Following a review of the competition structure and consultation with regions and clubs, Scottish Squash implemented a new competition structure at the beginning of the 2017/18 season.
The aims behind the competition restructure were:
- To provide a competition structure for players at all levels of the player pathway;
- To support the ability to effectively and appropriately select international teams which represent Scotland at UK, European and World events;
- To support clubs and regions in developing effective opportunities for competition.
The Regulations for Sanctioned Competitions contains further information about running or hosting competitions for clubs, regions and competition organisers. The Roles and Responsibilities for Sanctioned Competitions is also useful to make clear what support Scottish Squash will provide and what is expected from clubs/regions when running/hosting a sanctioned competition.
NATIONAL COMPETITION PATHWAY & LEVELS OF COMPETITION
There are four levels of competitions which make up the National Competition Pathway (Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum) aimed at junior and senior level squash. The Masters circuit (for players aged over 35 years) aligns to it’s own competition pathway. Further information on each level can be found below.
Bronze Sanctioned Competitions
These are local competitions that mainly attract players from within the region. They are typically 1 day competitions that aim to have players playing as many games as possible in a relatively relaxed atmosphere and flexible structure. These competitions are great for beginner players or players new to a competition environment.
Clubs can apply for sanctioning to run a Junior Bronze competition or Adult Bronze competition.
Bronze sanctioned competitions are organised by local competition organisers. There is no limit on the number of these competitions in each season. To apply to host a Bronze competition, please complete the ‘Host a Competition‘ application form and select the relevant Bronze category. Clubs should complete the application form at least 4 weeks prior to the competition.
Silver Sanctioned Competitions
These are open competitions that are often run in a graded format for all levels, meaning you should play matches with players of a similar ability. All levels of players can take part in this level of competition.
Competition organisers can choose whether to run a Junior Silver competition, Adult Silver competition or a combined Junior/Senior Silver competition. Silver competitions also have the potential to register their event as a Professional Squash Association (PSA) Satellite competition to attract a stronger entry and PSA registered players.
Silver sanctioned competitions are organised by local competition organisers. There is no limit on the number of these competitions in each season. To apply to host a Silver competition, please complete the ‘Host a Competition‘ application form and select the relevant Silver category. Clubs should complete the application form at least 8 weeks prior to the competition.
Gold Sanctioned Competitions
Gold sanctioned competitions are run in age groups at Junior level and Men’s and Women’s opens at senior level. These competitions will typically attract the higher ranked players throughout the country and will link to selection for team representative competitions, although all other levels of players are also encouraged to take part.
The number of Junior and Senior Gold sanctioned competitions is set by Scottish Squash ahead of each season. Clubs/facilities then have the ability to apply for one or more of the Gold sanctioned competitions each season. These competitions are then organised by local competition organisers with support from Scottish Squash.
Gold Sanctioned Competitions: Season 2023/24
- Junior Gold (1): 13 – 15 October, 2023 – The Grange Sports Club, Edinburgh
- Junior Gold (2): 10 – 12 November, 2023 – Newlands LTC, Glasgow
- Junior Gold (3): 8 – 10 December, 2023 – Inverness Tennis & Squash Club
- Senior Gold (1): 29 September – 1 October, 2023 – Aberdeen Squash & Racketball Club
- Senior Gold (2): 3 – 5 November, 2023 – Bridge of Allan Sports Club
- Senior Gold (3): 1 – 3 December, 2023 – Newlands LTC, Glasgow
- Senior Gold (4): 9 – 11 February, 2024 – Bridge of Allan Sports Club
Gold events will typically open for entry 4 – 5 weeks in advance. To enter Gold events, see our full calendar of competitions on our SportyHQ homepage.
Masters Sanctioned Competitions
There will be 5 regional Masters competitions plus the Scottish Masters National Championships that link to the Masters circuit and Masters ranking points. The region of the club that is awarded the bid to host the Scottish Masters National Championships (Platinum level competition) will not host a Masters regional competition. The Masters competitions sit separate from the Bronze, Silver and Gold competition structure which is specifically aimed at junior and senior level. All players aged over 35 years are encouraged and welcome to compete in the Masters competitions.
The National Masters Selection Procedures & Criteria to determine the Masters Teams that represent Scotland at the Masters Home Internationals is reviewed ahead each season.
All regional Masters sanctioned competitions are organised by regional associations with local competition organisers. The Scottish Masters National Championships is organised by Scottish Squash in partnership with an identified host club/facility.
MASTERS REGIONALS CIRCUIT FOR SEASON 2023/24
West of Scotland Masters Regional, 6 – 8 October, 2023 – Scottish Squash Rackets Club, Glasgow
Highland & Island Masters Regional, 27 – 29 October, 2023 – Inverness Tennis & Squash Club
Grampian Masters Regional, 17 – 19 November, 2023 – Aberdeen Squash & Racketball Club
Tayside & Fife Masters Regional, 15 – 17 December, 2023 – Forthill Squash Club, Dundee
Central Masters Regional, 19 – 21 January, 2024 – Bridge of Allan Sports Club
Platinum Level Competitions
These competitions cover National and European competitions and will attract the highest ranked players and occasionally players from throughout Europe. Players of all other levels are also encouraged to compete.
The delivery of Platinum level competitions are overseen by Scottish Squash in partnership with a host club/facility.
HOST VENUES
Clubs/Venues can bid to host Platinum competitions. The essential requirements from Clubs to host each Platinum competition can be found in the Regulations for Sanctioned Competitions document. Scottish Squash may award Platinum competitions on a 1 year, 2 years or 3 years contract.
Platinum Competitions: Season 2023/24
- Scottish Junior Inter-Regional Team Championships, 1 – 3 September 2023 – Oriam, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh
- Scottish Under 23 National Championships: 19 – 21 January 2024 – Scottish Squash Rackets Club, Glasgow
- Scottish Junior National Championships: 2 – 4 February 2024 – Aberdeen Squash & Racketball Club
- Scottish Masters National Championships: 23 – 25 February 2024 – Edinburgh Sports Club
- Scottish Masters Home International: 19 – 20 April 2024 – Edinburgh Sports Club
- Scottish National Championships: 17 – 19 May 2024 – Newlands LTC, Glasgow
To sign up for Platinum events currently open for entry, see our full calendar of competitions on our SportyHQ homepage.
CONTACT US
Anyone wishing to discuss the competition structure further should contact info@scottishsquash.org
