Ref’s Rule: Distraction

Thanks Neil Butler

 

Can you imagine going to an AFL football match and not cheering for your team after they have scored a goal?

 

During the course of play there is cheering, or sounds of disappointment.

 

Do the umpires tell the crowd to be quiet if they are making too much noise?

 

Does this affect the players’ concentration?

 

 

Over the years with my involvement in our sport I have seen both sides of the spectrum in crowd involvement.

 

From almost no appreciation of the effort the players are putting into the game, to full on appreciation to the point where spectators have been removed for being ‘over the top’.

 

We have a rule for distraction which not only covers distraction by either player but also by the spectators.

 

Player Distraction

 

Either player may request a let because of distraction but must do so immediately. 

 

• If the distraction was caused by one of the players, then:
  if accidental, a let is allowed, unless a player’s winning return was interrupted, in which case the rally is awarded to that player; 
• if deliberate, the Referee must apply Rule 15 (Conduct). 

 

Spectator Distraction or Off Court Distraction

 

• If the distraction was not caused by one of the players, a let is allowed, unless a player’s winning return was interrupted, in which case the rally is awarded to that player. 

 

Crowd Reactions

 

• At some events crowd reactions during play may occur. 
• To encourage spectator enjoyment, spectator distraction may be suspended, and if sudden crowd noise occurs, players will be expected to continue play and Referees will not ask spectators to be quiet. 
• However, a player who stops play and requests a let because of a loud or isolated noise from off the court may be allowed a let for distraction. 

 

We should be encouraging spectator enjoyment within reasonable bounds.

At a tennis match the umpire only requests the crowd to be quiet as the player is about to serve.

 

During the break between points the crowd is very vocal in their support of the players.

When one player is on ‘Set Point’ or ‘Match Point’ the crowd is usually very vocal in their support.

 

Should we be any different in squash?

 

Don’t confuse encouragement with coaching between points.

 

Let’s show some appreciation for a great rally and yes there will be ‘oohs’ and ‘aah’s’ during the rally, and players and officials must learn to accept it unless it is OTT.

 

Trans-Tasman Squash Test Series

 

Running out of time to register as a Marker or Referee and missing out on the best seat in the house.

 

If you are interested in being part of Officials team register your interest at PerthMasters2025@squashwa.asn.au

 

Also, if you are around the squash scene come and see me and I can give you more information and answer any concerns you may have regarding officiating.

 

Question of the Month

 

Who answers the player’s request for Lets and Appeals?

 

1. Either Marker or Referee
2. Marker
3. Referee

 

Quote for the Month

 

“Only he does not fear death by a thousand cuts dares to unseat the emperor” – Mick Malthouse describing Glen Jackovich after he beat Wayne Carey one day at Subiaco Oval.

 

Answer to Quiz

 

1. Referee