VA endorses the Dutch national standard for event healthcare (Veldnorm Evenementenzorg)

The Nederlandse Vechtsportautoriteit (Dutch Martial Arts Authority) endorses the standards of the Veldnorm Evenementenzorg (the Dutch national standard for healthcare at events). In doing so, we contribute to the safety of participants in and visitors to martial arts events.

Municipalities regularly ask martial arts promoters how they intend to arrange healthcare and first aid at their event. From now on, promoters can refer to their promoter's licence and state that they apply the requirements of the VA, which are aligned with the Veldnorm Evenementenzorg.

Every week, volunteers and healthcare professionals are deployed as first aid or healthcare providers at martial arts events. Examples include ringside physicians and first aid staff. They help to provide a safe sporting environment for participants and visitors.

The Veldnorm Evenementenzorg describes what good event healthcare is and how quality and safety are monitored. This clarifies what can be expected of care providers. Good event healthcare makes it possible to provide the necessary (first) aid at an early stage during an event. Care at an event must also connect properly to regular care provided by the out-of-hours general practitioner service and the hospital. Anyone in need of care must also be protected against unqualified treatment.

The VA has been setting safety requirements for martial arts events for years. Promoters must meet these requirements. For instance, a qualified ringside physician must be present. First aid facilities must also be available, and there must be access to a defibrillator.

The Veldnorm gives organisations such as the VA clarity about the required levels of care: what is needed for which risk profile. The VA applies the proposed standards in the further development of its safety policy for martial arts events.

Further information is available on the website Veldnorm Evenementenzorg