Conor and Bill kick off the episode by previewing our special guests (a must-listen!), followed by a deep dive into recent major PSA Tour tournaments in Qatar and New York. There's plenty of on-court action to catch up on before we welcome our featured guests: Brian Dillman, CEO of the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA), and Rich Wade, Director of Squash and Padel at the Philadelphia Cricket Club.
The discussion focuses on the RSPA's recent transformation from the USPTA and its expansion to include multiple racket sports, with squash playing a pivotal role in line with current industry trends. Brian shares how his past experiences and collaboration with Rich led to the inclusion of squash in the RSPA. The conversation explores the benefits of RSPA’s offerings, such as networking, career development, and certification programs, which span across racket sports to enhance professional opportunities.
Rich also reflects on the journey of squash being included and its potential positive impact, particularly with its new status as an ‘Olympic Sport’. The episode concludes with a focus on the professionalization of racket sports and the importance of offering varied certification levels to meet the evolving needs of sports professionals.
Welcome Back to the Roundup!
01:23 Special Guests: Rich Wade and Brian Diman
02:31 The Importance of Squash in the RSPA
06:55 Qatar Tournament Highlights
12:33 Women's Squash: Epic Matches and Comebacks
16:08 Commentary and Broadcast Insights
17:19 Player Spotlights and Achievements
19:38 US Open Preview and Exciting Matches
21:59 Egyptian Dominance in Squash
24:06 Future of US Squash Players
27:57 Conclusion and Next Segment Setup
The RSPA's Impact on Squash
29:45 Introduction and Guest Welcome
30:17 Rebranding and Expansion of RSPA
31:26 Evolution of Racket Sports Association
32:13 Benefits of Joining RSPA
36:17 Impact on Squash and Coaching
43:19 Challenges and Opportunities in Racket Sports
46:44 Career Opportunities and Professional Growth
52:47 Supporting 15,000 Members: An Overview
52:58 Diving into Certification and Sponsorship
53:29 Comparing Squash Certifications
54:28 Innovative Coaching Approaches
55:45 Addressing Professional Shortages
57:43 Marketing the RSPA to Squash Pros
58:51 Balancing Certifications: RSPA vs. US Squash
1:01:54 Off-Court Skills and Professional Development
1:04:33 Organizational Structure and Support
1:06:55 Future Goals and International Reach
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