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By Stephen Hufford
Racquet Sports Guide
www.about.com
The sport of squash, played by around 15 million people, in over 155 countries, on all five continents, is not yet an Olympic sport. It should be.
Latest Developments
In April of 2008, the World Squash Federation received news that squash was included on the short list of sports under consideration for the 2016 Olympic Games. While not part of the Olympic program in Beijing, and not part of the planned program for 2012, squash will be considered for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Background
Squash is a worldwide sport, played by both men and women, in 150+ countries, by over 15 million people, on all continents. It is a demanding sport, calling for the highest standards of athletic excellence and sportsmanship.
In 2005, squash was actually voted into the London 2012 Olympic Games; ahead of karate, roller sports, rugby, and golf. For about four hours, squash was an Olympic sport! Unfortunately, at that same 2005 International Olympic Committee (IOC) meeting in Singapore, squash failed to get the 2/3 majority needed for full adoption.
Pros
Squash is a participant sport, and can be played for a lifetime.
Junior squash is growing rapidly, and the 2008 World Men's Junior Championships boasted a record number of entries.
Squash is played on all continents, and excellent players are found across the globe. For example, all continents were represented among the top 6 teams at the 2007 World Men's Team Championships.
The World Squash Federation includes 138 member nation federations, up from 125 in 2004.
Women account for roughly 30% of the players, so the sport is not gender-specific.
Squash facilities are not particularly expensive, and Olympic-class courts can be erected in a cost-effective and temporary manner.
The technology for televising squash has improved, and the fast action of the ball can now be seen by TV viewers.
Cons
There are very few disadvantages to adding squash to the Olympics:
- The refereeing can be difficult to understand, and the referees can have a profound influence on the outcome of a match.
- The typical clothes of squash players may not attract TV viewers in the same way as do the revealing outfits of beach volleyball players and track and field competitors.
Where it Stands
Following the unfortunate ..... to read the rest of the article click HERE
Steve Hufford is a life-long competitive racquet sports player (tennis, squash, court tennis) who has enjoyed over 38 years on court. He currently coaches squash at a private school and a sports club. Steve is certified by US Squash as a level one coach and club-level referee. With over 22 years team play (at Dartmouth College, in Philadelphia, and in Washington, DC), Steve has attained US National Rankings in C, B, and 5.5 skill level divisions and in age level divisions 35+, 40+, 45+. He is proud to have received the National Capital Squash Racquets Association Sportsmanship Award in 2005.
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