Table Tennis England Updating DBS Requirements: Online Webinar for Volunteers and Clubs

Table Tennis England, the governing body for table tennis in England, has announced an online webinar to explain significant changes in the requirement for DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks applied to volunteers, coaches and staff working with children in the sport. The webinar will take place from 18:00 to 19:00 (UK time) on Tuesday, 29 September 2026. The event, led by Kyhl Daly - Designated Safeguarding Officer at Table Tennis England - promises to provide specific guidance on the new regulations, the Association's DBS processes, and the importance of criminal record checks in protecting children participating in sport. According to an official notice from Table Tennis England, the most notable content of the webinar arises from the fact that from 1 September 2026, the Crime and Policing Act 2026 has removed the 'supervision exemption' from the legal definition of Regulated Activity. Previously, many volunteers and coaches working with children under someone else's supervision were not required to hold a DBS certificate. But now, these roles will be treated the same as those without supervision. This is a landmark change in the way table tennis clubs across England operate. Those who once thought that simply having a DBS-checked adult nearby could allow other volunteers to rotate without background checks now need to reconsider their entire recruitment and task allocation procedures. This online webinar is designed for a wide range of roles: Club Welfare Officers, members of club or league committees, and those who regularly volunteer with children. It is also an opportunity for organisations and individuals to understand the regulatory changes and how to apply them in practice. According to the announcement, key topics to be covered include: details of the regulatory change and its impact on each volunteer, Table Tennis England's DBS application process, how to handle records in the new context, and the emphasis on the role of DBS in creating a safe environment for children training with the sport. What worries many clubs is how to adapt quickly to the new regulation. Previously, a club could allow an assistant coach or a volunteer to work under the supervision of a DBS-checked head coach without a background check. That is no longer permitted. This initial adjustment may cause some difficulties, especially for small rural clubs where human resources in events are already scarce. However, Table Tennis England sees this as a necessary step forward. The notice stresses that removing the 'supervision exemption' is part of society-wide efforts to strengthen child protection measures against the risk of abuse. Although it causes much concern, the requirement for DBS for all roles with regular child contact will help sports organisations better manage potential risks. Kyhl Daly, who will lead the webinar, stated: "We want to make sure that every volunteer and coach understands their responsibility to protect children. These changes may raise many questions, so we will dedicate an hour to answering participants' queries directly." For those unable to attend live, Table Tennis England also provides a dedicated DBS page on its website with detailed information and guidance forms. The federation's safeguarding team will handle questions by email and other support channels. Registration for the webinar can be easily done through sign-up links on the official Table Tennis England website. Specific steps clubs should take now to comply with the new regulation include: reviewing the current list of positions, auditing all roles involving work with children, identifying who lacks a DBS check, and planning to have them undergo the check as soon as possible. For volunteers who are not regularly present, clear policies must be set regarding participation frequency because the new rule does not distinguish frequency - as long as the role falls within Regulated Activity, even if only a few times a year, they need a DBS. Additionally, DBS checks are just one part of a broader child protection picture. Table Tennis England encourages webinar participants to also learn about processes such as risk assessment, data protection policies, and how to react to any unusual signs of adult behaviour towards children in a sports environment. An effective safety system must be built on multiple layers, and DBS is an important net at the recruitment stage. In recent years, sports in the UK at large have faced significant criticism related to past scandals of child sexual abuse. Many major campaigns have called on governing bodies to tighten their background check processes. The Crime and Policing Act 2026 emerged as part of a legislative response to close loopholes that offenders might exploit. This change is therefore not exclusive to table tennis but reflects a broader legal trend. Bringing supervised roles under DBS checks will help identify more people with a history of child offence. This is especially important because many sexual abusers in sports environments tend to choose low-profile volunteer positions and regularly operate under lax supervision. Previously, there was a loophole allowing exemption for supervised roles: offenders could pose as volunteer helpers under the watch of a head coach and, because a DBS was not required, easily access children. The new regulation closes that loophole. However, the table tennis community must also be aware that DBS is not an absolute measure of trustworthiness. A person without a criminal record could still become an abuser if not properly supervised, trained and supported. Therefore, clubs should combine DBS checks with awareness training, fostering a culture of safety and transparency. The upcoming webinar will provide a forum to discuss exactly these aspects. Practically, Table Tennis England's DBS checking process is currently done through an online system. The individual being checked supplies personal information and consents to a criminal record search. Results can take from a few days to several weeks or longer for complex cases. Clubs should plan time accordingly to avoid staff shortages at the start of the season. In addition to information about the new regulation, the webinar will also answer questions about how Table Tennis England's child protection mechanisms operate. Participants can ask questions during a live Q&A and share specific situations from their clubs to receive personalised advice. If you are a club manager, league coordinator, or member of a committee dealing with youth sport, consider dedicating an hour of your time to this webinar. Even if you already have solid knowledge of child protection, staying updated on legal changes and new processes is essential for maintaining a safe and professional organisation. Table tennis is a sport that builds physical and mental discipline, and it is crucial that every child can participate in an environment where they are absolutely protected. By adapting to the new rules and taking advantage of the resources Table Tennis England provides, clubs are helping to build a strong foundation for the future of the sport. With the proactive deployment by the Federation and the support of volunteers, there is no reason for complying with the new DBS requirements to become an unnecessary burden. The webinar on 29 September will be an opportunity for the entire English table tennis community to move together into a safer era.