| >> Child Protection The English Table Tennis Association (ETTA), as a provider of services and activities for children and young people aged under 18 years, takes its duty of care as the National Governing Body of Table Tennis in England seriously. Further the Association believes that it should have a child protection policy which is a statement of intent that demonstrates a commitment to safeguard children and young people in our sport from harm. The policy makes it clear to all staff, officials, players, volunteers, parents, carers and members what is required in relation to the protection of children and young people in table tennis, and hopes that its implementation will help create a safe and positive environment for children and young people to enjoy our sport. All children have a right to have fun and be safe in the activities they choose, and parents/carers should be able to have confidence that the clubs to which they entrust their children will look after them. Everyone working or involved 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. Links are provided on this page to the ETTA’s Child Protection Policy and Guidelines and other documents which should be of use to anyone viewing this site. Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Checks Everyone involved with sport should be aware of the importance of Criminal Records Bureau checking (CRB) for all those staff, coaches, members, volunteers, officials and parents involved in any way with young people. Indeed this is an integral part of the ETTA’s Child Protection Policy and Guidelines. The English Table Tennis Association (ETTA) has an agreed policy in respect of all staff and volunteers working with children and young people – for the purposes of the ETTA’s Child Protection Policy this relates to those aged under 18 years. The current CRB Policy was approved at the April 2009 meeting of the ETTA’s National Council. The Policy is available to view and download from this website. How to obtain a CRB check through the ETTA The ETTA are not a registered body with the Criminal Records Bureau and are using TMG CRB as their recommended agency. There is an administrative charge of £16 per check imposed by TMG CRBwhich is passed on to the applicant, although the check itself is free of charge for volunteers. Anyone requiring the ETTA to organise a CRB check on their behalf should complete the CRB application form, available as a downloadable document, and return it along with send a cheque for £16 made payable to the ETTA to the headquarters office in Hastings. On receipt TMG CRB will forward the Disclosure Form to the applicant for completion. Use of Photographic Equipment and Videos at ETTA Events The ETTA’s Photography Guidelines are being revised at present and as soon as the new guidelines have been approved they will be posted on the website. In the meantime please contact the Child Protection Officer for more information. Club/League Welfare Officers The ETTA encourages as good practice all Clubs and/or Leagues to appoint welfare officers. These volunteers will be a local point of contact for any child protection issues, although that should be, other than in an emergency situation, a reporting role ensuring that the ETTA’s Child Protection Officer is kept informed of any suspicions or reports relating to child abuse. These officers will never be put in the position of deciding whether or not abuse is taking place. In addition they will provide a local network for the dissemination of information to our members. It is anticipated that the role should take no more than 30 minutes per week. Anyone wanting to know more about the role should download the ‘roles and responsibilities’ factsheet. | 
