Recognition for new training provider for combat sports officials

The Dutch combat sports sector has gained a new training course for judges and referees. On the initiative of experienced officials from various combat sports federations, the Opleider Martial Arts voor Officials Nederland (OMVON, training provider for martial arts officials in the Netherlands) has started its work. This is an important step in the further professionalisation of combat sports.

Until now, anyone wanting to become an official at combat sports events could turn to the various combat sports federations. After a period in which the trainee official gained practical experience alongside qualified officials, he or she started out as a referee and judge at youth and novice level. The official could then progress to gradually higher levels.

This internal training was designed and offered by each federation separately. One federation placed somewhat more emphasis on theory alongside practice. Another had trainee officials spend a longer period gaining practical experience.

The initiators Ayoub Lamri, Robert Lieuw On and Mahmut Kirat, themselves highly experienced officials, wanted to develop a single standard, in line with the norms of the national sports umbrella organisation NOC*NSF and the Academie voor Sportkader (academy for sports coaches and officials). They then involved various officials from combat sports federations in setting up and developing the training course. After a period of careful preparation, OMVON (Opleider Martial Arts voor Officials Nederland) was recently established and the first round of courses was held.

To assess whether the training course does indeed meet the applicable standards, the Academie voor Sportkader carried out an audit on behalf of NOC*NSF. The outcome of this audit is positive. As a result, combat sports in the Netherlands has for the first time a training provider for combat sports officials in accordance with the sports qualification structure (Kwalificatiestructuur Sport), recognised by both NOC*NSF and the VA.

It is not only the existence of this new training course that is good news. The fact that this initiative comes from people from different sports federations is also worth mentioning. The VA hopes that this productive cooperation will inspire the federations to join forces more often.

People who would like to become an official themselves, or who already are one but would like to obtain a recognised certificate, can request more information via omvon2021@gmail.com