Dear squash player

As you know, we trialled PAR scoring in all divisions in the 2016 Summer Surrey Cup season which has just ended. When we communicated the change to PAR we emphasised that it was a trial and we said that we would send out a survey to all team captains at the end of the summer and on the basis of the responses and further consultation we would make a decision about the scoring system for the winter. The following points summarise key aspects of the survey and the survey results:

1. The survey was sent to all those on the Surrey SRA database and all the team contacts and club contacts on the Leaguemaster database – in all over 150 people.

2. There were three questions and a section for comments. The respondents were asked if they wanted –

a. PAR to 11 for all Divisions
b. PAR to 11 for Divisions 1 and 2 and Par to 15 for Divisions 3 to 9
c. PAR to 11 for Divisions 1 and 2 and HiHo for Divisions 3 to 9

3. We received 118 responses and of those who responded 65 made comments.

4. The results (as a percentage of the 118) are –

a. PAR to 11 for all Divisions: 34%
b. PAR to 11 for Divisions 1 and 2 and Par to 15 for Divisions 3 to 9: 47%
c. PAR to 11 for Divisions 1 and 2 and HiHo for Divisions 3 to 9: 19%

5. The comments were various but in summary the overwhelming majority (81%) supported the move to PAR. Some respondents did suggest that PAR to 11 should include Division 3 (and a few to lower Divisions).  
 
The Surrey SRA committee met two weeks ago and decided that, based on the response to the survey and on other input, we would, for the Winter Surrey Cup, use PAR to 11 for Divisions 1 and 2 and PAR to 15 for Divisions 3 to 9. We know that scoring is an emotive issue for some players and change isn’t easy. In particular, we recognise that some Division 3 players may not be happy about playing PAR to 15 and some who have grown up with HiHo may not like the change to PAR. However, we have tried to make our decision in a fair, open and transparent way and in the best interests of squash in Surrey. 
 
Please note that (a) the ladies had already decided to use PAR for the Winter Surrey Trophy and (b) there is no change for Vets or Vintage, which will continue to use HiHo.
 
The Surrey SRA committee