Clarification on youth sparring bouts under the current protocol

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The coronavirus measures were tightened on 13 October. For the time being no bouts may be fought. Not by amateurs and not by professionals, not by the young and not by the old. Youth members may, however, take part in sparring bouts within their own gym, with youth members from that same gym. So not with youth members from other gyms.

May children from one gym fight small bouts among themselves? This is what the Sports Protocol of NOC*NSF (the Dutch Olympic Committee and Dutch Sports Federation) states:

– Official matches and competitions are not permitted; this applies to both youth and adults.

– Children and youth may play training matches among themselves at their own club or association.

The rules are therefore that sparring bouts may be organised within a gym with its own youth members only. So no youth members from other gyms. That would run counter to the purpose of the measure: limiting the number of journeys made.

They may not be official bouts. The bouts therefore do not count towards a fighter's record and are not entered in the Fightpassport (the digital fighter passport). No spectators are allowed and the bouts may not be promoted as matches. Officials do not need to be present either.

Municipalities enforce the coronavirus rules. Gyms are regularly visited by, for example, municipal enforcement officers (BOA's), who check whether the measures are being observed. Failure to comply with the rules can have serious consequences for a gym.

It is important that the martial arts sector complies properly with the rules. That helps to avoid prolonging the coronavirus crisis unnecessarily. The sooner it is over, the sooner normal bouts can take place again. But it is also important for the reputation of martial arts, for which each of us bears responsibility.