Update on coronavirus measures: sport is not exempt from the evening closure

The government is trying to reduce the number of coronavirus infections. The most important new measure is the evening closure. With the exception of essential shops, all sectors must close their doors between 17:00 and 05:00. This also applies to sport. These measures took effect on Sunday 28 November at 05:00. They apply at least until 19 December 2021. The situation will be reassessed by the government on Tuesday 14 December 2021.

The full overview of measures can be found at Rijksoverheid.nl (the Dutch central government website)

The Responsible Sport Protocol (Protocol Verantwoord Sporten) of NOC*NSF, the Dutch Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation, is available here.

The measures that apply to martial arts:

Evening closure
Sports facilities must close their doors at 17:00 until 05:00 the following morning. An exception applies to elite sport. Always coordinate this with your own municipality. Local policy takes precedence.

Events and matches
No events or matches may take place after 17:00, with the exception of elite sport. Matches may take place until 17:00. No spectators may be present, either at amateur matches or at professional events for youth and adults. The only people who may be present are those with a role connected to the match, such as officials, ringside doctors and the manager of the venue. Family and friends may therefore not attend as spectators. Athletes who have finished are asked not to linger and to leave the sports location.

Coronavirus entry pass
The coronavirus entry pass (coronatoegangsbewijs) is mandatory for organised sport from the age of 18, such as at the gym and in group classes. This applies to athletes at all indoor and outdoor sports locations, including sports canteens. People who must be present in a functional capacity (whether paid or voluntary) do not have to show a coronavirus entry pass. This includes trainers, coaches and officials.

In addition to these measures, extra attention is being drawn to the basic rules.

‘Encourage sport’
There is considerable understanding in the martial arts sector of the need to reduce the number of infections. Limiting access to sport, however, meets with objections. Partly on behalf of the VA, sports umbrella organisation NOC*NSF is arguing for a different approach. Marc van den Tweel, general director of NOC*NSF: ‘Continuing to take part in sport and to keep moving is crucial for the health and resilience of our society. Every day, millions of children, young people and adults take part in sport at their club precisely from 17:00 onwards. Simply put, because there are other tasks and obligations during the day. Active participation in sport carries no or only a very limited risk of spreading the virus. At a time like this, sport should be encouraged rather than restricted. After all, sport is part of the solution to this health crisis.’

Compensation
The government has pledged that affected businesses will be compensated. Through NOC*NSF and the POS (Platform Ondernemende Sportaanbieders, the platform for commercial sports providers), the VA is monitoring whether the sports sector is also being supported. Last week the government set aside 41 million euros for this.