Introduction to Southend & District Table Tennis League
The Southend & District Table Tennis League (SDTTL) was founded in 1927. We are affiliated to the Essex County Table Tennis Association (ECTTA) and Table Tennis England (TTE).
Our aim is to provide a friendly competition where the main ingredient is good sportsmanship.
We no longer have boundaries and will accept any team within reasonable reach of our corner of South East Essex. The Southend League includes teams from Basildon, Benfleet, Canvey Island, Hadleigh, Hullbridge, Leigh-on-Sea, Rawreth, Rayleigh, Rochford, Wakering and Westcliff.
As of 2024/25 Winter Season, our League comprises of 4 Divisions, 16 Clubs and 41 Teams.
We hold various Competitions throughout the season including our Annual Closed Championship held every February, a Junior Closed Championship, the Bill Smith HardBat Tournament, which is named after Bill Smith of Mapledene TTC, one of our Leagues long serving members. Bill revived this tournament to make it one of the most popular events early at the start of our season. Southend also runs a Summer League from April to July each year.
Our League is supported by one of the strongest Committees in the Country all of which are always ready to give help to other Local Leagues.
We are represented on the ECTTA Management Committee by Ken Field, our League Chairman and Jayne Johnson General Secretary.
SDTTL DISCIPLINARY CODE AND PROCEDURES:
Background:
The Southend and District Table Tennis League was formed in 1927. Its object is to foster and promote the sport of table tennis at all levels, providing opportunities for recreation and competition. To achieve this objective the SDTTL (thereinafter referred to as the league)requires fair play and respect in a safe environment.
It is regrettable that on occasions the league must address the behaviour of individuals that falls below our expected standards. The purpose of this Code is to ensure that all our members are fully aware of the requirements of good conduct, respect and behaviour during our events; the procedures for dealing with complaints and the possible sanctions as a result.
Constitution:
Rule 4 of the league's General Rules relates to inappropriate conduct.
Misconduct :
For practical purposes examples of misconduct or offences could include but are not restricted to;
1) Offensive behaviour and/or language.
2) Threatening behaviour and/or language.
3) Discriminatory behaviour and/or language.
4) Violent conduct.
5) Equipment abuse.
6) Breach of the conditions of entry for league events.
7) Breach of the rules and regulations for league events.
Process:
1) On receiving a complaint from a league member (the complainant(s)*), the Chairman/ General Secretary will anonymise and summarise the complaints);
2) The person about whom the complaint has been made ('the complainee") will be asked to respond by the Chairman/General Secretary.
3) The Chairman/General Secretary will then pass the complaint to the league Disciplinary Committee.
4) Any witnesses or relevant third parties will be asked to submit their comments.
5) The Disciplinary Committee will consider the situation and make a decision. A decision may be taken by no less than three members of the Disciplinary Committee.
6) The Disciplinary Committee will determine what, if any sanction is appropriate and report to the Chairman/General Secretary.
7) The Chairman/General Secretary will advise the complainee and complainants) of the decision.
8) As per League Rule 4.1 the complainee has a right of appeal to the full league Executive Committee with regard to any decision affecting them, providing that notice of such appeal is submitted to the Chairman/General Secretary within seven days of notification of the decision.
9) The Chairman/General Secretary will inform the complainee and complainant(s) of the outcome of the appeal.
10) A record will be held by the General Secretary.
11) The complainee will subsequently have a right to appeal to Essex County Table Tennis Association (ECTTA) and ultimately Table Tennis England (TTE)
Sanctions:
The League Disciplinary Committee may impose sanctions that could include but are not restricted to;
1) A verbal warning.
2) A written warning (with or without conditions).
3) An undertaking relating to future behaviour.
4) A final warning with conditions.
5) A suspension of membership from the league for a fixed period of time.
6) A suspension of membership from the league for an indefinite period of time.
The League Disciplinary Committee will take into account the severity of the misconduct and any previous disciplinary action taken against the individual, including a breach of the conditions of previous warnings.
ECTTA and TTE Sanctions:
The league voluntarily follows and accepts disciplinary findings by Essex County Table Tennis Association and Table Tennis England in regard to interim or confirmed suspensions.
Other bodies:
The league reserves the right to share information about upheld complaints and sanctions imposed with other organisations and relevant National Governing Bodies and international organisations where deemed appropriate.
