The Intsel IV Players’ Guide

Playing conditions:
Nature, the elements, rain

Please enjoy the bounties of nature - sun, clouds, wind, a wide range of temperatures, birds, butterflies, bees, and summer breezes. And look up at the wonderful big birds flying into La Guardia Airport. Unusual circumstances make the matches that much more social and special. Please do your homework and practice on the court. Check the weather report! It's cooler in the mornings and late afternoons—the sun's position changes. We can clear the wood floor in 15 minutes after it rains. We do not play in the rain. 

Competition

All matches are to win 3 out of 5 games. Please report your game score after every game to Robert, Freddy, or Vera when you come off the court. Once the draws are posted, emails will be shared along with the schedule for the completion of each round. Players contact each other, pick preferred dates, and let Robert know the date and time. We reserve the court, share the scheduling news with friends and fans, prep the court and courtyard area, and sort out the handicaps. All matches are handicapped and self-scheduled.

Handicapping

We have had very positive experiences with handicapping for this tournament over the past three years. John Beaman, our Director of Competition, studies the players up to the morning of each match. John has a proven track record in generating close five-game matches, unusual matchups, and wonderful smiles and moans from the players. 

Self-scheduling

One of the benefits of self-scheduling is the engagement between players who don't normally communicate with each other. It's one of the social aspects of the tournament, agreeing on a beautiful outdoor squash competition day. It is important to keep to the schedule. If you can not keep up with the schedule, we may have to give your opponent a walkover. Contact Robert if you need help.

Safety

Your physical and mental health matter to us. Please sign this form with safety information and a waiver. We are hosting your matches at the home of a construction company where safety is job #1. This is a fun tournament. Your wellness and career are too important to risk in an exhibition tournament. Winning and losing do not affect your squash rankings, but your performance can boost your stature. If the temperature at match time during the summer goes over 85 degrees, the players can choose to play 2 out of 3. If it starts raining, play will be delayed or rescheduled.

Mutuality

To yourself be true. Do unto others as you would have them do to you. And ref your matches. You can work it out. Mutuality ups the game and social experience for you, fans, visitors, audiences, and sponsors, and is good karma. (We arrange professional reffing for the men's and women's finals.)

Conviviality

Bring your life outside, your family, friends, and sponsors. Please let us know how we can enhance your playing experiences with food, beverages, music, video coverage, publicity, and more. Do you want to host a party, bring clients, run clinics, or train? You are always welcome.
 

Resources

Players in each round in each draw will receive cash for coming out to play:

$100 each for the round of 64, $200 each for the round of 32, $300 each for the round of 16, $400 each for the quarter-finals, $500 each for the semi-finals, and $600 each for the finals. For each of the men’s and women’s draws, the winner receives additional funds at the final to top up to $5000 in total winnings, and the runner-up will receive additional funds to top up to $2500. Appearance fees will not be paid for walkovers, or matches not played. 

Photos and videos of the matches will be posted and available for all players and fans. We have parking spots right next to the court. There is a private bathroom and shower near the court. Please bring your towels. Wifi is available around the court.

Make it your own

This exhibition tournament was created in 2021 to thank the professionals who come out to test and play on our outdoor steel-walled court, and to showcase new sponsors. Intsel Steel, Maspeth Squash, PSAF, and NY Squash have been anchor sponsors from the very beginning. Your support and encouragement have raised awareness, credibility, and the growth potential for outdoor squash. New sponsors and Friends of Maspeth Squash are welcome. We strive to make this the most fun you can have performing, competing, and networking with other squash professionals. Please let us know if you have any questions or suggestions to help us grow together.

Jeff, Vera, Freddy, John, Robert