Why is it called the Garrison Black Knight League?

Because Garrison Brewery and Black Knight are and have been our biggest sponsors for the past 15 or more years!

What is the league all about?

The point of the league is to encourage local squash players to improve their skills by playing competitive games against opponents with similar skills and abilities.

How does the league work?

Players join teams based out of the major squash venues in and around the HRM (Dalplex, The Tower, Cole Harbour Place, and Stadplex).  Every week your team plays another team at one of the two home courts.  Teams consist of one Women’s C player, one Men’s D player, two Men’s C players, and one Men’s B player (some team positions are shared by two players).  You will play against an opponent from the same category (Women’s C, Men’s D, Men’s C, Men’s B) in a race to 3 games.  Points are awarded to each team based on the individual match results (a 3-0 victory earns 5 points; a 3-1 victory earns 4 points; and a 3-2 victory earns 3 points), and the results are tallied throughout the season to determine team standings.  Each team has a captain who ensures the league rules are followed, and that results are registered with the league coordinator within 24 hours of the end of the match.

Where are matches held?

Matches are held at Dalplex, The Tower, Cole Harbour Place, and Stadplex.  A weekly schedule indicates where your team plays.  Half the matches are at your home court, and the other half are at your opponent’s home court. If there is an odd number of encounters between teams, the home court is randomnly chosen.

Do I have to be a member at all of the various courts to play in the league?

No.  On league nights, you are allowed to play in the facility without being a member.  However, you do have to be a member at your home facility. Your name must also be on the teams list to be allowed entry to some facilities.

When are the games?

This season the games will be held on Wednesday evenings, starting around 7:00 PM and running until all the individual matches are complete.  The normal order of play starts with the Women’s C players, followed by the Men’s D players, Men’s C, then Men’s B.  The order of matches can be changed by prior, mutual arrangement between the two team captains.

How long does the season run?

The 2008-09 season should start mid-October and run until the end of April or early May, depending on the number of teams and rounds to be played. The league finals finish prior to Player Appreciation Night around May 24.  Following the end of the regular season, play-offs will be scheduled to determine the eventual winning team.

Who can join?

You can join the league if you are a member of both: a) Squash Nova Scotia, and b) the squash club at the location of your desired team, and if there is a space on a team for someone with your ranking category. Teams are selected by the program coordinators or facility league representatives. Some facilities hold tryouts for team positions when interest levels exceed the number of spots available. Typically, facilities will not support more than four or six teams.

How do I join?

Contact the director of the squash club at your location and get your name added to the list of interested players.  Club managers will form teams fitting the requirements outlined above.  There may not be places available, depending on when you add your name to the list.

How much does it cost to join?

You must be a member of Squash Nova Scotia which is on the order of $25.  Potentially a fee to the gym/court facility, and also a club fee at desired facility. Each team is also required to pay $100 to the League Coordinator(s) which will go towards organizing the league (renting courts, supplies) and cool gear for the winning team members and stand-out players at the end of the season.

What is required of a team captain?

Team captains can hold any ranking level.  At the start of the season, the captain organizes the members of the team and registers the team with the League Coordinator(s). The captain (or a designate) must attend all league meetings scheduled by the coordinator(s).  Captains are responsible for ensuring that all league rules are followed, and that any changes to the match schedule are negotiated with the opposing team captain.  At the end of the match night, the captain is responsible to email the (accurate) match results to the League Convenor(s).  Team captains must ensure that players know how to referee matches. Team captains for the home team are responsible for providing score sheets and pencils, and one new ball.

What scoring system is used?

Matches are scored using the PAR-11 system, where each game is played to 11 points unless tied at 10-10, in which case a player wins only after gaining 2 full points on their opponent. The Par-11 system is "point-a-rally", meaning whoever wins the rally gets the point.

Where can I get scoring sheets?

Scoring sheets can be downloaded and printed from the PDF/download link by clicking here.

Are the games refereed?

All games must be refereed by one of the players from the two competing teams.  Standard rules of squash will be used.  Team captains are responsible for ensuring that all players are familiar with refereeing procedures including scoring, and awarding lets and strokes.

Will playing in the league affect my ranking with Squash Nova Scotia?

If you are a registered member of Squash Nova Scotia, you can earn (or lose!) points towards your ranking.

Do I have to be a member of Squash Nova Scotia to join the league?

Yes.

I am a male player but I don’t fit the profile of a team member: what options do I have?

If you are a beginner, your best bet is to develop your skills through club play, then join a team once you have reached the Men’s D-level of skill.  If you are a Men’s A-level player, you should consider the Premier League.

I am a female player but I’m not a Women’s D-level player: what options do I have for playing in the league?

If you are a beginner, your best bet is to develop your skills in club play, or the Sunday Women’s League at the Tower before joining a team as a Women’s C-level player.  If you are a Women’s C-level player, you can also consider joining a team as a Men’s D-level player and so forth for higher-ranked players.

I wasn’t able to join a team: can I play as a substitute player?

Yes, provided you are a member of your local squash club.

I can’t make it to my scheduled match: what should I do?

Let your team captain know right away.  You may be able to reschedule your match for a different time on the scheduled night, but not on a different day. If you cannot play on the designated night, you must find a substitute.

What happens if a player does not show up in time for their scheduled match?

If no prior arrangements were made between team captains, the absent player forfeits the match.  In the case of a forfeit, the match is scored as a 3-0 victory for the present player, and the offending team deducts an additional 5 points from their total score for the match.

What happens if I am promoted to a new ranking during the season?

Nothing.  You continue playing out the season at the ranking level you held at the beginning of the season. A substitute player must play at his or her current level. See the rules for clarification.

Are goggles required for league play?

All players are strongly encouraged to wear goggles.  Rules about wearing goggles are determined by the location where the match is being held.  Players will forfeit their match if they do not have equipment that complies with the rules of the club.

What are the rules about equipment (balls, racquets, shoes)?

All matches must be played with the Black-Knight (double-yellow) ball.  Team captains will be provided with a box of these balls at the start of the season.  Rules about racquets and shoes depend on the llocation where the match is being held.  Players will forfeit their match if they do not have equipment that complies with the rules of the club.

What is required of the host team on match nights?

The host team must provide sufficient score sheets for all the matches.  The team must alert facilities staff that the opponent team will be playing so that entrance will be permitted.  The captain of the winning team must also submit the match results to the league convenor.  The host team must provide game balls.

Who can I contact for more information about the league?

Chris Cowper-Smith and Ashley Gallant are the League Convenor(s) for the 2009-10 season, and would be happy to answer your e-mail requests.