VA quality mark mandatory for competition participation from 1 September 2022

Martial arts gyms that wish to take part in kickboxing, Thai boxing or MMA bouts in the Netherlands must hold the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit (quality mark of the Dutch Martial Arts Authority) from 1 September 2022. From that date onwards, gyms without the quality mark will be excluded.

The Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit was introduced at the beginning of 2021. Martial arts gyms that take part in kickboxing, Thai boxing and MMA bouts can use it to demonstrate that they meet minimum requirements. They are assessed on their premises and equipment, technical sports knowledge, health, house rules and their approach to inappropriate behaviour.

Gyms that do not have their affairs in order are more likely to cause problems around bouts. Fighters fail to make weight or withdraw at the last moment. Trainers and coaches behave less professionally, including towards officials. Fighters and their corner sometimes fail to keep their supporters in check. That is why the sector wants to exclude substandard gyms and work only with quality mark holders. Municipalities support this choice and will bar events involving martial arts gyms without the quality mark.

For good gym owners and for the martial arts sector as a whole, it is important that good gyms can distinguish themselves and that substandard providers eventually disappear. Gyms that are currently substandard have a choice: raise their level and obtain the quality mark, or no longer take part in bouts.

Dutch martial arts gyms can apply for the quality mark here.

(The quality mark requirement does not apply to gyms based outside the Netherlands.)