Protocol for resuming combat sports events from 1 July

* * * Update: this item is now out of date. A more recent item is available on our news page. * * *

The government has brought forward the option of resuming combat sports events, originally planned for 1 September 2020. From 1 July 2020, competitions may be organised again. Because the government still applies strict conditions, the VA has drawn up an event protocol.

Events must be organised within the frameworks set by the government, based on advice from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). For this purpose, the Dutch Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation (NOC*NSF) has drawn up a Protocol for Responsible Sport (Protocol Verantwoord Sporten). The VA has translated this, within the government's frameworks, into a sport-specific protocol, in cooperation with covenant partners, promoters and ringside doctors.

On the basis of this document, promoters must draw up their own protocol for the events they wish to organise, tailored to their venue and situation. The safety of the athletes, the staff and the public must come first.

The VA is aware that, given these strict government measures, organising events at this time will not be feasible for everyone. We therefore call on every organiser to weigh up the situation responsibly. Bear in mind that you are a showcase for the combat sports sector. If you are unable to meet the requirements, this will reflect on combat sports as a whole. We therefore advise organisers who have doubts about feasibility to wait until a later date, when the government's frameworks have been eased further.

The Combat Sports Events Protocol can be found here: [Document is out of date and has therefore been removed]