Referee Pathway

The Squash NZ Referee Pathway is being migrated over to the World Squash Officiating Framework. See WSO website for details  https://worldsquashofficiating.com/  

If you have the right skills then we'll help you achieve it. Whether you want to simply improve your rules knowledge, referee local matches or have ambitions to officiate at the highest level, there is a structure in place to help you get there. Referees are supported as they move through the pathway through events and via mentoring opportunities and are offered appraisals whenever possible.

The Squash NZ Officiating Pathway is documented here  SNZ End to End Referee Pathway Final 

Step 1: Club Referee - WSO Level 0 + Level 1 100% 

Club referees can be expected to referee matches up to their own playing level but may be able to do higher levels depending on experience and ability.  It must be recognised that no practical appraisal is completed for a club referee, and successful candidates should therefore be confident but still take care with the level of matches they choose to referee.

The Squash New Zealand Club Referee exam can be found  here. 

Players can enhance their knowledge by signing up to the  WSO website  and achieving Level 0 + 1 module competition, there is no officiating fee required to get to this stage. 

It is currently being investigated whether the WSO Level 0 + 1 100% will eventually become the new Club Referee exam.

Step 2: District Referee - WSO Level 2 

Level 1 Referees can go on & work towards being a WSO level 2 (District level) referee.

Level 2 Referees are required to:

• Submit Expression of Interest to Squash New Zealand - click here 
• Achieve up to WSO Level 2 module completion
• Complete the practical assessments as per Referees Management Plan below. 
• A summary of the requirements can be found here  WSO Level 2 Referee Summary Requirements v2 
• Upon completion of the relevant Level 2 practical requirements, SNZ Referee Director will request WSO Endorsement of the Referee
• Referee to pay fee for WSO Level 2 

Step 3: National Referee - WSO Level 3 

The WSO Level 3 is awarded to referees who have proved their ability and commitment at this level. Referees are required to:

• Have acheived WSO Level 2 and held this qualification for a minimum period of 12 months. Referees who show sufficient aptitude can be fast tracked. 
• Complete the practical assessments as per the Referees Management Plan below. 
• A summary of the requirements can be found here  WSO Level 3 Referee Summary Requirements 
• Upon completion of the relevant Level 3 practical requirements, SNZ Referee Director will request WSO Endorsement of the Referee
• Referee to pay fee for WSO Level 3 

Step 4: Regional Referee WSO Level 4 

Squash New Zealand supports qualified national Level 3 referees to progress towards WSO Level 4 (Regional) Referee status. Becoming a WSO Level 4 referee allows referees the opportunity to take part in Regional and other relevant international events. 

Step 5: World Referee - WSO Level 5 

WSO Level 4 referees who demonstrate exceptional skills and commitment must meet all the requirements detailed in the competency-based training and assessment programme for WSO Level 5 Referees.

Referees Management Plan

The  Referee Management Plan 2022 Final  outlines all the requirements to become a referee in New Zealand and are designed to help you on your way to becoming the best referee possible. 

For more information contact Squash New Zealand admin@squashnz.co.nz .

Other Policies

All referees need to be aware of the Squash New Zealand Policies and they need to ensure they adhere to these at all times. 

Referee Resources

Referees need to have a full understanding of the rules of the game and how to implement them in order to take charge at a match, tournament or competition. Below are some useful refereeing resources for clubs and individuals to help conduct matches safely and in accordance with the rules.

Singles Squash Rules  

Doubles Squash Rules  

	Some Typical On Court Situations poster  Examples of common on court situations and how to deal with these.
	Let Please: A Beginners Guide poster  A basic flow chart to help you make the right call.
	So You Think You Can Ref?  "So You Think You Can Ref?" - a series of video clips produced by Squash TV provide some examples of tricky refereeing situations at the top level. Probably too challenging for the beginner player, these could be useful for rules nights or for the budding referee wanting to challenge him / herself.
	Tournament Referee Documents These documents are important for a referee who attends a National, International or even a club event. Make sure you understand all of the documents prior to attending an event.  National Tournament Referees Responsibilities  Appraisal Sheet (WSO)  Squash New Zealand Referees Code of Ethics  Referee Activity Sheet  Code of Expected Behaviour  Tournament Referee Report Form   Ref Expense Claim Form  Referees Activity Sheet   Code of Conduct Report Sheet

Some Common Rule Examples

There are some rules out there which catch even the best referee! Do you know what to do in the following situations:

• Rule 14 - Injury, Illness and Bleeding  
• Rule 9 - Ball Hitting a Player  
• Interference Rule 8 - Direct Access 
• Interference Rule 8 - Excessive Swing 
• Interference Rule 8 - Freedom to Strike the Ball 
• Interference Rule 8 - General Interference 
• Interference Rule 8 - Racket Swing 
• Interference Rule 8 - Turning     
• Faults (Rules 5.7, 5.8) 
• Not up/Down – do you know the difference? (Appendix 1 - Definitions) 
• Who does what in a match? (Rules 3.6, 3.7) 
• Further attempts (Rules 5.7.1, 6.2.1, 8.12, 9.1.4, 9.2.2) 
• Fallen objects (Rule 13 )

Looking for the rules?

From serving to scoring, get to grips with the rules  - World Squash Singles Rules 2024