Municipalities, promoters, the Bibob Act and the VA

The VA is working to improve relations between promoters and municipalities. Organisers of martial arts events who feel hindered by unreasonable requirements are encouraged to contact the VA.

Anyone who wants to organise an event has to meet certain requirements set by the municipality. Safety must be taken into account, and an event may not cause unreasonable nuisance to others. That is a good thing, because it prevents problems. Small martial arts events, such as a youth tournament attended by perhaps 300 family members, are of course subject to different requirements than a spectacle in a football stadium with 10,000 visitors.

Sometimes the preparations include a Bibob screening (an integrity screening under the Dutch Public Administration Probity Screening Act, Wet Bibob). That is not a problem in itself. It is good that checks are carried out regularly. They help prevent criminals from gaining influence in the martial arts sector. It is important, however, that municipalities apply this to the right events, and that it is proportionate.

Disproportionate requirements
Recently, an experienced promoter who wanted to stage a medium-sized event in Amstelveen contacted the VA. In his view, the requirements imposed by local officials went rather far. Numerous details were requested that affected the promoter's privacy, which made him inclined to throw in the towel. The VA contacted the municipality to explain the recommended approach set out in the Guidance on municipal policy for martial arts events (Handreiking gemeentelijk beleid vechtsportevenementen). This explanation contributed to the municipality adjusting the requirements to a reasonable level, so that the event could go ahead after all.

A similar matter arose recently in Zutphen. A promoter wanted to organise a kickboxing event for children. He too was experienced and familiar with the usual municipal requirements. He was therefore very surprised to see that unusually strict requirements were imposed this time. He feared he would have to cancel his youth bouts. He also contacted the VA. The VA's office consulted with the municipality, where it was recognised that something had gone wrong. Zutphen said this was 'a misunderstanding' and the event can now go ahead after all.

In recent years, the relationship between the martial arts sector and municipalities has improved structurally. Whereas in the past the shutters often came down when a promoter presented plans, there are now many municipalities that respond with enthusiasm. It helps municipalities enormously that they can use the VA's Guidance on municipal policy for martial arts events. Even so, there are still promoters who encounter resistance.

Causes
Difficult contact can have various causes. One important cause is that municipalities also experience staff changes. The VA frequently speaks with civil servants and explains how they can use the guidance, what requirements the VA sets for a safety plan and how audits work. But if such an official moves to another job, their successor may not receive this knowledge and may again respond on the basis of old prejudices about martial arts.

Over the past period, the VA has increasingly received reports about municipalities imposing disproportionate requirements, leaving promoters discouraged. For that reason, the VA will make a concerted effort in the period ahead to improve contact with municipalities and other local authorities. Cooperation will be sought with the regional safety authorities (Veiligheidsregio's) and the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (Vereniging van Nederlandse Gemeenten).

Reporting
Promoters who believe they are facing unreasonable resistance should certainly notify the VA. VA staff are in contact with municipalities every week and can often help remove unnecessary obstacles. Email info@vechtsportautoriteit.nl

Photo: Steven Cordes