US Squash Sets Rules for the Handling of the Ball

US Squash is the national governing body and membership organization for the sport of squash in the United States. It acts to increase participation in squash at all ages and to build awareness of the sport. The organization represents urban, junior and high school squash, college squash, accredited (sanctioned) tournaments and leagues, professional squash, coach and referee certifications, national championships and national teams.  US Squash is a member of the World Squash Federation: all US Squash matches follow the international rules of the game of squash.  View Two Standards for Squash Balls to learn the physical specifications for the ball.

In addition to the physical specifications, US Squash declares the following rules for the handling of the ball.

14. The Ball
14.1 At any time, when the ball is not in actual play, either player or the Referee may examine the ball. The Referee may substitute another ball by mutual consent of the players, or on appeal by either player.
14.2 If a ball breaks during play, the Referee, after confirming it is broken, shall replace it promptly with another ball.
14.3 If the ball breaks during play without being noticed during the rally, the Referee shall allow a let for the rally in which the ball broke, if the server appeals prior to the next service or if the receiver appeals prior to attempting to return that service.
(G13)
14.3.1 If the receiver appeals prior to attempting to return service and the Referee decides the ball broke during that service, the Referee shall allow a let for that rally only, but if uncertain shall allow a let for the previous rally.
14.4 The provisions of Rule 14.3 do not apply to the final rally of a game. In that case a player must appeal immediately after the rally.
14.5 If a player stops during a rally to appeal that the ball is broken, only to find subsequently that the ball is not broken, then that player shall lose the rally.
14.6 The ball shall remain within the court at all times, unless the Referee permits its removal.
14.7 When the Referee has substituted another ball or when the players resume a match after some delay, the Referee shall allow the players to warm the ball to playing condition. Play shall then resume on the direction of the Referee, or by mutual consent of the players, whichever is earlier.
Appendix

G13 Broken ball
When the receiver, without attempting to return the service, appeals that the ball is broken, the Referee will normally allow a let for that rally. However, if the Referee considers that the ball broke in the previous rally, the Referee shall allow a let for the previous rally. This also applies if the service is not good.

Reference: http://www.ussquash.com/officiate/online-rules/
Photo: Dale Walker. http://www.ussquash.com/wong-evans-make-womens-junior-team-as-u-s-junior-silvers-closes/

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