On March 10, 2020, US SQUASH suspended junior accredited competition, effective immediately through the first weekend in May. While we understand each facility will have its own guidance, plans and control methods in place on how the spread of the virus can be mitigated by squash programs, we are also reaching out to provide some supplemental direction to help guide any decision-making.
US Squash does not recommend that facilities fully close, however, group programming, such as clinics, could be thought of as non-essential group gatherings and therefore they should be a consideration for suspension. This means that clubs should assess whether or not to hold the following programming:
· Events, including tournaments;
· Squash Leagues + Clinics, with the exception of the box league and private lessons;
· Junior Squash Programs, including School Squash, the Junior Squash Leagues.
This guidance should be used in conjunction with existing facility protocols and we recommend facilities ensure the standard precautions to maintain a clean and safe environment are taken as explained by the CDC. Members who feel unwell should be asked to avoid entering the facility.
We support the idea that it is our collective responsibility to put the health and safety of our squash playing membership as our primary concern. We hope that these considerations for preventive measures if undertaken will diminish the spread of the virus so that we can resume normal, safe play as soon as possible.
For more information about US Squash’s response to COVID-19 and answers to Frequently Asked Questions, click here: www.ussquash.com/covid-19/.
Please contact tournaments@ussquash.com should you have any questions or concerns.