Substantial easing of restrictions for martial arts

The government has decided to allow considerably more scope for sports activities. From 15 January, gyms may reopen their doors and receive customers. This had been urged for some time, including by the VA (Nederlandse Vechtsportautoriteit, the Dutch Martial Arts Authority) through the national sports umbrella organisation NOC*NSF and the Platform Ondernemende Sportaanbieders (platform for commercial sports providers). Last week, for example, action was taken in The Hague, calling for sport to be seen as part of the solution.

The main relaxations that take effect on 15 January:

• Sport is again possible indoors and outdoors for all ages. This means no restrictions on age or closing times.
• Observe the 1.5 metre distance. The only exception applies to young people under the age of 18 and to situations in which keeping 1.5 metres apart is not possible for the sports activity concerned. This therefore also applies to martial arts training.
• The familiar hygiene measures continue to apply.

Indoors:

• There is no limit on group size in an indoor space. However, the 1.5 metre distance must be observed as described above.
• Athletes will still have to be asked for a coronavirus entry pass (corona toegangsbewijs, CTB). A CTB for staff is still not mandatory.
• Face masks are mandatory when entering and leaving the gym. No face mask has to be worn while exercising.
• Reservations are not a government requirement, but a choice for the gym owner.
• Catering facilities must remain closed, with the exception of takeaway services.
• Changing rooms may be open. The 1.5 metre distance must be observed there.
• Saunas and sunbeds remain closed because the government does not regard these as sports activities.

For a complete overview of the measures in force, please refer to the websites of NOC*NSF and Rijksoverheid.nl (the Dutch central government)

The VA is pleased for everyone working in the sector and for all athletes who have long been eager for more scope to train. A compliment is also in order for everyone who has worked in an exemplary manner towards the reopening of sport in the (social) media, in organised campaigns and behind the scenes. Together with its allies in NOC*NSF and the POS, the VA will continue to work towards a constructive policy that sees sport as part of the solution to the current health crisis.