When no let is the correct call

No interference, no let

The simplest case: the opponent was where they should have been, or moved out of the way in time, and the striker could play the ball. Players sometimes appeal after stopping their own swing early. If the striker stopped without being obstructed, there is no interference to penalise.

The striker must make a reasonable effort

A let or stroke assumes the striker was trying to play the ball. If the striker was not moving towards the ball, or gave up on the rally before contact, the appeal does not hold. Look at the striker's feet and racket preparation during the approach, not just at the moment they appeal.

Balls that could not be reached

If the ball would not have been reachable even without the interference, the striker lost nothing and there is no basis for a let. This is easy to overlook because the appeal often comes when the player is close to the ball, but the ball may already have been past them in practical terms.

A checklist for confident no-let calls

Before calling no let, confirm that at least one of these is clearly true.

• The striker had a clear path, view, and swing.
• The striker was not making a genuine attempt to play the ball.
• The ball was not reachable regardless of any contact.
• The striker could have played the ball but chose not to.

Official rules and resources

Always check the current rules and regulations from the governing bodies:

• World Squash Officiating (WSO): referee education and courses
• World Squash: official rules and governing body

Keep learning

• Understanding interference in squash
• Let versus stroke: choosing between the two
• Safety, dangerous swings, and following through
• Video review in squash: what it can and cannot change
• How to improve as a squash referee

This article is educational and does not replace the current official rules. Try the decision trainer.