Rankings
The U.S. SQUASH ratings are based on a number scale ranging roughly from 2.0 (least likely to win any given match), through 6.5 (the most likely to win any given match).
The rating simply reflects a person's ability to win a given match. It takes into account ALL factors, such as racquet skill, speed, strength, endurance, experience and mental toughness.
To compete in a Skill Level division, a player must fall in a certain rating range prior to the tournament start date. Players may "play up", but may not play in a rating division below the specified range for that division.
The following ranges define eligibility for Skill Level divisions:
Range Skill Level/Division
5.51 to 6.00 | 6.0 (A+) |
5.01 to 5.50 | 5.5 (A) |
4.51 to 5.00 | 5.0 (B+) |
4.01 to 4.50 | 4.5 (B) |
3.51 to 4.00 | 4.0 (C+) |
3.01 to 3.50 | 3.5 (C) |
2.51 to 3.00 | 3.0 (D+) |
2.01 to 2.50 | 2.5 (D) |
2.0 and under | 2.0 (E) |
Therefore, a player rated 3.22 may play in a 3.5 division or higher, but not lower. In tournaments such as the U.S. SQUASH Championships where most divisions are offered, an upper and lower rating range defines the division such as 3.0 Division is for players rated 2.51 - 3.00.
It is recommended players only play in one division per tournament, though Tournament Directors determine local policies and determine whether and how to combine Skill Level divisions based on entries.
An algorithm is used to calculate a player's initial rating, and his or her rating after playing each match. The algorithm is a variation of the ELO algorithm used by the National Chess Federation. Essentially, it is based on the probabilities of winning or losing the match.
If a player plays a much higher rated player, then his/her probability of winning that match is small. Thus, if he/she wins that match, then his/her rating is adjusted upward by a lot. On the other hand, if they lose that match, their rating is lowered only very slightly, if at all. Conversely, the higher rated player would have their rating lowered by a lot if they lost to the much lower rated player, but only raised by a little, if at all, if they win that match.
Players of relatively equal skill have their ratings adjusted by a moderate amount when they play each other.
The math behind the algorithm is as follows:
WRO = Winner's old rating
LRO = Loser's old rating
K = constant = .1
D = denominator = .5
PW = Probability that the winner would win = (1/(POWER(10,(-(WRO-LRO)/D))+1))
PL = Probability that the loser would win = (1/(POWER(10,(-(LRO-WRO)/D))+1))
WRN = Winner's new rating = (WRO+K*(1-PW))
LRN = Loser's new rating = (LRO+K*(0-PL))