The Hague reopens its doors to combat sports

Following a series of problems surrounding combat sports events in The Hague, the city decided to ban them from municipal sports halls across the board, without distinction between organisers. As a result, the well-behaved suffered for the misconduct of others. The VA (Nederlandse Vechtsportautoriteit, the Dutch combat sports authority) sat down with the municipality. The result: The Hague now has clear policy and events can once again be organised in the city.

The city of The Hague has an active combat sports community with a number of fine gyms. In recent years, however, problems arose behind the scenes around combat sports events. An unhealthy competitive struggle appeared to have broken out. Promoters faced threats and spoke of a smear campaign directed at the authorities. The city was unsure how to deal with this. It was decided that the unrest was sufficient reason to stop granting permission for combat sports tournaments and galas in municipal facilities.

This drastic measure disadvantaged well-intentioned and properly operating promoters through no fault of their own. The municipality of The Hague also recognised that this was not a sustainable solution. The Vechtsportautoriteit was asked to help formulate local policy for combat sports galas. Specialists visited the municipality, provided input by e-mail and put civil servants in touch with people from the sector and with municipalities that already had sound policy in place.

The result is that The Hague now has clear policy and that galas in municipal facilities are permitted again. A permit requirement now applies, giving the municipality more precise means to keep undesirable parties out. Licensed promoters can therefore once again submit an application to organise events in the city. Combat sports are welcome again.