Introduction
A clear message is needed on the future use of racketball balls. This briefing paper outlines ESR’s recommendations for use of the existing blue and new black racketball balls.
Background
The blue ball has traditionally been used for general play, including county/local competitions and club box leagues in England. To attract top level competitive squash players to the sport we have been testing a new black ball during the 2009/10 season, culminating in the National Championships in May. There has been mixed reaction and feedback on the suitability of the new black ball. Many people stated that it isn’t appropriate for all standards of play, making the sport too similar to squash.
Recommendation
We have listened to and fully evaluated the feedback from racketball players of all standards across the country. To encourage and support the future development of the sport, we recommend that:
• Elite players competing in national championships, regional and county premier leagues should be encouraged to play with the black ball.
• Players competing in leagues below premier leagues should use the blue ball, unless both players agree/prefer to use the black.
• All recreational players should use the blue ball.
The following will be adopted at ESR Sanctioned Events;
• Men and women’s open – black ball
• Men and women’s Over 35’s – black ball
• Men’s over 40 & 45’s – black ball
• All other categories – the default ball will be blue
We recommend the following for Racketball Graded Events;
• A Grade – National/County premier league players – black balls
• B Grade – Club/Team representatives – default ball will be blue
• C Grade – Club box league players – blue balls
• D Grade – Recreational/beginners – blue balls
Summary
• Black ball – Elite players, premier leagues and above.
• Blue ball – For all competitors below premier leagues.
The blue ball remains the recommended ball for general use for the majority of the racketball playing population.
We aim to encourage everyone to use a ball that best suits their standard of play and enhances continued enjoyment of the sport.
We will shortly be circulating a list of balls that meet the approved specification. Currently ESR uses and recommends the Dunlop and Price blue ball and the Price black ball.
*Please note this advice is permanently available by visiting www.englandsquashandracketball.com/play-squash-racketball/racketball