Global InformationSquash Doubles information
Squash Doubles is a variant of the racket sport squash played by four people in two-person teams. Doubles squash was first played at the Racquet Club of Philadelphia in 1907.[1] Today there are four major doubles organizations overseeing the sport in North America and more than 15,000 players: Squash Canada, U.S. Squash, the ISDA (International Squash Doubles Association) and the WDSA (Women's Doubles Squash Association). The four groups organize and oversee the management of all aspects of doubles including junior and adult play from beginner to elite professional competition. In addition, the four organizations collaborate in efforts to grow and promote the game.
In addition to the organizations mentioned above, the SDA (Squash Doubles Association) provides tournament support, player rankings and broadcasting of tournaments played across the US and Canada.
There are more than 165 courts in North America.[citation needed] The sport is played year round and courts are located in every major region. There are national championships offered for all types of doubles players with tournaments taking place every weekend during the season.
Barbados, Malaysia, Myanmar, Scotland, Singapore and Thailand also have doubles courts.
Professional doubles has seen incredible growth. Since rebranding in 2000, the men's tour (ISDA) has grown to more than 20 events and $750,000 in prize money annually. The women's tour (WDSA), formed in 2007, is approaching $100,000 and recently hosted a $50,000 event in New York City. These tours partner with urban squash programs for kids in underserved communities and contribute tens of thousands of dollars annually to the programs throughout the United States.
- ^ Zug, James (2003). Squash: A History of the Game. New York: Scribners. p. 257. ISBN 0743229908.