URGENT INFORMATION FOR ALL COACHES AND ANYONE INVOLVED WITH TRANSPORTING CHILDREN

With effect from 18th September 2006 the following new legislation came into force regarding child restraints in cars.

It is compulsory for all children to use a child seat until they reach either 4ft 5in (135cm) in height, or the age of 12 years WHICHEVER IS SOONER.

The only exception is if there are 3 children being carried in a car but only room for 2 car seats, in which case 2 children must be in car seats and the remaining child should wear a seat belt.

Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines up to £500.

THESE REGULATIONS WILL AFFECT ANYONE TRANSPORTING CHILDREN TO TABLE TENNIS MATCHES AND COMPETITIONS BOTH AT NATIONAL AND LOCAL LEVELS.

The ETTA is advising anyone involved in the sport who transports children that they MUST have the appropriate child seats in their vehicles. As all parents are required to have the appropriate seats for their children the solution will be for anyone transporting children taking the child’s own seat and putting it in their vehicle for the duration of the trip. In this way coaches and helpers will not have to meet the expense of buying their own child seats but will be complying with the law.

Judy Rogers,
National Equality and Child Protection Officer
September 2006

Coaching:
We have a very dedicated development officer in Shirley Bailey, and she is pleased to report that since May we have been running coaching sessions for beginners, improvers and general practice – as well as dedicated coaching for the strongest junior squad we’ve had in years - on a Friday night at the Crypt School, and secured the venue for the next year. During the season coaching will continue from 5.30 til 6.45 for the juniors and general practise will be available for seniors on alternate Friday from 7 – 9.30, £2 per session. Details will be posted on the website. We have a host of newly qualified coaches in the City, and our thanks go to them for the hard work they are now putting in. The league has bought, with the aid of a grant, 4 new tables, nets, starter bats and balls.



Contacts:
Development Officer: Shirley Bailey
9 Pintail Close, Quedgeley, Gloucester, GL2 4LN, 01452 725884, shirley@shirleybailey.co.uk

Senior Team Secretary: Mike Kiff
2 Beech Close, Hardwicke, Gloucester, GL2 4NE, 01452 542121, michaelkiff@hotmail.com

Junior Team Secretary: John Davis
4 Cowley Road, Tuffley. Gloucester, GL4 0HT, 01452 504210, harleydavis@blueyonder.co.uk