Lack of access to venues is the key stumbling block to resuming league competitions, according to the results of our league survey.
A total of 106 leagues responded to the survey and just over one-third (34%) said they were planning to restart between now and December.
League competition has been cleared to resume – within current guidelines – from September 1 under Stage 4 of the Table Tennis England return to play roadmap.
A further 21.7% of leagues said they plan to restart activity in the new year, with 44.3% currently unsure when they will be able to restart.
Venues not yet being open, or not accepting external hirers, was a major challenge flagged up by respondents in all three date brackets. Only two leagues said 100% of the venues used in their league were open for table tennis.
Also high on the list of challenges were:
- Clubs not yet being back up and running
- Players not yet wanting to return to competitive play or feeling it is not safe to do so
- Difficulties maintaining social distancing in venues.
Of the 106 leagues to respond, the vast majority (101) operate on a three-a-side format. Around half (49%) of respondents would consider alternative formats if that made it easier to comply with current coronavirus guidelines.
We also asked leagues to tell us what support they needed from Table Tennis England. A total of 10 asked for a one-on-one meeting with our staff. Other support areas identified included:
- Clear, concise and easy to follow guidance
- Support for venues to reopen, including lobbying Government
- Financial assistance
- Information on alternative formats
Table Tennis England Clubs, Schools and Leagues Manager Claire Brockwell said: “Thanks to all the leagues who completed the survey.
“We will now consider the results, and particularly where we can have most impact for Leagues in England. We will publish further information outlining the current support offer and any plans for future support regarding a return to play for Leagues based on the findings of this survey.
“We will be working to contact those who have requested a call back before the end of September.”
Click here to visit our Ready to Return guidance section.
Download the document below find out more about the survey responses.
For any questions relating to this survey and associated findings, please contact [email protected]