Mapping tables worldwide: Creating diverse and inclusive table tennis communities with Pongmasters
Five days to go to World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) 2024! Aligned with our overarching theme of Diversity and Inclusion for WTTD 2024, the ITTF Foundation has partnered with Pongmasters to encourage individuals to identify diversity and inclusion parameters within their local table tennis communities. With the technological support of the Pongmasters app, we take the initial step towards fostering environments where people from all backgrounds feel welcomed and empowered to engage in the joy of table tennis.
The Pongmasters is an application designed to unite table tennis players from diverse backgrounds, genders, ages, skill levels, and characteristics. This dynamic tool offers a range of functions, including the global mapping of table tennis tables, playing a crucial role in advancing the WTTD 2024 Diversity and Inclusion initiative and fostering a more inclusive table tennis community.
The goal of our partnership is to create a comprehensive world map of table tennis tables, incorporating not only their locations but also key diversity and inclusion attributes such as wheelchair accessibility and lighting conditions. By mapping these parameters, we aim to cultivate a sense of safety and belonging, thereby enhancing access to the game for all.
To streamline the mapping process, we are providing step-by-step instructions below. Additionally, you can also download our step-by-step manual (click here). As the table-mapping initiative marks the starting point towards building an equitable and inclusive table tennis community, we invite everyone to join us in taking action today.
How to map tables on Pongmasters
Contributing to this global mapping effort is simple and user-friendly, thanks to the intuitive interface of the Pongmasters app. Here's a step-by-step guide on how you can get involved in:
1. Download the Pongmasters application on your mobile phone.
2. You then have to log in to your Pongmasters account. You can choose between three login options - with Google, Apple or simply with your email address. If you don't have an account yet, you can register with one of the same options.
3. After you have logged in, you will be taken to the Pongmasters home screen. Now click on "Map" in the lower tab bar to access the map.
4. You will find a ‘+’ sign at the bottom right of the map. Click on it to add a new table location.
5. You can now add some information about the table tennis table. First of all, you will be asked what type of location it is.
Choose one of the options “outdoor” for outdoor tables, “sports club” for tables that belong to sport associations, “venue” for privately owned sports facilities, “bar” for bars that have a table tennis table and “club” for places that throw table tennis parties. Then click “confirm.”
6. You will now be asked how many table tennis tables are at the location you have added. Even if a location has several table tennis tables, these will be displayed with only one pin on the map. If there are more than 4 tables, click “more” and type in the number of tables. Then click “confirm.”
7. Now you can select the exact location of the table location on the map. Simply zoom in so that you can see where exactly you want to put the map pin, click on the spot where the table location is and confirm your selection by clicking “confirm” again. If you want to go to your current location, you can click on the location icon in the top right-hand corner of the map.
8. Now you have the opportunity to add more information about the table location. Remember ‘Diversity and Inclusion’ parameters are crucial for supporting the ITTF Foundation’s mission of celebrating the access for table tennis across diverse groups.
- You should upload pictures of table(s)
- Leave a rating, write a review with your opinion or important information
- Diversity and Inclusion parameters – choose ‘yes’, ‘partly’ or ‘no’:
- “Lighting” for tables that are illuminated at night
Take a look around the area of the table if there are lamps / streetlights that can make it feel safe for people to play at night, which is crucial while mapping outdoor tables. Even if you go during the day, we encourage you to tag the feature based on your best judgement.
- “Wheelchair access” for tables that can be accessed in a wheelchair
(a) Check if there is a clear path for players in a wheelchair to access the table without difficulty based on your best judgement.
(b) Check the placement of the table tennis table's legs. Is it blocking the wheelchair user from putting their lower body under the table, which makes it harder for them to play and reach for shots.
- “Tagging “Yes/Partly/No”
You can tag locations that have only one accessible or illuminated table or don’t cover all requirements with the “Partly”-tag.
- You can further choose multiple tags:
- “playground” for tables that are very close to a playground and might interfere with childrens playing.
- “private” for tables that are not publicly accessible.
- “windless” for tables that are sheltered from the wind.
- “covered” for tables that are under a roof or something similar that protects them from rain for example.
- “school” for tables that are on school premises.
9. When you are ready, click “confirm” and the table location will be added to the map.
By participating in the mapping process, you're not just contributing to a global database of table tennis tables, but you're also championing diversity and inclusivity within the sport.
If there are any problems with the process, the Pongmasters and the ITTF Foundation team will be happy to help you. Just send an email to hi@pongmasters.app as well as info@foundation.ittf.com.