Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit, Fight Right and the Veilig & Verantwoord Vechtsporten Label

The Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit (quality mark of the Dutch Martial Arts Authority) is issued by the Nederlandse Vechtsportautoriteit, also known as the VA. The martial arts sector also has the Nederlands Instituut voor Vechtsport en Maatschappij (Dutch Institute for Martial Arts and Society), the NIVM. This organisation issues the Fight Right certification and the Label Veilig & Verantwoord Vechtsporten (Safe & Responsible Martial Arts label). What are the similarities and the differences?

If you already hold a certification or a label from the NIVM, does that mean you do not have to apply for the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit?
The Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit is separate from the certification and label of the NIVM. Martial arts gyms that offer kickboxing, Thai boxing and/or MMA and that want to take part in competitions in these sports will in time be required to hold the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit. An increasing number of municipalities also include the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit as a condition for cooperation.

If you already hold the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit, is there any point in applying for a Fight Right certification or a Label Veilig & Verantwoord Vechtsporten?
Both the NIVM and the Nederlandse Vechtsportautoriteit aim for a single standard for the quality of martial arts organisations, with the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit providing the link to competitive sport. For that reason, martial arts gyms holding the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit are advised not to apply for the Label. They already demonstrably meet the quality standard that the Label pursues.

The Fight Right certification sets a number of requirements that are not set for the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit. For example in the areas of social engagement, pedagogical climate, governance and finances. This has added value for martial arts gyms that want to distinguish themselves in the social domain. Whether a gym wishes to apply for the Fight Right certification in addition to the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit is entirely for the gym itself to consider. The two certifications do not conflict and do not impose contradictory requirements.

What about other martial arts?
Martial arts gyms that offer kickboxing, Thai boxing and MMA are referred by the NIVM to the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit. Martial arts gyms that offer other martial arts and that contact the VA for a Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit are referred by the VA to the NIVM.

If you have any further questions, be sure to also take a look at the NIVM website.