As we prepare for the new season, we’d like to draw attention to a change in our regulations which is relevant to anyone playing in team events.

The change provides clarity on who is authorised to provide coaching advice from benches during team competitions, including all sections of the British Clubs Leagues (formerly British League, National Cadet League and National Junior League), County Championships, English Leagues Cup Competitions (ELCC) and team events at open Tournaments.

ITTF Regulations state: 3.5.1.1 In a team event, players may receive advice from anyone authorised to be at the playing area.

Table Tennis England regulations and documentation did not previously define who is authorised to give that advice in any TTE-regulated team event, leading to a variety of approaches being adopted across different competitions over the years.

The situation is further complicated by a recently introduced obligation to record ‘Athlete Support Personnel’ (ie coaches) as part of national anti-doping requirements.

Therefore, in consultation and agreement with the various Event Committees, the Technical Officials Committee and Tournament Approval Panel, with support from members of the Competition Committee, we have set out to define those with authority to provide coaching advice.

The authorisation is defined for each event to include the clubs’ registered players or the teams’ registered players, and a defined number of coaches or non-playing captains, who can also include parents, club officers, or others.

Please check the relevant event regulations and documentation for specific information about each event.

Technical officials will receive guidance from the Technical Officials Committee, and match cards for each event will be updated accordingly prior to the first fixtures of the new season.

Participants at self-umpired team events should – as always – please ensure they are familiar with the relevant regulations and documentation prior to the event.