Squash Republic Blog

Awesome Photo of Nicol David

2011-12-12T14:55:00.000-08:00

Check out this awesome photo + graphic created by freelance photographer Mr. Edward KL Chan of Kuala Lumpur. The photo was shot on the 19th of March 2011 in Times Square, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during a match that Nicol David she playing against Alison Waters. (Reprinted here with permission: That means I asked if it was okay:)

More flattery! (OR did they just steal our logo?)

2011-10-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

You have to love the new Google search option which allows you to search using an image rather than a line of descriptive code. How else would we find out that Mongolian Squash is using our logo or that the University of Alberta borrowed our logo for their latest tournament?

Here's some recent discoveries of squash clubs and associations "borrowing" our copyrighted logo.

1) Squash Fundacion C.R. Cantabria and Rioja Squash.

2) Mongolian Squash! On Facebook and their Mongolian Squash Flickr Page!

3) Squash Club Trebic liked our 3D version of our logo SO MUCH they used it on their Facebook page!

4) Aran & Bidgol PSA also took a liking to our 3D logo - anyone read Arabic?

5) Seems that the good folks at Devon & Exeter Squash were sold a logo by their web designer that looked a little similar too. I spoke to these guys and they promised to stop using it. Thanks Adam!

All these examples seem so far from Vancouver, Canada, that you can almost convince yourself that that kind of blatant plagiarism would never happen here. Right? Wrong. While on a squash trip to Phoenix Arizona I stumbled across someone from the University of Alberta wearing this shirt:

NICE!
My last example is my personal favourite: A trophy from the LA Sports Club.

Oh no! Carolyn Russell, say it isn't so!

2011-04-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

I just heard that one of my favourite squash players (and favourite people) has retired from the WISPA tour. Carolyn Russell's last pro tournament will be the 2010 Sun & Surf, where she lost in the quarter finals to the eventual winner, and it's only appropriate as Carolyn calls the Jericho Tennis Club her home club. (Read the official Squash Canada press release.)

For those of you who only know Carolyn from reading the information posted about her on WISPA's website she's much more than just 104th in the world AND a National Champion AND a two-time Pan Am Games gold medallist. She may be a 'Pegger but she's a household name and a dominant force in BC squash! She's been ranked the #1 women's players for at least the last two years and holds the current BC Open title.

If you've played squash in BC for a while you may have been privy to one of the most exciting local squash rivalries ever. Carolyn and her 2006 Women's Worlds Championship teammate Melanie Jans have battled countless times in the finals of BC tournaments and created some fantastic memories for this particular fan. (Carolyn, you know I secretly clapped for you all the time:) And who can ever forget "Russell-Vision"? I only mention it about once a week when I'm trying to convince a new player that it's in their best interest to watch their opponent. "Haven't you ever seen Carolyn Russell play? It's like she's got an owl's neck! Watch her poised on the T, with her head turned just so and her eyes on the other player. Always! She's got Russell-Vision dood."

Carolyn, on behalf of all BC squash players, I wish you all the best in the world in your new position at the Multi Sport Centre of Excellence Foundation.

On a personal note, I want to thank you for the time you generously gave me on court. (Remember that 45 minute court time where we managed to play best-of-five MATCHES? Nine straight games. Ouch:) You started me practicing my "figure-eights" and always encouraged me to strive for perfection.

I sincerely hope that you continue to play until I can join you in a real match in Div 1 one day.

Love Robert,
Your biggest secret fan.

Carolyn and her biggest secret fan at the Sun and Surf at the Jericho Tennis Club.

Carolyn and Melanie at a SportCentral exhibition match (2006)

At the 2006 Women's World Team Championships in Edmonton.

(L-R) Alana Miller, Melanie Jans, Carolyn Russell and Runa Reta

Getting ready for a match at the 2007 Nationals.

Zombie Squash Posters

2011-04-07T11:28:00.000-07:00

I'm really liking the aesthetics of these two posters I found online. Minimalist colour and seriously graphic graphics:)

The first is from Portugal Squash which just underwent a rebranding by Feel Brand Management. Not sure if Feel is responsible for this particular poster which is for an event being hosted by Varzim Squash.

The Varzim poster reminds me of this event poster I designed in 2009 for the Bentall Athletic Centre's Halloween Open. At the time I remember worrying that blood splatter on a court wall might be pushing things! LOL

The second one comes from an event put on by the Griff Squash Club in Budapest:

The resolution isn't too hot but that green and blue logo looks familiar for some reason:) Karma?

NAO Squash Pushes it!

2011-02-25T15:57:00.000-08:00

The organizers at the 2011 North American Open Squash Championships, which is going on right now have hired some truly talented people to help them advertise their event.

Check out this fab commercial:

And then check out this amazing photo-montage poster designed by creative director Dan Bogosh using images captured by photographer Patricia Lyons.

BC Junior squashies are golden.

2011-02-21T18:32:00.000-08:00

I'd like to give another big shout out to the boys and girls who traveled to Halifax last week to represent my province in the game that I love. They did us and the game proud:) The girls brought home gold and the boys brought home silver and I couldn't be prouder of them.

Congrats again!

Front row: (L-R) Zachary Leman, "Big" Mac Foster, Tyler Olsen and Michael Thompson.
Back row: (L-R) Assistant coach Rebecca Fouchard Vassilakakis, Nicole Bunyan, Brynn Daniels, Lindsay Seginson, Abbey Foster and head coach Jeff Boag.

(Photographed in front of the Manta Glass Court.)

I heart copy cats.

2011-01-31T09:55:00.000-08:00

The original heart shaped logo designed for Valentine's day by Squash Republic.

The ripoff. Used in a poster for Valencia squash. Nice.

The original logo designed by Squash Republic for Squash Canada's 2010 National Championships:

This ripoff is particularly amusing as they spelled "squash" incorrectly. Love that.

A squash player's Christmas wish list

2010-12-19T20:35:00.000-08:00

I realize that I'm putting this out a little late but it's a well known fact that squash players are procrastinators: Ask any pro and they'll tell you that everyone signs up for a tournament just before the deadline:) There are still a few shopping days left.

1. Because we like to read when we're not on court: A copy of "Run to the Roar" by the winningest coach in college sports history, Paul Assaiante and James Zug.

Just one of the many great quotes: "Today is the present. They call it the present because it is a gift."

2. One for the boys: The new WISPA calendar:) 'Nuff said. PURCHASE HERE.

3. More reading! How about a subscription to Squash Magazine?

4. Lessons. And more lessons! Your local squash pro can do wonders for your game and it's about time you realized that your practice-to-games ratio needs to be flipped on it's head if you're ever going to win an "A" tournament. (Okay Pacey?)

5. Some new gear. Style is sometimes more important than substance and your team could probably use some help:) Check out Squash Republic: Their growing catalogue of shirt designs is quickly earning them a reputation as the #1 online clothing store for squash players.

Pictured here wearing the "Drop Shots Not Bombs" design (L-R): Christian Coufal, Birgit Coufal (Austria’s # 1, WISPA ranking 70) and Gerald “Hasi” (which means bunny) Hasslacher (Austrias no 125).

6. For the gamer: Check out the new version of "Racquet Sports" from Ubisoft.

Dood, you can play underwater and you don't have to ask for lets! Nice.

7. Club photo! At our squash club, the Vancouver Racquets Club, we're lucky enough to have a great crew of players playing singles and doubles and a great photographer to help us document it all:)

Photo © 2010 Chad Forbes.

8. A new MANTA racquet!
Available at S.C.R.U. Squash

9. A subscription to SQUASH TV

Squash makes PTI's "Turkeys of the Year"

2010-11-24T18:23:00.000-08:00

Just when you thought the world had forgotten about Baset Chaudhry and his much-lamented outburst, Pardon The Interruption placed him on their "Turkeys of the Year" sports clip montage. They call Chaudhry the "Squash-Taunter" and describe him as "a big hairy bully." Ouch.

Check the video here and skip to 1:26 for the "Squash-Taunter".

PSA World Series Squash Finals Graphics

2010-11-12T17:40:00.000-08:00

The ATCO PSA World Series Squash Finals takes place January 2011 and I'm giving a big thumbs up to the group responsible for the graphics. Hopefully this is just a teaser and there's more to come.

I don't have confirmation but a little detective work makes me believe that Fleishman Hilliard Public Relations is responsible for branding of this tournament and the one page website with the trippy purple video.

Anyone know what the "Z-Court" is that they mention? Wouldn't it be cool if it was the squash court equivalent of the "Z-Pool Table"? Throw some extra corners in there to hide the drop shots?

First one to send me a photo of the "Z-Court" wins a Squash Republic t-shirt.

UPDATE: Squash Zag has pointed out that Fleishman Hilliard is the public relations firm for the ATCO PSA WSSF while Greenspace is the design firm behind the branding. Check out the work they did for the 2009 edition. Nice.

Taking it to the streets: Squash that is.

2010-10-28T18:47:00.000-07:00

Click on the image on the left to check out this hilarious video of French prankster/comedian Rémi Gaillard playing squash in a phone booth. Check out his site: www.nimportequi.com. Thanks to Nicola for the link:)

Squash 360 talked about doing this a while back and I think it's time to take squash to the streets of Vancouver. Pacific Centre mall? How about a few "No lets" at the The Bloedel Conservatory! Conduct warnings at the Wall Centre!

Send us some ideas and if we use them in our video we'll send you something cool. Promise.

Squash Shortlisted for 2020 Olympics? Yah so?

2010-10-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

Here we go again.

You may have heard that our game has been shortlisted for the 2020 Olympics but did you hear the real reason we didn't get in last time? Mr. Ramachandran, president of the World Squash Federation, was quoted as saying that Rugby Sevens beat us out previously because, at that time, the "IOC was going through a bad phase because of recession in Europe and they needed additional revenue. Thus, rugby was included." Hmmm. So it wasn't because of poor ball visibility or the perceived impropriety of players arguing with referees? It was about the money? Duh.

(As an aside, the NBA has instituted a new policy meant to curtail complaining by players because, according to Commissioner David Stern, "that's not a good thing.")

The IOC hasn't decided where the 2020 Olympics are going to be held yet as they're still hyping the 2012 games in London, but I'm loathe to start getting excited so soon. Instead, I'm going to look forward to World Squash Day because it's only 10 days, not 8 years, away!

David and Matthew win Commonwealth Gold in squash!

2010-10-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Nicol David for her 3-0 (40 min) win over Jenny Duncalf and to Nick Matthew for his 3-0 (66 min) win over James Willstrop.

Check out the coverage at www.squash.me.uk/cgames and Squash Stars.com
Photo: www.cwgsquash.com

Oh no! Alana, say it isn't so!

2010-10-03T10:18:00.000-07:00

Read the whole story here.

Oh no! Razik, say it isn't so!

2010-10-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

Read the whole story here.

From the Archives: Michael Desaulniers for Athlete's World

2010-08-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

When I first saw this four page advertising insert I thought "Here's a rare glimpse into that locker room of old!" Although my club has a co-ed steam room, the days of the "co-ed" locker room are past. (It seems that I missed everything by taking up squash so late:)

What I didn't realize was that it wasn't just the groovy camaraderie of 80's squash that I was missing, it was the fact that at one time sports stores actually catered to squash players! This advert is for "Athlete's World" (a Canadian sporting good store that's still around) and it harkens back to a day when sporting good stores were a better place to go to find squash racquets and shoes than Canadian Tire. Now I bet most of you buy your racquets online. (Ed note > Shameless plug: I sell Manta racquets:)

The other thing I didn't realize about this advert was that it featured an ex number 1 in the world hardball squash player who also happens to be Canadian: Michael Desaulniers. It turns out that I've played doubles with his brother! Six degrees of cool!

If you don't know about Michael, or you think that Jonathon Power was our first squash superstar, you really need to read this 2004 article by Rob Dinerman at SquashTalk. Dood, he beat Sharif Khan when Khan was on the top of his game!

If you know anything about Michael Desaulniers please consider adding to his Wikipedia page which is a little light on content.

Another cool aspect of this historical document is the appearance of the WSPA logo. I said "WSPA" not "WISPA":) A precursor of the PSA, the World Squash Players Association never made it to the internet (Go ahead, Google them.) Classic logo though.

Got any info on the WPSA? Contact me.

Robot Squash Referees

2010-07-08T15:53:00.000-07:00

After squash lost out on it’s bid to become an Olympic sport there was a lot of discussion about the game and why it didn’t receive this arbitrary form of legitimization.

One group suggested that the rules were too difficult for the average viewer to understand. The WSF agreed and officially sanctioning not one but three scoring systems. No confusion there.

Another group forwarded the oft heard complaint that “the ball is just too hard to see on TV”. This was apparently also a problem for hockey at one time: Remember the glowing hockey puck? Luckily, it was generally agreed that this isn’t a problem and if you don't agree I suggest that you go watch a Jean De Lierre match video and tell me that you can’t follow the ball.

Perhaps the loudest group was the one that claimed that squash didn’t make the Olympics due to the lack of civility that a lot of players display on court. (We all saw the video of what’s his name from what’s that ivy league school and were hurt to see blogs write articles with titles like "Squash Players are just the worst!") The reason the players act this way? Their parents brought them up wrong? No. The refs let them. A player relies on the ref to keep control of the match and if they don’t bad things can happen.

I think it’s the decision making process that accompanies a call for a “Let”. But that’s not a reason to get rid of “lets”. (And please, don’t get me started on that wacky concept of five “lets” per match. I heard a rumour that this same group wants professional players to eschew the “let” altogether! Goggles and helmets will be mandatory.)

No, I’ve always felt that if we could just get rid of the referee as the “flash point of a match” we would be set. What I mean is, as it is stands now, the decision on whether a call is a “let” or a “stroke” is one person’s to make and if the player doesn’t like it he or she knows who to turn on. (I saw this in the Grand Circuit Finale where a disgruntled player lost his temper, and the match, at a suspected biaised call. Nasty words ensued.)

What if, instead, a player would request a let from the faceless robot who would render an obviously non-partisan verdict? We’re getting close to this with the "three ref system" where three referees vote on each call and the majority rules.

But wait, there’s something better and we don’t have to wait for robots!

It’s appropriately called the “Let, No Let Technology” and it’s available right now. (FYI - I've suggested calling it the "Robot Ref 5000" for marketing purposes:) According to Raghbir Badhan, of the newly resurrected “Unsquashble”, the only thing missing from the equation is someone who “has the guts to use it in a tournament.”

The "ROBOT REF 5000" interface. How simple is that?

This technology uses a web server that is accessible through any gagdet that connects to the web (iPhone, iPad etc) and allows three referees to consult without hand signals or raised eyebrows. Each ref enters their decision and then the result is flashed onto the ceiling of the court.

How cool is that? Angry with the decisions. Curse the roof not the ref and get back to the game.

I’ve seen it in action and it’s awesome. I only yelled at the roof once:)

Want to use it in your tournament? Email Raghbir Badhan: info@unsquashable.ca

Tell Raghbir that Squash Republic sent you and let us know how it works at your tournament.

Our poster design spotted out of Africa (again)!

2010-06-22T17:32:00.000-07:00

If you travel to the outermost region of the European Union you'll find a little archipelago located just off the northwest coast of mainland Africa, 100 km west of the disputed border between Morocco and the Western Sahara. And guess what? They play squash there and they seem to really like our poster designs!

Check out two new variations of the posters we designed for the PSA:

Nice. I'm glad they like them. Just wish they hadn't taken the credit line off. ¿Porque lo quitaste? Dios mio!

Squash Infographic

2010-06-02T11:41:00.000-07:00

A visual guide to participation in the 2010 Canadian Squash Championships held at the Jericho Tennis Club, Arbutus Club and VRC in Vancouver, BC.

Created by Squash Republic in cooperation with Squash Canada.

Our poster design spotted in Ireland!

2010-04-23T11:41:00.001-07:00

One of our poster designs for the PSA was used recently for the Western Ireland Squash Open held at the Galway Lawn Tennis Club. (Love that the title sponsor seems to be Garavan's Bar.)

See the posters here.

More info on the tourney on SquashSite.

Lasers are the future of squash!

2010-03-31T18:57:00.000-07:00

Yes, you read that right. The future is here and it hasn't appeared in the form of another twist on the rules of our beloved game. (Don't get me started on that 5-let rule nonsense.) No, the future I'm referring to has an ironically retro Tron sensibility: "Laser Squash"!

Apparently, in 2004 a Dutch gaming company, "Laser Promotions B.V.", launched their patented prototype for a futuristic court-based game that has the future squash player playing with a polycarbonate wand instead of an old fashioned racquet. The wand has "nice features" such as the fact that "it vibrates when a beam is hit, simulating the impact of a "heavy" beam and a string of LED's light up." Nice. LEDs.

And forget about warming up those old analog balls - we're chasing lasers here dood!

If you reckon that squash didn't make the Olympics because viewers have trouble following the ball listen to this: "The setup of the laser and the sounds generated by the software, is very enjoyable for spectators to see and hear. It is a perfect combination to use a laser with an easy to understand and fun-to-play game."

And look at that cool court! I guess the one on the left is the "night" option. Isn't that totally Tron? The shot below is a promotional conceptual still from "Tron: Legacy". See what I'm talking about?

I can hear you ask, "Is it going to be the same workout?" Oh, yeah.
I quote: "LaserSquash evolves into a real fast and exhausting play when the players hit all beams quickly and successfully. LaserSquash is extremely spectacular to watch and adrenaline kicks when played."

And how many times have you wished you could play a game of squash by yourself? LaserSquash has a Squash ROBOT! "Danger, Jonathon Power. Danger!" Check this monster out:

It's such a workout that you'll double up your wristbands!

Don't dismiss this natural evolution of squash. Don't be afraid of the future! Step up and play LaserSquash with me!

Check out their website. (Yep, they're not kidding.)

Squash Pictogram for 2010 Olympics

2010-02-22T10:46:00.000-08:00

As a graphic designer, one of my favourite aspects of the Olympics is the pictograms that represent the individual sports. I was really hoping to see an official pictogram for squash this year but it wasn't to be.

"The Twenty-four sport pictograms and a series of sport illustrations for the 2010 Winter Games were revealed in September 2008 and were created by Dutch illustrator Irene Jacobs of I’m JAC Design. The pictograms depict the 2010 Winter Games sports using a simplified silhouette with small details depicting the dynamism of the athlete in motion." *

Here then is my interpretation of the Vancouver 2010 Pictogram for the sport of squash.

(Check out the official Vancouver 2010 pictograms here.)

My next exercise is to come up with the London 2012 pictogram for squash. Shouldn't be difficult as I'm a big fan of the 80's:) Here are their pictograms which were just revealed in October.

* Hey Vanoc, why didn't you hire a Canadian to create these illustrations? Just askin'.

A Squash Inunnguaq

2010-02-12T11:08:00.001-08:00

The Olympics are officially upon us and the patriotism bug has finally bitten me. The other day my wife put up a bunch of Canada flags at the front of our house and something changed in me. I'm wearing my team Canada jersey as I type this and I'm really looking forward to watching the opening ceremonies with my wife tonight. For those who know me, and who know my views on the corporate circus (and it's legacy of debt) that's taken over our city this change is pretty big. While I won't be getting a maple leaf tattoo, I don't feel like a hypocrite for realizing that this is a once in a lifetime event for our city and so, seeing as how we're paying for it, I'm joining the party. I just can't help wondering if I would have gotten into the spirit of things earlier had squash made it into the Olympics and Jonathon Power had been asked to carry the flame. Probably:)

GO CANADA GO!

(With apologies to Gonzalo Alatorre and Rivera Design Group, designers of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics logo.)

2010 Canadian Squash Championships!

2010-01-26T14:28:00.000-08:00

It's official! Squash Canada's 2010 Canadian Squash Championships are coming to Vancouver May 5-8, 2010. The host club is the fabulous Jericho Tennis Club (Pro: Shauna Flath) with the Arbutus Club (Pro: Larry Armstrong) assisting as a satellite venue.

I'm personally very pleased to announce that The Vancouver Racquets Club (Pro: Steve Lawton) will be hosting the Companion Event which will run concurrently and is open to male and female "B", "C" and "D" players. I've always argued that the companion event is an integral part of the nationals and having the companion event truly allows the squash community to come together to play and celebrate the game they love.

(Speaking of celebrating, I can't wait until Saturday night when both events will come together at Jericho for a party that won't be forgotten for a long time to come!)

The official website isn't quite live yet (should be up and ready for registration to begin by February 1st) but there is a Facebook Fanpage where you can go to for updates and info and post questions that the committee can answer for you.

UPDATE: Tuesday, February 2, 2010: The official website is live. Registration will come online shortly.

Why not comment and let us know what you think of the site and the 2010 CSC logo?

Squash photo of the year?

2009-12-27T10:01:00.000-08:00

It's almost the end of the "naughts" so here's my vote for photo of the year:

Ramy Ashour, in white, and Nick Matthew, in black, look like they're battling underwater in the final of the Saudi International Squash Tournament! It's no surprise that it's a photo taken by Steve Cubbins of SquashSite. Check out his gallery from just this one event to see what I'm talking about.

Maybe the real reason I love this photo is that it reminds me that I'll soon be able to play underwater myself thanks to Wii's new game "Racquet Sports"!

(You may have read about this on SquashZag but check out the official game site too.)

Send me a link to your choice for "Photo of the Year" and I'll post them.

Eat more squash.

2009-11-29T10:28:00.000-08:00

Check out this reasonably new ad for PETA Europe featuring none other than British squash player James Willstrop.

According to James, "meat has no place in a professional athlete's body". The ad goes on to say, "Since I stopped eating meat, I'm faster, I have more energy, and I know that my decision has saved countless animals' lives."

All well and good but I'm sure some of my female readers would've have been happier if James had opted to star in a "Fur? I'd rather go naked" poster.

If you can't eat meat then try Fudge. (Good design is never a problem for athletes:) The jpeg below is a screen-grab of James' new website. (Click it to see it full size.)

You might recognize the style as reminiscent of the England Squash and Racketball Association's new website, that I wrote about in September '09, and there's a good reason: Both were designed by the agency known online as "Made By Fudge".

As cool as this site looks I can't help but notice that James' site is suffering from the same kind of content issues that plague the ESRA site. The "news" page looks like a draft version with the same photo used for the first six posts and the "download" page has only one desktop wallpaper (no photo credit) and the dreaded "coming soon" tag.

That said, these two websites are quite simply gorgeous and set the bar for squash sites all over the world. (Even if it's only in aesthetics:)

What ever happened to "Squashette"?

2009-11-15T11:13:00.000-08:00

I have come to the realization that, though I rarely lob, I will never be able to fit a full size squash court in my basement but I'm pretty sure I have room for "Squashette"!

I found this photo on Corbis Images' website and it is entitled "Men Play Miniature Squash". It's a demonstration of "Squashette" given by George Lyttleton Rogers (r) and Mr W. J. Collier. The photo was taken in 1937 in Dulwich, London, UK and is decribed as "backing squash available to the masses". I love that they're playing in pants. Gonna have to try that this week in league.

Google let me down when I tried to find out anything about the two players shown and there's a dearth of info on the net about this sub-species of the game even on Wikipedia!

This photo, on the other hand, could very well have been taken at the Dulwich Squash Club which has been a members-owned club since 1867.

Drop me a line if you know more about "Squashette".

Another awesome photo I found on Corbis is this one of British squash champion Charles Arnold playing squash on rollerskates! Crazy. In 1926 Mr. Arnold wrote one of the first books on squash called "The Game of Squash Racquets" and you can buy a signed copy of it here (#52 on the list) for £250!

The last shot I wanted to share was this 1958 classic of Mohibullah Khan, the brother of Jansher. (Read more about the Khan dynasty at SquashSite or at Pakistan Paedia.)

Don't try this at home:

One of these things is just like the other.

2009-10-22T15:56:00.001-07:00

There's a fellow named Jose who is creating a wonderful library of squash ephemera on Facebook. He's creating photo albums in a myriad of categories including poster designs, logo designs, famous players and their racquets, squash illustrations as well as photos culled from other squash sites. While he could do a better job of crediting his sources, 16oo fans like what he's doing. His group is called "SQUASH , IN THE WORD" - find him on Facebook.

One thing he's done is to help to make the global squash community a little smaller and a LOT more aware of who's doing what from a promotional and graphic design point of view.

Take this trio of images: Three great minds with the same idea? I highly doubt it. I was unable to track down the origin of the first (Eastern Europe? Anyone help with the translation?) but the second is clearly from Athens while the third is from Argentina.

CNN on how to play squash

2009-10-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

This from an article found on CNN.com/world sport:

"In squash, players take turns hitting a ball
to the front wall of a court, until one misses."

Sounds easy.

(Source)

Fancy some Fudge with your Squash?

2009-09-25T14:05:00.001-07:00

Have you seen the new logo and identity package that England Squash and Racketball Association has just rolled out? Hold on to your racquets all you squash association executive directors cuz this is something new and progressive: No yellow dots or racquets in this brand.

This is fresh and it smells like Fudge. The creative team of Fudge Studios (Bolton, UK) are behind the brand and website. The England Squash and Racketball association selected the agency as a part of a marketing drive to promote these otherwise conventional sports as 'vibrant, modern, and professional'.

David Eccles, managing director of Fudge, (quoted in The Drum) said: "It has been a fabulous project. Squash is experiencing a major resurgence, as England's national teams are now considered World and European Champions, while the growth of racketball has seen thousands of people step on court for the first time.

The new brand is also known as "English Rose":

And the website? No problems navigating to your current ranking here. It's slick and beautiful and it even has rotating background images and various player profiles. Right now they have one of Squash Republic's favs - Darryl Selby.

Nicely done Fudgies. Gives us squash playing graphic designers out in the trenches some hope.

Now, come on Squash BC and Squash Canada! The bar has been raised so let's get busy on your new website. You know how to reach us:)

Postscript - October 5th:
We've received an anonymous quote from a reader who feels that the ESRA site is suffering from a "case of style over substance" (But it looks SO good!). They point out that while the site looks wonderful and promises boatloads of content, the truth is the ESRA site is not really there yet. Just a small example: Adrian Grant wasn't born on January 1, 1981, but October 6, 1980. So, one wonders, is it Fudge Creative's fault the correct content isn't there or is it the ESRA's?

I would be interested in hearing from anyone in the UK using the site: Have you experienced any issues? Is it working for you?

Thanks for the comments.

Canary Islands Squash

2009-08-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

It's official, we're global!

Just found this online: It's a poster for an event that's taking place in Tenerife, the largest island of the seven Canary Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of Africa. They've used the template Pacey + Pacey Design created for the PSA and their promoters and partners. Sweet.

It's kind of weird that I don't see a PSA logo on the poster but they've also removed the photo credit (not so nice) so here's a link to photographer Steve Line's website: SquashPics.

Here's a link to Squash Canarias' website if you're interested.

Also, in case you didn't know, the intense player on the poster is none other than Borja Golan. Check out his groovy site.

Here's the original of the poster again:

Teed off with the Olympics.

2009-08-16T14:13:00.000-07:00

I've taken a while getting to this topic because I haven't been able to decide how I feel about squash and the Olympics.

It’s a fact that I love squash. I want everyone I know to step on court and try it, meet the people and fall in love with the game. The WSF has been telling squashies that having our game in the Olympics may just help achieve growth in the numbers of people playing and, at the very least, bring global awareness to the game. That would be nice.

The problem is, I live in Vancouver, the city to next host the Olympics, and I’m learning first-hand what the Olympics is mostly about. While the IOC talks of "universal moral principles" not a day goes by that we don't hear about concessions being made to the IOC or restrictions being placed on the citizenry of Vancouver to ensure that the Olympics makes for good global TV viewing.

The Vancouver Sun’s Daphne Bramham reports, in her article entitled "Rights go out the window to create a seamless 2010 circus" that “Vancouver’s council recently passed an omnibus bylaw amending dozens of existing laws. Among the changes are the creation of so-called free-speech zones and blocks of the city… where no political pamphlets, leaflets, graffiti or 'non-celebratory posters' will be allowed. The mayor still insists that the whole city is a free speech zone, but at the very least, citizens are confused by the disconnect."

Wow. That just doesn't sound like something I want to be involved in. What happened to bringing "people together in peace to respect universal moral principles"? (That's a direct quote.)

I don't pretend to know why squash won't be involved until after 2016. I wasn’t there and just contemplating the backroom dealings make me feel cynical which isn't good for the soul. But you can't avoid the obvious: Alan Thatcher, writing on SquashStars.com, hits the nick when he says that "the IOC places higher value on commercial success than sporting integrity."

PAR anyone?

(Just a last note: If you like the image used in this blog and want to use it for something you're doing drop me a line - info@squashrepublic.com. It's an original so don't just swipe it and remove the copyright line, k? Thanks:)

Flattery will get you nowhere.

2009-07-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

My father Michael, who happens to be an internationally renowned graphic designer (with oodles of design awards stashed in the closet of his office), once told me that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

I wasn't sure what he meant until I saw someone I had never met waltz into a squash tourney that I was playing in wearing a t-shirt with not one but two of my logo designs on it and it wasn't one of my shirts! I laughed about it then and, I have to admit, I even felt a little bit flattered when I thought about how someone half away across the world had liked my design enough to steal it, print up t-shirts and present the design as their own. I thought I was witnessing a "one-off" but then it happened again.

One night a couple of years ago I was at my squash club having a post-game pint when talk turned to graphics and someone accused me of design theft. They had seen a website that had the same logo that I was using for my squash clothing line "S.C.R.U. Squash". They were sure that I had stolen it. When I got home I hopped on the world wide web and finally found the website using it: It was a Malaysian squash academy and they were using a variation of the logo I had created and had been using since 2002. I emailed the academy over and over again and when I didn't hear back I went straight to the top and asked the Asian Squash Federation and the Squash Rackets Association of Malaysia to help me stop them. I showed them my evidence (below) and they stepped in and got the academy to stop using my logo. (My thanks again!) Still waiting for an apology from Mr. Foo. . .

Then it happened a third time: I was surfing the net for squash related info and I saw that a provincial squash association in Mexico was using my logo to represent their group. This time the colours were changed and a line of text added. Jeez. I ended up talking via email to the head of Colima Squash who was very apologetic and told me how they had hired someone to design them a logo and when he presented it to them they loved it! They weren't very happy to find out that their new logo was actually mine and they very quickly switched to a new logo (and a new designer I hope!)

Which brings us to today's example of "flattery".

One year ago I designed a logo and poster for a tournament at one of our local clubs. The theme was "Cuba Libre" and I suggested "Viva Squash" and "Revolutionize your Squash" as two mottos that could be used in the marketing of the event. The former was used in online advertising while the latter was used in the print poster.

Here's the "Viva Squash" logo with my logo in the star.

The event was fabulous and successful and I was very proud of the work I did so imagine my surprise when I stumbled across a poster that was using the photo I had taken of two junior squash friends of mine, Alykan and Ahmad, as the main graphic on their poster. They have also taken the tagline "Revolutionize Your Squash" and used it as if they came up with it. Couldn't even translate it into Spanish?

Judge for yoursef: On the left is the poster I designed. On the right is the poster for Sky Gym's squash tournament. Spot the similarities? (Click on them to see a larger view. Or do you need to?)

The poster in question is for an event taking place in less than two weeks at Sky Gym Training Centre in Naucalpan de Juárez, Mexico, so the damage is done. I'll track them down and let them know that I'm pissed but real drag is that the players entering this tournament have no idea who created the artwork for the event. I bet they have no idea it was a squash-crazy designer in Canada.

I wonder if my artwork will appear on the souvenir t-shirts too? (I'm an XL, Ahmad's a large and Alykhan's a medium . . . just in case.)

My father was right about the flattery part of this but he also had another adage that he taught me from an early age: Give credit where credit is due.

Let me be clear here about credit because I'm not just talking about financial credit. If they had asked me I probably would have let them use the artwork in exchange for a credit line, telling the world who designed it, or for putting my logo on the poster. Easy peezy.

What we're talking about here is plagiarism and the dictionary defines it as copying something without crediting the source.

Plagiarism is stealing and that's not flattering.

When is a squash court not a squash court?

2009-06-15T10:38:00.000-07:00

When it's a dance floor of course!

Check out this awesome photo from the Seoul Open.

Congrats to Nicol David who beat Jenny Duncalf in four games to claim her second Seoul Open title. Read more at SquashSite.

Happy World Squash Day!

2009-05-23T17:19:00.000-07:00

Hoping that you all got a chance to get on court today and remind yourself of why you love this game so much. We did! Awesome match with a great friend and then beers after. Solid.

Unfortunately, nothing was organized in Vancouver, Canada, THIS year but we're not going to let the day go by again without some kind of celebration.

PSA Picks Pacey + Pacey

2009-05-07T15:14:00.000-07:00

Pacey + Pacey Design is a Vancouver studio that has been in the graphics business for over 12 years but only began to get involved doing design work for the squash community in 2004 when one of the partners caught the "squash bug". They've designed logos for clubs as far afield as Inuvik and Bogota and created posters for National tournaments in Canada and the Organization of Eastern Carribean States. All of that was well and good but, truth be told, their goal had always been to work with the "big boys".

At the end of 2008 the Professional Squash Association contacted Pacey + Pacey and asked them to design a series of posters. These posters would be made available online to PSA event promoters to assist them in advertising their events. As the PSA has partners all over the world the posters would have to appeal to a varied taste. In the end five posters were created and each one stars a current PSA player and takes advantage of the amazing photography of Steve Line at SquashPics.

Squash Republic is pleased to give you a sneak peek at the posters.

We've already spotted one tournament using the poster: The Rochester Pro Am.

Let us know if you see any around and tell us what you think of the designs!

Republic in the Republic

2009-05-01T11:35:00.000-07:00

A quick shout out to the newest member of Squash Republic: Pavel Sladecek of the Czech Republic. Pavel is #1 on the Czech tour and his PSA ranking is 160 and we think he looks pretty snazzy in our classic dry fit.

More info on Pavel here.
Order your own shirt here.

Big props to Maciek Klis for forwarding us these photos and to Adamo for taking them!

Squash Stars!

2009-04-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

Some of the most influential women in squash are preparing to shake the male-dominated squashnet by launching "SquashStars.com". Here's a quick quote from their promotional material:

Passion is Positive and Powerful
We're passionate players and fans who would like to translate our drive into something positive and powerful for the sport we all love - squash. We believe that we can make a difference and because of that, we dare to dream.

Some of the people involved include Nicol David, Liz Irving, Alana Miller (Canada) and Natalie Grainger. Got your attention yet? The site is being built as we speak but you can get early info as they already have a blog going.

Oh, did we mention that Squash Republic and Pacey + Pacey Design helped with the logo (Do you recognize the athlete in the logo?) and designed the website? Nice.

What if you held a National tournament and no one came?

2009-03-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

Firstly, all you Canadian squashies need to thank the World Health Club in Calgary for stepping up to the plate and volunteering to host this year's Canadian Squash Championships. If they hadn't it would have most likely been held in Toronto again. Kudos to Jonathan Hill too for being the point guy on what's turning into a touch-and-go kind of event. He returned my call and emails right away. Thanks dood.

The official website is up and you can sign-up right now. $150 CAD gets you two PAR 11 matches, a "player kit souvenir" (?), Thursday night lasagna feast and dinner and dancing on Saturday night. Contact telephone number: (403) 239-4048. Registration deadline is 9:00am April 13th, 2009.

My only beef? Wasn't long ago that the Nationals meant that the glass court would be coming out of hibernation to dazzle us all with it's 360 degrees of viewing. Not this year. It turns out that the show court in Calgary will be one of the four glass back courts at the WHC. Don't get me wrong, playing on a glass court isn't the be all end all but you can sit a lot more people on four sides than you can on one. This is the problem: You can't buy tickets online yet to see the show court matches. Turns out that the WHC is offering the tickets to it's club members before allowing the rest of Canada to purchase them. Apparently they will go on sale to the general public this Thursday, March 26th. I sure hope that there are some left because it may actually be the deciding factor for a lot of us.

Whatever happened to World Squash Day?

2009-03-09T16:49:00.001-07:00

It seems like all squashies are talking about these days is the confusion over PAR, and what it will mean to their club ladder or beer league, and the ongoing struggle to get squash into the Olympics. I'll leave PAR alone for now (only because it doesn't really have graphic representation - maybe I'll design an "I'm for PAR!" or an "Ask ME about PAR!" button:) but I thought I'd mention the latest surrounding squash's quest for GOLD.

It looks like squash is in fear of becoming the well behaved monkey tied to the organ and the IOC is turning the crank. We're "recognized" but not as recognized as solo synchronized diving and we're working hard. Seriously, the IOC has been yanking our chain since 1900 when Jeu de paume was a demonstration sport.

(Mon ami, qu'est ce que c'est Jeu de Paume? It was similar to squash, only competitors used their hands instead of a racquet to strike the ball and it was a demonstration sport. Just in case you think I'm making this up: LINK.)

The WSF has been a busy monkey (if you excuse the metaphor:). They've re-vamped their brand (see previous post), produced a Powerpoint presentation extolling the virtues of the game, created an Olympic Pledge poster, and had superstars sign it, and even created a snazzy video full of game clips and sounds and info all in an effort to catch the IOC's eye and convince them that we are worthy. The video, which you can see on the new WSF-affiliated website, includes this little nugget that still gets my goat: Squash is played in every major games EXCEPT the Olympics.

So what's new on the Olympic front? The death of one idea is making way for the birth of another. I quote from Inside The Games: "The world of Squash is uniting to support the sport’s bid for inclusion in the 2016 Olympic programme with a massive worldwide festival on May 23, it was announced today. The popular World Squash Day is being re-branded as Squash 2016 Day as national federations all over the globe organise a massive programme of events to back the sport's push to get into the Games for the first time."

Much like the effort to get Softball back into the Olympics ("Back Softball") the WSF has recently launched a new website and a groovy shiny new logo in an effort to raise awareness of the initiative and to raise funds to pay the organ grinder.

This latest squash logo is growing on me and their website looks good. Kudos to the WSF and who ever else is involved behind the curtains (Alan Thatcher, you still kicking? And who is Juniper PR in NY anyway?) I think I might even order a t-shirt with the new logo and celebrate with my beer league amigos on May 23rd. Wonder if they'll want to play with PAR scoring by then?

Squash Love

2009-02-14T09:25:00.001-08:00

OMG! WSF, WTF?

2009-02-03T12:11:00.000-08:00

I never really intended this blog to be so design-centric but I guess I can't help myself!

It seems that the World Squash Federation (not to be confused with the United Federation of Galactic Squash) has "updated" its logo. Yep, in an attempt, no doubt, to gain a little credibility in the eyes of the I.O.C. the WSF has moved away from the classic "Mollweide Projection" (I didn't make that up) to a trendy, contemporary little ditty. Strikes me as change for change's sake.

While the old WSF logo may have look dated there was something comforting about it. It looked like the logo of a governing body. (Or a division of Pan Am airlines:) It said "GLOBAL" and that was good.

The new one doesn't:

Take the tagline off and this logo could be for anything. Will someone please explain the two blue fangs? (I know: "Whoosh!") And does anyone else read "W I S F"? What happened to the "W"?

I do like the colours so here's my suggestion. No charge. Update with the new colour scheme and reposition the ball so that the equator line isn't competing and voila! Groovy and trendy and I'm sure that Jacques Rogge would approve.

Interestingly enough, I Googled to see if I could find out who designed the logo and no one is taking credit for it which makes me wonder. Anyone know who did it?

+ + +

On a related note, U.S. Squash has also recently updated their logo. Their old logo depicted a single old-school round headed racquet while their new one has two. That's progress.

Canadian Nationals Host Announced

2009-01-12T16:03:00.000-08:00

On January 9th, 2009, Squash Canada finally announced who would host this year's edition of the Canadian Squash Championships. And guess what? It's not in Toronto this year!

It's being held at the World Health Club in lovely Calgary. This bodes well for West Coast representation - at least it better! - and Squash Republic will be doing everything we can to convince people to head to Calgary.

Jonathan Hill, the club pro, had this to say: "I am very aware of the importance of there being a national squash championship. . . We will put on a top-class event!"

Excellent. Now, Mr. Hill, how about adding that companion event that we keep asking for?

VOTE IN OUR NATIONALS POLL!
(It's over there on the left. No, further down. Yep, there you go.)

(Apologies to Matt Giuffre for taking his place in the photo above:)

Read Squash Canada's official announcement here.

A squash player's Christmas list

2008-12-17T14:47:00.000-08:00

The snow falling outside has reminded me that it's time to start shopping and that reminded me that not everyone knows what a squash player might need or want to find under their tree on Christmas morning. I personally haven't opened any well meant racquetball paraphernalia but I've heard many the sad tale.

1. A WISPA calendar!
This one is obviously for the boys but could be good, clean entertainment for the whole family! The days of the thong are long gone (can't believe I even mentioned it:).

Order yours at WISPA for only £12.25! Miss August is my personal fave:)

2. Lessons!
Holy moly do we need these! Find out where your love plays and get them a couple of lessons with their club pro - they'll love you for it and will have to thank you when they finally win something.

3. That groovy ball warmer thingy.
Remember this? We had a bunch of players asking where to get this beauty. Seems more of us would rather have a warm one in the bag than a cold one on court (or something like that:)

Get them for 10 Euros at Jet Bounce and let us know how they work!

4. That new Jonathon Power DVD

He's my fave. Simple as that.
It's only $79.00 - go on order it at JP Squash.com

This instructional DVD has it all: 100 drills (!), a downloadable list to keep in your bag and commentary and demonstration by JP himself that explains the proper execution and goals of each drill.

I've got the one before this, "Exposed", and loved it.

5. A PSA tournament CD
There's nothing like watching your favourite players playing. Rewinding to figure out how they hit that shot? Of course you are. And who films these things? Jean Delierre that's who.
Check out the growing list of matches at SquashLive.com.

6. A "S.C.R.U. Squash" t-shirt
Truly, the finest squash t-shirts in the galaxy. How many times do we have to tell you?
From the famous "SCRU Squash, Let's Drink" (worn here by Nicol David) to the new Melanie Jans Signature Line, you can't lose.

100% Canadian. They don't brag, they mostly boast.
Super Charged Racquets and Upparel. Check em out.

And what about a couple that money can't buy?

A drop shot -
Santa, please put a drop shot in my stocking this year. Puh-leeze.

A companion event at this year's Canadian Nationals -
So that I can go and play in the same tournament as Jonathon and Mel and the best from around Canada!

Squash in the Olympics -
Duh, because we deserve it.

Free referee clinics!
For my friends who don't really know the rules so much.

More songs about squash!

Open Letter to Squash Canada

2008-11-21T16:57:00.001-08:00

Dear Squash Canada,

How are you?

It’s Robert and I am writing to you as fan of our game and as a past participant of the yearly celebration known as “The Canadian Squash Championships”.

I’m desperately waiting for information for the upcoming nationals. Where is it going to be held this year? I’ve heard rumours about Montreal (fantastique!) but the cynics are grumbling that you’ll probably hold it in Toronto again (yawn). I overheard someone say it could be Ottawa. That could be fun:) I check your website, www.squash.ca, almost every day for news but so far nothing and I’m becoming a bit impatient.

(I’ll grant that you’ve got last year’s event info up but, oh jeez, you still haven’t posted any photos! All the page says is “Information Coming Soon!” - That tournament was in April! What the hizzy? Did someone lose the film?)

I’m worried about you Squash Canada. And I’m worried about our beloved game. We’re talking about the NATIONALS here! Where are the press releases? Where’s the fanfare? The posters? At the very least, where are the posters that are supposed to convince us to come and play? Last year I didn’t see a poster at my club. Check that: I didn’t see a poster in Vancouver. (If you sent out an email reminder to your members I didn’t get it.)

Squash Canada, I did a little research on the number of participants taking part in the nationals and what I found was a little disconcerting. In 2005 the Canadian Squash Championships, in Vancouver, hosted 434 players (which is still a ridiculously small percentage of Canadians playing) but last year the number had dropped to under 300. Ouch. I’d like to think that it’s because the host club (White Oaks) opted out of having a companion event (where A’s through D’s could play instead of being forced to play in age categories) but I’m not sure. The numbers have been shrinking for a while and I bet you're worried that your sponsors may catch wind of this.

So, let’s bring the numbers back up! Let’s invite ALL Canadian squash players to their nationals! Mandate that the next host club include a companion event so that every level of player can participate. Here’s an added bonus: I can guarantee that a lot of the players playing in the companion event will buy tickets to see the Open matches. We love the game so much that we’ll fill the stands in front of the glass court. Your sponsors will love to see that!

Anyway, give it some thought Squash Canada and let me know as soon as you can where the nationals are going to be. Christmas is coming and I want to know how many Air Miles to ask Santa for.

All the best,
Robert

Nuff Said

2008-10-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

Bill Bowerman
Co-Founder of Nike

Photographed in the Nike store on 5th Ave, NYC.

New Manta Racquets - A sneak peek!

2008-10-24T15:04:00.000-07:00

My graphic design firm, Pacey + Pacey Design, was recently hired to overhaul the artwork for Manta's line of squash racquets. We reworked the colour schemes, redesigned all the logos and even named one of the racquets - The X Factor. The final prototypes have arrived and if you're a member of Squash Republic's Facebook group you've seen these photos but if you're not I'm pleased to present this sneak preview of Manta's highly anticipated 2009 Collection.

The entire line will be available for sale online January 1, 2009 at Super Charged Racquets & Upparel (aka S.C.R.U. Squash). Nice.

Anonymous comments?

2008-10-24T14:48:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to say thanks to those who have taken the time to read my blog. Big props to those of you who have taken the time to comment. It's nice to know that I'm doing more than just practicing my typing. If you have a question or want more info from me don't post anonymously cuz I won't know how to get back to you: You're anonymous:)
You can always email me at info[at]squashrepublic[dot]com. Word.

Nice threads dood!

2008-10-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

I thought I would put a photo online that's "just for the ladies":) (Click the photo to see it larger - you have to!)

Raise your hands with me if you want to bring this "style" back to our lovely game. Word!

From the copy block: "On or off court, Hawk squash racquets will catch your eye." Indeed. I, for one, will be playing my afternoon match shirtless and in high socks. (Sorry about that Jody:)

Anyone out there have a Hawk racquet? Couldn't find them.

(Who thinks the guy on the left resembles a certain Vancouver, men's A, squash playing writer with the initials S.K? LOL)

From the Archives

2008-09-21T10:45:00.000-07:00

A fan of our blog sent us an issue of Squash Magazine from 1982 that is absolutely priceless. (Thanks Neill!) It's a genuine slice of our sport and one that, once you stop giggling, makes you realize how much our sport has grown up. Or has it? Check out this cover:

Doesn't she look great? I bet she feels fantastic too. I do wonder if she should be playing squash in leg warmers though.

Don't worry. The editors of this magazine got smacked (and rightly so:) for this cover which was obviously an attempt to get more subscriptions. I quote: "Are you having an identity crisis as whether to make your magazine a sports journal or another Playboy?"

If you think this cover is great wait until we show you the fabulous court fashions that "Hawk" squash racquets were promoting in 1982!

Squash Hotties? Indeed.

2008-09-09T15:13:00.001-07:00

I just happened across this photo of Vanessa Atkinson on the website for the Los Angeles Athletic Club and had to post it! I love the idea that she might be walking down the hall, past the "museum quality art collection", and just start playing squash against the wood panelling.

That she looks absolutely stunning and quite capable of kicking your arse (on or off court) is a bonus.

Makes me thankful that our game has come so far since the days of the "thong incident", no? (Speaking of which . . . Good luck to Miss Botwright on her retirement:)

Here's another image that I love:

This composite photo was taken by AKA Photography in Toronto for the 2006 Women's World Team Squash Championships in Edmonton. From left to right: Alana Miller, Melanie Jans, Carolyn Russell and Runa Reta.

Is it any wonder that I love this game?

More squash toys (& tees) you can't live without!

2008-08-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

I've heard that players out there are having some difficulty finding the Karakal "Hot Ball" we mentioned previously in our blog. Karakal France says it doesn't make it anymore and I'm not selling mine, sorry. Well chin up you lazy thing, there's a new toy in town that promises all the benefits that Hot Ball offered.

"Jet Bounce" also promises that you no longer need to hit like a brute to warm up the ball!

Check this puppy out (and peace to Squash 360 for the tip):

Jet Bounce's "Ball Heater" promises (and I quote):
1 - more effective game time!
2 - less danger of violation!
3 - optimal ball storage!
4 - use at any time!
5 - reusable!

What more do you need? Want it to fix your backhand too? That'll cost you more than the ten Euros they're asking for this court panacea. Buy yours now. Tell them we sent you:)

Are your balls nice and toasty yet?* Are they attracting flies? Not to worry! We've got the squash freak's solution for that one too: A bug zapper shaped like a squash racquet! For real! Man, I can't make this stuff up! (I love that a national squash champion told us about this gem. Thanks Mel!)

This from the website: "The Shock Bug Zappa is shaped like an ordinary squash racket. But with two slight modifications: it has a slightly larger head and a fine mesh surface. The mesh surface gives an electric shock when it comes in contact with a bug. The head gives you a larger contact area to ensure accuracy. Bug hits racket face. Bug perishes." Sweet!

Get your Shock Bug Zappa here. Practice your backhand with this puppy!

* Did someone say "Warm Up Your Balls"?

Jeez, I wish there was a shirt that said that.
What? There is? Oh, thank the gods! And it's only $25 Canadian?

Tell me where I can buy it already!

Super Charged Racquets & Upparel.

Yep, S.C.R.U. Squash. The best squash centric
t-shirts in the galaxy y'all. They don't brag
they mostly boast. For realz.

Next up: Squash Fashions through the years. (No, not the thong photos again. Jeez. That's so tired.)

Sole Redemption

2008-08-05T09:29:00.000-07:00

My mother taught me a lot of things that have come in handy in my life but I honestly never thought she could help my squash game. I remember when I first started playing and she would come to cheer me on. She would clap and scream and, at Denman, she would bang on the glass with the best of them. Eventually she learned the right times to cheer:) I digress. . .

My mother taught me how to sew. This skill helped me to squeeze another couple of weeks out of a pair of shoes that really should've lasted longer than they did. Shouldn't squash shoes have reinforced seams and rubber toes for those of us who like to drag our toes? (I count myself and Nicole David in this elite group:)

Standard wisdom says that you should change your sports shoes every six months if you're an active person. Six months! I'd be happy if my shoes lasted that long. (Jeff at the Pro Shop loves the planned obsolescence of squash shoes, don't ya Jeff?)

Well, this year I'm starting the season with a new pair of the red Stabil's and I plan on nursing them through the whole year even if I have to sew the soles back on. See you in six months Jeff.

Music to squash by!

2008-07-16T15:22:00.000-07:00

You need music. You need it to help you get through the off-season workouts and to get you ready for the big game. Who better to tell you what to listen to than our crack team of Squash Pros by Day, DJ's by Night?
_________________________________________________________________

DJ Grandmaster Melly Mel (aka Melanie Jans) has been rocking the house music for a long time and puts the grooves in the nick everytime. Bring it! (Seriously, the roof is on fire.)

Top 10 set:
01_The Salmon Dance - Chemical Brothers
02_Let’s Call it off - Peter, Bjorn and John
03_Faster Kill Pussycat - Paul Oakenfold
04_Hung Up - Madonna
05_Do you Feel Me - Tiesto featuring Julie Thompson
06_ Takil - Soydan
07_Feel Good - Gorillaz
08_Flashdance: - Deep Dish
09_Swanky - Felix da House Cat
10_Dreaming of Boys - Party Ben (K. Bush and MIA)
_________________________________________________________________

DJ Deft Touch's (aka Runa Reta) favourite style of music is anything that makes you dance like you're in your bedroom and no one is watching. The pinnacle of her DJ career will be an afternoon guest DJ spot at the Jericho Sun & Surf this August!

Top 10 set list:
01_Bamboo Banga - M.I.A.
02_Pump Up The Jam - Technotronic
03_Lose Control - Missy Elliott
04_It's Not Right - Whitney Houston
05_Ay Mami - Zeph & Azeem
06_Jump - Madonna
07_Push It - Salt N Pepa
08_Sweet Dreams - Eurythmics
09_Dirty Harry - Gorillaz
10_Brass Monkey - Beastie Boys
_________________________________________________________________

DJ Big C Queen of the T (aka Carolyn Russell) looks to rock the house at Garfinkles in Whistler!

Top 10 set:
01_Gimme More - Britney Spears
02_Give it to me - Madonna
03_Flow Rida - Elevator
04_Apologize - One Republic
05_Can't Stop - Maroon 5
06_Paralyzer - Finger Eleven
07_Board Meeting - Timbaland
08_Damn Girl - Justin Timberlake
08_Don't Stop the Music - Rihanna
10_Better Now - Collective Soul

SCRU Squash Mobile for sale!

2008-07-14T12:24:00.003-07:00

This is breaking my heart! I am having to give up my beloved 1987 Cabriolet as we can't fit two cars into our little garage. I'm posting it here in the hopes that another Vancouver squashie is looking for the perfect summer car.

Only asking $2,000.

Who will take care of "Cabbie"? If you're interested email me: boaster[at]scrusquash[dot]com.
Craig's list link

Squash Republic Blidget

2008-07-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

In our continued effort to inform and enlighten the global squash player we have created a Widget for your desktop that will let you know when we post new content. No more "subscribing" or checking back every now and then! It's over there on the right: Download it now! (And then go practice your figure eights.)

Is it on your computer yet? Good. Then you'll know right away when we post the top ten musical tracks by our guest squash pros turned DJs. Sweet.

More on goggles!

2008-06-26T19:10:00.000-07:00

I should have just put this photo of myself up last week as a warning to wear your goggles. Much more effective imagery and less grief:) Kinda dramatic eh? With the lighting and all?

I remember exactly when this happened. I was having a post-match pint at the Denman Fitness in August of 2004 (!) when I happened to see a couple of new players chasing a cold ball around the court. I thought I would go down and show them some drills so that they could make the most of their 45 minutes and I could pass on what had been taught to me. Suffice to say I neglected to take my goggles onto the court: "I'm only going to show them some drills." The drill was practicing drives and length so I was very surprised when one of the guys tried to impress me with his cross court and ended up with his racquet meeting my face. "I'll get the ice!", he screamed as he ran off court.

I probably should have gotten stitches that night but the Canucks were on TV and I hadn't finished my pint. I really didn't want to sit in Emerg for three hours. If I had gone to see a professional I would definitely not have had to pull out a sliver of bumper guard two weeks later. Yep. That grossed the wife out for sure:)

This is the logo I designed as a result of my brush with disaster and, yes, I forgive you C:)

Do I need to mention that it's trademarked? Didn't think so.

Who needs goggles anyway?

2008-06-12T09:35:00.000-07:00

If you haven't been hit in the face with a ball YET then you probably think you're going to be fine. Wrong. It's only a matter of time and let me tell you, you'll change your mind about the minor irritation of wearing goggles when you're recovering from the major irritation of swelling and stitches.

There are so many styles of goggles these days that you really have no excuse for not wearing them. I know a guy who wears a Ken Dryden mask! Dood is safe in that thing:) And you've probable seen those groovy wraparound shields that put RoboCop to shame. Well, in the spirit of summer cross-training, I've looked into what other sports are using to protect their peeps and this is the winner!

Ain't nothing getting through this cage. Not the ball or the racquet and not your mama neither. They come in pretty colours too!

You should know that the fellow in the photo above (Hi Owen!) wasn't wearing his goggles! He did want to mention that his opponent was drunk. Oh.

Anyway, first one to leave a comment telling me the sport these cage goggles came from wins a prize. Yay! (*Ed note: Greg, you've won. Now send us an email so we can get you your prize:)

Next up: The physics of squash. Sweet.

We'll post soon.

It's the summer.

We're outside. Cut us some slack. Jeez.

Hey ref! What's the call?

2008-05-26T12:28:00.000-07:00

By Guest Blogger Runa Reta!

Have you ever been in a group conversation and had no idea what they were talking about? Do you mitigate the chances of looking like a complete idiot by creating some “go-to” phrases that will get you out of a tough jam, like “oh, that is SO pedantic!” or (when speaking of philosophy or other such obscure fields) “well, that is an existential question that I dare not enter into”….If you are reading this right now as a squash player and shaking your head as if you’ve never done such a thing….you’re probably lying to yourself.

Here is the proof: if you have ever refereed a squash match, or assumed yourself to be a connoisseur of the sport, you have likely witnessed a player being hit by their opponent’s racquet while trying to strike the ball. When confusion arises as to what the call should be (ie. stroke, let, no let), it seems that the classic “go-to” phrase, the one that demonstrates a sophisticated knowledge of the game, is “was the player hit on the back-swing?” Everyone: the ref, the players, the spectators all turn to one another with this question. But does anyone REALLY know what this assessment means for the call? Or is this like that episode of Seinfeld where Kramer keeps insisting that the postal company will “write off” the mailing damages, without actually knowing what a write-off is?!

What’s the call if you are hit on the back-swing, versus being hit on the follow-through? Is there a difference?

According to the WSF rules, there isn’t. In fact, from what I can tell, there is really only one clause that addresses the problem of hitting an opponent with the racquet, which states that a stroke will be awarded if a player’s “reasonable swing” was impeded from making a “good return” (12.8.2) ….which certainly clears everything up! [Yes, insert sarcasm here] I think, in layman terms, this means that if you hit your opponent at any point of your “not showing off/imitation Jonathan Power” swing, while going for any shot, other than a dodgy reverse boast off the frame, (or some other return that only you find to be ingenious), a stroke will be awarded.

Putting aside the fact that the WSF squash rules are more porous than a US-Mexico border crossing, I think the more disconcerting issue is that we have been using the wrong terminology all along! Nowhere in the rules is there talk about “back-swings”, which could be the source of this continued confusion. It’s actually all about the “reasonable swing”! So the next time the referee is searching for the right call, we should all be turning confidently to one another with the new and improved “go-to” phrase: “reasonable swing?!?” We still won’t know what that means for the call, but at least we’ll be able to nod our heads and wink at each other, secure in the knowledge that we are all completely clueless and lost in this wonderful sport together.

The Squash BC Logo Poll: Results

2008-05-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

The keypunch voting machine has been referenced, the ballot box has been emptied and the Chads are all clean: The official results of the Squash BC Logo Poll are in.

We go now to our own Squash Situation Room for the breakdown.
Forty-three (43) total votes were cast and you should know that we didn't vote. Not even twice. (Ed Note: We at the Squash Republic don't like the logo. Surprised?)

Of those 43 votes only seven "Loved" the existing logo. Hmmm. How many people are on Squash BC's executive? Six you say? (I keed. I keed with you.) On the other side of the spectrum, ten people "Hated" the logo. Ouch. That's almost a quarter of the votes!

Three voters didn't even know that Squash BC had a logo. (Or they're being sarcastic which we appreciate:)

The largest group of votes fell into the "Yawn, I guess it's okay" group: 53% of the voters or 23 votes. If I was running for office and the majority of polled voters said that I was "okay" I wouldn't call my Mom to report the results.

So what now? The Squash BC AGM is just around the corner - this Saturday as a matter of fact - and I wonder if our little poll will be mentioned. We know that the current and past presidents of Squash BC both know about it but will they listen to the people? I hope that they decide to canvass their membership* and look at updating their brand. If they do, we can help:)

Next week we hope to have some feedback from those in the know. We'll get back to you and maybe share with you the logo we submitted for their approval over two years ago. Peace.

(Ed. Note: Our poll was mentioned, and a link supplied to our blog for easy voting, in Squash BC's email newsletter to members.)

Next week: Guest blogger Runa Reta on "Racquet Interference."

The Squash Ball Warmer!

2008-05-05T17:02:00.000-07:00

Squash toys you never knew you needed! Part 1: The Squash Ball Warmer

You're in tough: It's 8-6 and you're serving for the match against someone you've never beaten before. You know you shouldn't be thinking about it but you can almost taste the ranking points that are waiting for you in change room. You see yourself drying your mom's tears of joy and being toasted by admiring fans, don't you?

"Focus!" you whisper to yourself as you serve a beautiful lob serve - the kind you have been working on with your coach - and you watch as they return it straight into the tin. The match is yours!

But wait, they're pretty sure that the ball is broken and they tell the ref. The ref checks and, by gosh, it is broken! "Here's a new ball," the refs says as he throws down a frozen lump of rubber that you two are now expecting to warm up to "game heat". You try to stay focussed as you drive the ball to warm it up but you can feel it slipping away: The match was yours! You should be off the court bitching about having to ref so soon after a monster match while everyone congratulates you for winning. Finally the new ball is warm and you serve for the match again. You serve it out, don't you? Of course you do. And your opponent then goes on a tear, scores four straight and wins 10-8. ALL BECAUSE OF A BROKEN BALL!

Well, I'm here to tell you that those days are over amigo! Karakal has produced a dandy little appliance that solves all those nasty issues: A squash ball warmer. Nice.

What are you waiting for? The box promises it all!

• Your technique will improve!

• Diminish the risk of muscular injury!
• Keep your concentration on the match!

I quote from the back of the groovy package:
"With Hot Ball, (© 1996-1999 AETOS), your ball will bounce appropriately upon first hit. All your concentration is now at your disposal to execute your shots and no longer for warming up your ball!" - "With Hot Ball there is no need to hit like a brute to warm up the ball. You will thus reduce the heroic achievements needed to fight the cold and welcome the odour caused by excessive heat!"

(Ed. Note: I translated this from the French on the package and it's been a while since I spoke French:) I'm pretty sure it said that or something close:)

Next week: Logo Poll Results

Squash BC logo poll extended

2008-04-29T10:42:00.001-07:00

We have been asked to extend the time limit on our most recent poll. The new deadline is May 15, 2008.

Please feel free to give your opinion on the Squash BC logo (pictured below) by voting in our poll on the right. Your responses will assist the association in their decision on whether or not to replace, or redo, their logo. Thanks for your input! We will publish the responses on Monday, May 19th.

How to be a Squash Ambassador

2008-04-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

Last week the squash community of Vancouver was given the opportunity to watch an exhibition match between the world’s number one women’s player, Nicol David, and five-time world champion Sarah Fitz-Gerald. The match was competitive and highly entertaining, with Nicol winning 3-1*, but there was something else going on that night at Hollyburn and it had more to do with the promotion of the game of squash than it did with entertaining the masses. As I watched Sarah and Nicol do their post-game thankyou’s and their Q&A’s, it occurred to me that I was witnessing more than just two players at the pinnacle of their game, I was watching squash ambassadors in action. (* Ed note: Sarah won their next match, the following week in Victoria, 3-2.)

The dictionary defines the word “ambassador” as “a diplomatic official accredited to a foreign sovereign or government . . . to serve as the official representative or his or her own country”. What we had that night, in Nicol and Sarah, were two highly decorated officials representing the game of squash. As all true ambassadors they have a mission and theirs is to promote the game we love.

What the hizzy is a Squash Ambassador?
A Squash Ambassador is simply someone with a passion for the game who is consciously promoting the game in their own way. No, you don't get to wear a red fanny pack or cute red hat if you decide to become a squash ambassador:)

Why do we need them?
Squash is at the cusp of something big: It’s played by around 15 million enthusiasts on all five continents and has been seriously considered for inclusion in the Olympics. In fact, squash has just recently been shortlisted (again) for the 2016 Olympics. The problem is that the sport still needs to increase it’s profile on a global level (thanks Mr. Delierre for finding a way to film it properly) and on a local level too.

How can I become a Squash Ambassador?
I know what you’re thinking: “It’s easy to be an ambassador of the game when you’re a elite player travelling the world but I’m only a local club player.”

What can you do?

Here’s a simple checklist that I’ve come up with that could help you on the road to becoming a Squash Ambassador. It’s by no means exhaustive but it’s a start. Got more? Send us your comments.

1. Learn the rules. This may seem obvious but it’s the first the step to a strong foundation. Check with your local squash associations and take a refereeing clinic or actually read the complete rules not just the abbreviated ones.

2. Teach the rules. Now that you know the rules it’s important to share the information that you have collected. As you move up the ranks it’s easy to forget that you once played the whole game without knowing when to call a let. Educate your amigos.

3. Become a coach. I’m not suggesting that you need to become a full time coach but why not offer some of your insight to players that are ranked below you? Take an introductory coaching clinic and teach someone new to the game how to play! You're a coach if you help a friend between games - helping someone with their game plan makes you concentrate on the game more.

4. Take lessons. A good player never stops learning or trying to improve their game and a great secondary benefit of this is that you will be supporting your local pro. It might be a good ide to fit in some drill time, with a partner, between matches too.

5. Be a good sport. Oh, this one sounds preachy but it can’t be over emphasized. Whenever you step on court to play chances are that someone (other than your mom) is watching and taking note. They might be considering taking up the game and your behaviour could colour the way they view the game. If you respect your opponent, and your referee, the game can’t lose. (Told you it was preachy:)

6. Support the game. Opportunities like the Nicol/Fitz-Gerald exhibition don’t come around much and if you don’t support them they will become less and less frequent. Go and watch! (To be honest, I was a bit disappointed at the turnout. Vancouver, you can do better.) Enter tournaments and join your city league while you’re at it.

7. Stay informed. It’s up to you to stay on top of what’s going on in your community but the resources are there if you know where to look. In British Columbia:
www.squashbc.com > Our provincial association’s official website. Lots of info on upcoming clinics and a complete tournament schedule.
www.scrusquash.com > Vancouver’s original website for the squash fanatic and home of the best squashcentric t-shirts in the galaxy and a resource for info on local events. Check out their huge photo gallery too!

Next week: “Squash toys you never knew you needed.”

What's up with those Squash Association Logos?

2008-04-21T19:52:00.000-07:00

If you're a squash fan in Canada who regularly surfs the web for info on Canadian squash then you've seen this mismash of logos before. The eleven logos here represent the various provincial, and territorial, associations that exist in Canada to serve the squash players of their regions. (Ed. Note: : The "mismash" below was taken from Squash Canada's "Links" page today so blame them if the logos are outdated:)

Why is this important? I think it's important because these logos are a reflection of the state of our game. We all say that we want to be recognized as a vital and integral game - Olympic worthy even - but we also have to say it off the court too and our marketing speaks volumes!

So what do we make of this group? How do we decide which ones work and which ones don't? There is a lot of discussion in the design industry on just what makes an effective logo but in the fifteen years I have been in the business I've come up with my own checklist.

1. Concept: The logo should visually represent what the company, or association, does or is involved in. (Half points for racquets, balls and "whoosh" lines but only if you were the first, second, or even third, association to do it.)

2. Distinctiveness: The logo should be unique and recognizable. Think "Nike". (Hmmm, let's rethink the racquets, balls and "whoosh" lines.)

3. Execution: Even a great concept needs to be put together properly. It shouldn't look like you did it yourself. (I'm assuming you're not a designer but a squash pro:)

4. Memorability: When you see a successful logo you will remember it. Easy as that.

So with this simple checklist in mind have another look at YOUR association's logo.

(Ed. Note: Squash Yukon has recently updated their logo and no longer uses the racquet with the rooster or whatever that is. Squash Newfoundland put a dog - guess which one - on a racquet but their site is down. Nunavut, which officially separated from NWT in 1999 is still not online so we have no idea what their logo will look like. )

I'm not sure I want to critique all the logos above, or if it's even necessary, but I think it might be helpful to point out a few things. Firstly, have you noticed how dated some of the fonts used are? I'm thinking specifically of Manitoba, Newfoundland and Saskatchewan. And speaking of dating yourself, PEI, Quebec and Manitoba apparently still use the single yellow dot. What can you say about Squash Ontario's logo: "Come for the squash and stay for the fly fishing."

And what can you say about Squash BC's logo that they haven't heard before (mostly from me)? The dated font, the two heavy black lines (representing our glorious mountains?) and the red maple leaf as an after thought. If change is so scary then I suggest they start using their old logo again - the one on the left - the one with the "whoosh" lines and the single yellow dot:)

(Ed. Note: What do you think? Have your say in our weekly poll up there on the right.)

So, with all that said here is my pick for Best In Show: NWT! Yep. Even though the execution is poor (and that just might be because of the passing back and forth of JPEGs from website to website) I love the concept: I know that this association is talking about "Squash in the Arctic" and, if you visit their website, you'll see the concept taken further with a whimsical (did I just use that word?) illustration of two polar bears playing squash in an igloo. Brilliant!

And my least favourite of this group? Hands down: New Brunswick. Wow. I would love to redesign this one: Let me know if I can help.

(Oh, and it's not just Canadian squash logos that I have issues with either. Have a look at the US Squash Association logo and tell me that it isn't in desperate need of an overhaul.)

Yep. A round headed racquet you say?

Next week: "How to be a Squash Ambassador."

The trouble with doubles

2008-04-14T15:19:00.000-07:00

I first tried doubles squash about five years ago and only because my entry fee to the tournament was waived. "Free squash tournament? Count me in!" Then they showed me the court we'd be playing on. It was freakishly large. I remember thinking that my partner was going to have to cover a lot of court but luckily I was partnered up with Stalony (inside joke:). Anyway, I got hit on the first rally of our first match by a fellow who I now know is notorious for this, (his name shall go unmentioned), and I was a convert. (Patrick Ow. Oops).

A couple of tournaments later my partner Debi and I managed to win a match and we were actually asked to referee. That was the first time I was introduced the doubles scoresheet. Wow! Holy confusing Batman! If you've marked on that sheet, first used in, oh, 1972(?), you know what I'm talking about. The lines were so small and the games were hard to distinguish between. Was I marking the second game for team two while scoring the first for team one? Luckily, (and this is what I love the best about doubles), there were lots of old pros hanging around to help us muddle our way through.

Fast forward to the 2008 BC Doubles and, lo and behold, the score sheet is still the same old confusing sheet of hieroglyphs. I decided to stop moaning and to do something about it.

I have redesigned the doubles score sheet so that even those new to the game can follow it and keep track of the score. This sheet is based on the existing horizontal format, not the new vertical format (can you say "singles score sheet"?) that has just been released by the WSF and Squash Canada, and, for that reason, I'm not going to include a scoring sample or "how to".

This sheet is version 3 and I expect that I might tweak it some more as comments come in from our local squash gurus. Please feel free to download it HERE and make use of it. Use it in your tournaments and replace our logo even - all I ask is that you please keep the copyright text on all copies you produce. Cool?

Thanks to Scott S, Marvin M, Rick K, Gerry T and Rip for their critiques.

Don't forget to let us know what you think of the new design.

Next week: "What's up with all those provincial squash association logos?"

Everyone wins when losers ref.

2008-04-07T14:58:00.000-07:00

The question of who should referree a squash match - the loser or the winner of the previous match - is again becoming a hot topic of discussion. We think it’s time the losers stepped up to the plate.

It seems that US Squash agrees. Their "RailStation" website states that “Tournament match LOSERS are required to referee the next match as assigned by the Tournament Director.” In addition to that they also plan on penalizing the loser that refuses or fails to ref! There must be a good reason for this organizing body to make this a rule.

I don’t know what Squash Canada’s stance is (they don’t answer my emails☺) but here in BC, the winner is expected to ref the following match. No recuperation or stretching time and no chance for a shower either! Five minutes after your victory you’re sitting there working and getting cold.

Interestingly enough, there is no mention of winners being expected to ref as a “policy” or “rule” on Squash BC’s website so then why is it a common practice in tournaments?

In BC, as far as I know, only the Dundee Open at Denman asks the losers of a match to referree the following game and the reasoning is simple: The winner is felt to have earned the right to relax, stretch and prepare for their next game by virtue of winning. As an organizer of that event I can assure you that there were NO issues or complaints regarding this policy. (It didn’t hurt that we strongly suggested that the winner buy their opponent a beer.)

I’m heading to the PACRIM tournament in Victoria this weekend, where they don’t let you stop playing until you’ve lost four or five games, and I’ll lose my fair share. In a tournament like this where you may play five games in three days it sure would be nice to sit and relax if you managed to win.

The onus for the change is everyone. Tournament organizers, give the winners a break! And players, quit your moaning and do your game proud: Learn to love reffing

Losers are you with me? Let’s stand up and volunteer to ref! Next time it could be us looking forward to some time off.

Next week: "The Trouble with Doubles"

The Nationals are coming. Yah so?

2008-04-02T11:04:00.000-07:00

I used to get excited about the Nationals. I don't really anymore and this is why.

When I first got back into squash, in 2004, the Nationals came to Vancouver and I truly felt an excitement within the local community. I was lucky enough to be able to be involved (my father and I designed the event logo and publication) and , as it turns out, I was even more lucky to be able to play.

That year the organizing committee opted to host a companion event which meant that players from all over the country, at all levels, were invited to come together and celebrate the game of Canadian squash. I was a low B player and got creamed but I saw some of the most amazing players play and I really got inspired. I saw (and played on!) the glass court! I cheered on my friends and lent Jonathon Power a bandana. I met players from all over the country which was probably the best part of the event.

In 2005 we went to Toronto for the first time and while the games were spread out across the city centre there was still a sense of community. Again there was a companion event so I played safe in the knowledge that I was going to be matched against a comparable player. I was a high B player that year and even with a Canadian champion coaching me I got creamed again. But it was okay because I was hanging out with my squash buddies and we were ALL playing.

In 2006 the Nationals were held in Toronto again. Hmmm. I remember thinking that I didn't really want to go to TO again but I went and, to be honest, I went because there was a companion event and I wanted to see if I had improved at a national level.

To make a long story short: In 2007 The Glencoe Club decided not to include a companion event and I truly believe that they made a mistake. Their argument (if I remember correctly) was that they wanted to "showcase the best squash that Canada has to offer". What they forgot was WHO they were showcasing it to. It's the new players that need to see it, that will be inspired by it. These new players may one day be playing "the best squash that Canada has to offer" but even if they don't they will remember seeing it and it will

This year the committee at White Oaks, Niagara, have made a concession and included "A's" in the draw, along with open and age categories. I hope it's a sign of things to come and that next year's host will consider reinstating the companion event. It will help squash.

Next week: Everyone wins when losers ref.

Squash Republic's Website Goes Live

2008-03-15T10:50:00.000-07:00

We're very pleased to announce that the Beta version of our online retail store for squash players and enthusiasts is now live. We'll be tweaking for the next little while so check back every now and then. Check it: www.squashrepublic.com

Let us know what you think it and don't forget to join our Facebook group (search: "Squash Republic") to be informed of new designs and to get in on our members-only discounts.

Peace.

Welcome to the Squash Republic Blog

2008-02-29T11:13:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to the first posting on the spanky new Squash Republic blog.
Starting this week I will be posting a running commentary on all things squash.

As I live and play in Vancouver you'll excuse me if my comments tend to the provincial but there are so many other amazing sites and blogs that cover every aspect of professional men's and women's squash that I'll generally leave that to them. (We'll be posting links to them down the road.)

What can you expect from this blog? Hmm. . . Not too sure myself. I hope that my opinions will generate discussion and contribute to the growth of our game on a local and national level. If that sounds a little grandiose that's ok:) Maybe this blog will just serve as a sounding board and, if so, your comments will be integral.

I will be posting weekly, or bi-weekly, polls regarding our game and I will post the results on the Squash Republic site. Our first one is one that I haven't seen a good answer for: "Is squash truly an Olympic sport?" There's a lot going on in that question. See if you can vote with your head or if your heart gets in the way.

The revolution has begun anyway so why not join in?
Power to the player!

Peace
Robert Pacey