Table Tennis England Hosts Online Webinar on DBS Regulation Changes from September 2026: What Table Tennis Clubs Need to Know

Table Tennis England has announced an online webinar on the significant changes to DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) requirements for clubs and volunteers in table tennis. The session will be led by Kyhl Daly, the organization's Designated Safeguarding Officer, aiming to explain the legal changes taking effect from September 1, 2026. The webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM local UK time. This is a crucial opportunity for club management teams, club and league committee members, and volunteers regularly working with children to understand the upcoming regulatory changes. The highlight of the webinar is the explanation of the Crime and Policing Act 2026. From September 1, 2026, this Act will officially remove the 'supervision exemption' from the legal definition of Regulated Activity. This is a pivotal change directly affecting how table tennis clubs manage personnel and conduct DBS checks for volunteers and coaches. Previously, under the old regulations, some volunteers and coaches working with children under supervision were not required to undergo DBS checks. However, from September 2026, all positions related to work with children – whether supervised or not – will be subject to the same personality check requirements. In other words, supervised and unsupervised roles will be treated equally under the law. This change reflects the broader trend in child protection policy in the United Kingdom, where requirements for transparency and accountability are being continuously elevated. For table tennis clubs – especially those with youth training programs – this is not merely an administrative procedure change but also a matter of legal and ethical responsibility. During the webinar, Kyhl Daly will provide in-depth analysis on the following key areas: Firstly, the new legal framework of the Crime and Policing Act 2026: The webinar will explain in detail the content of the removed supervision exemption clause while clarifying the legal consequences for sports organizations. Daly is expected to provide specific examples of situations clubs may encounter and appropriate handling methods. Secondly, the impact on current volunteers and coaches: Many table tennis clubs in the UK currently rely on volunteer systems to operate children's programs. With the new regulations, those currently in these positions may need to complete DBS procedures if they haven't already. The webinar will provide specific guidance on this process. Thirdly, Table Tennis England's DBS procedures: This is a crucial section helping clubs understand the application process, processing time, costs (if any), and types of checks appropriate for each position. Table Tennis England has built its own system to support members in conducting DBS checks as conveniently as possible. Fourthly, the importance of DBS checks in child protection: The webinar goes beyond legal aspects to emphasize the substantive meaning of personality checks in ensuring a safe environment for children participating in table tennis. This section helps volunteers understand that this is not a cumbersome procedure but an essential protection measure. The target audience for the webinar includes three main groups: Club Welfare Officers – those primarily responsible for implementing local protection measures; club or league committee members – those making decisions about personnel and policy; and volunteers regularly working with children – those directly affected by the new regulations. In the context of table tennis continuously developing in the UK with thousands of clubs and hundreds of thousands of players of all ages, ensuring a safe environment has become more urgent than ever. Youth training programs, youth competitions, and community table tennis activities all require a robust protection system. The new DBS regulations are assessed as a positive step in standardizing child protection in sports. However, they also pose practical challenges for smaller clubs with limited resources. Conducting DBS checks for all personnel involved with children can incur significant costs and time. Table Tennis England is fully aware of this and is committed to supporting clubs throughout the transition process. Beyond the online webinar, the organization has also built a dedicated DBS information page on its official website, providing detailed guidelines, form templates, and frequently asked questions. Experts in sports child protection believe that although the new regulations may cause some initial difficulties, in the long term, they will help improve the quality and credibility of sports programs for children. Transparency in personnel management not only protects children but also protects volunteers and organizations themselves. To participate in the webinar, club representatives and volunteers can register directly through Table Tennis England's official channels. After the session, recordings (if available) will also be shared so those unable to attend live can follow along. With nearly 37 years of monitoring and analyzing sports trends, it can be seen that changes in protection regulations like the Crime and Policing Act 2026 are often signs of maturity in sports management. Sports organizations pioneering high standards in child protection typically build solid trust within communities and parents – a decisive factor in the sustainable development of any sport. Detailed information about DBS procedures and support resources has been published on Table Tennis England's official website. Clubs are encouraged to access and study carefully before the effective date of September 1, 2026, to ensure a smooth transition process.