Richmond Hill Squash Club Returns to ‘RED Control’ Classification – February 23, 2021

FEBRUARY 20, 2021

Good evening RH Squash Club Members.
With the approval of the Province and Local Public Health, we have been advised that York Region is returning to the Red-Control Zone, effective February 22nd.

Consequently, the Richmond Hill Squash Club is able to reopen, effective Tuesday, February 23rd. You will recall, the Red-Control Zone level of health safety protocols is what was imposed back in November 2020, before York entered ‘Stay at Home’ status.

We must stress to all members, the present COVID-19 Pandemic remains a very serious and ongoing health issue and everyone must continue to exercise extreme caution and follow all the protocols when going about their adjusted daily routine.

Playing Squash at the Richmond Hill Squash Club under Red-Zone Conditions

1. Game Play

  • No regular on court game play is permitted, unless players are in the same household
  • Drills are permitted among members in same pod
  • During drills, players must maintain distance of at least 2 meters
  • Courts will be marked with allowed zones; you must adhere to your zone
  • Solo practice is permitted, singles and doubles

2. Coaching

  • Coaches must maintain a distance of at least 2 meters and wear a mask

3. Staying Safe

  • It is required that everyone wear certified eye-wear and a mask when on court
  • While in the club, members must maintain two-meter physical distancing at all times

4. Guests & Spectators

  • No guests nor spectators are permitted
  • Exemption for children who can be accompanied by one parent/guardian

5. Playing in Pods Only

  • Maximum 10 players per pod – members can only be in one pod/team at a time and can change a maximum of once per month
  • ‘sign up’ for pod play is on the bulletin board at the club (must be strictly adhered to)

Ongoing Safety Protocols

In addition to the above Red classification requirements, members MUST follow these additional protocols-

  1. Arrive 5 minutes before your booked court time, no earlier
  2. Sign in on every visit, instructions are the same as before, follow sign in procedure posted at front door entrance
  3. Advance booking only, no drop ins (courts are available on a ‘staggered basis only’ to minimize exposure to others, see online booking)
  4. Wear a mask/face covering at all times while in the club
  5. Wipe down the court door handle with sanitizer on arrival and again on departure
  6. When on court, avoid touching the walls at all times and stay 2 meters apart while doing drills with another player
  7. Maintain 2 meter physical distance while in the club at all times
  8. Change rooms, showers and saunas are closed. Washrooms are open
  9. Use hand sanitizer generously to clean your hands while at the club
  10. When your booked court time is expired, LEAVE the club promptly (this is very important for air quality safety)

If we want to keep members and families and the community safe, and we want to keep the club open, we must strictly follow these protocols on every visit.

Stay safe and mindful of the guidelines.

Thank you for your cooperation.
———————-
RHSC Communications

RICHMOND HILL SQUASH CLUB
~enhancing your squash club experience~

 

————————————————————————————–————————–

FEBRUARY 6, 2021

Fun in a Different Way for Our Members

Unfortunately, due to ongoing Local Public Health Restrictions, the RHSC must stay closed for a little longer.
But, we just can’t wait to see all our members again. No, no, no, we really, really CAN’T WAIT. So, we’re getting a little nimble, getting creative and planning to have some fun doing it.

Save the Date: Saturday, February 20th 5pm – 615pm

Event: ‘Zoom Virtual Scavenger Hunt’

Together, but Apart:

What’s Next:
Let us know if you would like to join our Squash Club Family for this great online event and we’ll send you:

  • Zoom Invitation
  • Simple Instructions on how to participate in this fun-filled scavenger hunt event

Email us at rhsquashclub@gmail.com or j.quance@rogers.com by February 12th and tell us ‘you’re in.’

Until then, stay warm and active in safe ways.

Let us know if you’ll be joining in on the fun, email us today!

RHSC Communications Department

RICHMOND HILL SQUASH CLUB
~enhancing your squash club experience~

 

————————————————————————————–————————–

JANUARY 16, 2021

2021’s Short Term Forecast:
It’s very clear January 2021 continues to reflect troubled and challenging times.

We join with you and your families in hoping everyone gets through these challenging times with good health, both physical and mental, and that what is being experienced now, will soon be behind us.

We are committed to following local authorities by following public health regulations to help slow & stop the spread of this stubborn, tenacious virus. Additionally, Squash Ontario is key in guiding how squash clubs go about operating their sports facility. They have been an instrumental go-to resource and will continue to be instrumental in determining key policy and short term operating procedures so that everyone stays safe.

While acceptance of new memberships at the present time is on hold, we welcome your comments and questions as the next few months play out.

rhsquashclub@gmail.com | 905.884.6062

‘Stay at Home Order’, Province Wide:
RHSC will continue to be fully closed until further notice.
This is very unfortunate. We share member’s and the community’s disappointment and frustration. Ongoing, the Board is committed to keeping abreast of public health announcements and Squash Ontario recommendations.

As we get updates, so will you, and quickly. Until we’re open again, either partly or fully, we wish you good health and encourage you to stay active in safe and allowable ways.

RHSC 2021 Golf Tournament
Some good news!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021!

Mark your calendar; add it to your ‘2021 hope-chest’. Hopefully, ‘good to go’ by September.

Members, community friends; keep well and stay active in safe and allowable ways.

RICHMOND HILL SQUASH CLUB
~enhancing your squash club experience~

 

————————————————————————————–————————–

RHSC – Happy New Year & Request for Assistance

DECEMBER 31, 2020

 

One of our own needs our help. 

The great majority of RHSC members are looking forward to 2021 when we’ll be entering into the light after a very dismal year.

On behalf of RHSC President and Board of Directors, I wish you all the best in 2021 and for years to come. There will be excellent squash to be played, celebrations to be rung in, and hugs and kisses to be enjoyed.

Joan Brann and her husband Bob and their family have a very different view of the coming year. Bob has been diagnosed with ALS, which is better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and it must be one of the worst conditions to have. The mind knows what to do and think but the body can’t follow the mind’s signals. Bob, an accomplished guitarist, singer and harmonica jammer can no longer produce a note and will soon need a lot of help getting through a day. As well as Personal Support Workers he will need various equipment like a chair lift or a wheelchair and this is where we can help.

Joan and Bob’s daughter, Aja, have set up a GOFUNDME link where we can donate any amount we want. It is a matter of many contributing small amounts and together it builds into a significant amount.
We, at the RHSC, are Joan’s community of friends and I know we have each other’s backs when things get rough. And so I’m asking that our squash club community go forward into better times to please hit the link below and make your donation. It can be anonymous or not and there is not a tax receipt but there is that joy that you’ll receive from helping one of our own.

http://gofund.me/b05b1513

I did it and it took less than a minute. 

 

Thanks for your support,
Don Pocock, 
Director, Richmond Hill Squash Club

 

RICHMOND HILL SQUASH CLUB
~enhancing your squash club experience~

 

————————————————————————————–————————–

York Region enters ‘Grey – Lockdown’, RHSC Fully Closed

DECEMBER 14, 2020

 

Regrettably, York region joins Toronto and Peel region in Lockdown in our joint fight in containing the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.
This development is obviously not where we hoped we were headed, however, the RHSC Board of Directors agree our club’s closure is a necessary step in order to help contain the spread and get everyone back to as close to normal as soon as possible.
 
Until then, we wish everyone good health and encourage you to stay active in safe ways. Follow us on Facebook for squash exercise & great training tips during the club closure. Watch this space and Facebook for further updates around facility news and changes to guidelines and regulations.
Be well.
—————————————————
RHSC Communications

 

RICHMOND HILL SQUASH CLUB
rhsquashclub@gmail.com | 905.884.6062
~enhancing your squash club experience~

 

————————————————————————————–————————–

 

IMG_20200807_110653.jpg

RHSC Supporting the Community Recovery

IMG_20200807_110639.jpg

RHSC Supporting the Community Recovery

RICHMOND HILL SQUASH CLUB
~enhancing your squash club experience~

 

————————————————————————————–————————–

 

Checking In: York Region & North GTA Remains in Red Classification

NOVEMBER 20, 2020

 

Good afternoon Richmond Hill.
The province announced ”Lockdowns” in Toronto and Peel designed to help slow the spread. As neighbours, we support you in every way we can.

 

York Region, and Richmond Hill was not included in this tightening strategy. We encourage our Squash Club members to continue to do our part to help keep our families, friends and all communities healthy and safe by doing our part by strictly following protocols currently in place.

 

With everyone’s compliance, we will beat this virus and help speed our way back to some version of normalcy as soon as possible.

 

Stay safe.
RHSC Board of Directors

 

RICHMOND HILL SQUASH CLUB
~enhancing your squash club experience~

 

————————————————————————————–————————–

 

Richmond Hill Squash Club Updates COVID-19 Safety Protocols

NOVEMBER 16th, 2020 @ 9:10

 

Because York region has progressed from the Orange to Red classification, the RHSC has tightened its facility protocols. No one in our squash community wanted these increasingly difficult guidelines, however, everyone agrees, they are absolutely necessary to help keep everyone safe and healthy.
If you want more information about the Richmond Hill Squash Club and the current protocols in place, please contact us at your convenience.

RICHMOND HILL SQUASH CLUB
rhsquashclub@gmail.com | 905.884.6062

~enhancing your squash club experience in North GTA~

————————————————————————————–————————–

 

Return to Play Protocol Changes – York Region Stage 2

OCTOBER 18th, 2020 @ 10:52

All Members,

By now you will have heard York Region has moved back to Stage 2 modified category and this will have an impact on our current “Return to Play” protocols.

Richmond Hill Squash Club with guidance from Squash Ontario will adopt the following protocols for the next 28 days or until we are out of the Stage 2 category.

As of October 19th, 2020, pursuant to Ontario legislation, the playing protocols are subject to the following restrictions:

Permitted Activities: 

  • a) A distance of 2 metres between players in the club must be maintained at all times, except for players living within the same household; solo practice, controlled coaching and modified distanced drills in pods are permitted but no singles or doubles game play allowed unless all players are within the same household.
  • b) A maximum of 10 players is permitted at any one time within the club.
  • c) We will continue to maintain the use of Pods to limit the number of interactions among players within a facility.
  • d) All current protocols including signing in, online booking, cleaning remain in place.

Club Operations: 

  • a) Fitness area will be closed and cannot be used during the Stage 2 Category.
  • b) No guests or spectators are permitted in the facility.
  • c) Showers in the club will be closed.

I look forward to your support in adhering to the protocols as we continue to weather the current challenges.

Mustafa S
President
Richmond Hill Squash Club

 

————————————————————————————–————————–

 

FOLLOWING THE SAFETY PROTOCOLS

OCTOBER 16th, 2020 @ 17:23 

THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE IS IN OUR HANDS!
Doing our part will help ensure we get back to ‘full normal’ as soon as possible
————————————————————————————-
Greetings Richmond Hill Squash Club members and GTA Sports Enthusiasts.
We’re so fortunate, our sports club is open. Members are playing with Squash Ontario guidelines in full force. Our commitment to player safety and the good health of our community is at the forefront of everything we do.
Let’s make sure we are all abiding by the protocols in order to keep you, your family, other members and the community safe.

 

If you have any questions, connect with us at: 
rhsquashclub@gmail.com | 905.884.6062

~enhancing your squash club experience in North GTA~

 

————————————————————————————–————————–

 

Welcome New Members to Squash In Richmond Hill

SEPTEMBER 28th, 2020 @ 21:36

The new squash season is here. While Return to Play (RTP) conditions are currently guiding how we are all able to play, we’re doing everything possible to ensure your safety and get us back on court.

We have a special COVID introductory rate for any new application, rates are below:

2020/21 Annual Membership, Discounted Special Pricing Payment Frequency Fee HST Total Grand total
Single Monthly payment $ 82.62 $ 10.74 $ 93.36 $ 933.60
Single Annual $ 761.18 $ 98.95 $ 860.13 $ 860.13
Family Monthly payment $ 129.96 $ 19.42 $ 149.38 $ 1493.80
Family Annual $ 1224.00 $ 159.12 $ 1383.12 $ 1383.12

If you are interested in exploring membership opportunities including our current ‘discount offer’ at a great north Toronto sports facility, please DOWNLOAD the following application form and send it, to at your convenience, to rhsquashclub@gmail.com, someone will be in touch with you shortly to review and welcome you.

Download (DOC, 12KB)

~enhancing your squash club experience~

Passing of our Founder — Mr. Doug Allen

Posted on by
Reply

Our beloved founder Doug Allen passed away on Oct. 1st.

Doug’s influence and inspiration travelled near and far over many years. He touched countless lives with his energy, his thoughtfulness and his limitless humour. We in his squash club are the beneficiaries of Doug’s vision and persistence.

Fifty years ago his vision was realized with the Richmond Hill Squash Club’s groundbreaking and subsequent construction becoming a reality. Over these fifty years countless friendships were made, too many games to count were played, celebrations big and small brought us all together and all due to Doug’s dreams, his inclusivity and perseverance.

One original North American style court transformed over the years to four International courts and a marvelous doubles court under the guidance of Doug. His leadership and trust in others shaped success in everything he did.

His reach extended to Central America where he was the driving force to build 26 schools under the Schools for Children of the World banner, an organization that he founded. Currently there is a high school under construction in Honduras named after Doug Allen to ensure that his monumental efforts will always be remembered.

Closer to home he founded the Richmond Hill canoe club and taught many kids the art of paddling and to respect our waterways.

Doug’s squash game was an awesome combination of shots, gamesmanship, savvy timing and of course intimidation. As a left-hander his angles and positioning put many a player at a real disadvantage. He would smile broadly at his opponent but at the end of a match his quickness was still intact as he offered his opponents a friendly beer.

Doug you meant so much to so many and to say you’ll be missed is the greatest understatement.

Don Pocock

 

Welcome to the Richmond Hill Squash Club – (Original Message)

Posted on by
Reply

We are thrilled that you are interested in finding out more about the great sport of Squash. Our website is rich with information to help you get started.

Right now, you can purchase a 3-month trial membership for yourself or a friend for just $179.
Find out what it’s like to get amazing exercise and the same time, have loads of FUN playing ‘indoor’ squash. As a club that is open 24/7, you get your own personal FOB giving you 24-hour access.
We also offer one month advance online booking, singles and doubles courts, Monday night House League, Ladder play, monthly club events and more – you get access to all of this, included in your 3-month membership fee. And you don’t pay a penny (or a loonie) more for your court time. It’s included.

Our club welcomes people of all playing levels. Right now, we are particularly looking for beginners and players who are just starting out.
Contact me today to answer any questions you may have, get your free tour and get you or a friend started this week.

Squash – it’s easy, it’s affordable, it’s fun and most important, it could be your start to great exercise.

Do more, feel better, live longer.

Richmond Hill Squash Club
rhsquashclub@gmail.com

CLUB TEMPORARY CLOSURE

Posted on by
Reply

WE ARE CLOSED !!!!

The Richmond Hill Squash Club prioritizes the health and safety of our members, guests and staff. The Public Health Agency of Canada officials are encouraging the public to take proactive steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  

In consideration of the health of our Club community your Board of Directors has unanimously supported the decision to close the Club on March 16 at 5:00 pm until further notice.  

Although we are not aware of any presumptive or confirmed cases of COVID-19 among our members, guests or staff, we feel that we should align with recommendations from the man government advisers including the Chief Medical Officer of Health and our local Public Health.  

We will continue to assess the situation on a regular basis and communicate with members regularly as more information becomes available. We understand the closure will have a significant impact on our Club community and that you will have many questions. We kindly ask for your patience as we endeavour to answer them.  

Please contact Robert Dubé (rdube0330@gmail.com) if you have any questions.  

We are hopeful that this decision will help to protect our Club community and the communities in which we all reside. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate these unprecedented times.

2019 Club Champs — Results

Posted on by
Reply

ON April 27 the club held its 2018-19 Club Championship Finals for all levels in both singles and doubles.  We had a great day, the event was well attended by members and guests.  Before announcing the results I would like to thank all our sponsors (see attached), as well as everyone who helped out with refereeing, serving food and drinks, selling raffle tickets and cleaning up after.  Everyone’s participation is a testament to how good our club and members are!!!

Here are the champions (all names will be added to our plaque wall):
Women’s Singles A — Heather Dart 
Women’s Singles B — Margaret Jin Chan
 
Men’s Singles A — Dave Conte
Men’s Singles B — Thang Lê
Men’s Singles C — Mark McKay
Men’s Singles D — Scott Skinner
 
Club Doubles A — Marco Wong and Thang Lê
Club Doubles B — Paul and Nicolas Reimer
Club Doubles C — Nick Rapp and Shabbir Jaffer
Club Doubles D — Akil Dhirani and Shabbir Kanjee
 
Women’s Doubles A — Heather Dart and Brenda Garel
Women’s Doubles B – Farhat Salemwalla and Danielle Leblanc
 
Mixed Doubles A — Farhat Salemwalla and Paul Reimer
Mixed Double B — Carrol and Brad Trunk
A special thank you to Reinaldo Rivas who coordinated all the draws and stayed on top of all of us to make the tournament a success again this year.

NEW — Junior Squash Program Starting January 2019

Posted on by
Reply

JUNIOR SQUASH PROGRAM AT RICHMOND HILL SQUASH CLUB

Starting in January 2019, we are excited to announce the RHSC Junior Squash Program.

PROGRAM:

This program is designed to introduce the game of Squash to children in the Richmond Hill area.

For the children of RHSC members and non-members, this program would introduce them to a wonderful game that provides health and fitness benefits along with a greater sense of self accomplishments, competitive spirit, discipline and pride.

Squash provides an alternative athletic experience for students who are not involved in team sports, or who may desire to develop other athletic skills in addition to those offered by hockey, football, soccer, basketball, etc. Squash also has a proven track record as an excellent sport for students who enjoy individual competition.

We are in the process of organizing and scheduling the program. If you and your children are interested in learning more, please contact Reinaldo Rivas at: RHSC.JuniorSquash@gmail.com

PROGRAM DETAILS

  • 1-2 weekly sessions.
  • Each session will be 1 hour.
  • *Sessions will be planned for:
    • Wednesday evenings (7-8pm and 8-9pm)
    • Saturday afternoons (1-2pm, 2-3pm, 3-4pm)
  • Children from 6-17 are eligible to join and based on the skills & level, we will divide the kids into 4 groups:
    • Beginners: Never played squash before. Players can’t hit the ball consistently.
    • Intermediate: Players that can hit the ball but still can’t do rallies or consistently do good serves
    • Advanced: Players that can keep a decent rally and consistently do good serves.
    • “Elite”: Players that can rally, drill, have a great variety of shots and precision, great footwork and keen to play Tournaments and other competitive events.
  • **Costs:
    • Members: $16/session, per child- $80 for 5 sessions. 10 sessions program is available at $150
    • Non-Members: $19/session, per child- $95 for 5 sessions. 10 sessions program is available as well at $180
    • Discounts for Siblings & Referrals also available. Please refer to the PRICING & SCHEDULING

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

  • Fill out the registration forms and waivers
  • Protective eyeware for kids & Squash Racquet Squash racquet (We will have some racquets & protective eye ware available, but might not be able to have one for everyone depending upon the number of participants)

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Below are links to other important information about the program.

* Schedules are subject to change depending on availability players and coaches. Please refer always to the most recent MONTHLY CALENDAR. Last minute changes will be communicated via email.

** Costs per sessions are subject to change without previous notification. Please refer always to the most recent PRICING & SCHEDULING

THE COACHES

The Junior Program will be conducted by 2 Coaches: Reinaldo Rivas & Paul Reimer.

 REINALDO RIVAS:

Born & raised in Caracas, Venezuela, I started playing squash when I was 11 years old. Very quickly after I started participating in National & International tournaments, helping grow the passion for the sport even more. Although I never made the Professional Squash Circuit, I became one of the top players in the Caribbean and South America in the early 90’s. I had the opportunity to travel to many countries to play & teach the sport.

In 1989, I took over the challenge to full fill my coach’s footsteps. Since then, I have taught the sport to well over 1,000 squash players and in many cases, changed for better, people’s lives forever. I came to Canada in 2003 and quickly joined the squash community. I played in many different Tournaments, Leagues and discovered Doubles in 2006, for which I grew a great passion.

I continued to teach squash in clubs & gyms such as: Sports Clubs of Canada, GoodLife Fitness and joined the Richmond Hill Squash Club team in 2012.

Below a list of the highlights:

  • Ontario Squash Coach Certified (Level 1).
  • Represented Venezuela in multiple International Events.
  • Teaching Squash since 1989 (Europe, South America and Canada).
  • Participated in North American, European, Caribbean and Latin-American Tournaments.
  • 1991-2000- National Champion 9 straight years- Venezuela.
  • 1991-1992- Europe Squash Tour- England, Belgium, Portugal.
  • 1994- South American Top 16 (South American Tour: Venezuela, Columbia, Peru, Ecuador).
  • 1998- Open Caribbean Champion- Barbados- Caribbean Squash Circuit.
  • 2004- Ontario’s “A” Champion.
  • 2014 – Division 1 Singles T&D Champions (Summer).
  • 2015, 2017-2018 – IMAST Team Champions.
  • 2017, 2018 – 40+ Buffalo Doubles Invitational Tournament Champion

PAUL REIMER:

I love to compete.  As a kid my goal was always to beat the next best player.  I really enjoy drills, working on my game, my shots, and my footwork. My father was an accredited coach, and early on he taught me the benefit of practice and analyzing the game.  I also love to teach, and while I’ve never taught professionally, I’ve taught a lot of people to play.

  • I’ve played racquet sports since I was old enough to hold a racquet.
  • Under 16 provincial badminton champion 3 years in a row.
  • Played national level badminton for a year until I moved on to university.
  • Picked up squash around 16 years old.
  • Created and ran squash house league at Lakehead University for 2 years. Taught quite a few students and teachers how to play.
  • Ran Squash house league at RFA (club no longer around) for many years.
  • Competed in T&D and tournaments since the mid-1990s. Highest I ever finished was Provincial Champs finalist B, and T&D B level Champion.
  • Worked & drilled with Rob Brooks for many years.

RHSC Closing in on 50th Anniversary

Posted on by
Reply

In just 3 short years, the Richmond Hill Squash Club will celebrate 5 decades serving Richmond Hill and the northern GTA.

The excitement will surely gain momentum as we get closer, however, why wait!

RHSC caters to players of all levels – from beginners, those new to squash, right up to more seasoned competitors including players who are interested in inter-club competition.

If you would like more information about what makes RHSC different from other sports facilities, or if you would like a free tour, please contact us at your convenience.

We have a special 3-month trial membership available for a limited time. In the colder months of winter, now would be the perfect time to give squash in Richmond Hill a try.

J.S. Quance
President, RHSC
Enhancing Your Squash Club Experience