As part of the U.S. SQUASH “PLAY SQUASH” initiative, in-club challenge ladder software is now available to all U.S. SQUASH member clubs. With these ladders, players are able to challenge other players at their club (or, in some cases, their city and district) and garner national rating points for their matches. Regardless of what level you are, head to head play is all that matters. Issuing a challenge is simple. The ladder software features a “request a challenge” feature so you have the ability to email the other players on your ladder directly to issue a challenge. If your opponent has entered his or her availability on their profile, it will be easy for you to suggest a possible date for your match. There is also a section where you can insert a personal note to the player you are challenging. (Keep the trash talking to a minimum!)
After you have played your match, similar to the USGA system of entering your score after a round of golf to track your handicap, you can record the results by logging onto www.ussquash.com and entering the scores. The winning player will move to the appropriate spot on the ladder, dependent on how far up he or she challenged. All challenge matches count towards a player’s rating, which then are applied to each person’s in-club, as well as national rankings. Additionally, if you also play in a box league at your club, matches played in the box can be set up to affect your movement on the ladder.
If you want to take on the challenge, and would like information on how you or your club’s squash professional can set up a ladder, please call 212-268-4090 or contact bill.buckingham@ussquash.com and dent.wilkens@ussquash.com.
