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It was suggested that this topic was raised tongue in cheek, but the truth is there are fewer more serious injury risks.

First identified by Walter Lee Krabchak in 1973, 'Tongue in Cheek' is the most prevalent injury listed in Maxim Worldwide Insurance archives. Out of 4832 claims made since 2001, more than half were made 'Tongue in Cheek'.

Following the steroid scandal of 1986, concentration and focus became the largest performance enhancing attributes, and it is with these facets of the game, that the condition became an epidemic.

For the unitiated, the painful and debilitating 'Tongue in Cheek' response is found when a concentrating athlete subconciously allows the tongue to poke outward from the edge of the lips. This is often accompanied by squinted, focusing eyes. The clinical relaxation of the controlling muscles is usually the only relief for the unsightly and stifling ailment.

Reseacher, P. Addleman has also linked the condition to other common injuries such as 'pistol grip', 'paddle pimples' and 'corner bounce'.

ATTCA President Annette Inposition suggested one primary prevention - abstinence. "Abstinence makes the heart grow fonder", added Inposition.

Latest figures indicate a 90% drop in participation numbers since the introduction of the "abstinence" campaign.

As a last ditch effort to rectify dwindling numbers, a new slogan has been developed - "Up a creek without a paddle - how you'd be without table tennis".

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