Squash New Zealand Annual Report 2010 Age-group Statistics for the past four years are as follows: 2010 2009 2008 2007 Seniors (19 to 34 years) 3917 25.3% 3884 25.1% 3771 24.4% 3,980 25.1% Masters (35 and over) 8204 52.9% 8276 53.5% 8225 53.2% 8,278 52.2% Juniors (Under 19) 3384 21.8% 3303 21.4% 3460 22.4% 3,598 22.7% Totals 15,505 15,463 15,456 15,856 juniors continues to support that level of the sport. However between districts (and even clubs) there appears to be a very wide variation in the success of the ‘J’ grade concept. At the end of September 2010, there were 1815 “J” grade players, (2009 - 1754, 2008 - 1837, 2007 - 1980, 2006 – 2073; 2005 – 1659; 2004 – 1473; 2003 – 1059). The “J” grade players, comprised 11% of the total grading list and 53% of total graded junior players. Increasing the number of junior players is the future of the sport. Every effort must be made by clubs and districts to ensure that junior players who are attracted to the spo rt are retained. This can be achieved by the provision of coaching opportunities at club level, along with the provision of enjoyable junior events (fun/social tournaments and social interclub). All junior players who participate in tournaments and interclub, must be added to the grading list as soon as they commence competitive play. Doing so, provides the juniors (and their parents) with history of their matches during the season and a visible incentive to improve their skills and thus enjoyment of the sport. The squash grading system (within the SIT platform) continues to be the backbone of competitive squash in New Zealand and its successful operation is due in no small part to the considerable level of volunteer time now required at district and particularly club level. While the old “paper work” of the club and district statisticians has virtually disappeared, there will continue to be a place for club and district statisticians, particularly in the area of providing assistance and advice to club players and event organisers. In summary, I wish to extend my thanks to all of the club and district statisticians for their work, in some cases over many, many years, which has benefited both individual players and the sport of squash as a whole. Their work and input has been greatly appreciated by myself and Squash NZ management and assisted with the relatively smooth operation of the grading system. The Grading System as players now know it, has come long way over years. Nationally, prior to 1986 it was paper based - no such thing as computers! In 1987, Squash NZ acquired the computer grading system that Squash Wellington had been running for a couple of years, and by the end of 1998 the then Unisys Grading System was running nationally. The original concept of that system has continued up until and into today’s SIT system. My direct involvement with the grading system commenced in 1991, when I became the Wellington delegate to the then Squash NZ Management Committee. The following year Squash NZ moved to an elected board, and I was asked to continue in what is effectively the position that I have held since then. Having seen the introduction grading components of the SIT system, and in the light of the administrative changes that are planned within the national office, to take the sport forward for the future, I believe that it is opportune that I should now step down, from what has been a interesting an generally enjoyable position over the past 19 years. Steve Scott Director - Gradings & Statistics 42
Squash New Zealand Annual Report 2010 Accountability Squash New Zealand 2010 Financials 43