We’ve Listened to Your Feedback

Thank you to everyone who completed our recent survey on pennant participation. There were some major themes that came through in the survey responses and we are excited to announce the following changes to the 2025 spring pennant based on these:

Increase the social element:

• All divisions will be centre based. Each division together at the same courts each week. Squash ACT encourages all teams in each division to have supper together rather than just the 2 teams playing each other.
• New rule that divisions must have at least 6 teams. This ensures there is a good number of players in each division to make sure there is a good social element.
• Trial of themed round in week 8. Time to have some fun at pennant! Look out for more info on this leading up to round 8, but if you have any ideas on a good theme email them to pennants@squashact.asn.au possible themes include PJ night, beach night, footy colours and wear your fluro colours. 

Better prizes and incentives:

• 1 x free entry into a Canberra Drop Shot One Day Challenge Tournament for all winning players in a team (must be used within 12 mths).
• Continued free 1-hour court hire at Woden on weekends during staffed hours for all pennant players. This does not increase your pennant fees and is proudly provided for free by Squash ACT.

Improve refereeing and etiquette on court:

•  New Squash ACT Pennant Rules will be released before the spring pennant starts. They have been updated to reflect current systems and processes.
• Online rules/referring training will be made available to all players before the pennant starts. Bonus points to teams for completing the training will be introduced.
• Rules/Referring Training – Q&A Sessions will be available with qualified referees during weeks 1 and 2 of the pennant.
• Rules/Referring Training – Laminated info on scoreboards. Look out for A4 laminated ‘cheat sheets’ on the rules and how to referee on your scoreboards.
• Stamping out unacceptable behaviour - The process for reporting unacceptable behaviour at pennant it is to email president@squashact.asn.au. All reports will be examined by the pennant committee and judiciaries, trials and penalties to be put in place if needed.

Increase social media presence:

• Improved pennant advertising: We’re boosting pennant visibility with enhanced social media campaigns (Facebook, Instagram, X) and targeted emails ensuring players stay informed and engaged.
• Premier results each Thursday plus more – Posts on social media each Thursday with premier results (including pics and videos) plus every few weeks info on other divisions.

More competitive balance:

• Fairer matchups and better grading - to enhance enjoyment and retain interest, addressing issues like unbalanced games. Pennant committee to be much more active to ensure teams are of similar strength in each division.

Improve participation numbers of 18 to 35 year olds:

• Updated Fee Structure - Squash ACT has recommended to clubs that the discounted junior (18 and under) fee be expanded to a student fee, available to all students—regardless of age. This change is funded by Squash ACT and is in line with survey feedback that pennant needs to be more affordable and that we need to attract more players in the 18 to 35 years age bracket. 
• Come and Try Sessions at University Orientation (O) Weeks - Squash ACT will work with University of Canberra and Australian National University to get squash come and try sessions on the Orientation (O) Week schedule (O Weeks happens twice a year at the start of Semester 1 and 2). Promote how uni students can access the courts at their uni, join clubs, access learn how to play sessions and play pennant.