Attention to safety: what does that look like in practice?

An important intention of the martial arts sector for 2023 was to give the theme of safety at events even more attention. Things had already been moving in the right direction in the Netherlands in recent years, but there is always room for improvement. What does more attention to safety look like in practice?

Attention to safety is not a kind of slogan, but something that is translated very concretely into practice. This year, for example, it was introduced that a risk analysis is also made during matchmaking. Among other things, this looks at what kind of audience someone brings along and whether there are conflicts outside the ring that could flare up around a bout. We also previously drew attention to the responsibility that athletes and gyms have for events running smoothly.

Safety plan
At the request of the promoters who organise martial arts events, the VA developed a standard safety plan. Most of the work was done by two safety experts who were already part of the VA's audit team. They therefore not only have professional expertise, but also already know the sector to some extent. For this project they sat down with experienced promoters and arrived at a format that every organisation can use.

Confidence of public authorities
With the format and the accompanying guidance document that were developed, event organisers can prevent a number of problems. If problems do arise unexpectedly, they can respond to them well prepared. The format has been brought to the attention of all promoters active in the Netherlands and it has been in use from day one, as we see during audits at galas and tournaments. We also notice that when a promoter uses the safety plan, municipalities and police are more inclined to trust that the subject is being taken seriously.

Safety audits
At events where more than a thousand visitors are expected, the VA has been carrying out special safety audits since this year. The focus is specifically on the implementation of all safety measures. In close cooperation with the promoter, we look at which aspects can still be improved. In doing so, we of course also keep looking at how well the safety plan and the guidance document match practice, because the VA is a learning organisation too.

Research
This spring, the VA office was reinforced by Nathalie Schoemaker, a student of Safety Science (Veiligheidskunde) at Avans University of Applied Sciences in Breda. She too is working on the theme of safety at martial arts events. She is writing her thesis on this subject and is working on advice for the VA on expanding and improving the guidance document that promoters and municipalities already use in preparing for a martial arts event.

Make yourself heard
The VA is in continuous dialogue with promoters, martial arts organisations, municipalities and all other parties involved to see where matters can still be improved. Safety is something for which everyone in martial arts bears a responsibility. The VA therefore explicitly invites everyone to share ideas, wishes, frustrations and questions on the theme of safety via veiligheidszaken@vechtsportautoriteit.nl If promoters are struggling with questions or need advice, the VA is also available to help think things through.