Pick a Scoring Method
By WesternMass-Squash • Jun 9th, 2008 • Category: Articles • Print
Northampton, MA — Squash has three different scoring methods: Hand-in-hand-out, Point-A-Rally, and Professional Scoring. How many sports have three scoring methods? It is confusing for players and fans. Let us review the specifics of each scoring method.
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.
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WesternMass-Squash is the area’s one-stop resource for squash information. It publicizes squash in the four counties of Western Massachusetts.
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