Update on coronavirus measures: no spectators at bouts

* * * Update 30 November: This item is now out of date. A more recent item is available on our news page. * * *

The government is seeking to reduce the number of coronavirus infections. Some of the measures also apply to combat sports. The VA (Nederlandse Vechtsportautoriteit, the Dutch combat sports authority) continues to press for keeping the sport as accessible as possible and for compensating the losses incurred.

The full overview of measures is available at Rijksoverheid.nl (the Dutch central government website)

The Protocol for Responsible Sport (Protocol Verantwoord Sporten) of NOC*NSF (the Dutch Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation) is available here.

The measures that apply to combat sports:

Events and bouts
Spectators are not permitted at sporting events. This applies to both amateur and professional sport, for youth and adults. The only people who may be present are those with a role connected to the bout. This includes officials, ringside physicians and the manager of the venue. Family and friends may therefore not attend as spectators. Athletes who have finished are asked not to linger and to leave the sports venue.

Coronavirus entry pass
The coronavirus entry pass (coronatoegangsbewijs) has been mandatory since 6 November for organised sport from the age of 18, such as at the gym and in group classes. This applies to athletes at all indoor and outdoor sports venues, including sports canteens. People who need to be present in a functional capacity (whether paid or voluntary) do not have to show a coronavirus entry pass. This includes trainers, coaches and officials.

In addition to these measures, extra attention is being drawn to the basic rules.

'Encourage people to exercise'
Within the combat sports sector there is considerable understanding of the need to reduce the number of infections. The decision to limit access to the sport, however, is met with incomprehension. Partly on behalf of the VA, umbrella sports organisation NOC*NSF is arguing for a different approach. Marc van den Tweel, general director of NOC*NSF: 'Active participation in sport carries no or only a very limited risk of spreading the virus. At a time like this you should be encouraging sport, not restricting it. After all, sport is part of the solution to this health crisis.'

There are also calls to compensate sports entrepreneurs who are disadvantaged by the measures.