Competition Structure - Scottish Squash

Competition Structure

About Sanctioned Competitions

Following a review of the competition structure and consultation with key stakeholders, Scottish Squash implemented a new competition structure at the beginning of the 2026-27 season. The aims behind the competition restructure were:

To provide greater clarity, inclusivity and purpose to the national calendar, allowing players to easily identify the right events for their level.
To support the ability to effectively and appropriately select international teams which represent Scotland at British, European and World events.
To support clubs and regions in developing effective opportunities for competition.

There are three levels of competitions which make up the National Competition Pathway: START, PLAY and PERFORM. Further information on each level can be found below.

Click the tabs below for more information on competition pathway stages.

Stage 1 - START

Stage 1 – START Sanctioned Competitions

About

START is aimed at new juniors taking their first steps in competition. Focus on fun, using the right ball and beginner-friendly formats, ensuring a great experience on court. START events are designed to celebrate every milestone along the way, making the early competitive experience enjoyable and rewarding.

Who For

New junior players or those who’ve just joined a club, playing with blue, red, or single yellow ball, and looking for their first competition.

Membership Requirement

A free or paid membership of Squash in Scotland is required to compete. This can be acquired when signing up for the tournament if necessary or you can find more information here about signing up.

What to Expect

One-day competitions, run by local organisers, ideal for players starting out on their competitive journey.
Relaxed atmosphere and flexible structure, ensuring a great development experience on court.
Availability of different ball types suitable to your level.
No levy of entry fees retained by Scottish Squash.

Using the right ball

Game Blue — brand new juniors, short court, maximum bounce.
Game Red — developing players, building rallying skills.
Club (single yellow) — ready for a full game, transitioning towards PLAY events.

Events to look out for

Club Play Days — festival-style events at your local club, with players grouped by ball type, not age.
Junior Graded — graded events with different ball options available for START players.
Inter-Club Mixers — low-pressure matchplay between 2–3 local clubs, with a team feel and no knockout pressure.
Hybrid START/PLAY Events – featuring grades for both stages of the pathway.

How to Enter

Find START events currently open for entry via the Scottish Squash SportyHQ homepage.

Questions about START competitions? Email info@scottishsquash.org

Stage 2 - PLAY

Stage 2 – PLAY Sanctioned Competitions

About

PLAY is for club players of all ages who are looking for fun, varied competition against others of a similar ability. Whether you’re looking to develop your game or simply looking for social squash and exercise, PLAY events offer the right environment to compete and improve at your own pace.

PLAY sanctioned events are the most common sanctioned events on the calendar, targeted at adults (and possibly some experienced juniors). PLAY events can be any format, but are typically graded by organisers to ensure entrants compete against others of a similar standard.

Who For

A regular club player of any age looking for fun, competitive matches, varied competition formats and new opponents.

Membership Requirement

A free or paid membership of Squash in Scotland is required to compete. This can be acquired when signing up for the tournament if necessary or you can find more information here about signing up.

What to Expect

Entrants typically compete against others of a similar standard, with formats and event types varying widely.
Can run over one or two days, as decided by the local organiser.
No levy of entry fees retained by Scottish Squash.

Events to look out for

Half & Half Days — mixed coaching and competition days which include a group session or workshop alongside matchplay.
Team Events — club vs club or regional team competition, one-day mixed team events, and social doubles events.
Graded / SquashLevels Events — entry graded by ability, usually according to your SquashLevels, so you compete against others in your rating bracket while challenging yourself against new opponents.
Handicap Events — mixed ability competition where a start score levels the playing field.
Fundraisers — support a worthy cause by playing squash and having fun.
Women & Girls — social competitions targeting female squash players of all ages.
Inter-Schools — represent your school at a regional or national competition.
Hybrid START/PLAY Events – featuring grades for both stages of the pathway.

How to Enter

Find PLAY events currently open for entry via the Scottish Squash SportyHQ homepage.

Questions about PLAY competitions? Email info@scottishsquash.org

Stage 3 - PERFORM

Stage 3 – PERFORM Sanctioned Competitions

About

PERFORM events are for competitive players looking to challenge themselves and measure their game at a higher level,at tournaments carrying greater prestige and prizes. Events are linked to representative selection criteria points systems.

This stage incorporates the Junior and Senior Gold events, Masters Regionals, the annual Scottish National Championships and the Scottish Squash Cup; the most prestigious events on the calendar.

Who For

An aspiring junior focused on development.
An adult player looking for challenging matches and to test your ability beyond your home club.
Players interested in representing Scotland.
Players keen to compete at a Scottish national event.

Membership Requirement

A paid membership of Squash in Scotland is required to compete. This can be acquired when signing up for the tournament if necessary or you can find more information here about signing up.

What to Expect

Higher-stakes competitions carrying more prestige and prizes.
Events linked to representative selection criteria points systems.
Prize money available at Senior level for selection events.

Events to look out for

Junior & Senior Gold (Selection Events) — a competitive series for aspiring junior and senior players. Fir players looking to test themselves, gain match experienced earn points towards Order of Merit standings. Prize money available at Senior level.
- These competitions are organised by local competition organisers with support from Scottish Squash.
Masters Regionals — a circuit of five events preceding the national championships, giving Over 35 players. Opportunity to secure points counting towards selection for Masters Home Internationals.
- These competitions are organised by local competition organisers with support from Scottish Squash.
- Find more information on Masters events here.
Scottish National Championships — Junior, U23, Senior and Masters National Championships, where players compete for national titles against the best in the country.
Scottish Junior Open — Scotland’s premier junior event, featuring international participants aged U11–U19.
- Find more information on SJO here.
Scottish Squash Cup — Scotland’s premier team event, a knockout competition featuring Men’s and Women’s events. Winners advance to the annual European Club Championships. Find more information on the Cup here.

How to Enter

Find PERFORM events currently open for entry via the Scottish Squash SportyHQ homepage.

Questions about PERFORM competitions? Email info@scottishsquash.org

CONTACT US

Anyone wishing to discuss the competition structure further should contact info@scottishsquash.org