Rules
These rules are subject to change...
Ladder Rules
Players can challenge anyone.
It is suggested that players do not have more than 3 challenges active at any time.
Ladder match results are not saved, only the winner is recorded. Therefore, it is up to both players to agree on what match length you play. It is suggested that a best of 3 or 5 games is played, however a single game will suffice.
Ladder ratings are based on the Elo rating system. The Elo constants used are subject to change. See this article for further information on the Elo ratings system.
League Rules
Between 4 and 6 players per division to play between 3 and 5 matches (depending on division size) over a period of six weeks.
We are using PAR scoring. A point is awarded for each rally played regardless of server, unless a let is granted. As a slight permutation of the professional system and since we are an amateur league, we extend games beyond the standard 11 points to 15. Matches are the best of five games, first to 15 points in each game. If the scores reach 13-13, a player must win by two points.
The league points will be awarded for matches as follows:
1 point will be awarded for each match played.
2 points will be awarded for each match won.
At the end of each season, for each division the top one or two players move up one division and the bottom one or two players move down a division. With new players joining all the time, sometimes more than two players will move up or down.
Players with equal points will be rated on win - loss ratio, and then on match points won - lost.
Please note the game scores (15-5,7-15,15-3,15-8) when playing!
New players are added at a division relevant to their skill and experience.
New players may only join the league at the beginning of a six-week cycle.
Any player who fails to show for a match that has been mutually scheduled will be assessed as having lost the match (recorded as: 15-0,15-0,15-0).
If a player cannot play one or more of their matches in the six week period, it is their duty to let the League Manager know, otherwise they will forfeit the game to their opponent (recorded as: 15-0,15-0,15-0).
If on the final day of the season, a scheduled match had both players turn up and they played most of the match but didn't manage to complete the match, 'drawn' may be entered. A draw cannot be lodged under any other circumstances.
Players may not roll their games over to the next six-week cycle.
It is the sole responsibility of players to organise their own matches.
Match results must be submitted within 48hrs of the game being played.
Matches may be played at any time during the month but must be completed and reported before midnight of the last day of the six-week cycle.
About scoring
Scores must be best of 5
In a match that is best of 5 games, the winner is the first person to win 3 games. If you decide to keep playing after one player has reached 3 games, discuss whether the extra games are friendly (off the record) or ladder games, since the extra games cannot be counted towards league results.
Occasionally an obvious winner will not be clear. This could be due to various reasons. In most scenarios a reschedule of the match is the fairest, but this isn't always viable. SquashMatch leaves the resolution with the players. Some situations are obvious, eg. forfeit, whilst others (in a casual sports environment) are unclear, eg. running out of time. Typically, most players will record a win if:
- their opponent fails to attend scheduled match
- their opponent suffers an injury during the current match, and they are unlikely to recover before the end of the season for a rematch
- their opponent forfeits
- the match runs beyond the allocated booking (the current leader wins)
If you need to record a win with an incomplete result, both players need to come to an agreement on a fair score if a reschedule is not on the cards.
If you experience any ongoing or repeat problems playing squash, let us know!