'OMVON training programme is open to everyone'

The new independent referee and judge training programme run by OMVON is off to a flying start. The first group of officials will be trained shortly and applications from new participants keep coming in. A shortened route based on prior learning is also being developed for the most experienced referees and judges. To build up the organisation, OMVON is still looking for a number of experienced people with a track record at combat sports organisations.

The Dutch combat sports sector has recently gained a new training programme for referees and judges. A number of experienced officials from various combat sports federations set up the Opleider Martial Arts voor Officials Nederland (OMVON, the Dutch training provider for martial arts officials). The organisation emphasises that it is open to all officials, regardless of the federation they are affiliated with.

The course offered by the young organisation has been developed in line with the standards of the sports umbrella organisation NOC*NSF and the Academie voor Sportkader (Academy for Sports Instructors). Those interested can find more information on the OMVON website.

Additional expertise wanted
To strengthen the new organisation, the founders are looking for specialists with experience in training, for example at existing combat sports federations. These federations are also expressly invited to put forward people for a position within OMVON. The closing date for this is 13 February 2022. Those interested can contact info@omvon.nl

Shortened route
OMVON is the first training provider for combat sports officials to work in accordance with the Kwalificatiestructuur Sport (the Dutch sports qualification structure), which is recognised by both NOC*NSF and the VA (Nederlandse Vechtsportautoriteit, the Dutch combat sports regulator). People who are already officials but would like to obtain a recognised diploma may be eligible for a shortened route. They can obtain more information about this via info@omvon.nl

Mandatory
In time, a diploma will become mandatory for all active officials. The diploma will have to be obtained from a training provider that applies the Kwalificatiestructuur Sport (the Dutch sports qualification structure). Once events are being held in full again and the trainers, being officials themselves, are also working at bouts again, diaries will fill up quickly, so register now.