24)  It is the Club's/team responsibility to notify the League Secretary of contact name, address, telephone umber and email address with the initial entry and of subsequent changes to any of the above details as well as any mutually agreed change of fixture date from that published at the beginning of the season. (See below) The usual form of communication is by e-mail and it is the responsibility of the team/club contact to act on such communication. Failure to do so may result in the team being inconvenienced or penalised.

 25)   Match Organisation

Mens Leagues: Each match will consist of 5 strings, each the best of 5 games. One point will be warded for each game won and a bonus of 5 points for the team winning 3 or more strings. Matches shall consist of the best of five games.

Ladies Leagues: Where there are 5 strings, each the best of 5 games. One point will be awarded for each game won and a bonus of 5 points for the team winning 3 or more strings. Matches shall consist of the best of five games. here there are 4 strings, each the best of 5 games. One point will be awarded for each game won and a bonus of 3 points for the team winning 3 or more strings. In the event of a draw on strings the 3 bonus will be awarded to the team who won the most games and if again equal to the team with the most points for and then least against. If a tie still exists then each team will receive 1 bonus point.

Racketball Leagues: Each match will consist of 4 strings, each the best of 5 games. One point will be awarded for each game won and a bonus of 2 points for the team winning 3 or more strings. If it finishes 2 strings each the bonus points will be awarded to the team winning most games. If the games won are still equal then a count back of most points for and then least points against will receive the 2 point bonus. If a tie still exists then each team will receive 1 bonus point. 

Referees    A team will be awarded an additional bonus point for players who are ESR "Qualified" or those who have attended a Warwickshire organised referees workshop who shall then be deemed "Accredited" Referees. There will be amximum of 2 points for home matches only up to a maximum of 8 points during the season. Referees of eithe of the above classes who are not in the teammcan also accrue bonus pints withing the above contatraints providuing the sciore card is suitably annotated. The provison of such bonus refeee points will be acreed at the start of each season by the Managament Comittee.

26)      Both team captains must enter the names of its players and where possible other relevant details such a player codes if available, before commencement of play. The League organiser should receive the signed card within 10 days of the match. Clubs are asked that the result card carry the name of the team submitting them. Alternatively, match result details can be e-mailed however in the event of dispute a signed card will take precedence.

 27)   In the event of a score card not being received by the League Secretary within 10 days of the hedeuled date then both teams will have 5 points deducted. This will not be reinstated once the result is submitted.
 

28) Mutually agreed postponements or cancellation of matches must be notified to the league secretary within 7 days of the date as shown on the fixture list and updated by the League Secretary. Failure to notify the League Secretary within 10 days of the original scheduled date will result in a penalty of 5 points being imposed on both teams. Points gained on subsequent playing of the match will be credited as per subsequent rules. An insufficient player of an appropriate standard is not an acceptable basis on which to request a postponement. Either club can refuse a postponement giving a walk-over to the innocent team by 20 points for 5 person squash or 15 points for 4 person Ladies and 14 points for Racketball. In the view of the committee, illness or shortage of players are not acceptable reasons for the postponement. (see appendix 3j)

29) The order of play, unless mutually agreed otherwise by the teams prior to the commencement of thematch, will be String 5 followed by 4,3,2 and 1, as the courts become available or 4,3, 2 and 1 for 4 person teams

30)  All players must wear clothing which is in accordance with the relevant Appendix to the WSF Rules of the singles game and current ESR regulations.

 31) Any player under the age of 19 who participates in any WSRA Squash League match must wear ESR approved eye protection in all games and the knock-up. No penalty will result but players under 19 who fail to wear eye protection will not be insured and play entirely at their own risk

32)  It is the responsibility of the home team to provide Referees/Markers. Any complaints about biased refereeing should be sent to the League Secretary. If persistent complaints are received about named individuals the League Committee reserves the right to take appropriate action with appeal to the full Management Committee (See appendix 3n)

33)   The home team is responsible for providing sufficient court time for the completion of all ties. If there is insufficient court time to complete the match the home team shall concede any outstanding or unfinished ties. If the lack of time is a result of the late arrival (see appendix 3o) of the away team the away team shall concede. Any club may insist that a fixture is played on the pre-arranged date and the team in difficulties must concede the fixture as per previous rules.

Where court time is restricted and a team arrives late then the start time should be recorded and agreed by both captains as when the first two players commence the knock up.

34) A club with two or more teams in a section of the League should ensure as far as possible that the higher ranked team completes its fixture on the scheduled date and lower teams are postponed first.

If a higher team match does have to be postponed then the first 5 nominated players cannot play for the 2^nd team and in the case of a 3^rd team the top 10 players and for a 4^th team the top 15 players. Should this rule be transgressed the point obtained by the player will be lost and 3 points will be awarded to the opposition and if necessary the match bonus. (If a nomination list has not been submitted then the order created by score cards of previous matches will apply). (see appendix 3p)

35)  A team conceding three matches may, after ratification by the League Committee, be immediately withdrawn from the league and all their scores will be cancelled at the discretion of the Committee.
 

Section 4 Nominations, Player Eligibility and Rank Order

36)   Teams shall consist of 5 (or 4) players from each club. Any team knowingly having less than 5 players will be deemed to be without their lowest ranked player(s).

 37) Only nominated and affiliated players may compete in the leagues. They must be bone-fide members of the club before they play their first match. They should also be individual player members of ESR 6 weeks grace will be given to ensure players are properly affiliated from the date of the match. If a player has not been affiliated after 6 weeks then 1 point will be deducted for each appearance and not returned should the player subsequently become affiliated to ESR. (see appendix 1a)

37a) A player may not compete in the league unless he/she has played at least one match before 15^th Feb for Winter League and 13^th August for Summer League

38)   Clubs must nominate players in their bone-fide order of playing strength  before the first match or with the first match card. This order must be maintained for half of the scheduled number of matches. Clubs can then change their rank order. (In the case of a club having two or more teams in the same division then see appendix 4c).

If a club has two teams in the same division and they must advise the League Secretary at the start of the season they are playing them as split strength team and in a nominated order. A player can only play for 1 of those teams for the WHOLE season. This is especially relevant for reserve players as once they have played for one of the teams in the split strength division they cannot play for the other. They may however return to play for the 3^rd or lower team in the lower division

Penalties for playing out of order or for highly ranked players appearing for lower teams than eligible are detailed in elsewhere in these rules.

39) Players may not play for more than one club (regardless of which division the teams competes) in a section of the League in any one season. Those sections being Mens Squash, Ladies Squash and Racketball.
 

40) Should a player infringe, that tie and all lower ties will be forfeited for each occasion. A team short of players forfeits the 5th (and 4th) string match but teams may not play a match with fewer than 3 players in a team. Teams playing out of rank order will lose that and lower ties.  So team captains are advised to have copies of their submitted ranking list.
 

41) Players nominated in Positions 1 to 5 on any club ranking list may play only in the club's first team. Players in positions 6 to 10 may play only in the first and second team and so forth.
 

42) Players may play a maximum number of matches for the club based on the calculation of twice the number of teams in the largest division of that section of the League.

43) The nomination list showing current playing order should be prominently displayed in your clubhouse. If a list is not submitted then the order will be created from previous appearances for the teams/club with higher ranked teas taking the high ranking places. This list will be published on the WSRA website.

44)   Captains must declare their team order before the start of the match (match cards can be used). False names will result in automatic disqualification from the league for the remainder of the season of the individual and/or the team/club at the discretion of the League Committee
 

45) If a player/s arrive 30 minutes later than the documented start time, and no other strings can commence then the innocent team can claim the lowest string. However if the tie in question is played then the results achieved on court will stand. Should play commence and be completed between the teams without a full complement of players in one of the teams then the team without all of their players will forfeit each of the matches played from the playing number one down to number five, irrespective of the results already achieved in those matches. (See appendix 3o)

 Section 5 Complaints, Misconduct and Appeals.
 

46) The Referee or Captain of a team making a complaint should make WRITTEN representation within 7 days of the offence to the League Secretary. If an equitable solution cannot be found the matter will be referred to the League Committee who may take such action as it deems necessary. The decision of the League Committee on any matter relating to the League, whether or not it is covered by these rules is binding  however appeal may be made to the full County Committee usually of a different composition and its decision may or may not be different to the League Committee. This will be given in written form to the current team contact and the committee/s will enter into no further correspondence. If the Management Committee either sustains or reverses the decision of the League committee on appeal then that interpretation will be included in the appendix for future reference.

In very exceptional circumstances ESR may be informed and their advice sought. If ESR make a decision there is no further means of appeal. Where a player has been banned from playing in the Warwickshire Leagues ESR will be asked to approve the ban in all forms of sanctioned squash and County leagues throughout the Country. Similarly if the League secretary becomes aware of a player who has a National ban then the club/team will be made aware ASAP . If the player does compete in Warwickshire League matches then his opponents will be awarded a walk-over and all lower ties awarded to the opposition.
 

47)  The League Management Committee reserves the right to declare matches null and void in exceptional circumstances.
 

48)   In the event of serious misconduct by an individual or team, on or off court, then the County Committee will refer the matter to a Disciplinary panel to consider the matter and award a penalty(ies) according to the seriousness of the offence and as recommended by the ESR Code of Conduct. (See appendix 5c)

Appendix to Rules

There is one overriding principle to the Warwickshire League Rules

Play Hard : Play Fair

However this appendix is intended as further explanation of how some rules will be interpreted

1)         Affiliation is not complete until ESR have received payment and the names  of affiliated players. ESR will be the arbitrators of whether a club is affiliated. A club not fully affiliated by 8 weeks after the commencement of a Season will be withdrawn (Winter 1^st December and Summer 8^th July).  The League administrators will mindful of occasions where affiliation rules are broken providing evidence of failure to comply with ESR affiliation procedures is not the fault of the Club/Team.

3)     A League Committee shall be selected by the Management Committee from volunteers who have hadassociations with the League over a number of years usually as a team contact. It is hopedrepresentatives from the following areas will sit on the League Committee

1. Have experience Div 1 and 2
2. Have experience in Divs 4 and 5
3. A Ladies League Representative
4. A Racketball representative
5. One other person if necessary
6. Ex Officio : The League Secretary

In the case of a team/club from which a League Committee member is involved they will have no influence in any discussions or decisions.

20)  In the Winter League reasonably substantial hot food is expected. If a club is unable or unwilling to honour this then the opposition should be informed prior to the first match of the season such that they can make alternative arrangements on the return leg. Should a team not be satisfied with the efforts made then the League Secretary should be informed within 5 days of the match.

 It is very discourteous for members of either team to leave prior to refreshment which may have been ordered. Should things become unavoidable then the opposition should be informed at the start of the match.

In extreme circumstances when no notice has been given then the home club has the opportunity to put in a claim via the League Secretary for the cost of uneaten food by two or more people to a maximum value of £4.00 per person. Receipts will be expected and if the defaulting club/players refuse to pay then the matter will be brought to the attention of the League Committee who will make a decision.

This clause also applies when a team cancels less than 24 hrs prior to the scheduled date of the match. Courts costs are NOT included in the arrangements although it is appreciated courts sometimes need to be paid for but the home team can at least have a knock up.

28)       Acceptable reasons for match postponement are severe weather conditions affecting travel or flooding of courts. Failure of lighting, overrun of court repair or again shortage of players is not reason for arequest for a postponement

32)       Members of the visiting team not currently playing should not/must not challenge the referee on decisions made and visiting players must not be offensive to the referee, cause distraction or unwelcome level of noise.

 Referees are advised to be conversant with the Squash Rules of Conduct and how to use it. Should a match appear to becoming “difficult” it would be useful if a player from both sides could watch the proceedings of the remainder of the match and record ALL decisions. They should under no circumstances influence the referee but may advise their team mate of expected behaviour, the manner of asking for lets and an explanation of decisions. The referee’s team mate may also very briefly remind him of the existence of the Code of Conduct BUT must then be prepared to see the after effects and be prepared to report in writing within 5 days to the League Secretary.

All circumstances where Penalty strokes games or matches or when a player retires after dissatisfaction of referee’s decision or the opponent’s behaviour must be reported either on the score card or separately within 5 days of the match.
 

33) Where a home club is aware of problems at the end of the night it is advisable for the home team to WRITE and get the signature of an opponent as the time of commencement of the both matches at the start of the knock-up. This then provides evidence to the League administrators in the event of an unfinished match. A late arriving team will always forfeit any unfinished matches regardless how late they arrive. If both matches start on time then the home team will forfeit any unfinished matches. Tolernce is expected if the match starts on time and the management of a facility requests a change of court to allow the match to finish.

 34) This rule is to prevent a 1^st team match being postponed and some of those players then playing in the top order of the lower / 2^nd team. The League secretary will take particular note if he feels the spirit has been compromised although the actual rule has not been broken.

37a) No players can be introduced to the teams at a late stage to assist in promotion and relegation issues

38) The principle is that clubs should nominate their players in rank order i.e. 1-5 ability in first team and hen 6-10 for the 2nd team etc. Any player who has a National / World ranking these will automatically apply. It is essential clubs are particular aware of the Clubs nominated order. The lists will as far as possible be published on the web but enquiries can always be made to the League Secretary for up to date information

46)  If a player has an ESR ban it will be no defence if the club / team are unaware and loses points as a result.

48) The Disciplinary Committee will consist of the League Secretary and three other impartial people appointed by the Management Committee when required usually without any known allegiance to either the players or clubs concerned. There will be a right of appeal to the full County Management committee and if necessary to England Squash whose decision will be final.