How do I rule on distractions, dropped objects and wet or changed court conditions?
Rule- South Africa
- Squash South Africa
- World Squash Singles Rules 2025
- Referees
- Markers
- All ages
- 2026
- Officials
World Squash Singles Rule 12:
Distraction (the let request must be immediate)
- Caused accidentally by a player: let, unless a winning return was interrupted (then that player wins the rally).
- Caused deliberately by a player: apply Rule 14 (Conduct).
- Not caused by a player: let, unless a winning return was interrupted. At some events this can be suspended so play continues through crowd noise, but a loud or isolated noise can still earn a let.
Fallen objects
- A player who drops their racket may pick it up and play on, unless the ball touches it, it distracts, or you apply a conduct penalty. A striker who drops it because of interference may request a let.
- Any other object falling from a player stops play: with no contact from the opponent, the opponent wins the rally; if caused by contact, a let (unless a winning return was struck, or a let is requested for interference).
- An object from elsewhere: let, unless the striker's winning return was interrupted.
- Not noticed until after the rally and no effect: the result stands.
Court conditions
- Conditions change through no fault of either player: stop, play a let, the score stands.
- Sweat from normal play: either player may ask for the court to be wiped after a rally.
- A player leaves a wet patch by slipping, lunging or diving: that player must play on or concede the rally; the opponent may request a let before hitting the ball; if play continues, no let for safety. Deliberately caused: Rule 14.
- You decide whether conditions are safe and may stop play for a let without a request.
The ball: a ball breaking during a rally is a let; a ball wedged in the court is a let; no let for an unusual bounce. A player who stops play claiming a broken ball that isn't broken loses the rally.
Added 21 Oct 2026