Distractions email
Visual or audible distractions are included in Rule 5, The Right to Play the Ball.
Distractions are considered interference along with the other items in Rule 5.
The outcome for all types of interference ranges from no let to let to point. The referee must assess the intent and effort of the offending player to avoid the interference. The referee also assesses the effort and ability of the striker to play the ball. All forms of interference have shades of gray.
When the interference seems deliberate, a point should be awarded.
A let should be denied when the striker is looking for a way out of a difficult situation. “Seeing the ball does not mean you can reach the ball” is a good example to deny a let.
See below for references.
Audible distractions.
Partners can communicate. You hear comments such as “I got it”, “yours”, “lots of time”, “cover drop”, etc., where one partner is advising the other. “Wall” alerts everyone that they have cleared to the wall.
The striker may say, “turning,” and the play continues. They may also say, “let,” and the play stops.
The referee has several calls, and each requires the play to stop. Such as “out”, “down”, “foot fault”, or “stop”.
The striking team has more rights. They have the right to a position on the court. They have the freedom to communicate. When opponents overstep their boundaries, they may be penalized. Making comments when a player is about to strike the ball is open to penalties.
Communication between the referee and the players is by voice. There are no whistles in squash.
Players may confuse communication between players as a command from the referee.
The acoustics in a squash venue are not ideal. The gallery is often noisy. The communication between the referee and players (both ways) can be a challenge.
With all that in mind, when the interference appears to be deliberate, a point should be awarded regardless of which part of Rule 5 is being violated.