Preamble
The integrity of the game is of paramount importance. Being respectful of one’s opponent and the officials, courteous on and off the court, and responsible for one’s own behavior are the fundamentals of competing in a sportsmanlike manner and upholding the integrity of the sport. Squash requires achieving this, while competing in very close quarters with ones opponent, often in situations where the players are physically and mentally pushed to the limit, when the difference between winning and losing fairly, is in the hands and control of each player, regardless of the officials involved.
Competitors must balance many elements which are ultimately in the control of each individual: sportsmanship with the desire to win; courtesy and respect with raw determination; fair play and while testing limits physically and mentally. Preserving the integrity of squash, the true essence of the sport, relies on everyone involved in the game to be courteous, respectful and responsible for his or her own behavior.
Code of Conduct
I therefore pledge to be responsible for my words and actions while participating in US Squash competition and conform my behavior to the following code of conduct:
- I will learn and abide by all US Squash Policies and Guidelines and the current Rules of Squash.
- I will not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct with any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.
- I will not engage in any behavior which would endanger the health, safety or well-being of any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.
- I will not engage in the use of profanity.
- I will treat any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee with respect regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or ability.
- I will not engage in verbal or physical threats or abuse aimed at any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.
- I will not engage in a fight or argue with any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.
- I will respect the officials and their authority during a match and will never question, discuss, or confront players or officials before, during or after a match.
I hereby agree that if I fail to conform my conduct to the foregoing while attending, coaching, officiating or participating in a squash event I will be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to the following in any order or combination:
Disciplinary Actions
These disciplinary actions will be imposed in a manner commensurate with the offense and in accordance with the below qualifications of the severity of their disruption or threat.
- Verbal warning issued by a league, organization, school official, or US Squash.
- Written warning issued by a league, organization, school official, or US Squash.
- Suspension or immediate ejection from an event and/or suspension for a period of time ranging from days to weeks, issued by a league, organization or school official who is authorized to issue such suspension or ejection by a school board, youth sports organization, or US Squash.
- Suspension from multiple events and/or suspension for a period of time ranging from weeks to months, issued by a league, organization or school official who is authorized to issue such suspension by a school board, youth sports organization, or US Squash.
- Season suspension, multiple season suspension, or lifetime suspension, issued by a school board, youth sports organization or US Squash.
Types of Infractions
Minor Infraction
A Minor Infraction will result in penalties and warnings within the rights of a referee during a match and or equal to the disciplinary action 1 or 2 as written above. A Minor Infraction is defined as a single occurrence or disturbance from which no threat has been brought upon any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee though is a violation of the “Player Code of Conduct”. Examples of Minor Infractions include but are not limited to:
- A single instance of disrespectful language or actions directed at any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.
- A single occurrence of excessive tardiness or absenteeism at which ones presence is obligatory.
- A single occurrence of non-compliance with the Policies and Guidelines set forth by US Squash.
Major Infraction
A Major Infraction will result in disciplinary actions involving suspension from a single event, multiple events, a season or multiple seasons. A Major Infraction is defined as repeated Minor Infractions or a single occurrence or disturbance of an event in which a threat has been brought upon any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee. These threats or actions if deemed sufficiently damaging to the event or sport gives US Squash or the event organizers the right to immediate action in accordance with any and all disciplinary actions as outlined in the “Player Code of Conduct”. Examples of Major Infractions include but are not limited to:
- Multiple reported instances of disrespectful language or actions directed at any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.
- A threat or act of violence or assault, sexual or otherwise, against any coach, parent, player, participant, official, US Squash staff member or any other attendee.