code of conduct

Everyone involved in Stirlingshire Table Tennis either as a player, volunteer, coach, official, administrator, parent, or supporter will:

1. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of everyone they meet in table tennis and treat everyone equally

2. Operate within the rules and spirit of table tennis and teach anyone they come across in the sport to do the same

3. Report any safeguarding concerns they may have to the Stirlingshire Table Tennis or Table Tennis Scotland Welfare Officers

4. Report any injustices or abuse they may witness to a member of the Stirlingshire Committee

5. Take responsibility for their actions and keep themselves safe

6. Be aware that bullying (verbal and physical) of anyone involved in our sport will not be tolerated under any circumstances, this includes inappropriate use of social media and texting

7. Never use or condone the use of foul, sexist, or racist language or any language that could cause offence, including gestures, at any time.

8. Never smoke or consume alcohol/drugs while on league premises or representing the league at competitions

9. Never do or say anything which brings Stirlingshire, any of its members or the sport into disrepute

Additional Guidance for League Players

1. Accept defeats graciously, shaking hands with opponents and the umpire after every match 

2. Take your turn to umpire, taking due care and attention (no looking at mobile phones/using headphones), and calling out the score at the end of each point 

3. The calling of a “let” is the match umpire’s decision. Players should not call a let themselves if the match ball from their court enters another court 

4. Refrain from continued displays of bad temper, swearing or shouting during matches:

In the heat of matches, players can get annoyed and direct small comments at themselves – no one is perfect! However, players should not swear or shout at opponents, distract other courts, or misuse equipment. 

Players must also not kick or hit tables, walls, or court surrounds. Bats should not be thrown or broken in temper and should never be deliberately dropped onto or banged on tables. 

Breaches

Significant or persistent breaches of this Code of Conduct should be reported to the Stirlingshire Committee in writing. The committee will consider the complaint and decide what action, if any, it proposes to take. The action taken will depend on the severity or consistency of the breaches and could include:

• Initial warnings (verbal/written)
• Player suspension from a specified number of league fixtures
• Player complete suspension from league activities