Athletes' council supplies the pathfinder with ideas

Jan Willem Landré, the pathfinder appointed in January to establish one strong organisation (a federation) for combat sports, has met the VA's athletes' council.

The athletes' council advises the VA board from the athlete's perspective. Its members meet online four times a year. They share their ideas and criticism, both when asked and unasked. The council consists of combat sports athletes at all levels. From unknown recreational athletes who only train, to (former) world-class fighters such as Jorina Baars and Sem Schilt, and everything in between.

These weeks, Jan Willem Landré is getting to know people from every corner of combat sports. He spoke with all the VA's covenant partners and is doing a round of training providers, promoters, matchmakers, gym owners, trainers and ringside doctors. But he also wants to hear from athletes themselves how they view the organisation of combat sports. That is why he met the members of the athletes' council in an online session. He explained his assignment and asked the athletes to supply him with ideas arising from their practical experience.

Irritations came up, such as the (lack of) clarity about competition rules, which can differ between organisations. Fighters voiced their objections to having to sell tickets and VIP tables themselves in order to take part in combat sports galas, a practice used by some promoters.

Constructive suggestions were also made, based on new possibilities a federation can offer. There was a plea for national youth policy, which is no unnecessary luxury when you consider that 67% of competitive athletes are minors. A case was also made for a clear development path for talents. One option would be a grading system with belts, as known in judo and karate. A belt system with examinations also creates more attachment to the club, it was argued. With such a clear structure, recreational athletes would also be more inclined to be trained by the federation as a trainer or official.

Landré explicitly invited the athletes to keep supplying him with ideas. His contact details have been shared. The athletes can approach him directly with questions, ideas or criticism.

Landré is not only supplied with input and questioned during meetings and visits. He is supported on a lasting basis by a transition committee. It includes well-known practitioners such as Eric van Looijen, Maxim Leijdekker and Martin van Emmen.