Phase 2 of ESRs return to squash and RB

From Tuesday 1 September the squash section will be moving to Phase 2 of England Squash and Racquetball's return to play plan, allowing players to form ‘squash bubbles’ and play full-court matches, although modifications and additional hygiene measures will be required:

What is a ‘squash bubble’?

Bubbles consist of a maximum of six players and players within a ‘squash bubble’ are permitted to play full-court matches with the following modifications:Only two players on court at one time.
Play best of three games.
Play first to 11 points, sudden-death at 10-all.
Use ‘Sides’ to maintain social distancing throughout the warm-up.
During each game, when the first player reaches five points, both players should wipe away excessive sweat, and sanitise their hands and the ball. Repeat between games.
The same player to serve / touch the ball during each half of a game, and at the halfway point, switch servers.
Protective eyewear or visors are strongly recommended at all times.
Don't wipe your hands on the wall.
Players are not allowed to shout or raise their voice.Please maintain social distancing when not on court, and continue follow your club’s/venue’s hygiene and cleaning policies.

How do I form a ‘squash bubble’?

Agree who is in your bubble with up to five other players.Inform your club COVID-19 Officer (Ade) of the names of the players in your bubble.You can only belong to one bubble at a time but following a seven-day break of playing full squash, you can switch once you’ve got agreement from your COVID-19 officer.

What if a player in a 'squash bubble' displays symptoms of COVID-19?

Stop playing immediately and follow national.guidelines on getting tested.Inform Ade (The section's COVID 19 officer). Players from the bubble that have been in contact with the symptomatic player within the seven days prior must self-isolate and undertake tests as per Government guidelines, even if they exhibit no symptoms themselves, until it has been determined whether or not the symptomatic player has tested positive or negative.Players within the bubble can resume play if the COVID-19 test proves negative.

What if I can't form a squash bubble?

If you cannot form a 'squash bubble' (or wish to play someone from outside your bubble), we recommend playing 'Sides' as it's a modified/adapted version of the game which allows players to meet social distancing measures, with each player remaining in their own half of the court at all times.
If you're an advanced player without a 'squash bubble', find out about the socially distanced practices that we recommend

Any questions, please check the ESR website or ask a member of the squash and RB committee.

Kind regards.

Ade