WSF launches identification number for players worldwide

The World Squash Federation on Friday launched a new worldwide player registration service that will require players competing internationally to have a Squash Player Identification Number (SPIN).

New Delhi: The World Squash Federation on Fryday launched a new worldwide player registration service that will require players competing internationally to have a Squash Player Identification Number (SPIN).

With effect from January 1 next year, all players, who wish to play in all WSF World Individual and Team Championships, Regional Championships, and World Junior Circuit events at all age levels, will need to have a SPIN. The system will enable national federations to enter their players for events online using their SPINs. Similarly, in those events where players enter themselves like Masters Championships - they will do so using their SPIN. Federations will also enter their national teams in events using the programme, and then submit their squads and actual selected team for ties on it too. There is a small once-only SPIN registration payment, half of which will be fed back into regions to help them with their arrangements and towards general development costs. One of the principal benefits of the scheme will be the elimination of player name confusion and duplications. Welcoming the initiative, WSF Championship Committee chairman Hugo Hannes commented: "I am delighted that SPIN will be introduced worldwide next year with the support of our regions and member nations. It will ensure ease and accuracy of entries as well as seamlessly link each phase of championships from entry through to seeding, draw and results. The coordination of the WSF World Junior Circuit and general control mechanisms commend it too."