Table Tennis England changes DBS rules: A boost for child safety or an administrative burden?

As of September 1, 2026, a major legal change will directly impact how table tennis clubs in England operate their child protection activities. The Crime and Policing Act 2026 officially removes the 'supervision exemption' from the legal definition of Regulated Activity. Previously, many volunteers and coaches working with children under supervision were not required to have a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. Now, supervised roles will be treated exactly the same as unsupervised ones, opening a new era of tighter safety in the sport. Table Tennis England, the national governing body, has quickly responded by organising a dedicated webinar on this issue. The event will take place on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM (UK time), led by Kyhl Daly, the Designated Safeguarding Officer. This is not just a routine information session; it is a signal that sports organisations must adapt quickly as the legal framework changes. Who is this webinar for? If you are a Club Welfare Officer, a member of a club or league committee, or regularly volunteer with children in a table tennis environment, this is the session for you. During the 60-minute session, attendees will learn about the regulatory change, how it affects them and the volunteers they may work with, and will gain further insight into Table Tennis England's DBS processes and the importance of DBS checking in protecting children from abuse and exploitation. To understand more, we need to look back at the context before September 1. Previously, the definition of Regulated Activity included a loophole called the 'supervision exemption'. This exemption allowed those working with children under regular and continuous supervision by a competent person to be exempt from enhanced DBS checks. The original rationale was to avoid unnecessary burdens on volunteers who did not have frequent direct contact with children at high risk levels. However, recent scandals of abuse in sport have shown this loophole could be exploited. Abusers could hide behind the 'supervision layer' to access potential victims without having a full background check. The Crime and Policing Act 2026 completely removes this exemption, marking a turning point in child protection philosophy. Now, anyone engaged in Regulated Activity – whether a lead coach, volunteer assistant or helper in changing rooms – must undergo an appropriate DBS check. This applies to both supervised and unsupervised roles. In essence, the law is sending a clear message: child safety is absolute, and no one is allowed to be a 'grey area' in the screening process. From our perspective, this change is not only legal but also creates significant operational and financial impacts for the table tennis ecosystem in England. Imagine a local club with 50 volunteers, 15 of whom only work short shifts under the watch of a head coach. Previously, they did not need a DBS. Starting in September, the club must require all of them to submit DBS applications, which takes time and some administrative costs (while standard DBS checks for volunteers are often free of charge, the administrative and staffing time is not insignificant). For clubs with tight budgets, this could be a cost problem. However, from a long-term perspective, this is a worthwhile investment. If a sad incident occurs, the reputational and legal consequences will be many times greater than the cost of conducting DBS checks for everyone. A club that proves it has a serious child protection system will build trust with parents and the community, attracting more young players. On the other hand, clubs that lag behind may face the risk of being expelled from membership or losing credibility in competitions. The September 29 webinar acts as an 'evacuation drill' so that clubs are not left behind in this revolution. What is interesting is that Table Tennis England did not choose a dry email guide, but an interactive live webinar. This reflects a positive trend in how sports governing bodies handle regulatory changes: turning a legal requirement into an opportunity for training and community cohesion. The webinar will include practical scenarios, direct Q&A, and provide forms and implementation roadmaps. Those who attend will leave with a clear picture of what they need to do in the next 30 days. According to data from sport organisations in England, DBS compliance rates are often high, but there are still 'gaps' in indirect roles such as the parent driver who transports children or the assistant who cleans the gym. Removing the supervision exemption requires clubs to review their entire staff list, not just those directly teaching. This process requires close coordination between Welfare Officers, club chairs and treasurers. Kyhl Daly's webinar will be a place for these officers to share experiences and find suitable solutions for local contexts. It must be emphasised that, although the new rules apply to England, this message is global. Countries, including Vietnam, that are developing table tennis movements can learn from this approach. In the context of physical education and sports systems, criminal background checks for people working with children remain a fairly foreign concept. But if front-runner countries have recognised its importance, latecomers should start building legal frameworks and internal procedures early, rather than waiting until a sad incident occurs. For those involved in table tennis with children, the September 29 webinar should not be missed. To register, simply visit the official Table Tennis England website and fill out the form. The federation also recommends those unable to attend live to follow recorded sessions or email summaries sent afterwards. The federation's DBS page is also updated with new guidance for easy access. It must be said that this change may cause some short-term inconvenience for clubs with limited resources. They will face waiting times of several weeks for DBS results, which could affect plans to recruit new volunteers at the start of the season. However, clubs can reduce this risk by planning reviews early and informing all members before the new school year. The webinar will certainly provide practical advice on reasonable scheduling. We also expect this regulatory change to help shift the culture in English table tennis. Protecting children is no longer solely the job of the Welfare Officer; it is everyone's responsibility. When an 18-year-old volunteer joins a club, they will understand that having a DBS is a privilege certifying they are safe to work with the future generation of the sport. The stigma surrounding background checks – often seen as a lack of trust – should be replaced by a more positive attitude: it is a sign of professionalism. The global table tennis landscape is changing rapidly. After the COVID-19 pandemic paused many activities, federations have become more aware of the fragility of systems and the need to protect their most precious assets – people, especially children. The UK government's decision to enshrine this provision in law shows they have not only listened to child protection agencies but also acted decisively to close every possible gap. It would be naive to say that a 60-minute online webinar can solve the whole problem. In reality, this process must be implemented through many stages, with long-term commitment from the whole system. But any reform must start with awareness and information dissemination. Table Tennis England's webinar is the beginning to ensure nobody is left behind. For table tennis clubs in Vietnam, although they are not affected by English law, this is a reminder of the importance of building a safe environment for young athletes. In the coming years, as Vietnamese sport integrates more deeply, we might have to face similar requirements from international federations. Proactively researching and applying safety standards is never too early. Finally, mark your calendar for September 29, 2026. Whether you are a club official or just a table tennis lover concerned about the sport's sustainable development, attending this webinar will help you properly understand a new regulation that could affect the entire future of the sport. Be proactive, do not wait.