Disciplinary committee learns from its first experiences

The members of the disciplinary committee (tuchtcommissie) for combat sports recently met for a first evaluation. They were able to share their initial experiences and to discuss how the disciplinary procedures can be improved in the interest of safe and healthy combat sports.

Since this year, combat sports in the Netherlands have a genuine disciplinary committee. For the first time, martial artists can come forward to report a violation, regardless of which gym they train at or under which federation they compete.

Through the conditions that gym owners endorse when applying for the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit (the quality mark issued by the Dutch Combat Sports Authority) and through the conditions that fighters sign when they apply for a Fightpassport, everyone in Dutch combat sports is bound by the disciplinary regulations (tuchtreglement). This means everyone has the same rights and obligations.

The recently established disciplinary committee consists of independent lawyers who have a personal commitment to combat sports. The members of the disciplinary committee will always consider the cases submitted in varying compositions.

During the meeting of the disciplinary committee, the first experiences were exchanged. The first cases have now been submitted and the first official ruling has been issued. During the evaluation, attention was of course also paid to the lessons that could be drawn for future cases.

After discussing their experiences, the disciplinary committee attended a kickboxing gala to enjoy the sport together and to speak with people from the sector.

Everything about disciplinary law (tuchtrecht) in combat sports and about the working method of the disciplinary committee can be read here. Anyone who wishes to bring a matter before the disciplinary committee can do so using this form.