Meet… Felix Kooij

For a number of weeks now, the VA office has been reinforced by Felix Kooij. This student of Integrated Safety and Security Studies (Veiligheidskunde) at Hogeschool Utrecht (Utrecht University of Applied Sciences) is researching, among other things, the ban on kicks and punches to the head that applies in the Netherlands to underage combat sports athletes.

Felix, who are you and where are you from?
‘I am a 22-year-old student from Zeist. I started studying safety and security studies because crime and the criminal world interested me. However, I did not see myself as a police officer, so I chose the programme in integrated safety and security studies. In doing so, I developed a particular interest in social safety. The sociological aspect is something I like to explore in depth. That comes back mainly within social safety. In my free time I enjoy playing squash, and alongside my studies I work as a sales manager.

Which subject is central to your internship?
‘Here I can contribute my thinking on safety aspects around combat sports gyms and events in several areas, so I already notice that it is going to be quite varied. All aspects of safety can be found in this sector, which makes it very interesting. I will spend most of my time on research into the measure concerning the ban on kicks and punches to the head for minors. I will look back at the reasoning behind it, at the way it was introduced, and at the level of support then and now. I will also look at the effect of introducing the measure. What has changed, and how can we learn from the past few years and take that with us into the period ahead?’

‘In discussions you hear both supporters and opponents. There are people who want stricter rules and there are people who want more room for top talents to start competing at an earlier age in bouts in which techniques to the head are used. Now that there are a few years of experience with it, the VA wants to re-examine the issue. That calls for sound research into the views of athletes and trainers, but also of doctors and academics. I will do my best to get all relevant information and perspectives on the table, so that sensible decisions can be taken.’