World Squash Approves New Rules for Squash

World Squash has confirmed updates to the Rules of Squash that take effect globally on 1 September 2025.

Australia will introduce these updates for all domestic competitions from 1 January 2026. This timing allows time to inform and educate all participants and start the new calendar year with confidence in applying the updated rules. PSA events held in Australia from 1 September 2025 will adopt the new rules from that date.

What is changing?

The key updates include:

• Access to the ball: simpler terminology to make interference decisions clearer and more consistent
• Interference and swing: clearer guidance on when a let or a stroke is awarded if a player’s swing is affected or prevented
• Turning: a refined definition of turning and outcomes that take safety, time and intention into account
• Conditions of play: consolidated guidance for distractions, fallen objects and wet courts, with a focus on player responsibility and safety
• Timings: adjusted time allowances for the start of play and for equipment changes
• Injury and medical: recovery times clarified and aligned to injury categories, with timing starting from the referee’s announcement
• Pre-existing wounds: requirements to properly cover wounds, with clear outcomes if bleeding occurs
• Illness: an expanded definition to include conditions such as blisters, cramps and breathlessness
• Conduct: explicit guidance on attempts to influence the referee and on dangerous actions when turning

Download the Rules of Squash from the World Squash website here.

When the new rules apply in Australia

• Domestic competitions: From 1 January 2026
• PSA events in Australia: From 1 September 2025 in line with global adoption

Information and Training

World Squash Officiating is:

• Reviewing and updating the WSO website and all course content
• Publishing educational materials and articles explaining the new rules
• Hosting an online seminar on 28th August 2025, 8 am/6 pm (UK time),  to support referees with the changes
• Sharing updates through social media and newsletters

Squash Australia will:

• Share WSO materials as they are released and direct you to the most current resources
• Provide summaries and reminders through our communication channels
• Work with state and territory associations to support local education for officials, coaches and competition managers ahead of the 1 January 2026 start

 How to Prepare:

• Referees: Join the WSO team on 28^th August 2025 as they discuss the new Rules and explore how they will work in practice. Sign Up by Clicking Here
• Coaches and Players: familiarise yourself with the summaries and talk with local officials about how the changes may affect play and training
• Administrators and Competition Managers: schedule time to brief your teams and update handbooks and communications for the 2026 season

These changes are designed to improve clarity, consistency and the overall experience of our sport. By working together to learn and apply them, we will ensure that competitions across Australia remain fair, safe and enjoyable for everyone.

We will continue to share updates as they become available. If you have any questions, please contact your state or territory association or reply to this email and our team will assist.