IOC Says Squash Needs to Eliminate
Referees for 2020 Consideration from Squash Media * April 1, 2015
- The International Olympic Committee announced yesterday that squash's
slim 2020 Games hopes hang on the worldwide elimination of match
referees, at all levels of play.
From its quarterly meeting in Lausanne, the IOC issued a directive that a no-referee system be in place and
documented by no later than June 1st.
"We will not further tolerate 'Yes Let' pronouncements," said European sub-committee spokesman Simon
Saintington. "Should squash racquets wish to remain under our
consideration, she will confine herself to the matter at hand, which is
to produce the highest level of aesthetic performance involving a nick
sport."
Saintington said Olympics' viewers rarely care who prevails in
competitions they know little about, unless they have money riding.
"Furthermore, players are perfectly capable of working through any
on-court disputes that may arise," he said.
A North American Squash Federation official, speaking on condition of
anonymity, said: "We are obviously shocked and disappointed by IOC
Short List Directive 235-8692B-4. We will, however, take the necessary
steps to comply. Even though we're being jerked around yet again."
Squash's bid for the 2020 programme was denied in 2013, but a
subsequent IOC reform known as "Agenda 2020" placed squash, along with
baseball and softball, back in the hunt.
In a related ruling yesterday, softball was directed to limit starting
pitchers' weights to 199 pounds and to hold on-field weigh-ins
ninety minutes prior to game time.
"What should be a pleasant viewing experience, as the female hurler
conducts the windup and launches the rise-ball, has at times turned
quite hideous," Saintington said.
*
This being April Fools' Day, reader
discretion is advised.
