Requesting a Let email

elLBee’s Analysis & Opinion HB Sq Dubs

Requesting a let.

Part 1.

If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

It is that simple, if you do not request a let you will not get a let (or a point).

The request must be audible to the referee.

Squash is unusual in how rules are enforced.  The players act as police.  They can request the referee to assess possible interference.  If players do not request a let, the referee has nothing to assess.

The rules say how to request a let.

Rules 6 and 7 have the scoop on that.  Direct quotes from rules are in blue italics.

Rule 6 b.  The Referee shall not award a Point as defined in this Rule 6 unless a Let or a Point (See Rule 7) is requested by a player.

Rule 7 d.  A player may request a Let or a Point (See Rule 6).  A request by a player, which must be verbal, for a Let shall automatically include a request for a Point.  Upon such request, the Referee shall allow a Let, Point or No Let.

Rule 7 e.  No Let shall be allowed on any stroke a player makes unless he requests such before or during the act of striking or striking at the ball or immediately after doing so in the event of an obstructed swing.

Rule 7 f.  The Referee shall not call or allow a Let as defined in this Rule 7 unless such Let is requested by a player;

To summarize, a player must verbally request a let.  “Let” or “Let please” is the preferred manner to request the referee to judge the merit of the perceived interference.  The referee may reject the request (no let), award a let, or award a point.

Rule 7 f affirms that the referee will not intervene and declare a let unless a player requests a let.

The acoustics of a squash court are often not helpful.  Players requesting a let may not be facing the referee, and there is considerable noise on the court and where the referee is.  The players may be physically and mentally stretched to make an audible request.  But despite all that, the request must be audible.  Sticking a hand up, catching the ball, or simply not playing the ball are unacceptable ways to request a let.

Your opinions matter.  Helpful?  Important?  On court experience relevant to this topic?

Lynn Broman LJBROMAN@SHAW.CA