Safeguarding
Introduction
UTT (Universal Table Tennis), including its GMTTA training hub, is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults who participate in its activities.
We believe everyone has the right to participate in table tennis in a safe, supportive, and respectful environment.
UTT takes safeguarding responsibilities seriously and expects all coaches, staff, volunteers, participants, and parents/guardians to share this commitment.
Safeguarding Commitment
UTT is committed to providing a safe and positive environment for all participants, including children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
We aim to ensure that all coaching, training, and events are delivered in a safe, structured, and respectful manner.
UTT will:
- Prioritise the welfare of all participants at all times
- Ensure coaches and staff act professionally and appropriately
- Promote a culture of respect, discipline, and positive behaviour
- Take safeguarding concerns seriously and respond appropriately
- Work in line with recognised safeguarding principles in sport
Supervision and Participant Safety
UTT operates structured coaching sessions designed to provide a safe and controlled training environment for all participants.
Supervision requirements vary depending on the age of the participant and the type of session.
- Junior participants are supervised in line with UTT’s age-based safeguarding and attendance policies
- Parents and guardians must follow the supervision requirements outlined in UTT’s Terms & Conditions
- One-to-one coaching sessions for under-18s require appropriate safeguarding arrangements, including parent or guardian presence where applicable or agreed in advance
- Coaches are responsible for maintaining safe, professional, and controlled training environments at all times
UTT is not a childcare, babysitting, or general supervision service.
DBS Checks and Coach Suitability
All coaches and staff working with junior participants are subject to appropriate background checks in line with safeguarding best practice, which may include DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks where applicable.
UTT ensures that individuals working in coaching roles are suitable to work with children and young people and are expected to maintain high standards of professional conduct at all times.
Reporting Safeguarding Concerns
Any safeguarding concern, allegation, or disclosure will be taken seriously and handled appropriately.
Concerns may include (but are not limited to) issues relating to safety, wellbeing, inappropriate behaviour, bullying, or any situation where a participant may be at risk.
All concerns should be reported directly to UTT via:
Email: info@universaltabletennis.com
UTT will assess all concerns and take appropriate action, which may include internal review and, where necessary, referral to relevant safeguarding authorities.
All information will be handled sensitively and shared only with those who need to know in order to protect individuals and ensure proper safeguarding procedures are followed.
Code of Conduct Expectations
UTT expects all coaches, staff, volunteers, participants, parents, and visitors to behave in a respectful and responsible manner at all times.
This includes using appropriate language, respecting others, following instructions given during sessions, and supporting a positive and safe training environment.
Disruptive, aggressive, or inappropriate behaviour may result in action being taken in line with UTT policies, including removal from sessions or further safeguarding procedures where necessary.
UTT is committed to maintaining a positive sporting environment where all participants can train safely and enjoy their experience.
External Safeguarding Guidance
UTT recognises and aligns its safeguarding approach with established national sporting safeguarding standards, including guidance provided by Table Tennis England and other relevant governing bodies.
These frameworks help ensure that UTT operates in line with recognised best practice for the protection of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
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