Basic Rules of Squash League
- There are generally 5 players in a division
- The top player goes up two divisions
- The second player goes up one division
- The bottom player goes down two divisions
- The second from bottom goes down 1 division
- The rules for the first two divisions are slightly different
Further interpretations
The expression Division is used below for the section within the league – rather like football.
- The players are moved, according to the rules above.
- The players are then placed in a long ladder, division 1, 2, 3… and will be marked with their new division number.
- If new players enter the league, they will be put into the ladder at the appropriate point to join others in the designated division. Note that this will push all the players down below them.
- Players leaving the league will be removed, resulting in the ladder becoming shorter.
- The ladder is finally chopped up into divisions of 5 players.
- There is a degree of unfairness about this. For example, if one player is removed from the ladder corresponding to division 5, then a single player in division 6 must be promoted. The question is this: Who is the most worthy of promotion. This is an impossible judgement to make as the players at this point had all moved from different places and a true comparison of 'worth' is impossible.
- A player with 28 points goes up two divisions. However, the previous rule that he will go up two divisions regardless is not always used. There are two reasons. Firstly, if there are 15 new players coming just above him, then his promotion will be the equivalent of 5 divisions, which is ridiculous. More importantly, there is an implied demotion of the players he has jumped over, which is unfair.
- If a player does not play at least 2 matches, he will be scratched. If he has a sensible excuse, he may be allowed to remain in the league. Demotion will, of course, take place.
- If a player comes bottom and drops out of say division 5 due to injury, or any other reason, then when he comes back, he will be in league 7.
- If two players tie with the same points, the order will be decided on their head to head match. If no match was played, then on the number of matches played. If not, then by the number of games won minus the number of games lost. If not, then by the toss of a coin.
- If three players tie, an attempt will be made to put them into order based on (10) above. However, it generally happens that all three mutually beat each other and in fact, mathematically, this is by far the most likely result. They will be put in random order. In a recent example, the players were placed 2, 3 and 4. This is not very fair as (2) ends up two divisions above (4). The alternative could be that a real tie for third place is declared and all three will remain in the same league. However, this makes it impossible to obey the basic promotion rules, as there will be no room to place players who should be moved from the divisions above and below.
- I occasionally get comments regarding court behaviour. This is not really my province, but I will pass such comments on to the squash secretary. I also get comments regarding game fixing. I am interested in such reports. I take notice and take action if it is repeated.
- The organiser’s decision is final.