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IN THE CHAIR
Profiling Canada’s Squash Officials
David Fishburn
Dave Fishburn has been reffing regularly around Canada for many years now at a high level, and if you’ve been lucky to be at an event with him, you’ll probably also know that he’s a pretty savvy card sharp. “Fish” as he is known to many, got involved in reffing like many other refs before him—by playing the game first. He began playing in university and was soon hooked. Years later, he introduced his eight-year-old daughter to squash and started watching her play. He was also playing in a local league, and he began to question the calls of his own teammates on league nights but had no idea how to explain or articulate why they might have been incorrect.
Enter Simon Warder, an experienced southern Ontario ref. Dave was watching his daughter play in provincial events that had official referees in attendance and when Dave had a question, he approached Simon, who patiently walked him through various lines of reasoning, rationales for calls and how to address different types of situations. This planted the reffing seed in Dave.
Sadly, Simon passed away, but Dave decided that if he was going to be attending tournaments with his daughter, he might as well make himself useful anyway. That was the start of his journey to where he is today as an experienced National official.
Dave, thank you for sharing your story with In The Chair!
My pleasure.
Just off the bat, tell us what you like about being a squash ref?
The goal of a referee is for a fair outcome. Most matches are exactly that, but for those situations where a player looks for an advantage, a good referee can keep things balanced. Keeping matches free flowing and fair is a great reward. Referring is not easy, but it has been a very satisfying road to date and has brought me many experiences I treasure. As a referee, I also get to see some pretty amazing squash all from the best seat in the house! I have had some great opportunities while referring. Some of the Pan America Games with referees all over North and South America have been a real highlight.
You’re known for being both professional but also fun to work with. What are some of the fun or dramatic moments you’ve had?
Refereeing can be a stressful experience, which means it is nice to balance it with fun. After being done for the day, most referees I have worked with like fun banter and not taking each other too seriously. We play squash together and sometimes lots of cards.
You’ve no doubt seen a lot of things as an official. What stands out as a peak moment for you or just something you'll always remember?
In the Cayman Islands, I learned the true cost of being a world class squash player. Conditions were incredibly hot, and all players needed ice baths to continue during the week. Playing at such a ferocious physical level requires an amazing investment.
Do you remember any difficult matches and how you managed to control them?
Many, many difficult matches, that is why National referees get paid the big bucks! Each match, each tournament, we always see something new. That slowly gets added to our experience. We draw from that experience to decide how and when to step into a match. The best referees see a problem coming, and deal with it before it becomes a problem. That said, where matches have a lot of line, you still need to use all the tools you have learned over the years.
There is a lot of pressure in squash reffing. How do you handle it and what advice do you have for others on how to deal with it?
Player reactions / behaviours are an excellent feedback mechanism. If players are happy on court, it is some combination of an easy match or the referee making good calls. As matches get more difficult, we can use that feedback to help understand where the players are with each other, and the referee.
What rule would you most like changed?
I would say the rule about players deciding when they want to hit the ball on swing interference calls. Which means they can wait until the other player is in their swing to get a stroke awarded to them. I find this particular rule is abused and shows poor sportsmanship. I would like to see that as a let or no let to allow the game to continue to flow freely.
Are there any players you’ve reffed who stand out? And why?
Mohamed El Shorbagy (former world number 1), I think he is a true champion. Even when he loses in an early round, though devastating, he understands it is usually a highlight of the other player's career. He always takes the time to have a short conversation with that player. It is remarkable when compared to many other players who storm off the court, or barely shake hands. He just shows how all athletes should behave, when winning or losing.
If you could say one thing to players, with no filters and no blowback, what would you say to them?
When refereeing players who have been playing most of their life, who ask for ridiculous lets, I would love to say to them, "Are you serious? You are actually asking for that? How long have you been playing squash?". But of course, the goal of the referee is to stay in the background in a match and be invisible. Egging on a player, though appealing, would never be good for the game!
You learned your craft mostly in Ontario. Who mentored you when you were starting out? What is the best advice you have been given?
The Ontario referees have been an unbelievably supportive group. Every referee has had some matches that make them think of hanging up the shirt. Learning how to accept your role in the match, where you went wrong and address it for future matches is invaluable. That process takes time and support at all levels. I have been very lucky to have many mentors, but David Howard and Greg van Staveren have provided me some key moments during my development.
What advice would you give to emerging Referees?
Refereeing is very rewarding. Having a good mentor (or many in the beginning) and time in the chair reffing as many matches as possible is the fastest way to pick up the skills and patterns of referring. Anything valuable in the long run is worth the effort to get there.
Along those lines, how can we get more people interested in officiating?
A lot of people are afraid of being a referee. I think if people understood how supportive our group of referees are, they would be less fearful of starting up.
You’ve achieved a lot. Do you still have ongoing goals as a Referee?
Yes, I definitely have some goals. I would like to referee on the glass court at the Tournament of Champions and some of the other majors in North America.
Dave, thank you so much for sharing your story with us!
It’s been my pleasure. I hope we keep drawing more and more emerging refs into the fold. The more the merrier! More victims at the card table!
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