Part 1
It is the hope of the Munster Branch that in the areas, which are at present inactive, in regards to involvement with Munster Branch, will be given assistance in developing the existing club or school structures, these areas must be given a priority, rather than starting clubs from scratch. It is important therefore to identify clubs or schools who are at present playing table tennis. Some effort has already been made within this regard and further research will be necessary.

Areas of Priority
1 National Schools
2 Special Olympics
3 Inter Counties
4 Women In Table Tennis
5 Administration
6 Publicity
7 Coaching
8 Umpiring

Munster Branch National School Strategy
The participation of National/Primary Schools is a strong growth area for the sport. It is an ideal sport for both the larger city and smaller rural National school. Within a rural school space is very limited and a table tennis can often be accommodated within the school. It is the intention of the Munster Branch to organise a National Schools Cup as well as a league both in Cork & West Cork which will expand into other counties. Information on equipment, coaching and organising “friendly” matches will be circulated to National Schools outside of Cork. An introductory session with Munster coaches will be organised for all the counties in the province. A Community Partnership Project is also to be piloted.

Munster Branch Special Olympics Strategy
It is the intension of the Munster Branch to create closer links with Munster Special Olympics. It is hoped that through this association that resourses can be maximised. It is important for the Munster Branch to become more aware of the structure and needs of the S.O. Munster Organisation in order to co-ordinate mutual development strategies. The Munster Branch is at present researching the area of Special Olympics an assimilated tournament between this area and the “main stream” sport was organised during the 2000 West Cork Open. The Munster website has also launched a Special Olympics Site within the official Munster website in order to assimilate the two areas of the sport. The Munster Branch will be helping to run a coaching for the Munster Special Olympics National Games squad and encouraging S.O. Leaders/Coaches to participate in Coach Education initiatives and Umpire Training.

Munster Branch Inter-Counties Strategy
With the dominance of Cork County within table tennis many of the other counties within Munster are unable to compete with the high standard that Cork has achieved. It is hoped that through a Munster Inter-Counties competition that other counties might wish to have representation at such an event. To enable such a competition to develop Cork County would either be divided into sections or possibly excluded from the event. In order for this to develop existing clubs will need to be identified, this maybe done with organised development or exhibitions within the counties. Advertising within the local newspapers, the highlighting of facilities and events. Support will also be given to any existing club development.

Munster Branch Women In Table Tennis Strategy
The junior girls game is very strong in Cork with 6 out of the top 10 in Ireland (2000-2001). However in the senior game the numbers are very small, with only 1 or 2 playing regularly. It is obviously important to encourage any player no matter what their gender to play however it is important to try and address the balance. The Munster Branch is spotlighting the roll of women's participation within table tennis and encourage clubs to involve more women within their clubs. The election of an Officer for Women's affairs was proposed at the 2000-2001 A.G.M. and passed.

Administration
A crucial factor in the future development of Munster Table Tennis lies within the area of administration. At present there are too few officers to deal with the various tasks that enable table tennis to be organised on a provincial basis. The work load of these officers has prevented any expansion of the sport within the province. The need to delegate responsibilities to a larger number of members is a major priority. At the present time committee members have to fulfil a number of roles. Some of this maybe due to the lack of experience within the administration, this must be addressed and members will need to be enrolled for specific tasks for any development to take place. Suitable last year juniors, parents and teachers must be given the opportunity to experience the various tasks needed to fulfil the development strategy. It is the intention of the Munster Branch to hold a course on tournament and administrative procedure as well as referee and umpire development. A Volunteers Charter and recruitment policy is to be developed.

Publicity
It is important for the Munster Branch to try and raise the profile of the sport of Table Tennis throughout the province, in order to increase participation and sponsorship. During the 1999 - 2000 season there was not a PRO officer elected to the committee. The Branch relied upon the efforts of each of the officers to submit results and information to the press. There was excellent coverage within the Southern Star and the Cork Echo also published some good articles. A reception for the A.I.B. Sponsors was held with the Major of Cork at the City Hall as well as a reception for the Junior Interprovincial Championship winning team. The Mayor also attended the Junior Interprovincial Championships at U.C.C. Other efforts included an invitation to Cork City Football Team’s manager Mike Barry, who had a connection with Munster Table Tennis when he was a junior. All the efforts must be commended but the best advantage may not have been taken due to not having an established PRO. a PRO was elected at the AGM for season 2001-2002 and this will have to be reviewed. The Munster Website has raised the profile of the sport on a national and local level as it also hosts information on Table Tennis throughout Ireland, It is also an ideal vehicle to distribute information to our membership, a regular ezine was published throughout the 1999-2000 season. Sponsors should be made aware of this popular medium and it could be used as a way of encouraging future sponsors.

Coaching
The increase and development of coaches is necessary in order to cater for any increase in participation. To encourage this and to develop the existing skills base are the intentions of the Munster Branch. A number of players and officials have already taken part in the I.T.T.A Level 1 Coaching Scheme and it is important to encourage every club to identify prospective coaches. A Provincial Coaching Register has been brought in for the 2001-2002 season in order that active, qualified and approved coaches are recognised and that the Munster Branch can distribute relevant information and guidelines to the relevant parties. It is the policy of the Munster Branch to continue to run Level 1 and Level 2 Courses to increase the capacity coaching base.

Umpiring
The Munster Branch intends to highlight the role of the Umpire and to raise the profile of umpiring. It is hoped that regular umpiring courses are run and that an expenses or payment scheme will be developed and introduced for qualified umpires.