NOTICE OF OFFICE CLOSURE
Under the advice of Ottawa Public Health, Squash Canada has decided to close its office, with staff continuing to work remotely from home. While the doors may be closed, Squash Canada remains open for business.   Whether or not squash facilities remain open to the public may be dependent upon provincial and/or municipal regulations. Please check with your local club to confirm.

SQUASH CANADA POSTPONES FIVE UPCOMING CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

[March 12, 2020] OTTAWA, ON: In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19), and after consulting with authorities and host organizing committees, the Squash Canada Board of Directors has taken the difficult decision to postpone five Canadian Championships scheduled in April and May 2020.   The organization recognizes the importance of the Championships to the athletes. The decision has been taken reluctantly, but it is, however, taken foremost with the interest of the health of athletes, officials, volunteers, staff and all involved. It is also made as a socially responsible step given the current situation that is on an unfortunate escalating daily trend.   Contributing to the decision was that three of the Championships were ‘open’ events that included international entries, predominantly from the United States but also from different countries around the world.   Squash Canada will continue to monitor the situation and liaise with authorities and its host organizing committees to do everything reasonably and safely possible to re-schedule this season’s remaining Championships later in the year.   The following Championships are postponed until further notice:  

• Canadian Doubles Championships, Toronto, ON, April 2-5, 2020
• Canadian Junior Championships, Victoria, BC, April 23-26, 2020
• Canadian Mixed Doubles Championships, Markham, ON, April 23-26, 2020
• Canadian Squash Championships, Niagara on the Lake, ON, May 5-9, 2020
• Canadian U23 Championships, Niagara on the Lake, ON, May 7-10, 2020

Participants will be fully refunded respective entry fees. Squash Canada will assess the implications of postponement on various national and international team selection processes, and will communicate any amendments to criteria as may now be required. If and when Championships are re-scheduled, Squash Canada has determined that participants’ age eligibility as at the original scheduled date of the event would apply so that no athlete loses the opportunity to compete in a given age division.   The organization shares in the disappointment but hopes participants will understand that its decisions are rooted in prioritizing the health and well-being of members, visitors and their families.   For more information, contact:   Dan Wolfenden Executive Director Squash Canada dan.wolfenden@squash.ca (613) 228-7724

Become a Certified Squash Official!

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CORNETT & SETH CROWNED CANADIAN UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE SQUASH CHAMPIONS

Ottawa, ON, March 9, 2020 – The 2020 Canadian University and College Squash Championships were a huge success this past weekend (March 6-8) where 48 of the best post-secondary squash players from across Canada converged on the Mayfair Lakeshore Racquet Club in Toronto, Ontario. New champions were crowned in all categories with Sam Cornett and Ravi Seth capturing the Open Titles. Read More…

2020 CALL FOR NOMINATIONS TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Squash Canada is inviting nominations for the following volunteer positions on the Board of Directors of the national association:

• One (1) Vice President – Finance
• One (1) Director at Large positions (2020 – 2023)

Elections will take place at the Squash Canada Annual General Meeting to be held on June 20, 2020 in Ottawa, Ontario.
Deadline for receipt of nominations is 11:59pm EDT on May 21, 2020.
For full information on the available positions, term, qualifications and nomination process, please see the ‘Call’ document, available here. Any interested individuals can complete the ‘Nomination Form‘

Webinar: Building Pressure at Low Risk Thursday March 26th, 2020 – Noon to 1:00PM EST ~ General Information & To Register ~
Webinar: Managing/Coaching/Traveling Internationally with Juniors Tuesday March 31st, 2020 – Noon to 1:00PM EST ~ General Information & To Register ~
Webinar: Egyptian Open Game StyleTuesday April 21st, 2020 – Noon to 1:00PM EST~ General Information & To Register ~   Webinar: Understanding Officiating for Coaches Thursday April 30th, 2020 – Noon to 1:00PM EST ~ General Information & To Register ~   Webinar: Developing High Performance Habits Wednesday May 20th, 2020 – Noon to 1:00PM EST ~ General Information & To Register ~
Click here for more information

COACH’S CORNER

NCCP Make Ethical Decisions E-Learning Series The National Coaching Certification (NCCP) offers coaches the opportunity for training and evaluation in ethical decision-making through the NCCP Make Ethical Decisions training, and online evaluation. By successfully completing the NCCP Make Ethical Decisions training, coaches will be fully equipped to handle ethical situations with confidence and surety. The training helps coaches identify the legal, ethical, and moral implications of difficult situations that present themselves in the world of team and individual sport. The NCCP Make Ethical Decisions module is a cornerstone of the NCCP and leaves coaches with no doubt as to what to do in challenging situations. The module equips coaches to handle challenging ethical situations with confidence and surety. It helps coaches identify the legal, ethical, and moral implications of difficult situations that present themselves in team and individual sports. Click Here to Access Course. CALLING CANADIAN STUDENT-ATHLETES – YOUR CHANCE TO REP CANADA AT THE 2020 WORLD UNIVERSITY CHAMPIONSHIPS! The 2020 World University Squash Championships are around the corner, and we want to make sure that all eligible players are aware of this incredible opportunity!  March 10th deadline! From July 17-23, 2020, the most talented young squash players from universities around the world will converge and compete in Shanghai, China for the 2020 World University Squash Championships. Click here for more information Click here to register / Click here for tournament webpage ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge Grants The ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge is back for another year from June 1 – 21, 2020. Organizations, schools, sport groups and workplaces are encouraged to get active, host events and track minutes to help their community be named Canada’s Most Active Community and win $150,000 toward local physical activity initiatives. Organizations can apply for a micro-grant from January 27 – February 28 to support their events during the challenge period. Learn more here. SAFE SPORT Concussion Awareness Squash Canada has developed the Squash Canada Concussion Protocol to help guide the management of athletes who may have a suspected concussion as a result of participation in squash activities. Click here to learn more. NCCP Making Headway in Sport E-Learning Series “NCCP Making Head Way in Sport is the NCCP’s free, online answer to the prevalence and ambiguity of concussions in sport. Parents, coaches, and athletes all benefit from knowing as much as possible about concussions; this online learning tool is designed to help coaches gain the knowledge and skills required to ensure the safety of their athletes.” Click Here to Access Course If you have to ask if someone’s OK after an impact, check for signs of a possible concussion. 50% of #concussions go unreported. Learn what to do at www.parachute.ca/concussion. #CheckForConcussion