CODE OF CONDUCT FOR REFEREES    

England Squash qualified referees will aspire to the highest standards of experience and conduct required by the sport at all levels.  Failure to do so could result in disciplinary action being taken by, or on behalf of, the England Squash Referees’ Sub Committee.

1.       Rules

The rules of squash are framed to ensure the safety of the players, the right result of each rally and elimination of any actions likely to bring the game into disrepute.  The duties of a referee are defined in the rules and it is implied that each official shall keep their knowledge and interpretation of these rules up to date.  This shall be verified and monitored by assessment at appropriate intervals and records kept.

 

  1. Physical condition
Referees must be in good physical condition, having normal or good corrected vision and hearing.  No alcohol or ‘drugs’ are permitted while on duty or in the hours immediately preceding duty.

  1. Preparedness
Referees should be:

a)       PUNCTUAL - be present normally 30 minutes before a scheduled start time, complete with writing and timing equipment

b)       PRESENTABLE - wearing England Squash sweater, a shirt and tie, official polo shirt or sponsor’s polo shirt, grey or dark blue trousers / skirt, smart shoes (no trainers or sandals) for all England Squash events, unless required to adopt other clothing by the sponsor/climate.

c)       PERSISTENT - liaising with the Tournament Desk continuously during and to the end of each session for which they have been appointed. Referees may not leave the tournament premises without the agreement of the Tournament Referee.

d)       POLITE – being courteous to players, officials and spectators at all times.

  1. Impartiality
Referees should

a)       Not bet on events in which they are involved.

b)       Declare any conflict of interest due to relationship/friendship with specific players

c)       Advise the Tournament Referee of any past problems with specific players

d)       Carry out or submit to assessments without fear, favour or undue influence

  1. General conduct
Referees should:

a)       Immediately inform the Tournament Referee if they are unable to attend an agreed session or are likely to be late.

b)       Report breaches of the Code of Conduct, Rule 17, by players or officials to the Tournament Referee.

c)       Refrain from public criticism of fellow officials, players, organizers, sponsors or events that may bring the game into disrepute.

d)       Confer with the Tournament Referee prior to commenting on sensitive issues to the media.

e)       Whether working or not at an event, Referees are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner which would not be seen to bring their qualification as a referee into disrepute.

f)        No referee shall take on formal instruction such as coaching or instruction in the rules unless properly qualified to do so.

g)       As a matter of courtesy, referees are invited to inform England Squash of any requests they receive to officiate other than from England Squash or for England Squash sanctioned events or within their own county.

  1. Breaches of referees’ code
It is the responsibility of all officials to notify England Squash of any matters that substantially breach this code.

Disciplinary matters will be dealt with by, or through, the England Squash Referees’ Sub Committee.