Racketball Becomes 'Squash 57' In Global Rebranding by Howard Harding 30 August 2016
- Racketball, a form of squash sport played on a squash court which has
grown significantly in popularity in England and has begun to take hold
elsewhere, will be rebranded as Squash 57 in an initiative spearheaded
by the World Squash Federation.
It was earlier this year that the WSF, in partnership with England
Squash, signposted a change of name for the game, which is played with
a larger ball and a shorter racket. The new name focuses on the key
difference to squash - the larger ball, which has a maximum diameter of
57mm (compared with 40mm for a squash ball).
The game is a popular introduction to squash and can keep generations
of players fit and active, and playing on court well into later years.
Following consultation including a questionnaire to more than 20,000
England Squash members, focus groups, and consultation with other
stakeholders including international federations and equipment
manufacturers, the new name has been selected.
The rebrand will ensure that the game is seen as part of the squash
family, whilst also eliminating any confusion with 'racquetball', a
primarily North American game played on much larger courts with no tin
and a different type of ball.
WSF Chief Executive Andrew Shelley said: "There is no doubt that the
game, already popular in England with 12,000 weekly participants, will
grow to complement squash in many other countries.
"Whilst current players will doubtlessly still call Squash 57 by its
old name, the change has formally been made. As it grows, Squash 57
will be seen more clearly as a discipline of squash, and may even give
us greater chance of adding it to major events such as the Commonwealth
and other major Games in future."
England Squash CEO Keir Worth added: "We support the WSF's position and
hope that an increased synergy between squash and Squash 57 will
broaden appeal and create a stronger playing community. We are excited
to be working in partnership with the WSF and will drive Squash 57 to
the widest possible audience."
The game will become Squash 57 from 1st October and the Squash 57
registered logo, which is available for product and general use, is
shown above (and available in higher-res by request).
