Challenges in regulating full contact martial arts and combat sports

Abstract

We use the concept of governmentality to explore how different historically constituted regimes of practice operate to govern the thinking and practicing of full-contact martial arts and combat sports (FCMACS) in the Netherlands and consequently, to resist regulation. After conducting 43 interviews, observing a meeting and various FCMACS events, and analysing media and relevant documents, we conclude that the (traditional) boundaries between (commercialised) sports and government are strained since the government bans certain events and yet implements policy goals through community FCMACS. The public order and safety regime has now becomes relevant in addition to the already existing sport and economic regimes of practice. Each regime shapes constructions of problems and solutions differently and applies varying technologies of power that are historically and culturally appropriate to that regime. The terms ‘dialogue of the deaf’ and ‘power vacuum’ illustrate the resulting impasse. The data show that meanings about regulation of FCMACS are expressed, but not unravelled, discussed, or negotiated. The lack of supremacy of one of the regimes and/or the absence of balance in the adjustment of regimes causes a power vacuum. We concluded that the impasse will remain as long as the traditional order of fragmented and hierarchical regulation is not replaced by a new status quo regulating these sports. The use of the concept of governmentality enabled us to untangle regimes of practice and explain this impasse in the regulation of FCMACS.