Changes to Grading List in 2014

Automatic loss of grading points for inactivity, and changes to J Grades to be introduced at the start of 2014.

Automatic Loss of Grading Points for Inactivity

• An automatic loss of grading points for inactivity will be introduced from January 2014.
• After the first 12 months of player inactivity (where no results are sent to the grading list), 50 grading points will be automatically deducted from the player (the initial period of 12 months will begin from January 2014).
• For every additional month of inactivity, a further 10 points will be deducted.
• Players can be removed from the grading list at any time to avoid points deduction.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT AUTOMATIC LOSS OF GRADING POINTS FOR INACTIVITY:

Q: Why is this rule being introduced?

A: The rule is aimed at promoting activity (which improves the accuracy of the grading list), and ensuring that players do not retain grades that may not reflect their current abilities.

Q: What if I’m injured?

A: The rule still applies to players with injuries; for this reason a lengthy 12 month initial period has been allowed before points are deducted for inactivity.  If a player has a long term injury, they can ask their club to remove them from the grading list to avoid losing points.

Q: If I haven’t played since 1 May 2013, will I lose points if I don’t play before 1 May 2014?

A: No. The rule will be introduced from January 2014 and no points will be deducted for inactivity until January 2015.

Q: Will players be able to use this as a mechanism to drop points for Superchamps/Champion of Champions?

A: The majority of players will be unlikely to do this, as in order to lose enough points to go down a grade, a player would need to sacrifice at least a full year of squash.  Also, team lists and the grading list will be closely scrutinised around Superchamps and Champion of Champions time.  Squash New Zealand reserves the right to alter the eligibility of players for these events where there is evidence of grading manipulation.

Q: What will happen to juniors who are currently F grade?

A: These players will be automatically transferred out of F-Grade (now only for adults), and across to the equivalent grade for which juniors are eligible (likely to be J1).  Although this may feel like a step backwards, these players will still be the same distance from E2.  Junior girls will be transferred to the Combined Grading List based on translation formulae (full info here).

Change to F grade to sit Parallel to J Grades

• At present, when juniors have moved through the J grades they graduate to F grade.
• Squash NZ has received a lot of negative feedback from clubs about adult beginners who lose large amounts of grading points if they lose matches to J Graders (who are often of similar ability to F graders, but are slowly moving up the grading list).
• From January 2014, F grade will sit alongside the J Grades.  Junior beginner players will start in the J grades, and adult beginners will start in F grade, and both will meet in E2 (once they’ve won enough matches).
• An adult in F grade might have the same amount of points as a junior in J1, or any of the other J grades.  If the two players meet in competition play (tournaments or interclub), points will be adjusted as usual.
• As at present, as soon as a player reaches the threshold for E2 (the threshold will be different for men and women), he/she will go up (regardless of age).
• This is designed to ‘protect’ beginner players, and allow them to derive enjoyment while finding their feet in the sport.
• Junior boys who are in F Grade in January 2014 will be adjusted (based on points) to the equivalent level in the J Grades.  Whilst this may feel like a step down, they will still be the same distance from E2.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CHANGE TO F GRADE:

Q: Why is this change being introduced?

A: The aim of this rule is to prevent senior beginner players from losing large amounts of points for losses to J grade players and provide a more level playing field for beginner players of all ages.  While adult beginners often have a size and power advantage over juniors, junior players tend to have had better/more access to coaching.  This means that matches between J grade and F grade players are often very evenly contested, yet the F grade player has little to gain if he/she wins, and will lose a lot of grading points if he/she loses.

Q: How will this affect Superchamps and Champion of Champions?

A: Superchamps and Champion of Champions will be played in a J/F grade format.  This way, all players who are below E2 will be eligible for the J/F grade divisions.

Q: Does this mean that J grade players cannot play competition matches against F grade players?

A: No; it simply reduces the points difference between J grade and F grade players.  Because these players are often of similar ability, more accurate points adjustments will be able to occur when J graders play F graders.

Q: What else can be done to make squash enjoyable for beginner players?

A: Separate tournament divisions (numbers permitting) for adult (F – E2) and junior (J4 – E2) beginners in tournaments can be a good way to enable adult beginners to find their feet in squash.