VA no longer works with WFCA

One of the ten covenant partners of the Nederlandse Vechtsportautoriteit (the Dutch Martial Arts Authority, VA), the martial arts organisation WFCA, has terminated its covenant with the VA. In a letter, the organisation states that it can no longer support the course that has been set. Nine of the ten covenant partners recently indicated that they will continue.

The VA was established to organise the martial arts sector in the Netherlands more effectively. Every year, agreements are made with all martial arts organisations. In a so-called covenant (convenant), measures are agreed on to improve, among other things, the safety and quality of events. As a result, municipalities are now far more willing to issue permits for martial arts events.

Work is also under way to professionalise the sector. Starting from a situation with ten martial arts organisations, the aim is to move towards one strong federation, affiliated with the Dutch Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation (NOC*NSF). Research showed that support for this within the martial arts community is broad. All existing organisations can join. Nine of the ten organisations recently stated that they will take part in this process of joining forces. The WFCA is the only one to have withdrawn. Within the new structure, there will continue to be room for every existing team of officials. Promoters can also continue to work with the team of officials of their choice.

It was recently announced which additional requirements will apply to martial arts federations next year. These are exactly the same requirements that all recognised sports federations in the Netherlands must meet, from the Dutch draughts federation (Dambond) to the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB). Financial transparency is a key pillar. The aim is to counter the influence of undeclared money and vulnerability to criminal undermining. Requirements are also imposed on the board in order to prevent conflicts of interest. The WFCA complains about the increase in the number of rules. For the WFCA, the requirements now announced are the proverbial final straw.

The VA respects the decision. As a consequence, the WFCA may no longer sanction martial arts events in the Netherlands. All announced events that were to be held under the auspices of the WFCA in the coming months can go ahead under the supervision of one of the nine covenant partners. Officials who supervised bouts under the WFCA banner can remain active in the Netherlands through the other organisations, should they wish to do so.