FOOD BAG: We recommend bringing a small cool bag with snacks to ensure your child stays fueled between matches. Chocolate milk is an excellent post-match recovery drink—nutritious, convenient, and easy to sip while refereeing. Bananas and cereal bars are also quick, effective options. With matches sometimes only 90 minutes apart, staying at the venue with ready-to-go snacks is often the best choice.
WAKING UP FOR MATCHES: We recommend young players wake up at least 2 hours before their first match to ensure they’re fully alert, properly fueled, and avoid issues like stomach cramps. As juniors grow older, aim for 3 hours of wake time before competing.
EQUIPMENT: We recommend using a large, multi-racquet zip-up bag to comfortably fit all items. Pack the following for each tournament:
- Racquets: Bring at least 2 in case of racquet or string breakage.
- Grips: Ensure all racquets have fresh or usable grips—many juniors prefer new ones for better grip.
- Protective Goggles: Pack 2 pairs and label them with your child’s name—duplicates are common.
- Towel: For sweat between games or post-match showers (venues may not provide them).
- Sportswear & Shoes: Comfortable, non-marking squash shoes and favorite gear. Involve your child in outfit choices.
- Spare Clothes: Extra t-shirts, socks, and a full change for after matches. Dry gear helps prevent blisters.
- Headband and wristbands: Optional, but helpful for managing sweat.
- Spare Laces: Keep a set in the side pocket—broken laces can disrupt a match.
- Jewelry: Must be removed—if anything falls on court during play, it results in a lost point. Please note the only item that can be dropped and then picked up and the rally can continue is the racquet.
ADVICE IN BETWEEN GAMES: Coaching is only permitted during the 2-minute break between games. Supporters may offer encouragement between rallies using simple phrases like “Let’s go” or “You’ve got this,” but anything resembling coaching is not allowed.
As a parent, your role is to provide steady, positive support. If you do offer advice between games, keep it very simple—one or two clear points. Players are often physically tired and cannot absorb too much information.
DRAWS AND MATCH TIMES:
- Always double-check your child’s draw and match times, especially if multiple venues are in use. On the draw below the time, date and court details are highlighted in yellow.
- Once the tournament begins, use the LIVE SCORING button on the tournament homepage to follow matches in real time and monitor court timing.
- Many venues display live scoring on-site; otherwise, it’s accessible via your phone.
- Most players will have at least three matches per tournament.
- If a player loses in the main draw, they usually enter the consolation draw.
- A loss in the consolation may lead to a plate draw.
- If you’re unsure about your child’s next match, always confirm with the tournament desk before leaving the venue.
COMPARING: Avoid comparing your child’s squash development to others. Every athlete progresses at their own pace and brings unique strengths to the game. Celebrate how far your child has come, and keep the focus on enjoyment and personal growth. A fun and supportive environment helps foster a lifelong love of the sport.
