The World Squash Federation (WSF) has hosted an Olympic Strategic Planning Session as it aims to step up its case for the sport’s inclusion at the 2016 Olympic Games. Squash, along with baseball, golf, karate, roller sports, rugby and softball, was in April included on the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) shortlist of sports under consideration for the 2016 Games. Among the issues discussed at the meeting were the benefits of squash's inclusion in the Games, from the perspective of both the WSF and the Olympic movement.

The review process timeline from now until the Copenhagen (Denmark) meeting decision date in October 2009 was also highlighted along with the importance of lobbying, media and communication of the sport's development and growth. Major event presentation was also discussed along with market intelligence and an operational plan. “After the huge disappointment of so narrowly missing out on inclusion in the 2102 Games in London, we are determined to present an irresistible case for squash being added to the 2016 Olympic Games program,” said WSF President Jahangir Khan. “This is the sport's #1 focus over the coming year.”

Meanwhile, the WSF, Professional Squash Association (PSA) and Women's International Squash Players Association (WISPA) have united to make the ‘Three-Referee System’ mandatory at all major events in the future. The system - featuring a central referee (who is also the marker) and two side referees (closer to the two side walls) - has been used at many major events over the past year, and has met with universal support from players, referees, and spectators alike. The WSF will make the Three-Referee System mandatory for all World Championships, while the PSA will now require all matches at Super Series events to use the new system, including all qualifying rounds. WISPA is phasing in usage of the new system, beginning with multi-sided glass courts, from January 1, 2009.