Vechtsportautoriteit meets sports minister: do not let us suffocate!

Today the VA (Nederlandse Vechtsportautoriteit, the Dutch martial arts regulator) took part in a virtual consultation with Martin van Rijn, Minister for Medical Care and Sport (Medische Zorg en Sport). One of the reasons for the meeting was the urgent letter sent to the government on behalf of martial arts gym owners.

The VA was one of the sports organisations taking part in an online consultation with the sports minister, together with sectors in the same position, such as climbing halls, squash courts, fitness centres, dance centres and skate parks. The Platform for Entrepreneurial Sports Providers (Platform Ondernemende Sportaanbieders) led the discussion.

The representatives of the martial arts and the other sectors argued emphatically that the Netherlands needs indoor sports facilities in order to stay healthy and fit. This can be done responsibly, using the protocols that have been carefully drawn up in recent weeks in consultation with NOC*NSF, within the frameworks set by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). For the martial arts, the VA already drew up the sport-specific protocols in April, in consultation with a group of experienced gym owners.

The financial compensation was also raised in the discussion with Van Rijn. On Friday, the VA, together with the boxing federation, the judo federation and the strength sports and fitness federation, wrote in an urgent letter to the government: “The prospect presented to us at the press conference of 6 May is closure until 1 September. The gyms will go under if they have to hold their breath for another three months.” In addition to a faster reopening, new support packages were therefore also called for.

The minister indicated that he is willing to listen to the sector and to put the proposals to experts, but he did not say whether the indoor sports facilities may then open earlier. However, the minister appears to consider an introduction date of 1 June unlikely. “We had a good discussion,” Van Rijn said afterwards. “The gyms have indicated that additional measures are possible and I am willing to listen to them and to seek advice on this.”

The VA will continue to press undiminished for an opening earlier than 1 September, with an ever broader front of allies. To be continued!