The Faces of Women's Squash in BC
Series #1: Shahira Tejpar                                                  

Shahira Tejpar was introduced to the game of squash as a teenager while attending SFU.
 
"As a student having the courts on campus with unlimited access was very helpful in building my skills" says Shahira.
 
The practice paid off and within the year Shahira would be playing on the SFU Squash Team.
 
From this berth on the university team she segued competitively into tournaments locally and over the BC region. From this juncture she never looked back.
 
Squash - The Great Equalizer
 
Shahira speaks candidly about how the game has been instrumental in finding a common ground in new communities as well, while living abroad in France and Nairobi.
 
"By playing squash there is an instant access to a small strong community" she stated.

The sport has helped her develop many long-term friendships while at the same time it has played a central role in sustaining her high level of health, fitness and competitive skills.
 
"Squash is the most intense physical and mental workout you can have in 45 minutes" she says.
 
Shahira's level of fitness and skill reinforced a competitive acumen that made possible, twice, her representation on the Canadian team at the World Ismaili Games. In 2008 in Nairobi and in 2016 in Dubai where her outstanding athletic performance earned her a silver medal at the Games.
 
The Tejpars are currently members of the Jericho Squash Club and you can often see the whole family on the courts.
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The Faces of Women's Squash is an eight-part series presented by the Emerging Female Leader in Squash initiative and is aimed at highlighting a broad spectrum of female squash players in British Columbia.





The Emerging Female Leader in Squash is presented by:


2019 Women's Weekend in Kamloops
 
Kamloops Squash Association
and No Limits Fitness will continue the spirit of Women's' Week events that occurred in Sep 2018 in the New Year by holding a women and girls only squash tournament on Feb 1-3, 2019.
 
Players will get three guaranteed matches, snacks, Saturday dinner, and door prizes for their entry fee!

And there will be coffee and fruit in the mornings and pizza on Friday night 
 
Don't miss out!  Sign up now!
 
2019 BC Masters Provincial Team - Please apply!
 
The 2019 Canadian Masters Team Championships are to be held in Gatineau, QC at  Squash Outaouais  La Sportheque on the weekend of Jan 11-13, 2019.
 
Our Masters Community is l ooking for team members  to field a BC Masters Provincial Team The BC Masters Provincial Team is made up of 7 players representing our province.
  • 4 male players - one player in each of the 40, 45, 50 & 55+ categories.
  • 3 Female players - one player in each of the 40, 45 & 50+ categories
For more information please click here.
 
Please contact Nancy Thompson at executive.director@squashbc.com by Monday, Dec 3 (noon) if you are interested.
 
A Physio's journey through FAIS
 
Hip pain is not an uncommon complaint in squash.

Physiotherapist and active squash player, Dave Carter, shares his journey through Femoral Acetabular Impingement Syndrome FAIS (hip pain) and offers suggestions for squash players dealing with the similar pain. 




Turning -- when hitting your opponent can result in a stroke against you...
Turning in squash has garnered much discussion over the years, mostly because it is considered a dangerous action.
Turning is deemed to have occurred when the striker strikes (or refrains from striking) the ball on the right of the body after the ball has passed to the left-or vice versa. 

The striker can either follow it around by physically turning, or simply by allowing the ball to pass around the body.
 
If turning occurs and then there is stoppage in play for whatever reason, the rules have specific provisions to cover the various resulting situations (because it is considered a dangerous action to hit the ball if turning has occurred).
Up until 2001 incidences surrounding turning virtually always ended with a let decision. In 2001 the rules were changed so that a stroke is mandated against the striker in the event that the non-striker was hit by the ball after turning by the striker.
So, to confuse or clarify matters further... if you turn, hold up, don't strike the ball and ask for a let - the resulting call you will get from a certified referee is a let.
If you find turning and this written explanation confusing, then consider taking a mini-rules clinic so you can see it demonstrated, talk it through and better understand this rule along with other rules of squash.
 
Mini-Rules Clinic at the Nanaimo Squash Club

Knowing the rules and the right call is critical to the safe, fair play and enjoyment of our game!  And understanding the rules will make you a better player, too.
 
The Nanaimo Squash Club   will be holding a mini-rules clinic on Nov 28 (6-8 pm).   Sign up now!  
 
The clinic is ideal for players who need to build confidence in making calls for in-house box matches, leagues and tournaments and will cover the practicalities around ref'fing including:
  • The aims of the rules of squash
  • Tips on making your calls
  • What is a let and who gets to ask for it
  • What is interference and player's obligations
  • How to make decisions
The session also includes demonstration & discussion on areas like: strokes, lets and no lets; playing drop shots, wrong footing, tickle boasts; turning; boasting; further / second attempts at hitting the ball.
 
This 2-hour mini-rules clinic is free for Squash BC members who have passed Squash Canada's Online Officiating Course (see info below).  $25 for other 
Squash BC members.
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Squash Canada Online Officiating Course ($35, about 1 hour to complete) includes HD videos of challenging Referee decisions that help you become a better Referee. 

When you pass the online test at the end (80% to pass), you will be certified as a Squash Canada Club Referee.

To access click the Online Certification Course link via this Squash Canada webpage .


2018 APM Kelowna Open Round Up
 
The 2018 Associated Property Management Kelowna Open squash tournament closed with a closely contested PSA Challenger Tour final between current world #66 Vikram Malhotra of India and #76 Robertino Pezzota of Argentina.


The see-saw match was tied at 7 all in the 5th game before Vikram Malhotra pulled ahead to close out the match in a marathon 98 minutes of exciting squash. The event attracted a record number of spectators to the new grandstand including amateur tournament players and squash enthusiasts from all over BC.

Other highlights of the PSA event were Friday quarter final matches that were so close that play began at 5:00 and didn't finish until 11:45 pm. In the quarters, Leandro Romiglio of Argentina saved a match ball to defeat Shawn Delierre of Canada 13-11 in the 5th game in an amazing 118 minutes. The final quarter final match closed with Nick Sachvie of Canada defeating number one seed Charles Sharpes of England in 5 games.

In the amateur part of the tournament, Sarfaraz Ahmed defeated Cory McCartney to take the Open title. Finalists enjoyed playing on court 1 with the new 17" tin. All entrants were treated to a delicious Saturday evening banquet catered by chef Dan Craig of Delta Grand Okanagan Resort.

Amateur division results were as follows:
  • Flight 1: Winner Sarfaraz Ahmed, Runner-up Cory McCartney, 3rd Shawn Zwierzchowski
  • Flight 2: Winner Cam Martyna, Runner-up Tomos Edwards, Cons winner Mark Regier
  • Flight 3: Winner Zak Sproule, Runner-up Chai Smith, Cons winner Aaron Volpatti
  • Flight 4: Winner Jeremy Neufeld, Runner-up Juan Davalos, Cons winner Jarrod Mendonca
  • Masters 50+: Winner Garth Lewis, Runner-up Bob Hrasko, Cons winner George Freitag
  • Masters 60+: Winner Ron Fretwell, Runner-up Doug McFarlane, 3rd Don Olsvik
The response from spectators was so great that plans are already in place to continue the tournament next year. 

Thanks to sponsors Associated Property Management , Prestige Collision , KemTek Industries Inc ., and Falcon Group of Companies. 

Also, thanks to Sun City Physiotherapy for providing physio services to athletes during the tournament.

Entry deadline Nov. 30 for Gamble 75 & 100 Doubles Squash

Vancouver Racquets Club and Vancouver Lawn Tennis and Badminton Club are hosting the Gamble 75 & 100 Doubles Squash Tournament which runs Dec 4 to 8.

The tournament uses a handicap system based on the combined ages of the team. With a Calcutta auction, exhibition match, social activities and more, this tournament is full of fun. 

And the $65 entry includes GST and a $20 donation to Autism Speaks Canada. Entries are limited to the first 16 teams for both the Gamble 100 and Gamble 75 events, soenter soon.

Sign up here .

Western Canadian Doubles Squash Recap

This annual event held Nov 13-18 at
Evergreen Squash Club on Vancouver's North Shore was open to all levels of play and had $1,000 prize money on the line for the open events!

92 players enjoyed a tournament of wicked matches and wild fun with Friday night pizza and Howe Sound beer,  fruit / muffins / coffee on Saturday & Sunday mornings at Evergreen, a light meal Saturday afternoon, T-shirts, and prizes.

Tournament organizers Cathy and Tim would like to thank all of their generous sponsors and volunteers:
  • Evergreen Squash Club - for hosting, and donating $1000 in prize money!
  • Howe Sound Brewing - sponsor and keg donation :)
  • Promosapien (Stacy Hall) - t-shirt production & prize donations
  • Cilantro & Jalapeno (Bruce Pope) - Saturday's most excellent burrito bar!
  • Yaz Franchi - poster & T-shirt design
  • Oliver Canada - Racquet donation for raffle (Winner Nick James FYI)
Thanks also goes to to DJJ's Pizza , Vroom sport drink, Mark Heaney & Andrew Smart for their help with the draws...and finally to all those that helped at the bar or were starters at the various clubs!  
 
Check out the results by clicking here .

Sign up now for Junior P athway Events!

Squash BC has partnered with member club coaches and pros to develop, implement and support a vibrant Junior Pathways Development Program that encourages kids to take up the sport, helps them develop their skills and progressively introduces them to competition. 

With financial support from the 2020 Fund , the program is a cornerstone to engaging, growing and maintaining a strong base of junior athletes.


Don't miss out on the fun!

Join in on upcoming junior pathway events:

Dec 2 (1pm to 5pm) - Progressive Event at Jericho -  Sign up here

Dec 22 (noon to 3 pm) - FUNdamentals at Vancouver Lawn -  Sign up here
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The 2020 Fund was established in 2000 by Squash BC to help protect the future of squash in British Columbia. As funding from government and other sources becomes less predictable, it is important to find alternative ways to ensure a sound financial future for the sport of squash. The income accumulated through the 2020 Fund is used to promote the growth of the game through the development of junior squash. By establishing a vibrant and well-financed junior program, Squash BC will take a major step toward a successful future for the sport in this province. To donate to the 2020 Fund, click here .
 
Volunteer  Recognition

2018 President's Plate winner Bev Lawton with Squash BC President, Natasha Doucas
When you think about someone in the community who has given back, achieved some great results at tournaments, or who has been a fantastic supporter of our sport, who comes to mind?  Send in a nomination!

For more info on the awards and nomination process check out our website.




Time to renew your Squash BC Individual Membership
 
The squash season is now in full swing.  If you haven't already, it is time to renew your Squash BC Individual Membership for the 2018/19 season!  
 
Squash BC membership is of great value and provides you access to a plethora of programming such as playing in sanctioned leagues and tournaments, receiving an official Squash BC ranking, access to officiating and coaching courses at reduced rates, supplemental sport accident insurance coverage, just to name a few.
 
To sign-up / renew and update your Squash BC membership profile, click on the "Join Squash BC" button on Squash BC membership page here






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