Relief in combat sports: full training and competition allowed again

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From 1 July, combat sport athletes may train at full capacity and compete again without having to observe the one-and-a-half metre distancing rule. This became clear during the press conference given by Prime Minister Rutte on Wednesday evening. The decline in the number of coronavirus deaths and infections makes substantial easing possible for the world of sport. The favourable situation is above all due to the disciplined way in which most people have respected the measures, including in combat sports.

For all age groups, normal contact during sport is permitted again from 1 July. "During training sessions and competitions in contact sports, there is no need to keep one and a half metres apart," now appears on the website of the central government (Rijksoverheid). This news is being greeted with cheers at gyms and by everyone active in the sport.

Initially, the idea was that training sessions would have to continue without contact for some time. Competitions would not be possible until 1 September. The Vechtsportautoriteit (Dutch Combat Sports Authority) had already set up its protocols accordingly, in cooperation with a large number of gym owners who campaigned for a responsible resumption. In the meantime, the VA, together with allies in other sports, continued to lobby politicians actively to make "contact" possible sooner. This was done in the conviction that it could be done responsibly. It appears that this effort has contributed to the earlier easing of the rules. We would like to thank once again all covenant partners and gym owners who committed themselves during this process.

Broader measures have also been announced for events. Indoors, from 1 July an unlimited number of people may gather, provided that reservations are made in advance, a health check conversation takes place, seating is available, and the one-and-a-half metre rule is respected by the audience. If no reservations are made, no health check conversations take place and there is no seating, a maximum of 100 people applies. (In that case, too, the audience must of course respect the one-and-a-half metre rule.)

For outdoor events, from 1 July there are likewise no restrictions if seating, a health check conversation and reservations are arranged. If this is not the case, a maximum of 250 people present applies. Here, too, the one-and-a-half metre rule must be observed by the audience in all cases.

It is important for promoters to keep in mind that the final decision still rests with the local authority (the municipality).

The necessary coronavirus measures remain in force around training sessions and competitions. These range from keeping your distance, for example in the canteens, and washing your hands frequently, to extra cleaning of equipment and not lingering unnecessarily after training. If we remain as disciplined in the coming months as we have been in recent months, we increase the chance that further easing of the rules will also be introduced sooner.

All the new easing measures and the measures still in force can be found here.

Photo: Solal Ohajon / Unsplash