Dear Squash Players, Administrators, Coaches, Referees and Enthusiasts

+27 [0]11 442 8056 [tel] +27 [0]11 442 8036 [fax]

PO Box 613 Northlands 2116 www.squashsa.co.za

11 May 2015

Dear Squash Players, Administrators, Coaches, Referees and Enthusiasts

Will squash in South Africa become extinct through lack of vision or even for the cost of R10 per month per player, referee or official?

“Not under our watch!”

Squash in South Africa has come to the cross road of survival. To ensure we develop the game for now and for future generations, we now require “Big Picture” leadership thinking and action. We also need the support of all who play and administer this game.

The vision of Squash South Africa, to create an online registration process for all squash players, is a reality. From April 2015 all players will be required individually, to register on the Squash SA website with a registration fee of R120. This has become an imperative to help fund squash in South Africa. In the current economic environment and the unpredictable funding of the Lotto, with the lack of interest by big sponsors, it becomes near impossible to raise the funds that will ensure the effective running of SSA. It makes it near impossible to financially sustain squash in all its forms for the future. We need all players, referee’s, coaches and enthusiasts to register before the 20th May 2015!

It is important to understand that SSA has put much thought and hours into deciding upon a fee structure that would be affordable yet effective in running the affairs they are tasked with as volunteers and not paid administrators. The affordable registration fee, are equal to R10 per person per month, goes to the building of Squash in South Africa. You the squash player has been taken into consideration when the need for funding was considered. This does not profit SSA financially, but is ploughed into the game of squash to the benefit of all. The role of SSA is to encourage, promote, develop and administer the game of squash in accordance with sound business and financial principles.

There are also direct benefits to all players which come in the form of competition software for effective tournament and league management, updated information to secure sponsorships from government and sponsors, being able to provide SASCOC with accurate information, discounted privileges for players and most importantly effective communication directly with all squash players in SA. All this and more, for the player’s! It means the lights stay on for squash now and in the future.

Is this an unreasonable request to pay R120 per annum to see squash develop and grow? Our research of other codes has shown that we are the cheapest in our request of R120 annually. The closest to our costing is Gym membership starting at R250. However, this is not about comparisons, but about being able to manage the needs of the game, players and officials. It is about ensuring the survival of squash. It is also about being able to finance our teams when representing SA in overseas competitions such as Mens and Womens World Championships , Boys and Girls World Junior Championships as well as assisting our senior players in the world arena, which is how our sport has sustained longevity.

There is more to gain by all, now and in the future, when supporting SSA and this visionary move to grow the game even in the current negative economic climate. We require all elected officials to help this vision become a reality and to show their commitment by helping all to register and understand the benefits of the registration.

A squash player

A participant, an enthusiast, who loves, enjoys, supports the sport and is involved wherever they are!

We at Squash South Africa urge you all to support the initiative.

Regards

Steven Doëg

President

Squash South Africa

SFA

VA T No.: 4300121896