The dates have been set for the 2019 Senior & Winter Interclub competitions, along with a few minor rule and format changes aimed at increasing player numbers and improving the interclub experience based on feedback received in the recent Competitions Survey.

The season begins a with 4-week Summer Doubles competition on February 11th, with Senior Autumn beginning 11-12 March on the same week as Masters Autumn that starts on March 13.  

Masters Interclub changes

• There will be no bonus points for any Masters Interclub competitions
• All three Masters competitions (Autumn, Winter, Spring) will now be 10 weeks in duration, with six team divisions playing a double round-robin.  This allows for earlier finishes, easier hosting (especially for clubs with 3 or less courts), and more even matches due to a smaller points spread among teams.  There will be a two week break between each competition
• As a trial in 2019, there will be separate Women’s only divisions for Masters Interclub for players D Grade & below.  These divisions will follow the same format as Masters Interclub with the exception of only three players will play per night.  D/E/F Grade women’s players can still play in the mixed divisions if they prefer
• Removal of the rule stating all Masters Interclub matches are PAR15.  This has been changed to be the same as Senior Interclub (B1 & above play to 11, B2 & below to 15)
• Scheduled start times will be moved to 6.45pm and the first two players on court MUST be changed, warmed up, and ready to step onto court at 7pm sharp

Senior Interclub changes

• Club location may be taken into account when setting the divisions to reduce travel where possible and where there is minimal impact on the points spread within a division
• In the event of a team being unable to field a full team due to players participating in Superchamps Nationals (relevant to the final week of Senior Winter 2 Playoffs), these matches will be deferred to the following week on application from the affected teams and approval by Squash Auckland.  This ‘reserve’ week has been added to the interclub calendar
• Bonus points will remain (unlike Masters where they have been removed)
• Scheduled start times will be moved to 6.45pm and the first two players on court MUST be changed, warmed up, and ready to step onto court at 7pm sharp

Full 2019 Interclub Calendar
 

We will also have details about an exciting new preseason competition that will be played on Tuesday and Wednesday nights during February - the Summer Midweek Tourney - coming out before Christmas.  Stay tuned!

Article added: Thursday 13 December 2018