Easing of rules for young adults, but the Netherlands needs more

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From 3 March, young adults may exercise together outdoors again, without the one-and-a-half-metre distancing requirement. Excellent news for young athletes, but for the time being that is the only easing of the coronavirus measures the government has announced for the sports sector. The Nederlandse Vechtsportautoriteit (the Dutch Martial Arts Authority) continues to argue for more room to exercise. It does so in the conviction that sufficient physical activity contributes to combating the pandemic.

For thousands of young athletes it is good news that those up to and including the age of 26 may train with contact again, even if only outdoors. A large group may therefore work the pads, clinch, practise ground work and spar once more. Please note: local policy remains decisive. The municipality also determines in which (public) places training is and is not permitted.

In recent weeks the Vechtsportautoriteit, represented by NOC*NSF (the Dutch Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation) and the Platform Ondernemende Sportaanbieders (the platform for commercial sports providers), of which NL Actief is also a member, has consistently urged politicians to get the Netherlands moving again. Martial arts gyms can play an important role in this. Young and old, men and women, regardless of cultural background or the size of their wallet, can strengthen body and mind through martial arts training. Precisely what is needed during an unprecedented health crisis.

The Netherlands has, however, come to a standstill, which is the alarming conclusion of the most recent research into sport during the coronavirus period. Young people in particular are taking part in sport dramatically less often. In January 2020, at least three quarters of children were still actively taking part in sport. A year later, almost half of them no longer do so, in some cases not for months. An important cause of this is the closure of all indoor sports facilities, including for children. Meanwhile, gym operators are eager to take their responsibility and get people moving indoors again as well.

The VA continues to press the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport) for a responsible reopening of the gyms. Through the sports umbrella organisation NOC*NSF and the interest group Platform Ondernemende Sportaanbieders, we also continue to exert pressure on the government and the House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer). After all, the gyms are not part of the problem, but part of the solution.