1. Maximizing Your Cour t
Use
“Programming for Dollars”
Squash Ontario Annual General Meeting 2012

2. TRENDS IN SQUASH
PROGRAMMING
The ‘80s and ‘90s
VERY FEW EMPTY COURTS
 Pros ran programs/events that impacted casual play the
least
 Down turn in squash in late 90’s. What happened?
Fitness Trends: Spinning
Owners: Square Footage
 Today the clubs that survived seem to be stable – Why?
Squash Ontario Annual General Meeting 2012

3. TRENDS IN SQUASH
PROGRAMMING
In the ‘80s and ‘90s it was alright to just run ladders!
Not today: People are busier - want to be programmed.
SQUASH PROGRAMMING TODAY
 Today we see different types of leagues, junior
programming, ladders, clinics, lessons, drop-in round
robins and others.
 Cool to play squash
 Forbes Healthiest Sport
Squash Ontario Annual General Meeting 2012

4. PROGRAMMED COURT
BENEFITS
“Every programmed court is a paid
court”
 Low occupancy is detrimental to bottom line
 When courts are filled you will rarely hear an owner
say “This square footage is killing me!”
Squash Ontario Annual General Meeting 2012

5. PROGRAMMED COURT
BENEFITS
 Create active, longtime members
 Active courts help the budget
 High occupancy ensures courts remain squash
courts
 Keeping pre-paid members happy ensures higher
retention rates
 Club with Programmer or Pro more likely to do well
Squash Ontario Annual General Meeting 2012

6. TYPES OF
PROGRAMMING
 Programming for prime time
 Programming for non- prime
time
 When to do a junior program
 School for fun and profit
Squash Ontario Annual General Meeting 2012

7. PRIME TIME PROGRAMS
NON PRIME TIME PROGRAMS
OPEN DISCUSSION
Squash Ontario Annual General Meeting 2012

8. SCHOOLS FOR FUN and
PROFIT
 Squash Ontario School Squash
Programs
 Equipment Loaner Program
 Courting Schools Program / School
Squash Clubs
 Discounted Equipment Program
 Ontario High School Squash
Squash Ontario Annual
Championships General Meeting 2012

9. SQUASH ONTARIO SCHOOL
SQUASH PROGRAMS
 Equipment Loaner Program
…is designed to help schools (Grades 3-12) introduce the sport of squash
into their curriculum. Schools may access a number of resources:
equipment, instructors and materials – designed for use within the school
gym setting.
 Courting Schools Program
…is designed to initiate a partnership between clubs and schools. The
relationship benefits clubs through increased revenues and exposure while
the relationship benefits schools through introducing students (Grades 3-12)
to the sport of squash within a club setting.
Squash Ontario Annual General Meeting 2012

10. SQUASH ONTARIO SCHOOL
SQUASH PROGRAMS
 School Squash Clubs
…are to encourage teachers within the high school environment to
set up squash clubs similar to chess clubs. Approaching
neighbouring squash facilities to use courts for practice. Overall
goal – to compete as a high school team in the Ontario High School
Squash Championships.
 Discounted Equipment Program
…is designed to provide schools with the opportunity to purchase
their own school set of equipment at a discounted price to help
further implement squash programming in either a school gym or
squash club setting.
Squash Ontario Annual General Meeting 2012

11. SQUASH ONTARIO SCHOOL
SQUASH PROGRAMS
 Ontario High School Squash
Championships
…is designed to introduce the sport of squash to new and
experienced players through friendly competition between Ontario
High Schools.
 Nearby Schools to Clubs Program
(NEW)
…the new component developed will allow Squash Ontario to
provide a key benefit of club membership through providing vital
information to our member clubs province-wide to assist them with
reaching out to teachers, schools and school boards in their local
communities.
Squash Ontario Annual General Meeting 2012

12. SQUASH ONTARIO SCHOOL
SQUASH PROGRAMS
Key Items of the New Program:
 Research Ontario School Board standards and
requirements for physical education to strategies for
barriers such as liability risks, transportation,
parental forms, etc.
 Develop a Nearby Schools list of 15-20 local
elementary and secondary schools within a set
parameter for each member club
Squash Ontario Annual General Meeting 2012

13. SCHOOL SQUASH
TESTIMONIALS
 Colin Whitney
 Brian Porter
 Richard Yendell
Squash Ontario Annual General Meeting 2012

14. INFLATABLE SQUASH
COURT DEMONSTRATION
 Squash Ontario just purchased an inflatable
squash court which we will be making available
on a rental basis to our member clubs. How a
club uses the court is totally up to it – as a part
of a junior program – to attract schools – in a
shopping mall – at school fairs.
Squash Ontario Annual General Meeting 2012