RTL Editie NL on punches and kicks to the head in children

Children under the age of eighteen are not allowed to punch or kick each other in the head during kickboxing, Thai boxing and mixed martial arts bouts. In other combat sports, however, it is still permitted. The television programme RTL Editie NL covered this subject.

The Vechtsportautoriteit (Dutch Combat Sports Authority) commissioned a review of the scientific literature on what is known about the consequences of impact to children's brains. “Repeated impact to the head can cause damage”, says VA board member Marcel Scholtes. That damage may be temporary, but it is sometimes permanent. According to researchers, half of all adult (former) combat sports athletes have chronic brain damage. “The scientists say that precisely in the early years, when the brain is still developing, you want to prevent the growth and development of the brain from being disrupted”, says Scholtes. This insight had been known to the Vechtsportautoriteit for some time. It led to the decision to no longer allow young athletes to kick and punch to the head in bouts. This rule has since been introduced and accepted.

Even so, other sports remain very reluctant to take measures to better protect young athletes. The VA hopes they will take their responsibility. Watch the RTL Editie NL video here.

(Image: RTL Editie NL)