Event safety is everyone's responsibility

Safety at events is one of the main areas of attention for the VA in 2023. In recent years we have seen positive developments and we want to continue that trend. But this does mean we have to stay alert at every level. Fighters and gyms also have an important role to play here. They need to realise that a great deal is at stake for them.

Fortunately, we have not seen disturbances of public order or serious incidents at Dutch combat sports events for years. The combat sports organisations, promoters and the VA have set out clear agreements in the Guidance on municipal policy for the regulation of combat sports events (Handreiking gemeentelijk beleid regulering vechtsportevenementen) in order to limit risks as far as possible. In the 2023 covenant, safety occupies a prominent place. Promoters work with a safety plan and the VA works with safety experts to support all organisations. But that does not mean we are there yet.

It is precisely on a smaller scale that improvements can still be made. Specifically, we are talking about the behaviour of people around the ring. It still happens too regularly that people among a competitive fighter's following misbehave. Too often we see people expressing themselves in a disrespectful manner towards the referee, officials or the opponent's corner. It is in everyone's interest that this stops.

The VA points out once again that gyms taking part in events are held responsible for the behaviour of the spectators they bring with them. To put it very clearly: misconduct by a fighter's following can cost a gym the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit (the VA quality mark), and a fighter can be sanctioned under disciplinary law. Unfortunately, the VA has recently had to impose such sanctions.

As an athlete and as a gym, take responsibility for your following. Tell your fighter clearly: do not bring spectators who cannot behave themselves. And if you see misconduct, step in.

Combat sports events are the showcase of the sport. Officials work with great dedication and passion to make the sport possible. If we want to keep it that way, we must jointly take responsibility for safety around the ring.