After many decades of discussion and debate, it looks as though the movement toward a single, unified, international scoring system for squash is now inveitable.
Earlier in 2008, both the European Squash Federation and the Women's International Squash Players' Association moved to PAR-11, the same scoring system used by the Professional Squash Association since 2004.
Meanwhile, the World Squash Federation, which has been studying PAR-11 since 2007, is expected to officially adopt it at their Annual General Meeting in October of 2008.
Clearly, the world's major squash associations have taken to heart criticisms from International Olympic Committee members who described traditional squash scoring systems as confusing and difficult for spectators to follow. They believe that the move to PAR-11 will help propel squash into the Olympic games -- if not in 2012 then certainly in 2016.
Advantages of PAR-11
Normally, Racquet Network does not pay a lot of attention to what is happening at the professional level. We understand that our players are not professionals, nor do many of our players aspire to become professionals.
In this case, however, we are talking about a world-wide movement with an enormous amount of momentum. We are also talking about a scoring system that truly is simple and easy to understand.
The PAR part of PAR-11 stands for point-a-rally. In other words, whoever wins the rally gets the point, regardless of who is serving. The 11 part of PAR-11 means that the game is played until one player reaches 11 points.
The only potential for confusion comes when players are tied at 10-10. PAR-11 requires that the winning player win by two points. So when a game is tied at 10-10, it continues until one player is clear by two points, just like tennis and volleyball.
Say good-bye to hand-in/hand-out confusion. Say hello to scoring simplicity. PAR-11 is easier for beginners to learn. It also leads to shorter games that give the advatange to club-style players who are constantly on the attack and aiming for the nick.
Racquet Network Adopts PAR-11
For these reasons, PAR-11 is now Racquet Network's official scoring system for all squash box leagues and all squash ladders.
Those of you who have not given PAR-11 a try yet are asked to try it out for the rest of the summer. We will begin enforcing this rule on October 1, 2008. Until then, players may use the old scoring system, when and if BOTH players agree to do so.
