Doping controls in combat sports well under way

The first doping controls in Dutch combat sports have taken place. Urine samples were collected from competitors at several kickboxing events. With this, the anti-doping programme of the VA (Nederlandse Vechtsportautoriteit, the Dutch Combat Sports Authority) and the Dutch Anti-Doping Authority (Dopingautoriteit) is fully up and running.

Because of the fragmentation in combat sports, with nine federations that were individually too small for a contract with the Anti-Doping Authority, controls were until now only carried out when a promoter took the initiative itself. Thanks to the agreement between the Anti-Doping Authority and the VA, all competitions in the Netherlands, of all federations and promoters, now fall under the national anti-doping policy.

After the announcement of the agreement between the VA and the Anti-Doping Authority, these partners started an extensive information campaign. Meetings were held throughout the country and a free online course was (and still is) offered.

Competitors at all levels must take into account that they may be selected for a control. The Anti-Doping Authority may attend the large galas in Ahoy and the Gelredome, but also regional tournaments in the local sports hall.

In practice, a control means that fighters are informed immediately after a bout that they have to provide a urine sample. A chaperone accompanies the athlete from the ring to the room used by the Anti-Doping Authority. The athlete has to collect urine in a container under the supervision of the doping control officer. This is divided into an A sample and a B sample. The A sample is tested in a laboratory for the presence of prohibited substances. The B sample is stored in case of an appeal.

Doping controls have now been carried out at a number of kickboxing events. The athletes, trainers and support staff have responded positively. They recognise that doping control is an important step in the professionalisation of combat sports in the Netherlands.

The VA encourages trainers, coaches and athletes to inform themselves properly about the doping rules and the procedures. What are your rights and obligations? You will learn all of this in the course mentioned above, which the Anti-Doping Authority offers online. On completion you receive a certificate. Participation is free of charge.