Requirements for youth tournaments tightened from 1 May

The requirements for organising youth tournaments are being tightened. There were too many complaints about the organisation of events for children. The VA is imposing stricter requirements to ensure that the interests and safety of young athletes come first.

The VA found irregularities around major youth tournaments too often. Young athletes, their parents and trainers, and officials as well, are disadvantaged when an organisation falls short. It takes away their enjoyment of the sport and can compromise safety.

In consultation with the federations, the VA has drawn up additional requirements for youth bouts. These are derived from international guidelines on youth tournaments.

Age difference
Fighters may not differ by more than 18 months in age. Only in exceptional cases, and with sound justification, can a dispensation be requested for a bout from the federation supervising the event. Under a dispensation, a maximum age difference of 24 months applies.

Weight difference
Fighters may not differ by more than 2 kilograms in weight. Only in exceptional cases, and with sound justification, can a dispensation be requested for a bout from the federation supervising the event. Under a dispensation, a maximum weight difference of 3 kilograms applies.

Experience
Fighters with fewer than 15 bouts of experience may not differ by more than four bouts. Only in exceptional cases, and with sound justification, can a dispensation be requested for a bout from the federation supervising the event.

Maximum number of bouts
Youth athletes may fight a maximum of four bouts in one day.

Organisation
The federation supervising the youth tournament has overall control of and final responsibility for the pool division and matchmaking.

The VA will exercise additional oversight at youth events. This will not only cover the quality of the organisation. Explicit attention will also be paid to the behaviour of trainers and parents and the way they fulfil their role model function. After all, creating a pleasant and safe sporting environment for young people is the responsibility of everyone involved.

Additional requirements for youth tournaments from 1 May 2023 (pdf)