The change unifies the sport’s multiple scoring methods. Now, Professional Squash Association (PSA), Women’s International Squash Association (WISPA), and recreational players will use the same scoring methods.

In June, Western Mass Squash published an article, Pick a Scoring Method, that explains the different squash scoring systems and recommended a unified scoring method.

It will be interesting to see if the new scoring method will be quickly adopted by recreational players. Although PAR to 11 will help tournaments with scheduling, many recreational players enjoy the back and forth nature of Hand-In Hand-Out (International) scoring.

This issue has divided the international squash community since it was first proposed several years ago. Recently, Ian McKenzie, the editor of Squash Player Magazine, wrote an open letter to Jahangir Khan requesting the the PAR to 11 motion be withdrawn from consideration.

The WSF hopes that the PAR to 11 change will help squash become an Olympic Sport.

Although Western Mass Squash welcomes the move, Hand-In, Hand-Out scoring will be missed. It has been approximately 12 years since New England Interscholastic Squash Association (NEISA)  and the College Squash Association switched from PAR to 15 scoring to Hand-In, Hand-Out scoring. The sport has grown tremendously in that interval. Coaches and players will need to adjust their playing styles to suit the new scoring system.

It will be years before the final verdict will be known.

Hand-in-hand-out (International) Scoring: The server, on winning a rally, scores a point; the receiver, on winning a rally, becomes the server. Games are usually played to nine points; however, if the game is tied at 8-8, the receiver may decide to play the game to 9 or 10.

Point-A-Rally (American) Scoring: The winner of each rally earns a point. Games are usually played to fifteen; however, there are complex tie breaker methods. According to the North American Singles rules, at 13-13, the first player to reach 13 chooses one of the following options:

• Set to 5 points (18 points for the winner)
• Set to 3 points (16 points for the winner)
• No set (15 points for the winner)

At 14-14, presuming the game never reached 13-13, the first player to earn 14 points chooses one of the following options:

• Set to 3 (17 points for the winner)
• No set (15 points for the winner)

Professional Scoring: In 2004, the Professional Squash Association adopted point-a-rally scoring. Games are usually played to 11; however, at 10-10, a player must win by two points. Until June 2008, the score of tie-breakers was reported in a questionable manner. If the tie-breaker game ended 15-13, the score was reported as 11-10 (5-3). Now, the score is reported as 15-13. Women’s International Squash Players’ Association (WISPA) will begin using Pro Scoring in July 2008.

Are we confused yet?

Most recreational and tournament players use the hand-in-hand-out scoring method. This scoring method allows for long games in which players are content to trade serves without feeling immediate pressure.

PAR scoring is played with a sense of urgency. Games and matches may end extremely quickly. More tournaments are being played with Pro scoring. The quicker games allow for easier match scheduling. In addition, many players believe the shorter games in a tournament are easier on their bodies. According to the May 2008 edition of Squash Magazine, the World Squash Federation is conducting a feasibility study for developing a single scoring system. The magazine states that matches are around 30 percent shorter using Pro Scoring.

Squash needs to pick a scoring method. The same scoring method is needed for the PSA, WISPA, colleges, prep schools, and recreational squash. James Poole’s recent piece (“What’s the Score?“) discusses the Olympic implications of a consistent scoring method and consistent tin height. From a common sense point of view, a single scoring method would only have positive implications. If recreational players cannot explain or understand the scoring method used in professional or international play to a novice, how can squash be taken seriously?

Poole’s theory about consistent tin heights between the PSA and the WISPA has merits, but squash is not the first sport to have different size equipment. For example, men’s and women’s basketball have different size balls and rims. Yet, all basketball is scored by the same method. In addition, the inconsistency between the size of basketballs in the men’s and women’s game may be attributed to the average size of men’s and women’s hands. In squash, a consistent tin height should be established, but a consistent scoring method should be the top priority.

Will squash choose a single scoring method anytime soon? It is doubtful. The different national associations (US Squash, Squash Canada, etc.) must all decide to adopt a single method. Only then will squash become easier to understand for the casual fan. The Olympics may be out of reach without a unified scoring method.