Squash
Latest News
The numbers of competitors for 2009 is building up and we hope to surpass the number of competitors in the Squash Event than in previous games.
British Combined Defence have already confirmed 16 players - 10 men and 6 ladies - will be travelling across the world to compete at the Games. Australian Defence are looking forward to taking on their British counterparts and taking the upper hand on the court.
New Calendonia are keen to return to Darwin to improve their 2007 medal tally of 1 silver and 3 bronze. David Navarre (New Cal Coach) hoping his team will get some hard competition to prepare them for the upcoming Pacific Mini Games in Raratonga later this year.
Papua New Guinea has also confirmed they will be bringing 15 players across the Torres Strait.
Cook Islands, Phillipines and Singapore Police are also hoping to bring players.
Coaching Workshop
Mr Byron Davis, Head Coach of the Australian Institute of Sport Squash Program, will be conducting a short workshop for visiting coaches on Monday 11 May. The workshop will be held in the morning prior to commencement of play in the afternoon. Further details will be given to visiting officials after accreditation closes.
Player Referee Workshop
A Player Referee Workshop will be held in conjunction with the Coaching Workshop to ensure that all competitors are conversant with the Rules of the Single Game prior to commencement of play. It will be compulsory for all competing players to attend this workshop. Further details of this workshop will be available after accreditation closes.
Tournament Refereeing and Marking
Squash NT is please to advise that three Australian Accredited National Referees will be assisting throughout the Topend Open and Arafura Games Squash competition. Ms Pam Addison from Perth will take on the role of Tournament Referee for Arafura, supported by Mr Steve Murray and Mr Karim Langer from Victoria. (Mr Murray will be Tournament Referee for the Topend Open.) All three are experienced referees and are keen to assist all players to improve their marking and refereeing skills.
Topend Open
Entry forms for the Topend Open are now available. Please visit the left menu 'Top End Open' for more information and entry form. All Arafura participants are encouraged to compete in the Topend Open.
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Event Details
The Arafura Squash Competition is a sanctioned Squash Australia event and aims to attract State and/or Regional teams from the Asian, Pacific and Australian regions. Only one (1) male and one (1) female team may be accepted from each State and/or Region.
Squash has been contested in all previous Games and has attracted entries from Macau, Malaysia, Singapore Police, Papua New Guinea, Japan, Australian Defence Force, Singapore, Fiji, Philippines, New Calendonia and Brunei Darrasalam.
Arafura Games medals can be won in Open Male and Female Divisions in both Individual and Team Events. These events will commence on Monday, 11 May 2009.
The Mens and Ladies Individual Events shall consist of a main event and single plate event. Players will be guaranteed two (2) matches only. Team Officials will be required to supply information on individual players to assist in seeding the Individual Events (see Rules and Regulations).
In Mens and Ladies Team Events each team may have a maximum of five (5) players with only three (3) contesting each rubber. The event shall be conducted on a Round Robin, all play all, basis unless team entries exceed eight (8) teams. In the event where more than eight (8) teams nominate, teams will be placed into two (2) separate pools and competition conducted according to the official Rules and Regulations for Arafura Squash.
Other Event Opportunities
All visiting players are invited to nominate for the Topend Open Tournament which will be played on Friday, 8 May to Sunday, 10 May 2009, prior to the commencement of the Arafura Competition.
(Note: PSA & WISPA qualifying rounds will be held Thursday, 7 May.)
Mens and Ladies Events contested will be:
- NT Open - PSA & WISPA accredited (financial members of PSA & WISPA encouraged to play)
- Graded Events - A, B, C
All matches to be played on Saturday, 9 May will be scheduled to finish early so competitors are able to attend the Arafura Games Opening Ceremony.
The nomination form for this event will be available from the Arafura Games Website in February 2009. Players will be required to pay a nomination fee to play in this event.
Event Location
The DSA Squash Centre will be the venue for all matches. The Centre is close to the main Arafura Games sporting precinct and has 9 fully air-conditioned courts, 6 of which are glass backed. There are viewing galleries behind all glass courts.
The Centre has a fully equipped pro shop with racquet stringing facilities. There is also a fully equipped kiosk area for refreshments.
Event Rules
The Tournament will be conducted in accordance with the `Rules of the International Game of Squash Rackets', as prescribed by the World Squash Federation.
Specific rules and regulations regarding the Arafura Squash competition can be downloaded from the Arafura Games website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are we able to book courts for training prior to competition?
Courts will be available for team training prior to the event at no charge to the visiting team. Team Managers should contact the Sports Coordinator to book training courts prior to arriving in Darwin. Limited courts will be available on the weekend of 9-10 May due to NT Open Series Championships being conducted at the Centre.
Who is the Squash competition aimed at?
The Arafura Squash competition is aimed at emerging champions and development squads to gain international playing experience in an atmosphere of friendship.
When will the Teams and Individual Events be held?
Competition will commence on Monday, 11 May and conclude on Friday, 15 May. Until final nominations have been received it is not possible to confirm exact playing times, however it is anticipated that morning, afternoon and evening sessions will be scheduled. Players may be required to play two matches in any one day.
Will there be any Social Events for players and officials?
A Presentation Dinner will be conducted on Friday, 15 May at the completion of play. All players and team officials may attend free-of-charge. The presentation of Arafura Games medals and other prizes will be conducted during the dinner. Each region/state will be asked to present a short cultural item on the evening.
How much will it cost?
There is no registration fee to participate in the Arafura Games. However, you are responsible for costs associated with air travel, accommodation and daily living expenses. Arafura Games organisers provide transport to and from the airport to your place of accommodation, and to and from playing venues and accommodation. Arafura Games accreditation also provides free access to transportation using the Darwin Public Bus service.
What about accommodation for my team and officials?
Darwin has a variety of accommodation to suit all budgets, tastes and special requirements. Almost all of Darwin's accommodation houses are located close to the Central Business District (CBD) and a short drive from sporting venues. An accommodation service will be available closer to the Games. Visit the Arafura Games website www.arafuragames.nt.gov.au for more information.
Contact
Please contact the Arafura Squash Coordinator if you need any further information.
Mrs Carol Kawaljenko
PO Box 40791
Casuarina NT 0810
Australia.
Telephone +61 8 8927 2419
Mobile Phone +61 418 845 002
Email squash@arafuragames.net
