It is unfortunate that there was an unpleasant - and uncharacteristic - incident at the VETTS National Championships at the weekend (May 16 & 17, 2026). The purpose of this post is to explain the outcome and to reinforce the VETTS position that we have zero tolerance of aggressive or abusive behaviour towards players, volunteers, officials and spectators.
The Constitution of the VETTS has, as its first principle, that our Society is to promote friendship and competition among veteran players.
An incident occurred over a disputed decision in the final stages of a mixed doubles match. As a result, one player displayed on-going abusive and aggressive behaviour towards the umpire, his opponents, and then towards the referee, officials and spectators. As a result, the match was awarded to his opponents.
The referee subsequently disqualified the player from all events in the tournaments, including the singles. This was supported unanimously by members of the VETTS Executive, all of whom were present. Later that day, the VETTS Executive held a meeting as the Disciplinary Committee and have issued an indefinite ban on the player participating in any future VETTS events and have suspended his membership of the VETTS with immediate effect.
The confrontation upset one of the players so much that she was unable to continue, and also caused considerable upset to a young spectator (which raises separate safe-guarding issues), as well as spoiling the enjoyment of many people.
We hope that the action of the VETTS Executive demonstrates that aggressive or abusive behaviour towards other players, volunteers, officials, and spectators is not acceptable in any circumstances and that anyone who exercises such behaviour will be removed from our Society with immediate effect. No second chances.
We will not tolerate this conduct, and we hope this brings some reassurance to the vast majority of our members, players and participants who share our values.
Susie Venner,
Chairman
VETTS