Conditions And Regulations Of Playing Squash Due To Covid-19

The squash club is reopening with the following social distancing measures in place in line with England Squash regulations. The club will use the digital booking system and door entry system to record members court use and to comply with government track and trace regulations.

Members must not use the club if they have Covid 19 symptoms, are in a household with someone else who has symptoms or has tested positive for Covid 19 or have returned from a country specified by the government as having quarantine procedures in place (please refer to UK government regulations as this is changing on a weekly basis).

Members must inform the club if they have symptoms after playing so that a deep clean can be carried out to ensure safety for other users.

Proposed club opening days:
- Monday
- Tuesdays;
- Thursdays; and
- Saturdays.

The limited amount of days are to ensure that the club can maintain a cleaning regime in line with government guidelines and England Squash recommendations.

There will be a number of restrictions to the game as we know it. We have outlined the main restrictions below and other changes to be aware of. Please visit England Squash for more information.

Failure to abide by the information that follows will result in a membership suspension for a period of 1 month, with a second failure resulting in a suspension until the end of COVID-19 related restrictions. The CCTV will be in operation and monitored. This is to ensure the safety of all members.

Restrictions to the game;

- The normal game of squash is not to be played by players from two separate households (except those from a support bubble or from the same household).

- A modified version of squash, ‘Sides’, can be played by members from two separate households. Watch how to play sides here. [https://www.englandsquash.com/]

- Routines whereby a 2m social distance can be maintained are allowed. On posters in the club.

- A maximum of 2 players per court

- Only one player to touch the ball and the court door throughout play. The elected player is to bring the ball.

- Do not wipe hands on court walls

You can play full court squash by forming a "squash bubble", although modifications and additional hygiene measures will be required.

What is a squash bubble?
A bubble consists of a maximum of six players. Players can only be part of one bubble at a time.
Players within the bubble can play full-court matches but with the following modifications and hygiene measures;
Only two players on court at one time.
Play best of three games.
Play first to 11 points, sudden-death at 10-all.
Use ‘Sides’ as a way to maintain social distancing throughout the warm-up.
During each game, when the first player reaches six points, both players should wipe away excessive sweat, sanitise their hands and the ball. Repeat between games.
The same player to serve / touch the ball during each half of a game, and at the halfway point, switch servers.
Protective eyewear or visors are strongly recommended at all times.
Players must not wipe their hands on the court walls.
Players are not allowed to shout or raise their voice.
If a player wishes to switch bubbles, they must take a 7-day break from playing the full version of the game before joining a different bubble. ‘Sides’ or socially distanced practices can be played during this 7-day break.
You must inform the club of who is in your squash bubble by emailing r.williamson57@ntlworld.com

Arriving at the club

- Arrive promptly (no more than 5 mins ahead of playing)

- Use hand sanitiser located next to the booking machine and in the changing rooms.

- No handshaking/physical contact and always maintain a social distance

- Bring your own water bottle and arrive at the club with it full

- Bring your own towel to wipe away sweat

- Bring your own balls and racket

- Bring a change of shirt if you are prone to sweat a lot

- Take your kit bag and water bottle on court

- Arrive at the club in kit, ready to play

Cleaning procedure before & after playing

- One person per court booking must use the anti-bacterial spray and paper towels provided to wipe down surfaces that have been touched i.e. court and front door handles, banisters and the fob machine ON ARRIVAL at the club and AFTER PLAY WHEN LEAVING.

Leaving the club

- Leave immediately after playing and shower at home, the shower facilities will not be available.

- Use hand sanitiser on departure

- No handshaking/physical contact and always maintain social distancing

Other points to note

- Face coverings are not recommended on court, BUT MUST BE WORN IN ALL OFF COURTS AREAS

- Booking a court can only be done online. The non-booking member should put their fob on the light box.

- A 15 minute lapse between each court booking will be in place to allow for cleaning touch points and greater air circulation.

- Non-playing and non-member visitors will not be allowed to enter the building to ensure track and trace can be implemented effectively.

- No sharing/borrowing or hiring of squash equipment / kit from the club or fellow members.

- You will be required to declare that you are healthy and symptom free before being allowed to book a court, and should not enter the building if this is not the case (parents should do this on behalf of children/minors).

You must confirm in writing that you have read, understood and agree to follow these conditions of play before you are given access to the courts. You can do this by emailing r.williamson57@ntlworld.com.