Phase 2: "Almost normal" squash can return soon

Dear Members

England Squash have just released a further update that the next step can be taken towards returning to normal squash. Please fully read the announcement below.

The Club need may need to modfiy a few aspects of our current conditions to allow this next step and maintain safety procedures so please be patient whilst the issues are resolved. This may take a week or so as some Committee members are away. We are also concerned by the occcasional continous play on the courts some evenings which can lead to hurried or possibly no court cleaning/wipe downs and insufficient air circulation. We may have to return to alternate court bookings but be open on more days.

Start thinking about your "squash bubbles" as to who will be included (max 6 people) and remember you cannot swap bubbles without a seven day break and cannot be in more than one bubble. In between time please maintain current playing protocols as stated in our last bulletin with "sides" being the only option for two players from different households.

The Committee

Maidstone Squash Club

Last update from England Squash 27 August 2020:

From Tuesday 1 September squash clubs and venues in England are able to move to Phase 2 in our return to play plan, allowing players to form ‘squash bubbles’ and play full-court matches, although modifications and additional hygiene measures will be required:

Your club/venue’s introduction of 'squash bubbles'

Clubs and venues are working hard to understand and interpret both the Government and the England Squash return to play guidelines, to assess whether they can move safely to Phase 2 of the return to play phases, based on their own unique circumstances.

Please be patient with your club/venue as they implement safety procedures to keep you and other players safe. Get in touch with them directly to find out if and when they will move to Phase 2 of the phased return to play, or indeed reopen if they haven’t yet been able to. Check what their rules are – including booking procedures – and whether they are operating reduced opening hours.

Be mindful that your club/venue may not be able to meet the measures required to keep their staff, volunteers and members safe, and should they choose to remain closed, please respect their decision.

What is a ‘squash bubble’?

Bubbles consist of a maximum of six players and players within a ‘squash bubble’ are permitted to play full-court matches with the following modifications:

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’ to maintain social distancing throughout the warm-up.
During each game, when the first player reaches five points, both players should wipe away excessive sweat, and 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.
Players must wear protective eyewear or visor.
Don't wipe your hands on the wall.
Players are not allowed to shout or raise their voice.

Please maintain social distancing when not on court, and continue follow your club’s/venue’s hygiene and cleaning policies.

How do I form a ‘squash bubble’?

Agree who is in your bubble with up to five other players.
Inform your club/venue’s COVID-19 Officer of the names of the players in your bubble.
Confirm to your club/venue’s COVID-19 Officer, in writing, that you have read and agree to follow the England Squash ‘bubble’ guidance within this page.
Check with your club/venue’s COVID-19 Officer that you are allowed to play before starting.
You can only belong to one bubble at a time but following a seven-day break of playing full squash, you can switch once you’ve got agreement from your COVID-19 officer.

What if a player in a 'squash bubble' displays symptoms of COVID-19?

Follow the England Squash guidance and your club’s protocol for members/players with COVID-19 symptoms.
Players from the bubble that have been in contact with the symptomatic player within the seven days prior must self-isolate and undertake tests as per Government guidelines, even if they exhibit no symptoms themselves, until it has been determined whether or not the symptomatic player has tested positive or negative.
Players within the bubble can resume play if the COVID-19 test proves negative.

What if I can't form a 'squash bubble'?

Remember, many clubs/venues may choose to be cautious - it’s their responsibility to minimise the risk to you, their members, staff, volunteers and the wider community. If you cannot form a 'squash bubble' (or wish to play someone from outside your bubble), we recommend playing 'Sides' as it's a modified/adapted version of the game which allows players to meet social distancing measures, with each player remaining in their own half of the court at all times.

If you're an advanced player without a 'squash bubble', find out about the socially distanced practices that we recommend.

01/09/2020