Meeting of covenant partners: together we get further

‘The Dutch combat sports sector is making progress, but we still have a long way to go,’ said VA board chairman Herbert Dekkers in his welcoming remarks at this week’s meeting of covenant partners. That is a sober observation. After the session with all affiliated federations, however, optimism prevailed. We really do get further by joining forces more often, appeared to be the prevailing sentiment.

Around twenty representatives of federations involved in kickboxing, muay thai boxing and MMA in the Netherlands had gathered in the auditorium of the Acibadem medical centre in Amsterdam. They discussed with their fellow federations and the VA which matters should be arranged jointly, and which responsibilities belong with federations or promoters.

Should we work with the same sets of (uniform) rules within each sport? What requirements for promoters do we want to enforce through the VA and the federations? What are sensible rules for the protection of underage athletes at events, for instance regarding photography during weigh-ins and in changing rooms?

The VA explained the current state of affairs with the Keurmerk Vechtsportscholen (quality mark for combat sports gyms), and what additions to the 2020 Covenant can be expected. In addition, a guidance document on tackling inappropriate behaviour (Handreiking Aanpak Grensoverschrijdend Gedrag) was announced, as well as a user survey on the Fightpassport.