The Squash SRB (Sports and Recreational Body) has recently been successful in winning the CSSC Hayward Trophy for the Best Sports Body in 2010 This was presented to the Squash SRB Chair, Linda Parsley and committee member and past Secretary, Ian Lockey, at the CSSC Conference in June by the Chairman Sir David Bell. The award was won not for any specific achievements in the year but for a consistently high level of achievement and good management over a number of years.
The SRB manages a full programme of events for squash in the CSSC at a National level. It was cited as constantly examining its approach to delivering events, seeking to add value by introducing other activities and alternative styles to attract more players. Over the past 15 years it has introduced a team event, Veterans and Vintage events, and replaced its National Finals with an Open Singles event, running both men’s’ and ladies graded events. Recently it added more Age groups and Doubles to the Veteran event. The new sport of Racketlon, involving 4 racket sports, including squash, was proposed to the CSSC by the Squash SRB and is now a regular event in the CSSC calendar.
In all the SRB run events both men and ladies are included and encouragement is always given to all standards of player, not just the elite. Teams in the team event must be mixed to ensure inclusion of lady players. The SRB aims to provide competitions that are both serious and high quality for the top players and fun and relaxed for other levels of player, so that all enjoy the experience.
A high importance is placed on the social aspects of events, hotel deals are often arranged and meals and quiz nights have been organised to provide players with the opportunity to socialise together outside of the competition.
Additional activities introduced at the events have included exhibition matches featuring top class players in both singles and doubles and coaching, especially for lower standard players.
The Squash SRB also organise matches for both men’s and ladies Representative Teams against high standard opposition. These teams have a good level of success.
Aware of the importance of communication with its members/players, the SRB developed a squash focussed website, which has a registration area enabling email communication with those who have an interest in the sport. The website is used to inform and advertise about events and activities, including representative teams and committee activities. It also houses Men’s, Ladies and Veterans ladders, which the SRB have set up. The website has links to the main CSSC site and squash related sites and is regularly updated.