Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit helps the sector safeguard standards

Update: In 2025, the Nederlandse Vechtsportbond (NVB, the Dutch martial arts federation) took over the issuing and renewal of the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit (martial arts quality mark) from the Nederlandse Vechtsportautoriteit. For current information and answers to all questions, we therefore refer you to the NVB. The VA continues to carry out the audits at martial arts gyms. Questions about this can be sent to info@vechtsportautoriteit.nl

More than three years after the introduction of the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit, we can conclude that it has become a permanent feature of the sector. Every gym that takes part in competitions now meets standards that contribute to a well-organised martial arts sector.

Before the Vechtsportautoriteit was established, the quality of martial arts gyms varied enormously. On average the level was fine. There were even institutions that ranked among the world's best. But there were also gyms where the trainers' expertise fell short and safety was an afterthought. Substandard providers were a thorn in the side of most gyms. They created unfair competition, since a run-down operation is cheaper to run than a properly maintained gym. They also gave martial arts a bad reputation. Municipalities, too, were glad to see the cowboys go. The widespread wish to clean up the sector led to the launch of the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit in 2021.

Opportunity
Many gym owners saw the introduction of the quality mark as an opportunity to distinguish themselves in a positive way. They made sure they were the first in their municipality allowed to fix the coveted enamel plaque next to the door. With the help of a press release, they actively communicated that they met all requirements in the areas of health, qualified coaching staff, safety and preventing undesirable behaviour. This resulted in almost a hundred positive reports in local and regional media in which gym owners were able to raise their profile. Free publicity, which quickly earned back the cost contribution.

Municipalities
Municipalities also responded enthusiastically from the outset. We regularly saw posts on social media about municipal executive members (wethouders) coming to congratulate quality mark holders with a bouquet of flowers. Amsterdam was the first municipality to announce that it would from then on require the quality mark as a condition for cooperation. Many other cities and towns followed this example. Increasingly, local policy assigns a clear role to the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit as a condition for renting out sports facilities and for permits for martial arts events.

Firm requirement
Since September 2022, only gyms holding the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit are allowed to take part in competitions in the Netherlands. For a number of gyms, this firm requirement provided the necessary incentive to take the step. From that moment on it was a real choice: meet the standards, or stop competing and possibly lose members as a result. There is ever less room for anyone wanting to offer martial arts without meeting the established level. In this way, the quality mark does exactly what it was designed to do.

Reassessment
Since its introduction, the quality mark has been applied for 562 times. After two years, a reassessment takes place. This includes checking whether all information is still up to date, whether the insurance has been renewed and whether all required first aid materials are still present. Of the early applicants, 218 gyms have now completed a reassessment, making their quality mark valid for another two years.

Renew in good time
Many gyms in the first group of quality mark holders have therefore now renewed their quality mark. Is your quality mark due to expire soon? Then apply for renewal in good time, so that you can also hold competitions at the start of the new season.

If you wait until a week or two beforehand to renew your quality mark, this may cause problems. First, the VA needs some time to process all reassessments. Second, you may have to submit a new certificate of good conduct (verklaring omtrent het gedrag, VOG) or a new company emergency response (BHV) or first aid certificate. Applying for those can also take time.

The reassessment takes you as an applicant less time and effort than the first application. Details that have not changed do not need to be submitted again. But documents with a limited period of validity may have to be resubmitted. So apply for renewal in good time. That way you and your fighters will not run into problems when the new season starts.

You can apply for the reassessment here.