Rules Proposal:
"Squash Doubles Order: Let Them Choose!"
rev A, 2008-11-17, by Rules Officer Hans Mullamaa
Original proposers: Jacob de Vries (Portuguese rep), Marcel Weigl (Austrian rep, President of the FIR)
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Revision History:
rev A, 2008-11-17: First version.
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1) Original Proposals

1.1) E-mail from Jacob 2008-11-12

I have a strong feeling regarding doubles and well squash, I feel the team
should be able to choose who plays first and second as it is a tackticle
situation, mostly the better player should end, so he can push for the
victory in the event. Simply leaving it to global ranking is unfair and does
not garantuee the best possible squash fighting, the better squash players
should be playing each other and not different which will be many times the
fact if you do not consider their squash strenght.

1.2) E-mail from Marcel 2008-11-11

I would ... propose rules change for doubles squash, that each pair can chose at the beginning of the tournament

2) Amendment by Rules Officer

2.1) Existing Rule

3.3 The Squash Set.
3.3.1 Switch players at 11.
The squash is played as one singles set to 21 in two parts. In the first part player A1 (from team A) faces player B1 (from team B). When 11 is reached the players are switched so that A2 faces B2 in the second part of the set. The scoring is kept at the switch so that A2 takes over A1's score while B2 takes over B1's score. The serving is handled in the same continuous way (e.g: A2 starts serving from the left if his partner (A1) served from the right in the previous point).

3.3.2 Player Order in Doubles - Except Mixed
a) Definition.
The specific ranking referred to below is the FIR Racketlon World Singles Ranking.

b) Highest ranked first.
If both players in a pair have a ranking the player with the highest ranking has to play first. If only one of the players have a ranking this player counts as the highest ranked.

c) No ranking, then choose.
In the case when both players in the pair do not have a ranking, then the pair will decide themselves who plays first. However, if the match is played in the context of a tournament the order must be the same throughout the tournament.

d) Wrong order penalised by 0-21.
If any of the pairs violates the ordering rules specified in this paragraph (3.3.2) the offending pair will automatically lose the squash to zero and the opponents will register a win with the full allocation of points.

3.3.3 Player Order in Mixed Doubles; Ladies first.
In Mixed Doubles, the women play each other first and then the men take over to finish the set.

2.2) Wording Proposed by Rules Officer (if proposal is accepted)

Below follow two options within this proposal. Both are designed to replace rule 3.3.2 in the existing rules provided above. (Option A is in line with Jacob's proposal above while option B is in line with Marcel's.)

OPTION A; Same rule for all matches irrespective of whether they are part of a tournament or not.

3.3.2 Player Order in Doubles - Except Mixed.
Each pair chooses themselves which player plays first. The pair that does not serve first has the advantage to be able to wait with their choice until they know about their opponents' choice.

OPTION B; Order stays the same during a tournament.

3.3.2 Player Order in Doubles - Except Mixed.
a) Definition. Independent and Contextual Doubles Matches.
By "Independent" doubles match below is meant a doubles match that does not take place within the context of a tournament, a tour or any other connected series of matches. By "contextual" doubles match is meant the opposite; i.e. a match that takes place within such a "context".

3.3.2.1 Player Order in an Independent Doubles Match.
Each pair chooses themselves which player plays first. The pair that does not serve first has the advantage to be able to wait with their choice until they know about their opponents' choice.

3.3.2.2 Player Order in a Contextual Doubles Match.
a) Order valid throughout tournament.
Organisers have the option to deviate from rule 3.3.2.1 and require pairs to choose a player order that shall be valid throughout the tournament (or general context).

b) Wrong order penalised by 0-21.
If any of the pairs violates such a contextual ordering rule the offending pair shall automatically lose the squash to zero and the opponents shall register a win by 21-0.

c) Same Order Within FIR Tournaments During 2009.
Specifically, it is a requirement in all world ranking tournaments in 2009 sanctioned by the FIR that players choose an order before the tournament that is kept throughout the tournament. (This rule is temporarily provided here for clarity while awaiting its introduction into FIR Tournament Regulations.)

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Attachment:
Comments by Rules Officer
rev B, 2009-01-01, by acting Rules Officer Hans Mullamaa
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Revision History:
rev A, 2008-11-17: First version.
rev B, 2009-01-01: Added a record of the final AGM decision.
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1) Aspects
TBD (While waiting for this section please see relevant discussion from last year)

2) Proposed Voting Procedure
1. Simple majority vote between option A and B.
2. Then "Yes" or "No" vote on proposal. (Two thirds majority required for approval - as usual.)

3) Recommendation by Rules Officer
1. Option A. Let's keep it simple. And let's have the same rules for a doubles match irrespective of whether it is played in the context of a tournament or not.
2. Yes. Free choice is the simplest way to determine the order. Normally it will result in the two best squash players deciding the set during its second half. And that's the way it should be. (No anti-climax.)

4) AGM Decision (According to Lennart Eklundh, acting Rules Officer at the AGM)
APPROVAL of Option B "Order stays the same during a tournament"

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