Another step towards normalisation for combat sports

The combat sports sector has responded with delight to the news that the sport will open up further. The government announced that ‘the third step’ in easing the coronavirus measures will be taken as of 5 June. For combat sports this means that the distancing rules are relaxed, young people may hold competitions again, group lessons are permitted for all ages and sports canteens may reopen subject to conditions.

As of 5 June, adults may once again train in groups indoors and outdoors. Indoors, a maximum of fifty people per room applies. In addition, the 1.5 metre distance no longer has to be maintained during training. Young people had already been exempted from these restrictions.

Young people up to and including the age of 17 may hold competitions again as of 5 June. From the age of 18, elite sport competitions may be held, as well as internal competitions between athletes from the same gym. Local policy remains decisive in all cases. Spectators are still not permitted under any circumstances.

Changing rooms and showers may reopen. Indoors, everyone must continue to wear a face mask outside training or competition itself. Before and after exercising, the basic rules apply again, including keeping one and a half metres’ distance and avoiding crowds.

Sports canteens may reopen between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., under the same rules that apply to the hospitality sector.

Farid Gamei, director of the Vechtsportautoriteit (Dutch Combat Sports Authority), notes a sense of joy and relief now that the strict lockdown is being lifted. “That means everyone can finally really practise combat sports again. It is very good that competitions can be organised for young people once more. We are taking a considerable step towards normalising the situation. That is good news for recreational participants, for competitive athletes and above all for gym owners, who have had an extremely difficult time in recent months. Together with all its partners and allies, the VA will continue to work towards a further responsible opening up of the sport. Because we keep repeating it: combat sports are not part of the problem but part of the solution.”