When scheduling a tournament, what order should the different divisions be played in?
US Squash recommends that at Junior tournaments age groups be scheduled with consideration to the match they will need to referee. Therefore, the divisions should be played in an order that ensures that players are not refereeing players who are "significantly" older than they are.
Age divisions should only referee the same age division or one above and preferably they should also referee the same gender. U11 matches should be isolated to their own group of courts wherever possible so that 10yr olds are mostly only refereeing 10yr olds.
US Squash's recommended order of play is:
- GU11/BU11
- GU13
- GU15
- BU13
- BU15
- GU17
- GU19
- BU17
- BU19
By taking this approach the number of matches that need to be monitored is reduced and a better atmosphere is created among the spectators as they perceive that the players are capable and are old enough to referee the match on court. For instance, it is not a good idea for a GU11 to be refereeing a BU15.
Sometimes it may not work out like this, but always try to take into account the refereeing situation you are creating when scheduling a tournament. If it can’t be avoided then be ready to step in to help the younger referees.
Adult age group tournaments should be scheduled starting the the oldest age group and ending with the youngest age group.
Adult skill level tournaments should be scheduled with consideration to the match each player will ultimately act as the referee for. Players should only referee the same skill level or one above. For example, a 3.0 should referee 3.0 or 3.5.