Fighting abroad: enjoyable, but not without risk

Some gyms regularly compete in Germany or Belgium. That can be enjoyable and instructive. But anyone who fights across the border also opts for different rules and often less protection.

There are gyms that like to compete in neighbouring countries. Taking part in bouts in a different environment can be very enjoyable and instructive. But it is not without risk.

Events abroad take place outside the supervision of the Nederlandse Vechtsportautoriteit (the Dutch Combat Sports Authority). The requirements set by the VA and the NVB (Nederlandse Vechtsportbond, the Dutch Combat Sports Federation) to protect athletes, who are often young, do not apply there. So if you compete outside the supervision of the VA and the NVB, you are opting for less protection.

In the Netherlands we want qualified trainers at ringside. That means your opponent is also supervised by someone with the right expertise. Abroad, where no requirements apply to the expertise available at gyms, you simply have to hope that your opponent's trainer knows what he is doing. You may also face a Dutch gym that cannot obtain a quality mark in its own country, possibly for very good reasons. Events across the border also do not have to meet the same safety requirements.

The VA and the NVB regularly receive complaints from Dutch gyms about events in Germany or Belgium. For example when participants, trainers or officials do not behave properly. In the Netherlands, misconduct can lead to disciplinary measures, including exclusion from events. Misconduct at events across the border, without support from the NVB and outside the supervision of the VA, is harder to address.

Fighting across the border can be enjoyable and instructive, but it involves additional risks. It is good for gym owners and for parents of children who compete to be aware of this.

Finally: if you fight abroad, do not forget to report the results to the NVB at info@nederlandsevechtsportbond.nl. They can then update your Fightpassport, so that it contains the correct information about your experience.

Photo: Claus Michelfelder