World Squash Federation

The World Squash Federation (WSF), now officially branded as World Squash, serves as the international governing authority for the sport of squash. It regulates global standards, oversees world championships, promotes development programmes, and represents the sport in dealings with international sporting organisations such as the International Olympic Committee.

Background and History

The establishment of a unified governing body for squash arose during the 1960s, as the sport’s growing popularity demanded coordinated international regulation and promotion. On 5 January 1967, representatives from nine nations—Australia, Great Britain, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, the United States, Canada, and the United Arab Republic—met in London to form the International Squash Rackets Federation (ISRF). This marked the beginning of formal international governance in squash.
In 1992, the organisation adopted the name World Squash Federation (WSF) to reflect its expanding global reach. The WSF later rebranded as World Squash, aligning its identity with modern marketing standards and Olympic aspirations. The organisation’s headquarters are located in Hastings, East Sussex, England.

Organisation and Governance

World Squash functions as a federation composed of national squash associations recognised by their respective National Olympic Committees or sports authorities. The federation currently includes over 120 member associations representing nations from every continent.
The global structure of World Squash is supported by five regional federations, which manage regional tournaments and development programmes:

• Asian Squash Federation (ASF)
• European Squash Federation (ESF)
• Squash Federation of Africa (SFA)
• Oceania Squash Federation (OSF)
• Federation of Panamerica (FPS)

The organisation’s leadership comprises an Executive Board and an Executive Committee (ExCo). The board includes a president and several vice-presidents elected by the membership during general meetings. The ExCo features regional vice-presidents, an Athletes Commission representative, and a delegate from the Professional Squash Association (PSA), which governs the professional tour. Committees and commissions specialising in rules, refereeing, technical standards, and development support the administrative structure.

Functions and Activities

World Squash performs a range of regulatory, developmental, and promotional functions essential for maintaining and advancing the sport globally.

Rules and Standardisation

The federation formulates and updates the official rules of squash, court and equipment specifications, and referee protocols. The Rules Commission ensures that gameplay regulations remain consistent worldwide, while the Technical Committee supervises the accreditation of courts, rackets, and balls used in sanctioned events.

Championships and Events

World Squash organises a comprehensive suite of international competitions, including:

• World Individual Championships for men and women.
• World Team Championships, featuring national teams.
• World Junior Championships, World Masters Championships, and World University Championships.

These events, held annually or biennially, are essential in maintaining competitive standards and global visibility. The federation collaborates closely with the Professional Squash Association (PSA) to align the international competition calendar and rankings.

Coaching, Development, and Refereeing

One of the federation’s major goals is to develop squash globally, particularly in emerging nations. It offers coaching education, referee training, and management workshops to strengthen local structures. Development programmes promote access to facilities, support grassroots participation, and encourage youth involvement. Referee education and certification ensure consistent application of the rules worldwide.

Ethics, Anti-Doping, and Compliance

World Squash enforces high standards of integrity and fair play, aligning with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code. Its Anti-Doping Commission oversees drug testing, results management, and athlete education. Since 2021, operational anti-doping responsibilities have been delegated to the International Testing Agency (ITA). The organisation also maintains ethics, governance, and disciplinary panels to uphold transparency and accountability across all levels of the sport.

Promotion and Olympic Campaign

World Squash actively promotes the sport through global campaigns, partnerships, and media outreach. Its long-standing ambition to secure a place for squash in the Olympic Games has been a central focus of its promotional strategy. After years of campaigning, squash was officially included in the programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, marking a major milestone in the sport’s history.

Significance and Global Influence

The federation’s work has been instrumental in ensuring the growth, recognition, and regulation of squash as a truly global sport. Through standardised rules, professionalised competition structures, and international cooperation, World Squash has elevated the sport to professional and recreational prominence.
Its partnerships with the Professional Squash Association, educational institutions, and regional federations have expanded opportunities for players, officials, and organisers. The inclusion of squash in the Olympic Games stands as a testament to decades of coordinated global effort led by the federation.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite its achievements, World Squash continues to face challenges. These include promoting accessibility in developing regions, sustaining participation in established markets, and ensuring that governance keeps pace with modern expectations of fairness, sustainability, and digital engagement.
Technological advancements, such as interactive courts, digital scoring, and global streaming platforms, present both opportunities and challenges for the federation. Future efforts will likely focus on enhancing visibility, supporting youth programmes, and ensuring squash’s continued growth in line with international sporting standards.