Information for joining and playing at SETTA
Outline of SETTA
The South Eastern Table Tennis Association (SETTA) operates as a club-based ‘home-and away’ competition and has been in existence more than 80 years. It is affiliated with state governing body Table Tennis Victoria (which in turn is affiliated with Table Tennis Australia, who are affiliated with the International Table Tennis Federation) and offers Monday night pennant competition from four community venues:
• Bentleigh East (2)
• Chelsea Heights
• Edithvale (Currently at Pro Fit Clayton)
SETTA pennant comprises two person teams playing the best of five games to eleven points, including doubles. Games begin at 7.30pm and are normally finished by 9.15pm. We run a Spring and Autumn season each of 14 weeks with Grand Finals in June and November.
There is only one pennant competition, comprising around 5 or 6 grades, depending on numbers.
Juniors
There is no dedicated junior’s competition, but juniors are welcome to participate at the appropriate grade level for their ability in the ‘regular’ pennant.
Joining SETTA/a SETTA club
To play in the pennant competition with SETTA, join one of our clubs. Currently there are four to choose from. Please choose one best suited to your needs (it is possible to ‘try out’ the different venues on practice nights if you wish). Each club has its own fee structure – you will need to check with the listed club contact for details.
SETTA is non-discriminatory and welcomes people of all ages, genders and backgrounds.
Costs
Fees for casual attendance at club practice nights are at clubs’ discretion and they should be contacted directly to determine what these are. For all pennant players there is a requirement to be registered with Table Tennis Victoria. Some of the cost goes to TTV for admin services, and some to Table Tennis Australia for admin and insurance.
The TTV registration fee is separate to what SETTA and its member clubs charge. SETTA imposes a small player and team charge to cover the cost of awarding trophies etc. Each club has its own pennant fee structure which varies, and covers the cost of hiring the playing venues etc. Contact the club direct to find out their fees.
Coaching
Coaching is a matter for individual SETTA clubs, and not the association. Currently one club (Chelsea Heights) does offer some coaching. For details, contact the club.
Equipment and clothing
From 2023, SETTA pennant players will be required to have racquets (bats) that comply with International Table Tennis Federation rules (social players not required to). These rules will be conveyed to members in due course. Pre-made up legal bats can be purchased online relatively cheaply from a range of suppliers (list provided upon request, as it can change). Alternatively, these suppliers can make up a more advanced bat for you of your own choice. There are one or two places in the Melbourne area which may enable you to ‘try out’ a bat or two at their premises to see how it suits and provide some expert advice as to what may best suit your game. As this is subject to change, we will not list details here but will advise upon request. New players have a four-week grace period to ‘convert’ to a legal bat if they commence without one.
Each club has a club shirt which should be included in your joining price, though check the details with the club you intend joining. Players are expected to wear this when playing pennant matches.
Practice Venues and Club Contacts - 2025
Table tennis practice is mainly fun but can also be competitive.
Our practice venues offer much more space than the local shed. We have good quality tables and can offer advice and guidance. There may be small fee, but this is club-dependent, and you should check with the club of your choice to see if there is a fee, and how much it is.
All ages are welcome to attend any of our practice venues. You do not need to be playing pennant in order to attend practice nights. Nor do you need to join a club, though if you are a ‘regular’ it will benefit you in the longer run to join.
Please note our clubs are not child-minding services.
Below are the practice/pennant venues, times, and contact details for Chelsea Heights club, Defenders club, Parkdale club, and Let's Connect club. (Please note Parkdale does not have a practice venue at the moment.)
Chelsea Heights Community Centre
Training session: Wednesday 7:00 – 9:00pm
160 Thames Promenade, Chelsea Heights.
1st contact: Trevor Turner 0414 440 375
2nd contact: George John 0400 571 666
Moorleigh Community Village
Training session: Thursday 7:30 - 9:30pm at East Bentleigh Senior Citizens Club, 1 Derry Street, Bentleigh East.
92 Bignell Road, Bentleigh East.
1st contact: Jeff Gardner 0419 886 659
2nd contact: Arthur Harrison 0432 617 376
East Bentleigh Senior Citizens Club
Training sessions: Tuesday 7:30 – 9:30pm, Wednesday 7:30 – 9:30pm and Thursday 7.30 – 9.30pm
East Bentleigh Senior Citizens Club
1 Derry Street, Bentleigh East.
1st contact: Loukas Yianni 0408 136 686
2nd contact: Richard Camm 0417 145 221
Parkdale (Currently playing at Pro Fit Clayton)
Uniting Church, Edithvale Road, Edithvale.
1st contact: Gary Cuthell 0416 158 667
(contact Gary for training sessions)
If you have further questions, please contact the SETTA Secretary at setta99@gmail.com or the listed contact for the club you wish to join.
