Table Tennis England tightens child safety: DBS removes supervision exemption from September 2026

Table Tennis England has announced an official webinar explaining the latest changes to DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checking requirements in table tennis. The online event will take place on Tuesday, September 29, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, led by Kyhl Daly, the designated Safeguarding Officer of Table Tennis England. It is designed for Club Welfare Officers, members of club or league committees, and volunteers who regularly work with children. The session will cover updated legal regulations, the DBS application process, and the importance of background checks in safeguarding children in sport. At the heart of the change is the Crime and Policing Act 2026. Effective from September 1, 2026, the Act removes the 'supervision exemption' from the legal definition of Regulated Activity. Previously, some volunteers and coaches working with children under supervision did not require a DBS check. That exemption no longer applies, meaning supervised roles are now treated the same as unsupervised ones. This is a major turning point, as many clubs were unclear about who needs a DBS check. Voluntary helpers, assistant coaches and anyone engaged in organised activities with children but working under another responsible person may have been overlooked in the past. Closing this loophole sends a clear message: anyone who works regularly with children must be checked and held accountable. The webinar will allow participants to understand the practical implications of the new rules. Kyhl Daly will also explain Table Tennis England's internal procedures for handling DBS applications and renewals. It is a chance for club officers to compare their own systems, identify gaps and make necessary adjustments. A dedicated Q&A segment will give attendees the opportunity to present real-life situations, so they can receive specific guidance and avoid procedural errors. The one-hour online seminar is considered essential training for the table tennis community. Club Welfare Officers are directly responsible for child protection policies at local level, so they must be aware of legal changes. Committee members of clubs and leagues, along with regular children's volunteers, should also take part. Understanding the rules is not just a legal obligation but a moral commitment for any sports organisation. Many small clubs in England have struggled to implement DBS checking consistently due to limited resources and dedicated staff. The new regulation raises the standard, but also helps clubs recognise their responsibilities from the recruitment stage. Those who were previously seen as 'informal' helpers under someone else's guidance are now managed as rigorously as official coaches. This reduces the risk of abuse and prevents loopholes from being exploited. Moreover, this is not merely a legal requirement. For parents who send their children to table tennis sessions, stricter DBS vetting gives them peace of mind. For volunteers and coaches, completing DBS is not a barrier but a statement of credibility and transparency. When the entire community values responsibility, the sport can develop sustainably from grassroots level. To prepare for the change, table tennis clubs in England should proactively review their staff lists, identify roles involving contact with children, and plan DBS applications. This task should be completed before September 1, especially as the new season approaches. Welfare officers also need to update internal policies and hold short information sessions. The transition may involve costs and paperwork, but with proper planning, every club can meet the goal. Kyhl Daly brings both legal knowledge and practical experience in child protection. Attendees will learn from real case studies, covering how to fix recruitment flaws and how to build a culture of safety within the club. Attending the webinar helps them obey the law and accept that protecting children is a shared responsibility throughout the system. With this change, England continues to lead in raising safety standards in youth sport. Other national sports bodies could use this as a valuable reference. From a broader perspective, removing the supervision exemption proves that professional sport cannot thrive without a strong human protection foundation. Table tennis clubs in England now have a chance to improve their structure and ensure a professional, humane and safe environment for the next generation of athletes. The webinar on Tuesday, September 29, is one of the most practical activities of Table Tennis England in late 2026. It arrives as clubs prepare for the new season, so clear and rapid communication is vital. Through this event, the federation will provide information and create an open forum for stakeholders to share challenges and solutions. Ultimately, when a sports organisation puts child safety first, it lays a solid foundation for its own future. Table Tennis England understands that a young talent can only thrive in a trustworthy environment. Everyone who attends the webinar on September 29 is not just learning about procedures – they are playing a part in building a generation of confident, healthy, well-protected athletes.