Fellow Players,

As clubs begin to re-open after Covid-19 crisis there will of course be lots of questions about safety.  We would like to bring to your attention that US Squash have published extensive guidelines on potential pathways towards resumption of play. The current player recommendations are re-produced below, including elements on access to courts, numbers on court and who should play together, sanitization etc.  Please take a look.

The full suite of guidelines, including sub-sets for clubs and coaches,   can be found online and will be updated as the return continues. Please click on the following link to access them:

US Squash COVID-19 Response Updates

Stay safe out there as you re-start this great game!

Best regards,

The Board of HSRA

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BEFORE YOU PLAY

• • Be sure that your county, state and/or region allows squash play.
  • The US Squash Medical Advisory Committee highly recommends competitive players ease their way back into play prior to competition. Given the layoff from competing, players will be more susceptible to under-training, over-use and other injuries.
  • Do not play if you:
    1. Are exhibiting any symptoms of the coronavirus: mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing, or other symptoms identified by the CDC.
    2. Have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
    3. Are vulnerable or at risk.

• • Expect to book a court by email or online.
  • Your preferred facility should communicate with you their planned protocols.
  • Expect to have your temperature read using a Non-contact infrared thermometer.
  • Expect that your club may consider restricting entry to conform to social distancing requirements.
  • Clubs may require you to sign a waiver each time you enter the facility.

PREPARING TO PLAY

• • Respect the limitation of the type of squash activities that may be permitted.
  • Allow time for staff to sanitize courts after previous use before entering the court.
  • Place your bag in the designated area and keep items in the bag.
  • Exercise caution with squash balls. While there is no direct evidence that COVID-19 can survive on a squash ball, it may survive on some surfaces for up to three days.
  • Bring your own squash balls. Remove with a racquet any squash balls that may have been left on court.
  • Avoid touching your face and eyes during the session. If glasses need to be cleaned, then bring a clean towel.
  • Protect against infections and wash your hands frequently on entry and exit from the court.
  • Expect to wear a facemask off the court.
  • Respect the club policies regarding masks or shields on court.
  • Bring your own towel and water bottle.
  • Avoid touching court doors, walls, etc. if you can. If you do, make sure to disinfect the area you touched immediately.

WHEN PLAYING

• • Expect to only be allowed to solo practice or play with people from you own household.
  • Practice with a ball machine may be allowed. Ball machine use and guidelines must be followed as instructed by Club Management.
  • Bring your own ball and leave with it.
  • Avoid touching your face after handling a ball, racquet or other equipment. Wash your hands promptly if you have touched your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Remain apart from other players when taking a break.

AFTER PLAYING

• • Leave the court as soon as reasonably possible.
  • Do not linger outside the court before or after a match or practice session.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly or use a hand sanitizer after coming off the court.
  • Do not use the locker room or changing area. Shower at home.
  • No extra-curricular or social activity should take place. No congregation after playing.
  • All players should leave the facility immediately after play.
  • On arrival at home immediately put your athletic clothes into the wash and take a shower.

 Pro Shop/Equipment

• • Do not expect demo rackets or used squash balls to be available.
  • Do expect to be allowed in the pro shop area.