Community Table Tennis Club – Code of Conduct

Our club is built on respect, inclusion and enjoyment of table tennis for everyone. This Code of Conduct applies to members, guests, trial players, volunteers, coaches, and spectators attending club activity.

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1. Our values

We aim to provide a welcoming, friendly and inclusive environment where people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can enjoy playing table tennis. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and supported at our club.

Additionally, the club has zero tolerance for behaviour that harms or places a child or vulnerable adult at risk.

2. Expected behaviour

All members, guests and volunteers are expected to:

  • Treat others with respect, courtesy and fairness
  • Welcome new players and help create an inclusive atmosphere
  • Be willing to play with people of any ability level
  • Play in a friendly and sporting manner
  • Follow session organisers' and coaches' instructions
  • Not hog tables and respect the table time needs of others
  • Take reasonable care of club equipment and venue facilities
  • Pick up balls and help put tables away when leaving a training session or home league match.
  • Respect personal boundaries and privacy
  • Comply with venue rules and safeguarding policies

3. Unacceptable behaviour

The following will not be tolerated:

Bullying, intimidation or harassment of any kind

Example: Repeatedly criticising, mocking, excluding, or targeting another member; sending hostile messages; pressuring someone to play when they have declined; or creating a hostile environment for a player, volunteer, or coach.

Discriminatory or offensive language or behaviour

Example: Making derogatory comments, jokes, or gestures related to someone's race, gender, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, or background; deliberately using offensive nicknames; or engaging in stereotyping.

Aggressive, threatening or violent behaviour

Example: Shouting at, confronting, or threatening another member; throwing bats or balls in anger; striking tables or barriers; or any physical altercation.

Persistent disruptive behaviour during sessions

Example: Ignoring club rules or coach instructions; repeatedly interrupting organised drills; excessive shouting or swearing; distracting players during points; or refusing to rotate fairly when sessions are busy.

Damage to equipment or venue property

Example: Deliberately hitting tables with bats, kicking barriers, misusing robots or nets, or behaving carelessly in a way that results in avoidable damage.

Misuse of alcohol or drugs at sessions:

Example: Attending while intoxicated; bringing or consuming illegal substances; drinking alcohol where the venue prohibits it; or behaving in a way that compromises safety or wellbeing.

Any behaviour that makes others feel unsafe or unwelcome, or impacts their ability to enjoy themselves at the club. In some cases where there is high context complexity, this will be a discretionary judgement by CTTC committee members.

4. Dealing with concerns

If you experience or witness unacceptable behaviour, please report it to a session organiser or committee member. Concerns will be handled sensitively and fairly. Our committee members can be found on our website here: https://communityttc.com/committee

5. Possible actions

If this Code of Conduct is breached, the club may:

  • Give an informal warning
  • Ask a member to leave a session
  • Issue a formal warning in writing (this may be sent via email, SMS or WhatsApp).
  • Suspend your ability to play in league teams
  • Suspend membership and access to the club for a period
  • Terminate membership and issue a permanent ban in serious or repeated cases

Where appropriate, serious incidents may be reported to venue management or relevant authorities.

League Play Specific Conduct

When you compete in Leeds League, you represent our club and our values. Additionally you are relied on by your team mates. You are expected:

  • To arrive on-time for your matches (we understand that sometimes life happens)
  • To respect your opponents and not take unfair advantage. This includes waiting for them to be ready to receive your serve, and serving legally (e.g. throwing the ball up 6 inches, and the ball always being visible to the receiver). If someone says you are not serving legally - respect this and change your behaviour rather than getting mad about it.
  • To be a good sport, and not attempt to influence the game unfairly. For example:
    • Respecting the umpire's decision, even if you disagree with it;
    • No stomping your feet as a tactic mid rally;
    • No persistent yelling or screaming;
    • No throwing your bat or hitting the ball angrily away;
  • To watch and support your team mates, regardless of whether you (or the team) is winning or losing.
  • Be quiet during matches and also be respectful and mindful of other matches going on around you, including those taking place in other divisions.
  • To make being in a league team a pleasant experience for your team mates. This means showing positive and supportive behaviour, no repeated shows of anger or throwing your bat, no 'latching' behaviour, or being demanding, domineering or disrespectful.
  • To follow the rules of Leeds League table tennis as set out in the annual hand book.
  • To help with setup and pack-up of our home facility
  • To take accountability for your own transport to and from the match, and do not demand help from your team mates. If they offer it (without being asked), that's great! But do not expect others to provide this for you.

Violations of these rules may see short term and long term suspension from our league teams.

5. Addressing Your Concerns

Members may request that a decision be reviewed by the committee.

All concerns will be assessed fairly, proportionately, and with the opportunity for the member to provide their perspective.

6. Our commitment

Community Table Tennis Club is committed to maintaining a positive, safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. Thank you for helping us make the club a great place to play.