Child abuse is a very emotive and difficult subject. All individuals involved in table tennis activities with children and young people have a responsibility to safeguard their welfare. The majority of children who participate in table tennis do so in a safe and positive atmosphere with the support and encouragement of all those involved with our sport. However, a few children do not have a positive experience and the ETTA like other sports and aspects of our society now recognises the need to guard against individuals who may abuse their position in table tennis.

Everyone working in table tennis, be it in a paid or voluntary capacity, has a role to play in safeguarding the welfare of children and preventing their abuse.

Coaches have regular contact with children and are important links in identifying situations that may suggest that abuse has of is occurring.

The ETTA, accepts that as an organisation dealing with children through coaching and competition, has both a moral and legal obligation to ensure the highest possible standard of care is provided.

The aim of this policy is to ensure that all ETTA members are full aware of their responsibilities with regard to child protection, by:

ETTA policies which:

• · Offer safeguards to children, coaches, staff, officials and volunteers.
  
• · Help to maintain high standards of professionalism and practice at all levels of the sport.

Implementation procedures that demonstrate a commitment to:

• · High standards of recruitment.
  
• · The provision of support, appropriate training (and updating) and adequate supervision of coaches, staff and members to enable them to work together with parents, coaches and other organisations to ensure that the welfare and needs of children remain paramount.

Remember that:

The child's welfare is paramount.
· All children, whatever, their age, culture, disability, gender, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse.
· All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.