OFFICIATING

Certification Program - Singles

Squash Ontario's Officiating Program encompasses all aspects in the training of officials/instructors and the education of the squash community with regard to the Rules of Squash in both singles and doubles.  Squash Ontario works in cooperation with Squash Canada and the World Squash Federation in an effort to ensure that all matches (singles and doubles) are contested safely and fairly.

Certification clinics are similar to rules clinics but are much more in depth.  The fee for the certification clinic is $40.00 plus HST per adult and $35.00 plus HST per junior (includes clinic materials and exam). Should a member club wish to host a certification clinic, please contact Squash Ontario.  Registration fees are payable in advance to Squash Ontario using VISA/MC.
The clinic combines classroom instruction and on court practical simulation.  A certification clinic is approximately six hours and there must be eight registered participants for a course to proceed.  These clinics are open to anyone who is interested in becoming a certified official.

The Squash Canada Officiating Program Administration Manual that outlines the certification process for Singles Officiating can be viewed by clicking here.

THE OFFICIATING CERTIFICATION PROCESS

REFEREE AND MARKER RATING SYSTEMS

There are four levels of referee (A, B, C, D) and four levels of marker (1, 2, 3, 4), with A1 being the highest.  These various levels of certification are combined to equate to the following classifications; the emphasis being on the referee rating:

Officials usually reach the higher marking levels before they attain the similar levels for refereeing. Marking is a less arduous responsibility than refereeing - therefore, progress in marking will be faster. Consequently, there may be larger numbers of officials at the C1 or B1 levels.

EXPLANATION OF THE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

To become a certified official, a candidate must:

• attend a full certification clinic
• pass the written examination
• pass the practical test including an initial referee assessment and initial marker assessment

Certification Clinic

• The rules of squash and their interpretation will be presented with the aid of slides and videotape.
• There will also be a practical demonstration during which candidates will be given the opportunity to practice officiating.
• certification clinics are organized by Provincial and Territorial Squash Associations and delivered by Provincial Examiners.

Written Examination

• The written examination will be held either following the certification clinic or at a later date.
• The examination consists of 40 questions on the rules and their interpretation. It will test the candidate’s knowledge of the responsibilities of the Marker and Referee.
• The written examination must be conducted by a Provincial Examiner or National Examiner
• The written examination must be successfully completed (minimum of 80%) prior to attempting the Practical Test.

If a candidate fails the written examination, he/she may retake it once without having to retake the clinic, provided the initial failure mark is not below 65%.

Verbal Examination

At the conclusion of the written examination and after grading the answer sheets, the PE/NE should review the exam with the candidates. Each question that was answered incorrectly should be discussed, and the candidate should be given the opportunity to explain the answer given. If the PE/NE is satisfied that the incorrect answer was solely a result of misunderstanding the question, then the PE/NE may give the candidate credit for a correct answer for that question.

Practical Test (Initial Assessment)

• The practical test will be held in conjunction with competitive play, either a tournament or league match.
• The initial referee assessment involves giving at least 10 correct decisions; giving correct decisions on at least half of the Interference (Rule 12) decisions; and being competent and consistent in the interpretation of the rules
• The initial marker assessment involves demonstrating the correct use of the standard terminology and basic competence.
• The initial assessment must be given by a Provincial Examiner or a National Examiner.
• If a candidate fails the practical test, he/she may retake it without having to retake the clinic.

Initial Rating

Candidates, who pass both the written exam and practical test, will become Certified Officials.

Upgrading to Higher Levels of Certification

Officials, who become certified, may improve their level of certification through a process of upgrading. Upgrading is achieved by gaining practical experience and being observed and assessed by a higher level official.

UPGRADES/ASSESSMENTS

Upgrading opportunities are available only to certified officials who wish to improve their grading.  To be upgraded, officials must be observed refereeing actual tournament matches.  These matches must be of significant quality and difficulty to be useful for assessment.

Each season, a number of major tournaments are designated as upgrading opportunities.  At these tournaments, an Assessor will be assigned if prior upgrading registration is sufficient.  Upgrading may take place at any tournament providing the matches are of significant quality and the assessor is a higher certified official.

Officiating Development Model