Ref's Rule - April 2026

Ref’s Rule

Thanks guest contributor Luke Jamieson!

In the world of squash, things can sometimes get a little "hairy" when it comes to equipment - especially when it comes to the "Fallen Object” rule.

​If your glasses fall off, your sweatband slips, or if one of your (spare) balls fall out of your shorts during a rally, you don't just feel extremely embarrassed, you in fact lose the rally. 

The rules treat a dropped item as a major distraction. So, in squash, losing your dignity is secondary to the fact that losing your hat literally costs you the point. It’s the only sport where a wardrobe malfunction is a tactical disaster! 

There is one item you can drop, pick up and continue playing with - your racquet. 

Rule 12.2 – “Fallen Object” (now under Conditions of Play)

Core clause (this is the key line referees use): “If any object, other than a player’s racket, falls to the floor during a rally, play must stop…”

After stopping play, the rule specifies outcomes:

• No contact (player drops item themselves) → opponent wins rally.

• Caused by contact between players → let is allowed.

• External source (e.g. something from outside court) → let (usually).

Source: World Squash Federation Rules of Singles Squash (effective Sept 2025).