Flemish combat sports invest in relations with municipalities too

On Thursday 24 October, the Flemish combat sports platform Vechtsportplatform held its first congress for local authorities. The Dutch Combat Sports Authority was invited to explain the VA's approach and its relationship with Dutch municipalities.

Just as in the Netherlands, combat sports in Flanders were organised in a fragmented way for a long time. The Vechtsportplatform is an initiative that helps the sector improve. In a number of respects it is comparable to the VA, for instance when it comes to its role in the relationship between combat sports and municipalities.

Julian Huijsse of the VA office explained in Ghent how municipalities have been served with a guide to municipal policy on regulating combat sports events. At the VAC Virginie Loveling conference centre, dozens of representatives of local authorities heard from him which conditions municipalities should attach to the organisation of combat sports events, according to the VA.

The importance of the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit (the VA quality mark) was of course explained as well, since it is an important benchmark in regulation. Huijsse stressed that this is not about raising barriers but about organising trust. When municipalities and everyone in combat sports know where they stand, fine sporting events can be staged.

The Dutch Combat Sports Authority puts a great deal of time and effort into the relationship between combat sports and municipalities. With a strong and well-attended congress, our Flemish partners show that they too are investing seriously in this.