Section 8: Safety Considerations
8.1 Eye Protection
Eye injuries represent the most serious safety risk in squash due to the enclosed court, small ball, and high swing speeds. The WSF and all national federations strongly recommend that all players wear WSF-approved protective eyewear at all times during play and warm-up. Eye protection is mandatory in doubles squash at all levels. Many national federations and junior competitions now mandate eye protection for all players. WSF-approved eyewear must meet the relevant national standards (e.g., ASTM F803 in the United States, CSA Z262.2 in Canada).
8.2 Interference and Physical Contact (WSF Rules of Squash, Rule 12)
A core safety principle in squash is that players must not strike their opponent with the racket or ball. A player is expected to stop playing and appeal for a let or stroke rather than risk striking the opponent. The Referee shall award a let or stroke to any player who, in the Referee's judgment, stopped play because of a reasonable fear of striking the opponent with the racket or ball — even if actual interference by the opponent was minimal (Rule 12.4.3).
If a player's racket or the ball actually strikes the opponent during a rally:
- If the striker could have made a good return, and the opponent was in the line of a reasonable swing, a let is generally awarded (Rule 12)
- If the striker turned and struck the opponent while the opponent was behind the striker, the Referee shall stop play and award a let (or stroke if clear winner) due to the inherent safety risk of turning shots (Rule 12.6)
8.3 Dangerous Play
Players must not play recklessly or in a manner likely to cause injury. Excessive backswings that endanger the opponent are considered dangerous play. The Referee may call a let and issue a Conduct Warning if a player's swing is unreasonably large or reckless given the proximity of the opponent. Repeated dangerous play shall result in escalating Conduct sanctions.
8.4 Court Safety Standards
The WSF publishes standards for court construction to ensure player safety. Glass courts used for show court matches must meet WSF glass court specifications, including the use of toughened or laminated safety glass. All doors must open outward and be flush with the court walls when closed. Any equipment, lights, or camera housings within or near the court must be padded if within range of player contact.
8.5 Wet or Dangerous Court Conditions
If the court floor becomes wet (due to sweat, a leaking roof, or condensation on a glass court) or dangerous in any way, the Referee must stop play. The match may not resume until the hazard has been eliminated. Players may request that a court be assessed for safety. The Referee's decision on whether conditions are safe is final.
8.6 Medical Emergencies
If a player collapses, loses consciousness, or suffers a medical emergency, the Referee must immediately stop the match and summon medical assistance. The match result is determined in accordance with WSF rules for injury where necessary, but player welfare takes absolute priority over any competitive consideration.
8.7 Heat and Hydration
Squash is an extremely high-intensity sport. Players are permitted to bring water to the court and may take brief drinks between games and during injury time-outs. Players experiencing serious heat-related illness (dizziness, confusion, cramping) should stop play immediately and seek medical attention. Tournament organisers are responsible for ensuring adequate ventilation in enclosed courts.