Rule snippet: where's the ball?

Last night Dr Squash was playing with an opponent who took the ball with him off court at the end of each game.

It didn't feel right and it seemed that they were trying to limit access to the ball between games. One obvious advantage for the person who prefers a slower game is that the ball will cool down during the 90 second break.

Well the rules actually specify that either or both players can warm up the ball during any extended break in play - which would seem to include the break between games and also if there is a break for injury or replacement of a racquet. And obviously if the ball breaks then both players have to warm up the new ball. So taking the ball off the court does seem to be an attempt to gain advantage and is actually listed as something for the Ref to watch for -

Rule 14.6 The ball shall remain within the court at all times unless the Referee permits its removal.

So it is just politeness to make sure you do that. Obviously it can't be helped if the ball is hit accidentally out of court or onto another nearby court!.