In Memoriam

Squash Community mourns the loss of Stuart Dixon Squash BC and our counterparts across the country are mourning the loss of Stuart Dixon who passed away on Saturday September 14, 2019 at the age of 73 after a long courageous battle with cancer. Born on October 30, 1946 in Christchurch, New Zealand, Stuart was one of Canada’s most experienced and respected coaches. He was a NCCP Level 4 Certified coach, conducting over 82 NCCP courses across Canada. He was involved in coaching National Canadian Squash teams at every level that included World Championships, Pan American Championships and the 1999 Pan Am Games that were held in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His involvement in coaching squash saw him not only teaching at the Victoria Squash Club and at his Dixon’s Squash Academy, but also working as a World Squash Federation Consultant Coach. His passion for squash was instrumental in the development of many of our top athletes across Canada. Stuart was a strong mentor to many coaches over the years. He sponsored a number of talented coaches to come to our province and worked with other clubs to support the Victoria squash community. He was dedicated to the members of the Victoria Squash Club, always ready and willing to help players of all levels to strive for success in our demanding sport. Stuart was admired for his compassion, warmth and care.   A passionate and committed coach and true leader of the development of Squash, Stuart received Squash BC's highest award, the Jack Larsen Trophy, in 1982. Stuart was inducted into the Squash Canada Hall of Fame in 2010 for a ssisting in the development of coaching and for the development of outstanding athletes. For his significant contributions to Squash, Stuart received Squash Canada's Certificate of Achievement in 2018.

Squash BC Executive Director, Nancy Thompson said, " The BC and Canadian squash community will miss Stuart greatly. He was a remarkable man whose contributions to squash are too many to name. His passion for the game was lifelong and his impact significant. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go to his wife, Sandy and to Stuart's family." Stuart was predeceased by his parents, Pearce and June (nee Irvine) and his brother, John. He is survived by his wife, Sandy; sisters-in-law, Sharon Dixon and Skip (Dick) Angus and nephews, Bob, Sean, Michael, Andrew and Jeremy and their families. The Celebration of Life for Stuart was held this past Saturday. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the BC Cancer Agency or Victoria Hospice Society. To view Stuart’s obituary and to leave a condolence message, please  click here .

Sign up and Play

Lunch & Learns at Sandcastle (Sep 14-Oct 5) Sandcastle Fitness in White Rock South Surrey is kicking off the squash season with a Squash Lunch & Learn. This is a free event for everyone in the Surrey area to come out & play squash Saturday afternoons at Sandcastle. Whether you’re new to squash or a squash veteran, come join the squash crowd at Sandcastle for Lunch & Learn from noon to 2pm every Saturday from Sep 14 – Oct 5. This is open to young & old, male or female. Racquets, balls & instructors will be provided along with refreshments. It’s all free! If you’re a veteran squash player, it’s a good opportunity to get on court with people you haven’t played with before. We believe in the many benefits of playing squash, not least of all, that squash is the best way to get that 45-minute cardio work-out and have fun doing it.

If you have children who are looking for a sport that they can enjoy for the rest of their lives, bring them by for Lunch & Learn at Sandcastle. For more information, contact Tom Bedore at squash@sandcastle.com. Click here to email Tom!

Register now! Facebook Event World Squash Day @ VRC The Vancouver Racquets Club and Squash Republic are pleased to present Vancouver’s first  World Squash Day  event and the first ONE DAY ONLY squash tournament on Saturday, October 12, 2019. World Squash Day was launched by a group of squash friends following the 9/11 attacks in the USA. Many New York squash players were killed in the World Trade Center and this event was created to memorialize them, celebrate their love of squash and bring new players to the game. At this year’s event, players can play one event for $25 (singles or doubles) and add a second an event for only $5.  All games will be best of 3 and we’re going to get everyone as many matches as possible between 10am and 5pm so be ready to play!  Please note that there are NO RESTRICTIONS allowed and everyone who signs up will receive an official World Squash Day t-shirt (yes, we have men's AND women’s styles) courtesy of Squash Republic.  Group selfie at 5pm on the doubles court!

World Squash Day World Squash Day was launched by a group of squash friends following the 9/11 attacks in the USA. Many New York squash players were killed in the World Trade Center, including Derek Sword, a former Scottish junior international from Dundee. World Squash Day was launched in their honour, and also to do something tangible for the game.  Peter Nicol, a former junior international team-mate of Derek’s, agreed to become President of World Squash Day. Learn more on how to participate

‌ Click here for tournament info Vancouver Island Open Oct 18-20 The VIO is one of the Island premier events to kick off the squash season In accordance with Squash BC policy, player divisions will be based on Squash BC rankings or National rankings if applicable. There will be an Open Men's event. To qualify for this draw, players must have a minimum of 1550 Squash BC points or equivalent National ranking There will be a Women’s Open Event based on the ranking of the Women entered in the Event, To qualify for this draw, players must have a minimum of 1250 Squash BC points or equivalent National ranking Masters Divisions will be offered in this event. We endeavour to ensure no more than 3 matches for the players in the Masters Division LOCAL PLAY ONLY - Thursday, October 16th OUT OF TOWN players must be available by 5:30 pm Friday, Oct 18

Sign up now! Revelstoke Bear's Den Classic (Oct 18-20) Join us for our 13th edition of the Bear's Den Classic! There will be a 3 match guarantee, Friday and Saturday Dinners, Tee Shirt, snacks and of course our famous Mt Begbie Brewing Company on tap all weekend.

Sign up now! BC Junior Open Oct 25-27 The junior competition season gets into full swing with this season's highly anticipated 2019 BC Junior Open Championships being hosted by the  Evergreen Squash Club . The BC Junior Open Championships showcase BC's top athletic talents and provide critical competition opportunities for our emerging elite juniors. Spectators will enjoy high-calibre play from Squash BC's Regional and Provincial squad members. While the competition promises to be intense, the tournament also has a fun, cozy and homespun vibe with its contingent of warm and welcoming volunteers.  Entry fee includes a Friday night meal, Saturday lunch and snacks, plus lots of great draw prizes! Don't miss out!

Howe Cup in Seattle! Nov 15-17 This year, the Howe Cup Women’s Team Championships, the United States’ largest squash event for women, will be in Seattle.   The tournament will be held at the Seattle Athletic club, just one block away from Pike Place market, from November 15-17.   This is a great opportunity for our BC Women players to form a team and go on a fun road trip to compete, have fun and form lasting friendships and memories!

For info & sign up

Junior Pathway

Squash BC has partnered with our member club coaches and pros to develop, implement and support a vibrant Junior Pathways Development Program that encourages kids to take up the sport, helps them develop their skills and progressively introduces them to competition.    With financial support from the  2020 Fund , the program is a cornerstone to engaging, growing and maintaining a strong base of junior athletes. Our first Junior Pathway Events of the season are:

Progressive at Cedar Hill Ian Sefton at Cedar Hill Squash Club in Victoria will be running this tournament for juniors new to the tournament squash scene where they will be introduced to proper match play, reffing, and good sportsmanship habits. This event will be running Saturday October 5, 2019 at the Cedar Hill squash courts from 12pm-3pm. Along with getting tournament experience there will be pizza, gatorade, and a souvenir to participants who sign up by Sep 27. Sign up now!

Developing / Progressive at Vancouver Lawn Join in on the fun! This Junior Pathway event being run by Viktor Berg at the Vancouver Lawn Tennis Club will involve skills acquisition, drills, coach assessment and cooperative play with a focus on skills execution! Juniors will play round robin points for the 1st hour and then juniors will be sorted into groups of similar level playing abilities for a mini fun tournament. 1 to 4 pm Saturday Oct 19. Includes snacks, balls and souvenirs.

Van Lawn is a all white clothing club while playing squash. Please remember to wear 90% white clothing. Parking is available anywhere on the premises. Sign up now!

The 2020 Fund was established in 2000 by Squash BC to help protect the future of squash in British Columbia. As funding from government and other sources becomes less predictable, it is important to find alternative ways to ensure a sound financial future for the sport of squash. The income accumulated through the 2020 Fund is used to promote the growth of the game through the development of junior squash. By establishing a vibrant and well-financed junior program, Squash BC will take a major step toward a successful future for the sport in this province.  To donate to the 2020 Fund, click here .

Coaching & Officiating

Mini-Rules Clinics - Fall Tour! Squash BC is excited that Kevin Kydd, a Provincial Certified Referee, will be offering mini-rules clinics as he travels through parts of BC this Fall. The mini-rules clinic is a great way to start your squash season. Need a better understanding on the rules of squash so you can be a better player? Need to build confidence in your reffing calls for leagues and tournaments this coming year? Attend this mini-rules clinic which reviews the practicalities around officiating and covers: The aims of the rules of squash Tips on making your calls What is a let & who gets to ask for it What is interference & player's obligations How to make decisions The format also includes on-court demonstration & discussion on areas like: Strokes, lets & no lets Playing drop shots, wrong footing, tickle boasts Turning Boasting Further / Second Attempts at hitting the ball To make the most of these clinics we recommend that participants take the online referee clinic course (see details below) before attending the mini-rules clinic.

Details for each event are still being finalized, but sign up below! Trail Sep 23 Nelson Sep 25 Prince George (either Sep 29 or 30 - TBC) Terrace Oct 1 - TBC Prince Rupert (one day between Oct 2-6 - TBC) Smithers Oct 7 TBC

Squash Canada Online Officiating Course Squash Canada Online Officiating Course ($35, about 1 hour to complete) includes   HD videos of challenging Referee decisions that help you become a better Referee.  When you pass the online test at the end (80% to pass), you will be certified as a Squash Canada Club Referee. To access click the  Online Certification Course  link  via this Squash Canada webpage

#ThanksCoach! Coaches inspire us to reach new heights on and off the court. September 21-29, 2019 is National Coaches Week ! A time to celebrate the positive impact that coaches have on athletes and communities across Canada. This week is your opportunity to recognize coaches for the integral role they play in your life by saying #ThanksCoach! Don't forget to share your celebrations with the community using #ThanksCoach or #CoachesWeek.

Free NCCP eLearning during National Coaches Week From September 21-29, 2019, the Coaching Association of Canada is saying #ThanksCoach by offering four NCCP eLearning modules for FREE! Making Head Way in Sport NCCP Coaching Athletes with a Diability NCCP Coach Initiation in Sport NCCP Emergency Action Plan Coaches can access the eLearning page in the Locker.

Sign in to the Locker

Recognize greatness with ViaSport's Coaches Week Contest National Coaches Week  provides coaches with the recognition they deserve for the time they devote to ensuring Canadians live an active, healthy lifestyle. From September 21 - 29, 2019, encourage yourself to say thanks to the coaches who call B.C. home. To celebrate National Coaches Week, viaSport is giving away $1000 through its Coaches Week Contest! Click on the button for details.

Contest details

Women and Girls

BC Clubs across the Province Come Together to Put More Racquets in the Hands of Females

Women's Squash Week just completed with twenty B.C. Clubs opening their doors to encourage women and girls to step onto the court. WSW 2019 is the now largest club participation to date with over 23 WSW events being held across the province this past week and several new clubs joining the WSW family. Clubs offered free drop-ins, clinics, fun game play and social programs to get females to try the sport they love. "Women's Squash Week is important to our club" said Jan Townend of the Bayside Squash Club in Parksville. "Our club lost its social hub last year, its bar and with it we lost members. We have no budget, so Squash BC's promotional support really helps our club" she said. Jan is one of the many women this year playing a major role at the community level along with their local club as a WSW Ambassador. WSW Ambassadors are club-designated female players who support new player engagement and help to make it less intimidating for women to try out the sport. Women like Rachel Yuen in Victoria. Yuen is the perfect fit to promote the sport for people who have never picked up a squash racket "I was never the best player and definitely not considered high performance. But I stuck with it because I loved the sport, the fitness and the social aspect and I wanted to share this passion with the community "she explained. Rachel was playing a dual Ambassador role this year supporting both UVIC and Cedar Hill Squash Club. Women’s Squash Week (WSW) is an opportunity for clubs to encourage women and girls of all ages and skill levels to participate in singles and/or doubles squash in a fun, social environment. The goal is social, not competitive, play to inspire women to get back on court after the summer, reconnect with old friends, and introduce new women players to the sport. Elizabeth Macy, Director at large for Squash BC and her sister model the 2019 Promosapien WSW Ambassador hoodie - a branded hoodie provided to each WSW Ambassador. # promosapien

Emerging Female Leaders Forum October 5, 2019 1:00-5:00 PM Lakeshore Racquet Club Summerland, B.C. 13607 Lakeshore Drive On October 5, 2019, Squash BC in partnership with the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS) is presenting the Emerging Female Leaders Forum.   The forum is an invitation-only, limited seating event developed for the squash community and focused to increasing squash participation of women and girls in the sport in British Columbia.   Attendees will learn about current trends in the sport, proven best practices and hear relevant insights from the sport and squash community through a facilitated panel and round table discussion. Who Should Attend Emerging Female Leaders Forum will be of interest to:   Any representative from a squash club, women's squash program or committee 2018 and 2019 Women's Squash Week Ambassadors Register here

The Emerging Female Leaders Forum will feature: Presentations supporting the trends in increasing participation of women and girls in other sports Discussions associated with current sport marketing /development best practices Insights on how other communities are approaching the issue of decreasing female sport participation A facilitated panel discussion designed to mobilize discussion, brainstorm and share insights on this topic Round table discussion with all participants Special Squash BC recognition presentation of the 2018 recipients of the Emerging Leaders in Squash award The Emerging Leaders Forum is also supported by: ProMOTION Plus, Sport BC, Buntain Insurance and Promosapien.

Other Announcements

SportyHQ offers Premium subscription dedicated to players In February 2019, Squash BC renewed its partnership agreement with SportyHQ, a web platform built to power sports facilities and governing bodies, run competitions, and manage membership. Squash BC has worked collaboratively with SportyHQ over the years, providing client feedback.  SportyHQ's primary focus for years was developing a platform that would allow Squash BC and others Organizations like it to run more efficiently and to help them grow. As Clubs from around the world joined SportyHQ, the company began to develop and add tools specifically geared towards their needs. Now after 6 years in the industry and with over 200,000 users on the platform, the company's attention has turned to how it can provide benefits not only to the Organization and the Club, but the individual too. With that in mind SportyHQ has launched a Premium subscription dedicated to players. By gathering feedback from its ever growing base of members, SportyHQ has begun to roll out features that should interest all active participants from beginner level to elite. For only $4.99 a month (or $34.99 a year - a 40% savings) you can join the community, new features for Premium come at the request of those subscribed so it gives a voice to SportyHQ users and ensures the features in development stay relevant and exciting. Some of the current and soon to be released features can be seen from the table below, if you've got an idea for how SportyHQ can improve the platform for players, join now and have your say. SportyHQ appreciates the support and the feedback, the more that sign up the better the subscription will become. So next time you login to SportyHQ check out the 'Upgrade to Premium' button in the top right corner to find out more.

Squash BC 2019/20 Zone Representatives

Squash BC is pleased to introduce the 2019/20 Zone Representatives for your region: Zone 1 - Kootenays - Rebecca Vassilaksis Zone 2 - Thompson - Okanagan - Cam Martyna Zone 3 - Fraser Valley - Shawn Zwierzchowski Zone 4 - Fraser River - Quentin Lemmer Zone 5 - Vancouver - Coastal - Mark Ingram Zone 6a - Vancouver Island - South - Neil Henderson Zone 6b - Vancouver Island - North - Sean Baker Zone 7 - North West - Steve Hawyes Zone 8 - Caribou - North East - vacant The role of a Zone Rep is primarily a liaison role between clubs/facilities, leagues and regional associations. The Zone Rep is responsible for representing the interests of the individuals in their zone. Zone Reps meeting quarterly to share information about what's going on in the region; share best practices and ideas to help clubs; discuss issues the region might be facing; and share other key tools and resources to help grow and strengthen squash across the province.

Full article Squash Canada announces 2019/2020 Canadian Championships scheduled is finalized Squash Canada is thrilled to announce the final host clubs and dates for 2020 Canadian Championships: Canadian Masters Team Championships – January 10-12, 2020 Vancouver Lawn Tennis and Badminton Club, Vancouver, BC Canadian Women’s Team Championships – February 14-16, 2020 Squash Outaouais (La Sportheque), Gatineau, QC Canadian Mixed Doubles Championships – April 23-26, 2020 Mayfair Parkway, Markham, ON

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