Squash as a Safe Sport

• Warm up to a light sweat before playing (include stretching) and after playing, cool down for at least 5 minutes.
• Ensure you are fit to play and not playing to get fit. If in doubt about your physical condition have a fitness test before you take up playing and undertake a regular exercise program which will improve your aerobic fitness.
• Healthy people over 40 years of age with no known coronary risk factors (see below) should still have a medical check up before taking up squash and repeat check ups every few years while playing.
• Do not play if you have had a recent injury which will be aggravated by playing.
• Have injuries promptly treated by doctor.
• Drink plenty of fluids (water and juices) before, during, and after playing, particularly in hot or humid conditions.
• Children should not play unless fully recovered from injuries.

• People with a history of heart problems
• People with vision in only one eye or impaired vision
• Pregnant women

Top

• People with diagnosed heart disease should not play squash without consultation and advice from their personal doctors.
• People with one or more coronary risk factors should have a medical check up prior to commencing squash and every few years while playing. The doctor may refer you to a cardiologist for an exercise test to find out how your heart functions under exercise stress.

       Risk factors are:

• Elevated Blood Cholesterol Low HDL - Cholesterol
• Smoking,High Blood Pressure
• Diabetes Family History of Heart Disease Occurring at an 
  Early Age.

• people with one good eye.
• people with recent eye surgery.

• Pregnant women should not take up squash during the pregnancy.

As with all physically vigorous sport, squash is quite safe provided common sense, proper preparation and professional advice are always used and these Guidelines are followed.

Remember, always seek professional advice if you are in any doubt about your suitability to play any high intensity or vigorous sport.

Top