Combating doping: why does it matter?

Combat sports are committed to serious anti-doping enforcement. But why, exactly? "Cheating in combat sports is doubly dangerous," says VA board member and international ringside physician Bas Pijnenburg. "You put your own health at risk when you use prohibited substances, but it can also seriously harm your opponent's health if you suddenly hit a lot harder." That is why combating this form of deceit is in everyone's interest.

Everyone who takes part in bouts in the Netherlands can now be tested. So not only elite athletes at Ahoy and the Gelredome, but also participants in club championships at the local community centre. In due course, out of competition testing will also take place, meaning tests outside of events. The same rules apply to everyone. That is also why it is important that everyone knows what doping is and how testing works.

Information and education

Every combat sports gym and everyone registered in the Netherlands as a competitive fighter has received an email. It explains that from now on anyone can be tested. The gyms have also received the information by letter. Everyone needs to understand what doping is and how doping controls work. The Netherlands anti-doping organisation (Dopingautoriteit) has therefore developed an online course. Athletes, coaches, parents of athletes, officials: there is a tailored course for everyone. Participation is free and on completion you receive a certificate from the Dopingautoriteit. Hundreds of competitive fighters and other people involved have already successfully completed this online course. In 2021, a number of in-person information sessions were also held across the country where athletes, support staff and federation officials could inform themselves.

Why does it matter?
Almost everyone in sport considers anti-doping enforcement a good thing. But occasionally someone still asks: "Why does it actually matter? Surely people can decide for themselves what they do with their own bodies?" VA board member and international ringside physician Bas Pijnenburg explains: "Yes, you put your own health at risk when you use prohibited substances. But if prohibited substances suddenly allow you to hit a lot harder, it can also seriously harm your opponent's health. That is where we really differ from high jump or badminton, for example. Doping in combat sports is doubly dangerous." It also cannot be ruled out that someone who uses doping and seriously injures another person during a bout may face criminal prosecution and be held liable for the financial consequences. This may also apply to the individuals or organisations that allow such practices.

Setting an example
Alongside the health aspect, there is also a moral consideration. Someone who uses doping deprives their opponent of a fair contest. It is therefore cheating and unsportsmanlike. If you do not take that seriously, you set the wrong example for young people. After all, combat sports also aim to pass on standards and values to them.

The interests of the sport
Serious anti-doping enforcement is also important for the development of combat sports. After a long period in which combat sports were viewed with suspicion, things have been moving in the right direction for some time now. More and more people from all walks of life enjoy practising kickboxing, Thai boxing or MMA. Many more people regularly watch bouts on television. VA chair Herbert Dekkers: "Public acceptance is far greater than before, which makes these sports more attractive to major broadcasters and sponsors. Most public authorities have set aside their distrust, and an organisation such as NOC*NSF (the Dutch Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation) is also taking an increasingly positive view of combat sports. But if combat sports really want to be fully accepted into the Dutch sports family, they will also have to show that doping is being tackled seriously."

Sanctions
If someone breaks the rules, that must of course have consequences. The measures that follow are called "sanctions". They are imposed by an independent organisation, the ISR (Institute for Sports Adjudication). The sanctions are based on the World Anti-Doping Code of the World Anti-Doping Agency, WADA. These sanctions apply to all sports worldwide. Sanctions range from a warning for the least serious violation to a maximum penalty of four years for someone who has repeatedly and intentionally committed very serious violations. Each case is assessed on its own merits, however, in line with the circumstances. Consideration is given to the seriousness of the violation, which substances were found, whether it was a first offence, and so on. Anyone who is suspected of a violation always has the opportunity to present a defence.

Cooperation
The VA welcomes its cooperation with the Dopingautoriteit. This organisation works in the interests of healthy and fair sport. The chair of the Dopingautoriteit, Vincent Egbers, stresses that good cooperation with the VA is important. "Sport offers so much to young and old alike, it is so valuable, and we must not let doping ruin it. Everyone is entitled to a fair contest, both the athlete and the fan. We are pleased that the combat sports world has taken this important step in its development. We look forward to further cooperation with the VA, the federations and the promoters, in the service of the athletes we are all ultimately working for."