News
Disciplinary committee established for a safe sporting environment
In an important step towards ensuring a safe combat sports environment for everyone, the Dutch Combat Sports Authority (VA) has established a disciplinary committee. This means disciplinary law for combat sports is being organised centrally, by an overarching body, for the first time.
Until recently, disciplinary law was in principle the responsibility of the VA's nine individual covenant partners. Sanctions such as exclusions were until now imposed in the form of order measures. At the sector's request, the VA has taken on the responsibility of organising this better. As a result, there is now a disciplinary system that is accepted by all federations and promoters in the Netherlands.
Disciplinary law for combat sports concerns breaches of the sporting and conduct rules to which those involved have committed themselves. Competitive fighters commit to the general rules of conduct when they register for the Fightpassport. Gyms do so when they apply for a Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit. Federations do so with the annual signing of the covenant with the VA.
The rules cover conduct during sport, but also conduct outside sport that damages the interests or the standing of combat sports.
Procedure
Anyone involved in the sport can submit a complaint to the VA. The disciplinary committee's prosecutor assesses whether the complaint can be taken up. (A reason not to take up a complaint could be, for example, that it concerns a combat sport that does not fall under the VA, or that the complaint clearly does not concern a breach of the rules.)
If the case is taken up, the disciplinary committee considers the matter. It consists of independent lawyers who are also independent combat sports enthusiasts. After hearing all those involved, the disciplinary committee issues a ruling. A sanction may be attached to it, such as exclusion for a certain period.
If the complainant or the sanctioned person or gym disagrees with the ruling or the sanction, an appeal can be lodged with an appeals committee. These are other independent lawyers who then review the case afresh and issue a new ruling.
The rulings of the disciplinary committee and the appeals committee are binding on all parties in combat sports. That means all federations, promoters, gyms and athletes must respect them.
The disciplinary committee will be operational from 1 October 2022.