First meeting of the new VA Advisory Committee

The Vechtsportautoriteit (Dutch Combat Sports Authority) has asked eight people with extensive experience in the combat sports world to advise the organisation from now on. This group will help the VA stay rooted in day-to-day practice.

In recent years the VA had a number of committees that advised it on a specific theme. These were the committees for Events and galas, Quality and licences, Medical and health, Communication, the Technical Committee and the Athletes' Council. They included athletes, former athletes, gym owners, promoters, ringside doctors, matchmakers, municipal officials, officials and other people closely involved in kickboxing, Thai boxing and MMA. They advised the VA both on request and on their own initiative.

When the Nederlandse Vechtsportbond (NVB, the Dutch combat sports federation) was established, the VA asked these committee members whether they would be willing to advise the NVB from then on. This allowed the NVB to start out with an excellent group of leading advisers. Without exception they responded positively, and so the committees were transferred, with the exception of the Medical and health committee. Given the division of responsibilities, it was logical to keep that committee with the VA.

As a result, however, the VA was left without advisers. It was decided not to set up thematic committees again, but to establish a single VA Advisory Committee. It brings together people with different backgrounds who, jointly, know every corner of the combat sports world.

In principle the committee meets three times a year. Additional meetings can be scheduled if necessary. The advice issued by the Advisory Committee goes directly to the VA board. The VA can also raise this advice in its periodic discussions with the NVB board.

During the first meeting, in addition to the introductions, the participants discussed the working method of the Advisory Committee, developments concerning the NVB, and the relationship between promoters and municipalities. All advice, suggestions and criticism from these discussions were noted by VA board members Eric Lagendijk and Saskia van Rijswijk, who will share everything they heard at the next VA board meeting.