The Netherlands in lockdown: what this means for combat sports

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The lockdown announced by the government means all gyms will close for five weeks.

Until 19 January, gyms must keep their doors closed to the public of all ages. Training outdoors in groups is not permitted either. Outdoors, two people may exercise together (not counting the instructor) provided they keep one and a half metres apart. There is an exception for children and young people up to and including 17 years of age. They may exercise outdoors in larger groups.

For elite sport venues and elite sport events, the policy remains unchanged. The sports confederation NOC*NSF determines what counts as elite sport.

More information and answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the websites of the Dutch government and NOC*NSF.

In mid-January, the government will announce whether these measures will be eased or maintained from 19 January.

In the meantime, the VA continues to work to bring combat sports through the coronavirus crisis in the best possible health. It does so in close contact with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, in close consultation with the sports confederation NOC*NSF and partly through the Platform for Entrepreneurial Sports Providers.