Rule change: Ask for the call you want
This has probably already been brought up, but I thought it was worth bringing up again post-Worlds.
Last year, I remember Timmy Brownell brought up a rule change proposal on the In Squash podcast that I thought was genius: "Ask for the call you want."
Every decision now becomes a binary one: if you want a stroke, ask for one, but now the decision tree becomes stroke or no-stroke, let or no let. You can still review, but the decision can only change between the two calls.
I think this helps solves 2 things:
- Ambiguity. Referees should now be able to describe their decision clearly without a 3rd variable getting in the way, which helps viewers understand what's happening. (i.e. it's much easier to understand a foul vs no foul as opposed to foul vs no foul vs maybe foul.) Players will probably still be upset with calls, but that would be the case for any rule system.
- Fishing. Players fish now because they could possibly win the point outright, but could also receive a let for contact or safety. This new system would force players to think if it's really worth it to ask for a stroke or to simply try to go through and play the ball.
(To be fair, I think referees have gotten better at calling "No lets" in these positions, but they still get it wrong sometimes + the ambiguity is still there from a viewing perspective.)
Logistically, I don't think this would change the game flow too much. Players may argue that they now have to think of the call they want to ask for and it disrupts their game, but that effort should probably be going towards playing the point rather than gamesmanship.
I think this also is better for the game at the amateur level too, because it makes refereeing a bit easier to understand / implement. You'd only have to consider 2 options as opposed to 3.
I honestly don't see much wrong with this system, which is why I wanted to ask you all: what do you think of this rule? What are some flaws?