A TEAM of young table tennis players missed out on the opportunity of taking part in a regional tournament at the weekend as their school was unable to provide staff coverage.

Nathan Spuhler was one of four players hoping to take part and his father, Darren, said he is upset at missing the chance.

The 13-year-old was expecting to represent Longfield Academy in the team section of the English Schools’ Table Tennis Association (ESTTA) regionals but the school's decision meant he had to miss out.

However, the school defended its decision not to support the application to play on the grounds of students' health and safety as there was no teacher escort available.

The teenager's father Darren said: "I really can't understand the logic, the team were in with a chance of qualifying for the finals. They are a great team of players and the head teacher has robbed them of the chance of competing.

 

Nicholas Lindsay, head of school at Longfield Academy

"We were told that they were unable to play because they needed to be accompanied by a teacher but I checked with the organisers and they said all they needed was a responsible adult with them to compete.

"I contacted the school and told them that I could arrange for coach from the table tennis team to attend but the school still refused to sign off the permission for the team to play."

The team were due to take part in the ESTTA Butterfly School Team Championships at the weekend with a chance of taking part in the national finals in March.

Mr Spuhler added: "This is a new rule from the school as far as I am aware because there wasn't teacher at last year's event or the year before – so why bring it in now?

"I just feel that it is so unfair for the team. I was given five reasons why it wasn't possible and I gave five solutions but it has made no difference whatsoever.

"I'm know that the school will be able to find teachers for other sports including football and cross-country, especially as Nathan has represented the school before in cross country.

"I think it is absolutely disgusting to be honest."

Nicholas Lindsay, head of school, defended the decision to stop the young players from taking part in the tournament.

He said: "Longfield Academy takes the health, safety and well-being of pupils very seriously and in accordance with DfE guidelines all types of educational trips, activities and events must be staffed accordingly.

"The school is extremely proud of the wide variety of trips, events and activities which take place throughout the academic year, including evenings, weekends and during the school holidays. Staff freely give their own time to ensure we can fulfil our community ethos."