Qualifying Standards

Commonwealth Games 2010 Qualifying Standards

JERSEY SQUASH RACQUETS ASSOCIATION
(Affiliated to England Squash)
Introduction
In the Channel Islands, Squash is a sport that is difficult to measure individual development and success in. Whilst both Jersey and Guernsey have a high standard of players in their respective Clubs, a players success and future potential is generally measured against results attained playing other local competitors; the number of which are limited at the very highest level. This unique circumstance differs from the UK where inter club matches will take players all over the country on a weekly basis to play against, in many instances, unknown high standard opponents. Consequently, once at the top of an individual Club ranking list, ongoing improvement of ability is difficult to gauge without a benchmark to set it against. Despite this, a defined standard can be set against which to measure an entry level for Commonwealth Games consideration.

Development and Progression

The development of a player would, from a Junior level, naturally progress through the following stages:
• Under 11 years of age
• Under 13
• Under 15
• Under 17
• Under 19
The standard of individuals participating is assessed based on performances and results achieved in Local Island and Channel Islands Championships (Open and Closed).
The next levels of development/improvement follow participation in County Championship Competitions and then picked for County representation. Players exceeding County standard are then chosen for 'area' training squads. Elite individuals are then selected to participate in the National Area Championships. Jersey players would represent Dorset at County level and South West of England at Area level. In recent years, 2 Jersey players have attained the necessary level to be selected for England Squads.
The County rating structure is split as follows:
• Premier Division North of England & Premier Division South of England
• First Division North & First Division South
• Second Division North & Second Division South
Dorset County is currently classified as a Second Division South team.
In essence, a Jersey player representing Dorset in the National Inter County Championships would have reached the pinnacle of their progression whilst based in the island - to climb higher would necessitate relocation to the UK or other country to become a full time professional squash player. If such a decision were taken, participation in National Club and Super Leagues would follow.

Standards

Save playing professionally, which will provide a clear history of results at National Competition level, it is difficult to track a player’s progress at high level. A strong proving ground for an amateur wishing to be considered for Commonwealth Games representation would be Inter County matches. All counties are represented by Professional Players and are supported by top amateurs - indeed, some County teams are made up entirely of professionals.
In addition, County Closed Championships host entry fields that will include professional and top amateur players.

Required results for player consideration:

• Players who wish to be considered for selection for the Commonwealth Games must have attained the standard in TWO of the following categories of competitions.
• The standards must be attained during the period commencing September 2008 and no later than September 2010.

Singles - County Play

1. Semi Final of County Closed Championship (Dorset or as per players base if attending University)
These championships are held at various times throughout the year.

2. 50% win rate in Inter County matches
These are held on two weekends a year and a maximum of six matches are played. A player would be expected to represent their County at no lower than playing position number 3 (No.1 being the strongest player).

Singles - Tournament Play

3. Quarter Final as a minimum in a graded tournament or to have beaten a player currently ranked 40 or above in the England Squash ranking list.

England Squash provide an extensive calendar of Graded (sanctioned) tournaments, the entry to which often includes professional players.
(It is hoped that the JSRA can stage an England Squash sanctioned event during the qualifying period.)

4. Reach the Second Round in the qualification event prior to the British Closed Championships.

The British Closed Championship is a 16-draw event, which means that only the top 16 British Ranked Players will have automatic entry. All other entrants must play through a pre-qualifying knockout tournament to progress further into the competition.
It is worth pointing out that some National ranking, and all World ranking tournaments will have a maximum 32 draw automatically accepted field. This means that only the top 32 ranked players will ever have their entry guaranteed - many competitions operate a 16 draw system (16 players automatically accepted). As such, reasonable success in the pre-qualifying tournament (as above) is high achievement in itself. There are no non-professional players sufficiently highly ranked to attain guaranteed entry.

Doubles

Squash is very much an individual game - similarly to Tennis where only the most prestigious tournaments (Wimbledon) hold a doubles event. It is proposed that if at least 2 players qualify for Jersey under the above singles criteria they would be of a suitable playing standard to represent the island in doubles. However to confirm their suitability they must win the JSRA Closed Doubles tournament held annually and enter at least one other doubles event within the UK.

Conclusion

The Jersey Squash Racquets Association has compiled this document as objectively as possible, keeping in mind the tournament entry difficulties that a non-professional player will encounter. Standards have been set at a level that, if achieved, will demonstrate a player's ability, consistency, playing/training ethic and desire to succeed. Consideration should be offered to an individual making this grade. Having achieved the minimum standard, players are expected to strive to improve their performance and generally to show a commitment to maintaining a high standard of fitness and match play.
The JSRA is constantly striving to improve the infrastructure of support for our athletes. Squash has excellent facilities within the island and an ever-growing interest in the sport, a full time Director with outstanding coaching qualifications and a comprehensive network of support through its affiliation to England Squash. We are determined to assist aspiring squash players to reach suitable standards and represent Jersey at the next Commonwealth Games.

Stephen Law
President JSRA