US Squash News

U.S. Squash announced July 16, 2008 it will adopt a new technology platform this summer. This transition will include implementing a new database system and a new web management system.

Both are expected to dramatically enhance the Association’s communications with its constituents, and services to its members.

Services provided through the RailStation system such as tournament schedules and results, leagues and rankings will no longer be available effective July 17, 2008. During this transition, and prior to the September and October rollouts, services and functions previously offered by RailStation such as Tournament Results, Schedules, Leagues, Rankings and Membership will be available to varying degrees at www.us-squash.org  

Why are we choosing to upgrade now?
After an extensive search and evaluation process, and with a 3-year strategic plan in hand, the Board of Directors recently approved the shift now in progress. U.S. SQUASH has worked extensively with multiple groups to gather input on design and functionality required to meet the needs of the squash community and will continue to work with members, districts, squash professionals, promoters and partners to deliver on its goals to serve the sport.

Coupled with this change in technology are several policy changes, a host of new programs for members and offerings to squash professionals and promoters. One example includes the opportunity to enter any sanctioned tournament online, not just national championships. Based on feedback from members, pricing structures will be simplified and bundled. Rankings will be published by Region, District and Club. Details on all of these changes will be announced individually via www.us-squash.org and similar e-bulletins to this one over the next few months.

What does this upgrade mean to you?
A more tightly integrated user experience, new web design, along with new functionality are expected to provide a platform the Association needs to achieve its long term goals to grow membership, build awareness and increase participation and its mission: to enhance people’s health and well being by increasing participation in squash, to enrich the experiences of our members of all ages, and to build awareness of the sport, valuing excellence, professionalism and fiscal responsibility.

Beginning September 2, early features of the new systems will be introduced, including tournament registration, results and rankings, and membership joining and renewing will be available on the new systems. Players will have personal profile pages and will provide the ability to connect online with other interested members. On October 1, U.S. SQUASH will launch a new website www.ussquash.com which will offer new navigation, design and features for players and squash enthusiasts.

The .com site will be "under construction" for much of the fall, and eventually will completely replace the current site as new content is developed on the .com site. U.S. SQUASH will also convert its email communications to an integrated system expected to allow the Association to provide more targeted, timely and relevant communications to all members.

Later in the 2008-2009 season, additional social networking capabilities will come online, along with more sophisticated tools for squash professionals, coaches and league manages to administer tournaments, teams and competitions.

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