A Player’s Guide to Officiating

In preparing to play a semifinal match at the 2013 USAR National Doubles tournament, I initiated a conversation with the assigned referee before warm-ups. When I questioned her about my opponent warming up on the court without proper eyewear, she promptly noted she “was only there to keep score.” As…

Continue reading

The Screen Call

When does a court hinder result in stoppage of play? Sounds obvious, although it  depends on which set of rules are applicable. The Mile High WPRO stop held recently at the Denver Athletic Club offered divisions with three sets of rules – WPRO, CPRT and amateur. Kudos to Deb Beldring…

Continue reading

Safety First

The sport of racquetball has inherent hazards due to multiple bodies in a limited space and a ball travelling at high velocity. How many players are struck with a ball or racquet during each tournament? My son received eight stitches after being struck with a racquet in the mouth. Additionally,…

Continue reading

Play by the Rules … Always

The following article – authored by Gary Mazaroff, long-time Director of the American Professional Racquetball Organization (AmPRO) –  illustrates the danger in modifying the rules of racquetball based on personal preference and/or interpretation. I frequently hear statements from club players like, “we don’t play by that rule.” I urge all…

Continue reading

Ref your Own

Have you ever lost a game of racquetball 15-17 (15 representing the opponent’s score and 17 your total score, notwithstanding the multiple rallies replayed)? There is nothing more frustrating than a game fraught with dispute. In a typical game of racquetball, the vast majority of rallies are played without contention…

Continue reading

Certification: Part I

As an avid fan of all racquet sports, I watched the 2011 US Open tennis championship marveling at the number of calls that are made correctly.  Granted, they have several line judges, a chair umpire, and a “spot shot” instant replay system to decide appeals.  The chair umpires are confident…

Continue reading