WISPA In New TV Initiative
To assist with player recognition at major events - primarily for television audiences, but spectators too - WISPA is introducing an addition to its clothing rules.
From the start of next year, all players reaching the quarter-finals of WISPA Gold and Platinum events will be required to have their family name on their backs.
"While we hope and expect that it will percolate downwards, this is the starting point," said WISPA Chief Executive Andrew Shelley.
"We want our stars to be more easily recognisable, especially bearing in mind that a good deal of TV coverage is filmed from behind. Even with our players wearing different colours when they are on TV - another WISPA Rule - we want to be sure that it is easy for the viewer to easily distinguish between each player," added Shelley.
Television coverage of WISPA Gold events is seen across the world as a result of the Association's international broadcaster agreements.