Table Tennis England tightens DBS rules from September 1, 2026: supervised volunteers still require background checks

On September 29, 2026, Table Tennis England will host an online webinar to explain important changes to DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) requirements for volunteers and coaches working with children. The event, led by Kyhl Daly, the federation's Designated Safeguarding Officer, promises to provide a clear picture of a landmark shift in safeguarding young players. The key change comes from the Crime and Policing Act 2026, effective September 1, 2026. The Act removes the 'supervision exemption' from the legal definition of Regulated Activity. Previously, volunteers or coaches working with children under supervision did not need a DBS check. From September 1, 2026, supervised roles are treated the same as unsupervised roles. This means thousands of table tennis volunteers across England may need to undergo criminal record checks before working with children. The webinar runs from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM UK time and is aimed at Club Welfare Officers, club and league committee members, and those who regularly volunteer with children. Attendees will learn about the regulatory change and how it affects them and the volunteers they support. Table Tennis England will also explain its DBS process and why these checks are vital to protecting children in the sport. This move aligns with a broader trend in British sport. Following recent scandals involving child abuse, national governing bodies have tightened their vetting processes. Removing the 'supervision exemption' is seen as a crucial step to close a loophole that left children exposed. Many amateur clubs rely on parent volunteers who assist with coaching or basic supervision. Under the new rules, even these helpers need a valid DBS certificate if they work regularly with children. For table tennis clubs, this is both an administrative challenge and a chance to build trust. Smaller clubs may face extra costs and paperwork, but the environment becomes safer and more professional. Many safeguarding experts have welcomed the UK's leadership in updating the legal framework, arguing there is no reason for an adult to oppose a safety check if their goal is truly to support children. Practically, clubs must understand the timeline. From September 1, 2026, anyone required to have a DBS check who has not completed the process will not be allowed to coach or take part in official activities with children. Therefore, attending the webinar on September 29 is an important preparatory step. Table Tennis England has also updated its DBS webpage with detailed guidance. Sport is not only about winning or technique; the foundation of sustainable development is safety and trust. The UK government's decisive removal of the supervision exemption shows that lawmakers are prioritising children's welfare. For the table tennis community, now is the time for every club and volunteer to reflect on their role and seriously fulfil their duty to protect the next generation. In Vietnam, although background check systems for coaches and volunteers in sport are not yet as strict as in England, this story offers a lesson in proactive risk management. Parents and youth table tennis centres can learn from Table Tennis England's approach to build safer and more transparent recruitment procedures. Ultimately, children anywhere deserve to practise sport in an environment free from violence, abuse, and adult indifference. The webinar on September 29, 2026 will be a milestone for the English table tennis community to update and act together. Clubs should send at least one representative, prepare specific questions, and proactively check the DBS status of their coaches, assistants, and volunteers. Only when everyone understands and enforces the rules can the safeguarding shield be truly strong.