The Monash University Squash Club values safety in sport and encourages participants to play the game safely.
Simple steps will make the game more enjoyable
- Warm up and stretch prior to participation
- Wear protective eyewear that conforms to Australian Standards
- Squash requires a high level of fitness. Gradually increase fitness when starting to play. Don’t go too hard too early to reduce the risk of injury.
- If you incur an injury, seek urgent medical attention.
Factors that may increase your risk of injury
Since players are active for up to 70 per cent of the game, you need to have a general level of fitness. When you start to play squash, it’s best to slowly develop fitness and skills. While the risk of injury from playing squash isn’t as high as in other sports, injuries that do occur tend to be serious.
- Age – people aged over 40, mainly males, are at risk of injury. This is usually because older players are often in poor physical condition before they play.
- Poor fitness level – a general level of fitness is required to play squash.
- Poor technique – puts unnecessary strain on joints and muscles; for example, holding the racquet incorrectly can cause stress to the wrist.
- Lack of protective equipment – neglecting to wear protective equipment, such as eyewear, can lead to severe eye injuries.
- Prior injuries – squash can exacerbate previous injuries, particularly those of the ankle.
- Time spent playing – people who compete or play frequently are at high risk of overuse injuries.
General health suggestions
- If you have a medical condition, are overweight, are over 40 years old or haven’t exercised regularly, see your doctor for a check-up.
- Start with a slower game (for example by using a single dot ball). This will help develop your fitness and skills.
- Maintain fitness levels with aerobic (walking, jogging) and anaerobic activities (for example sprinting).
- Take squash lessons from a qualified coach to improve skills and technique.
- Respect your physical limitations – don’t continue playing when you’re fatigued.
- Wear cool clothing that ‘breathes’, such as cotton.
- Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after the game.
- Have your shoes professionally fitted.
- Warm up thoroughly before playing. Include jogging on the spot and plenty of stretching.
- Allow sufficient time to cool down afterwards. Stretching is an important part of your cool down routine.
General safety suggestions – on court
- Use a ball that is appropriate for your skill and fitness level. Squash balls are colour coded to indicate their speed and bounce.
- Don’t enter the court when a game is in progress.
- Keep court doors closed when playing.
- Always wear appropriate eye protection that conforms to Australian Standards. Prescription glasses or sunglasses won’t protect your eyes.
- Don’t stand too close to your opponent.
- Make sure your equipment is maintained in good repair.
If you are injured Monash Sport front reception staff are qualified in basic first aid techniques. If you do not seek first aid and are injured please notify the Club as soon as possible. This is important for if you make an insurance claim later on (there is a one month time limit for the lodging of claims).
Squash is a high-risk activity for eye injuries. In severe cases, if the squash ball hits hard enough, it can burst the eyeball, which can result in the loss of the injured eye.
Squash Australia requires that all players 19 years and younger wear protective eyewear whenever they are participating in any tournament, other competition, coaching clinic, or any other squash related activity which has been organised or sanctioned by Squash Australia and/or any of its member Associations or affiliates. If you are injured and are not wearing protective eyewear, you will not be covered under insurance.
The club has purchased a number of sets of protective eyewear that meet the appropriate standard and which are available to members and non-members alike. If you would like to loan these please contact the Club or ask a Committee member at practice.