Calls made by a top Egyptian squash player for a return of the simple Let have been endorsed by several other pros.
In a letter posted on Twitter yesterday, Egyptian pro Aly Abou Eleinen argued that a recent drive to minimise the number of Lets is forcing referees “to make immediate and binary decisions”.
“This can lead to frequent confusion for players, spectators, and even referees, particularly when the call is made only to avoid giving a “Let”,” he argued.
“Giving Lets in appropriate situations is OKAY.”
Giving “Lets” in squash matches is OKAY. Referees should set a clear tone, provide guidance & use “Lets” as needed. Improving “Let” management benefits players, spectators & the sport. #Squash #Refereeing #Lets pic.twitter.com/El5IzuAjrY
— Aly Abou Eleinen (@AEleinen) February 8, 2023
The tweet received instant backing from some of his fellow pros including world number 10 Victor Crouin (pictured above).
Efforts to minimise the number of Lets has “only increased tension and unnecessary physical contacts between players,” Crouin argued.
“Bring players and referees back to the table for more collaborative discussions,” he urged.
Lets are an integral part of our game. Removing them has only increased tension & unnecessary physical contacts between players + didn’t solve the time wasting issue, quite the opposite. Bring players & referees back to the table for more collaborative discussions! @PSAWorldTour https://t.co/SOlt3J1sf8
— Victor CROUIN (@VCrouin) February 8, 2023
Wales’ Emily Whitlock, who is ranked 22nd in the world, agreed, arguing that “sometimes, it’s just a Let!”
“If anything, players strolling to the towel boxes for purely tactical reasons have upped delays,” she wrote in response to Eleinen’s tweet.
“Refs need to show common sense.”
World number 20, England’s Jasmine Hutton, simply urged “Bring back a LET,” while fellow England pro Charlie Lee called for ‘a return of the simple let.”
Eleinen, as 23-year-old Egyptian who is currently ranked 34th in the world, stressed that he “wholeheartedly endorses” the PSA’s efforts to reduce interruptions and delays.
“I express my thoughts out of my passion for the game, both as a player and a fan. I don’t mean to discredit the referees but rather bring attention to some areas that could be improved to enhance the overall growth and success of the sport,” he said.
