The following are the rules that apply to all Leagues run by Munster Squash.
League Rules
Jurisdiction
The
Munster Squash Committee shall have absolute power to deal with any matter that
may arise in connection with all competitions and which is not provided for in
these rules. In particular the Committee may waive the application of any rule
if it considers that exceptional circumstances warrant it. The decision of the
Committee on any such matter or on the interpretation of any rule shall be final.
Rules
of the Game
All matches will be played under the rules of Irish Squash.
Ball
Except where otherwise stated by Irish Squash,
the black double-yellow dot ball must be used in all matches.
Clothing
IS
and WSF rules on clothing apply to all matches under the jurisdiction of Munster
Squash. Currently there is no colour requirement other than players are required
to respect the requests of host clubs; shoes must be non-marking; typical clothing
includes for men is described as - short sleeved top, shorts, stockings and shoes
and typical clothing for women include top, skirt or shorts, stockings and shoes.
Eligibility
Only
affiliated clubs can enter league teams and all players on panels must be members
of such clubs. A player cannot play for more than one club in the course of the
season. However, a lady may apply to the Committee for permission to play in the
men's leagues for an alternative club as may junior players.
Points
Each
league tie shall be the best of five matches. One point will be awarded per game
won in each match. Bonus points will be awarded to the winning team as follows:
5
points for a 5 - 0 win
4 points for a 4 - 1 win
3 points for a 3 - 2 win
Panels
and Teams
Prior to the commencement of the league team, captains are required
to submit a panel of players in order of merit ranking to the league secretary
or other designated person. Only players on that panel may participate in the
league and players must play in order of merit ranking. Where a league is decided
on the basis of play-offs only players who have played 50% or more of the matches
in the previous part of the league may play in the play-offs.
In the event of a team playing out of merit ranking order, the player shall be deemed to have lost the match by a margin of 3 - 0, regardless of the result, and all matches below that position will be similarly deemed to have been lost by the same margin.
The Committee may request any club to justify
its panel or team. If in the opinion of the Committee a player has been incorrectly
ranked or incorrectly played the committee shall have the power to impose whatever
penalties it deems appropriate.
Players and teams
It is the
responsibility of participating clubs to ensure that all the players entered on
a league panel are being entered in a league appropriate to the ability of the
players. Players should not be entered in leagues below the standard of their
play. Where Munster Squash believes that a club is entering a player in a league
below the standard of that player it will be entitled to require that player to
be played in a higher league and not in the lower league.
Time
of matches
All matches must be played at the date, place and time of the
fixture, except by prior arrangement with league secretary, sufficient notice
having been given in all cases. It is recommended that all ties commence at 7.30
p.m.
Order of play
Matches should be played in the
order 5 - 4 - 1 - 3 - 2, unless the team captains agree otherwise.
Walkovers
A
walkover may be claimed by the opposing team if, all other matches having been
played, 20 minutes have elapsed since the time of calling the players on court.
Only team captains can concede or accept walkovers.
Return
of results
The captain of the winning team must communicate the results
of the tie to the league secretary at the time specified. In addition, where result
sheets have been supplied they should be completed and signed by the team captains
or other authorised team members and returned by the winning team captain to the
league secretary to reach him/her no later than 3 days after the tie. Failure
in either regard may incur a penalty of 5 points.
League
Fees
League fee are due from the date of commencement of each league. Once
a team has been entered in the draw for a league, the league fee becomes payable
even if the team subsequently withdraws.
Novice Leagues
Where
a novice league is being played a 'Novice' player is one who has not played more
than 1 previous league match in any league.
Conduct
Players
are advised that offensive, disruptive or intimidating behaviour in squash is
not acceptable and is deleterious to the game. Included in this category are:
audible
or visible obscenities; verbal or physical abuse; dissent; abuse of racket, court
or ball; unnecessary physical contact; excessive racket swing; unfair warm-up;
time-wasting; late back on court; deliberate dangerous play or action; and coaching
other than between games.
Misconduct will be dealt with under the Code of Conduct described in the Constitution
of Munster Squash.
Refereeing
In
League matches the home team should appoint three of the five referees and the
visiting team the remaining two. Players may not request a change of referee once
the match has commenced. In this regard, clubs are reminded of their responsibility
to ensure an adequate supply of qualified referees to meet their obligations throughout
the season.