Barry Dodson Blog on Squash-Blogs.de

Yesterday Squash was given the cold shoulder from the IOC and that not for the first time. Sad for all us “Squashers” but unfortunately it was most probably the only decision that they could come to.

Why?

Although our sport is one of the most competitive and demanding; physically, mentally, tactically it really is not able to compete with the show and flair of so many other sports. I recently heard how Squash had presented itself in comparison with other sport arts at the World Games (the alternative Olympics). “That ours lacked appeal and passion outside the court”. One realizes that changing the scoring system to make Squash more interesting is good but what our sport needs is a new dynamic in its presentation at all levels.

The money that some people believe should be put into bribes would be better invested into a study of how Squash can be made appealing to the general public and not only to our current squash community. We have modern glass courts that can be used the world over but just putting one in a famous position and thinking that this is very special is incredibly naive.

People / Spectators want:
• Entertainment
• Enjoyment
• Action / Thrills
• *SHOW*

Only when Squash starts to change its complete image could the platform be created where the sport is:
• Once again fashionable
• On everybody’s lips
• Played by the masses
• As desirable to the IOC as tennis, badminton and table tennis.

Maybe Squash should use the “Gladiatorial aspect” as the setting is perfect: The Arena, two athletes fighting to the death, maybe using this approach it would bring the crowds into our Squash Coliseums?

Finally on a personal note I am a big fan of Glass Courts, so many thanks to ASB and others for their developments and achievements in changing our sport. The first to eleven, two clear scoring system has also made a immense change to Squash and this also gets a big thumbs-up from me.