The World Squash Federation Annual General Meeting took place today in Cape Town, South Africa, hosted by Squash South Africa.
The WSF Conference, which preceded the AGM, facilitated informal discussions and featured presentations to update the delegates on key initiatives – including World Squash Officiating, a joint enterprise between the WSF and Professional Squash Association (PSA) to develop an online platform that will provide National Federations with the tools to develop refereeing in their country. The new initiative is scheduled to go live before the end of the year.
Additionally James Sandwith, from BEBRAND, presented the findings of a strategic review commissioned by WSF, with the report now available for all member nations to appraise.
The 49th Annual General Meeting, attended by representatives of 24 National Federations, saw delegates agree an amendment to the Articles of Association to reduce the risk of inappropriate leadership behaviour and to ensure that delegates in attendance at an AGM have a formal connection with their National Federations.
There were no changes to the standard Rules of Squash. However, the Rules of Squash 57 were updated, adding an extra ball rebound resilience at 33 degrees C that will help to ensure that the differential between blue and black balls – and their range of bounce – will be more uniform across the brands that are WSF-approved.
The WSF Championship Regulations were updated with respect to player eligibility, the use of random draws and a new timeline and procedure for seeding juniors.
The WSF Forward Plan and budget were also received and endorsed. There were no elections this year.
In his closing statement, WSF President Jacques Fontaine said: “Next year should be a year where we will see strategic initiatives that will lead the sport, as well as enhancing the WSF’s relationship with the PSA: This in order to give new horizons and directions for the future of our sport.
“Furthermore, we thank Squash South Africa for their superb hosting of our AGM.”