ERSA International Squash Certification Overview
Formal certification process for stringers wishing to become qualified in Stringing Squash Racquets was created in 2014. In the beginning the Master of Racquet Sports award was introduced for existing MRTs to upgrade their award from Tennis only to include both Badminton and Squash Racquet Stringing if successful. Now Squash certification has expanded to fall in line with both Tennis and Badminton; with an entry level Certified Stringer (Squash) award, and a Pro-Tour Stringer Level 1 and 2 (Squash) award.
By way of introduction to the awards it is necessary to look at the nature and design of Squash Racquets and in particular the string patterns which are of a great variety in comparison to the two other sports Badminton and Tennis. The techniques for stringing Squash Racquets are not significantly different to the other sports beyond a few minor tips and tricks specific to a particular pattern rather than the sport.
A large number of Squash Racquets have been categorised as falling within the ‘Standard’ range of Racquets where there is generally little or no difference to stringing requirements for most Racquets found in Tennis and Badminton. These form approximately fifty per cent of Squash Racquets on the market. The other Squash Racquets have to be categorised as ‘Non-Standard’ because they have patterns that are much more challenging to the Stringer and are not found within the other Sports. It is most likely that even existing experienced stringers would benefit from additional training to specifically meet challenges set by this group of racquets. Racquet brands are monitored so that any new models that would fall into this category are examined and added to the list of non-standard racquets for the purpose of certification study guides.
As we look at each certification level, the role of each group of racquets will become apparent.
ERSA Professional Stringer (Squash)
There are no pre-requisites for this examination.
This exam is similar to the Tennis examination. The racquet to be used will be from the Standard group of racquets. The racquet to be strung may be either in 1 piece or 2 piece, but crosses must be strung from the head to the throat, with the option to use a suitable ATW method as appropriate if 1 piece is chosen by the candidate.
The candidate will be required to restring the racket correctly within 45 minutes.
The candidate will be required to remove and replace a full bumper/grommet set within 20 minutes.
The candidate will be required to remove the grip, increase the grip size with a heat shrink sleeve and replace a grip within 20 minutes.
The candidate will be required to pass a written examination paper.
If any task has previously been successfully passed during either a CS examination for another sport or MRT examination, consideration should be given by the examiner to allowing the candidate to be credited with that task as having been successful. There is no desire to make these examinations unnecessarily arduous, by candidates having to repeat tasks in which they have already succeeded.
By way of an example, if a candidate attends for the CS Squash examination who is already a holder of the CS (Tennis) award, then that candidate would be required to complete the racquet re-string task and the written examination only. The grip task and Bumper/grommet task having been previously completed successfully when achieving the CS (Tennis) award.
ERSA Master Professional Stringer Level 1 (Squash)
There are no pre-requisites for this examination.
This exam is similar to the Tennis examination. The racquet to be used will be from the Standard group of racquets. The racquet to be strung may be either in 1 piece or 2 piece, but crosses must be strung from the head to the throat, with the option to use a suitable ATW method as appropriate if 1 piece is chosen by the candidate.
The candidate will be required to restring the racket correctly within 30 minutes.
The candidate will be required to remove and replace a full bumper/grommet set within 20 minutes.
The candidate will be required to remove the grip, increase the grip size with a heat shrink sleeve and replace a grip within 20 minutes.
The candidate will be required to pass a written examination paper.
If any task has previously been successfully passed during either a CS examination for squash or for another sport or previous MRT examination, consideration should be given by the examiner to allowing the candidate to be credited with that task as having been successful. There is no desire to make these examinations unnecessarily arduous, by candidates having to repeat tasks in which they have already succeeded.
By way of an example, if a candidate attends for the MPs level 1 Squash examination who is already a holder of the MPS level 1 (Tennis) award, then that candidate would be required to complete the racquet re-string task and the written examination only. The grip task and Bumper/grommet task having been previously completed successfully when achieving previous awards.
ERSA Master Professional Stringer Level 2 (Squash)
Awaits and will equate to the Tennis award.
ERSA Pro Tour Stringer Level 1 (Squash)
An award that signifies that the holder should be capable of stringing at a professional tournament with a high capability in a fashion that inspires confidence in the world’s leading squash players. The competence should be extended to any task that may be required of the award holder when help is requested by players, coaches and commercial racquet brand staff. The award denotes a high level of skill and knowledge.
The candidate will be required to re-string three identical racquets from the ‘Non-standard’ range, ie those that are more challenging where the patterns are not seen in the other sports. This task to be completed in 65 minutes or less. This task demonstrates competence in speed, accuracy and consistency as well as a high level of Knowledge and skill.
The candidate will be required to re-string one closed-throat 12 main (mains finishing at the head) racquet from the ‘Standard’ range in 15 minutes or less. This task is a speed test where a high quality finish is still required.
Finally the candidate will be given two Squash Racquets and will be required to match one racquet to the other for overall weight, balance point and swing-weight so that the value for each racquet falls within 1g of each other. Time allowed is one hour.
If a candidate is already a holder of the PTS level 1 (Tennis) award, then this final task may be omitted as they have demonstrated competence in the same task previously.
There is no written examination for this award.
ERSA Pro Tour Stringer Level 2 (Squash)
A prerequisite for this award is the PTS level 1 (Squash) award and in line with the Tennis equivalent, a requirement to have 5 years experience stringing at the tournament level during which time at least one tournament per year should have been a professional event. A PTS level 2(tennis) qualified person may be permitted to directly access the award without a previous squash certification, provided they meet the required tournament experience.
Once the pre-requisites are satisfied a candidate can be examined for PTS level 2 (squash) by:
Correctly stringing three different racquets from the Non Standard list in 1 hour or less. As per level 1, candidates should be prepared to deal with any rackets from the non-standard list and they will not be permitted advanced notification of the racket types they will be asked to string.
Correctly stringing 2 closed throat (mains finish at the head) racquets in 30 minutes.
A racquet customising task (to be decided equivalent to the PTS level2 tennis exam). As in the case of level 1, a level 2 (Tennis) qualified candidate may be permitted to omit this task having already demonstrated competence in the same task in the Tennis examination.
A written examination.
Until further notice in lieu of the tournament experience where a candidate can demonstrate that they have suitable alternative squash stringing experience through such activities as regularly stringing at a squash centre for a wide range of playing standards including stringing for touring professional players training at that club, then an application to take the PTS 2 test will be considered. This alternative will cease from 1.1.20. stringers should look to build their tournament experience from now, if they intend following this route of certification in the future.