Hundreds of individuals have had their say during the consultation phase of our Competition Review, and we are now analysing their input.
A total of 385 completed responses were received to the online survey, which was open for five weeks in October and November.
In addition, more than 20 one-to-one interviews and forums took place with individuals and stakeholder groups.
These included representatives from clubs and leagues, players and parents, National Council, Members’ Advisory Group and Schools Committee members, British Para Table Tennis, tournament organisers, referees and umpires, coaches including performance coaches, and a number of individuals with huge knowledge and experience of competitions.
More about this process and those involved has been included in an updated supporting document which can be downloaded at the foot of this page.
Initial analysis of the responses began last month and remains ongoing. It will be presented to the steering group which is leading the project and the steering group will release the consultation findings and details of the next steps in due course.
Neil Rogers, Head of Competitions and Events at Table Tennis England, said: “The number and quality of responses we received exceeded our expectations and I would like to thank all those who took the time and trouble to input into the Review.
“It is clear that those who play in competitions up and down the country are highly engaged in the Review and their input will enable us to deliver meaningful reform to the competitions landscape, improving the experience of our sport for all involved.
“We will continue to provide updates as we carry out our analysis of the responses.”
What is the competition review?
The competition review is a root and branch re-evaluation of the domestic competitions calendar to address a number of known issues and ensure the programme is fit-for-purpose to meet the needs of our members.
It covers all national competition programmes that sit within Table Tennis England governance/delivery, including tournaments, sanctioned events, national leagues and schools competitions. It does not include competition programmes that do not sit within Table Tennis England governance or delivery, such as VETTS and BUCS events and Local Leagues.
It is led by Neil Rogers, Head of Competitions and Events at Table Tennis England, and supported by a steering group comprised of a wide range of stakeholders. The project brief, goals, process and timeframe have been agreed by the Board.
The aim is to create the right format, frequency, location and standard of competition across all demographics, creating the best possible experience for existing and potential members.
This includes reducing calendar congestion and the unsustainable burden on officials, creating a more equal geographical spread of tournaments, greater quality assurance and value for money for competitors, greater inclusivity, investigating different formats and preparing talented players for international competition.
It is anticipated that the outcome of the review will be partially implemented in 2022/23, alongside the introduction of a new rankings system, with full implementation of a new competitions programme in 2023/24.