Stricter enforcement of behaviour outside the ring

There are many ways to draw attention to a fight. Unfortunately, the Vechtsportautoriteit (VA, the Dutch Combat Sports Authority) has lately seen this happen in a negative way far too often. This goes against the budo values and is bad for combat sports. The VA will enforce more strictly when athletes misbehave in the run-up to a fight.

In the run-up to combat sports events, it is normal for bouts to be highlighted in the regular media and on online platforms. Sporting rivalry is a fine thing, and it is good to build up the tension towards a bout. Lately, however, we increasingly see rivalry being blown up to unhealthy proportions. A number of international promotions do everything they can to stir up as much commotion as possible during press conferences and the stare down. Fighters go at each other, throw objects, swear and make threats, all just to be able to post sensational videos. In the short term it attracts attention; in the long term it is bad for the image of combat sports, not to mention the message it sends to young people.

In the Netherlands, too, we increasingly see athletes misbehaving ahead of a fight. Pushing, pulling, provoking and hurtful remarks, for example about someone’s family or private situation. This is not what combat sports stand for. It can also have serious consequences outside the ring. Supporters get carried away by the excitement. It can lead to disturbances in which people get hurt.

There will be at least one victim in any case: combat sports. Disturbances have harmful consequences for the future of competitive combat sports. In recent years, a great deal of work has gone into winning the trust of municipalities. As a result, events are increasingly well received. Disturbances can put an end to that. That harms promoters, athletes and spectators alike.

Promoting a bout is fine, but not at the expense of the budo values of respect and sportsmanship. The VA will therefore enforce more strictly on behaviour in the run-up to a fight, on the basis of its disciplinary rules. Athletes who misbehave in the media, online, at press conferences or during the stare down will face disciplinary proceedings. Promoters will be contacted in writing and reminded of their responsibility. If they themselves contribute to the negativity, for example by sharing videos of fighters going at each other, they will ultimately put their promoter licence at risk. We expect combat sports schools, trainers and coaches to pass on values such as respect, discipline and self-control to their pupils. The VA counts on everyone to take responsibility for a safe and healthy combat sports sector.