On November 12, Squash BC proudly announced Aussie Pie Guy as the Title Partner of our Referee Development Program! This exciting partnership represents a shared commitment to growing the program and supporting the development of more officials across the province.

For Aussie Pie Guy owner Kiowa Martin, squash is more than just a sport – it’s a passion deeply rooted in enjoyment, community, and personal growth. As a dedicated Squash BC referee for many seasons, Kiowa has officiated at numerous tournaments across the province, advancing through the Squash Canada Singles Officiating Pathway to achieve Local status. He has his sights set on achieving Provincial and National status in the coming years. In addition, Kiowa is a valued member of the Squash BC Referee Development Program Advisory Committee, where he helps shape the future of officiating in BC. 

We did a spotlight Q&A with Kiowa, to learn more about Kiowa’s journey and experience. Here’s what he shared with us:

Passion for Officiating

Squash BC: What is your history with squash?

Kiowa: “When I was 10 or 11, I played for about 4 years as a junior. My dad was an avid squash player so I started playing with him. After stopping for many years, I decided to start playing again when I was 30.” 

Squash BC: What inspired you to develop a passion for officiating in squash? How did you first get involved?

Kiowa: “As the years went by and the injuries stacked up, I decided that to stay involved in the game and to also stay in the great community of people, that officiating was a great way to do exactly that. At tournaments and in city leagues, many people don’t enjoy the officiating that comes along with it but I always enjoyed it. And some accredited referees commented that I should become an official.” 

Squash BC: Why did you choose to partner with Squash BC to support our officiating program? How does this partnership align with your broader goals for squash officiating?

Kiowa: “Over the past 4 years, I have supported Squash BC at events by either volunteering, refereeing, supplying food from my business and as well I have sponsored at some events. This just seemed like a natural fit going forward and I’m honored that Squash BC asked me and recognized the efforts I’ve tried to put into being an official at all the sanctioned or even non sanctioned events every year. 

Each year it proves to be difficult for squash anywhere in the world to have enough officials. I think if more and more active players were mentored/trained even while just refereeing in city league or tournament matches and made to understand and follow the proper rules of squash, that the game would only flourish and make for a better sport on the courts. Squash should be free flowing and fun to watch and the more that all players understand and recognize the rules of squash, that will improve the sport. Especially as the 2028 Olympics approach and squash finally gets its moment to shine!”

Officiating Experience 

Squash BC: What tournaments have you officiated at?

Kiowa: “Over the past 3 seasons, all of the BC Open and Closed events for juniors and senior tournaments. At the Vancouver Island Open in Victoria. Along with a few local club tournaments. As well I officiated at the 2024 Canadian Squash Championships in Calgary!”

Squash BC: What skills or traits do you believe are essential for being an effective referee?

Kiowa: “The biggest skill is keeping the outside noise exactly there….outside. Squash is very closed in and intimate and everyone from the players to the people watching have their own view of what’s happening on the court. Being confident and true to yourself will help guide you through being a very fair and consistent referee.” 

Squash BC: In your experience, what improvements do you think are needed to better support and encourage individuals to become referees in squash?

Kiowa: “The biggest take away is that I believe the sport needs to find more effective ways for the referees to gain knowledge and more training tools. And better communication along all levels that is provided within Canada.”

This experience highlights the critical need to grow the Officiating Program in BC and across the country. Through this partnership, we aim to strengthen communication between referees and Squash BC, while also providing referees with the tools and resources they need to succeed and feel supported at every level of the game.

Aussie Pie Guy Referee Development Program

Officiating is an integral part of squash and helps to promote fair play and safety. In 2023, Squash BC launched the Referee Development Program. This program was created to increase the number of referees across BC and support their development in the Squash Canada Officiating Pathway. The Aussie Pie Guy Referee Development Program provides referees with specialized training to learn and improve their refereeing skills. This includes virtual and on court education workshops, mentorship and assessments from highly experienced referees, and further resources in the development of the future top officials in the province.  

The Aussie Pie Guy Referee Development Program is always seeking referees looking to build their skills and receive additional development opportunities. Referees interested in joining the Program are encouraged to contact programs@squashbc.com for more details and to involve yourself in upcoming events relating to this program.

Squash BC looks forward to how the Aussie Pie Guy Referee Development Program will grow in the months to come, and advance the skills and knowledge of the referees in BC.