Squash57 - WSF CEO Andrew Shelley replies to critics
Well, sue me, but I didn’t know there was a ‘Racquetball’ and a ‘Racketball’. And that it’s the reason behind the changes. Well, I’m blond, what can I say, add to that French - our culture of both Racketball & Racquetball is basically non-existant - and I never really looked into.
So I did ask Andrew about the reasonning behind the change of name. I completely understand where the governing bodies are going with that one. But I stand by my original thought, not sure the name chosen is the one that could carrry the sport to the PanAm games, the CWG, and others.
But what do I know!
Fram,
I have seen comments on the Racketball change of name, and since you have asked me about the negative reaction from some people (you did, didn’t you?!) I would say;
It is completely understandable that some people want to stick with what they know and like, but ES and WSF are looking at the growth of the sport, as have some countries who have started with Racketball and want to promote it - already reacting positively to the new name.
We would like to see it in the Commonwealth, PanAm, Asian and other Games when it has widened in participation. Wouldn’t it be great for the Olympics too in time?
Ah, but that’ right, the Interntional Racquetball Federation for that different game on different sized courts is already recognised. Oh yes, Racquetball is already in the PamAm Games.
So while it doesn’t matter whether people say they are going to play Racketball or 57 tonight, it does matter that we take the initiative now and prepare for the future of this branch of squash. Bigger picture, a bigger future.
Andrew Shelley
WSF CEO
read the original press release
