Ref’s Rule: Don’t Be a D*ckhead

Thanks Neil Butler

You may well ask what this has to do with the rules of squash.

I was listening to the radio the other day and Kasey Chambers was being interviewed about her book which is called “Don’t Be A Dickhead and Other Profound Things I’ve Learnt”.  The interviewer asked how the book got this name.  Her response was, “it was the best advice my father ever gave me…just don’t be a dickhead”.

In my years of refereeing I have come across a few players and spectators who could have followed that advice.  

For two years in a row, at the same tournament, I had to stop a match because of disruptive behaviour from a spectator, and ask them to leave or the match would not continue. It was the same spectator both years.

I also know a tournament promoter who follows the same principle.  At the very start of the tournament, they clearly state that anyone who acts like a “dickhead” will not be invited back. As a person true to his word, this has been carried out on a couple of occasions.

Back to the rules.

One of the Referee decisions included in the rules is:-

“The Referee, whose decision is final, must suspend play if the behaviour of any person, other than a player, is disruptive or offensive, until the behaviour has ceased, or until the offending person has left the court area.”

Two points here:-

1. The Referee must have the courage to take this action for the sake of the match in progress, and the other spectators watching the game.
2. The Referee is the sole arbitrator in this instance and is not required to consult the Tournament Referee or Tournament Director.

Sometimes this is easier said than done.

As a spectator you need to be aware what will happen if you act like a “dickhead”.  “Remember before putting your mouth into gear, how you will look walking out the door”.

We all, at some stage, disagree with a Referee’s decision, but this does not give us the right to abuse them.

On a final note, REMEMBER: 

• Most Officials are volunteers, who do it for the love of the game.
• Officials deserve your respect and support.
• Abusing the official won’t change the outcome of the game.
• Officials can see things you can’t because they watch the game from a different angle.
• Officials aren’t perfect; they do make mistakes, just like players.
• WITHOUT OFFICIALS THERE WOULD BE NO GAME.

Rule of the Month

A serve that does not comply with Rule 5.7 (a service is good, if:….) is a fault, and the receiver wins the rally. 

Note: A serve that hits the service-line, short- line, half-court line, or any line bounding the top of the court, is a fault.

Quote for the Month

“I like long walks especially when they are taken by people who annoy me” 

 – Fred Allen