Medical guidance

Purpose

The aim of sports medical guidance is to create optimal conditions so that every judoka can perform at their own level. The emphasis is on preventing injuries and overtraining. Because judo is an unpredictable sport, injuries cannot always be avoided. Fast, expert assessment and treatment are then essential to limit time out and prevent recurrence. This is achieved by working within a broad network of physicians, physiotherapists, (sports) dietitians and sports psychologists.

Addition to existing support

A pilot we develop together

Throughout the year we evaluate the guidance based on feedback from judoka, parents and coaches. We assess whether the offer matches needs and where adjustments are needed.

For example, the frequency of the drop-in clinic may change. Additional measurements may be added when they clearly add value to the guidance. We explain in advance what such measurements aim to achieve, what participation involves and how we handle the data. Changes to the programme are communicated in good time.

Load and capacity screening (Prevention and performance)

Questionnaire in advance

Before guidance begins, judoka receive a questionnaire by email. Please complete it in advance, together with your parents or carers if you wish.

Your answers form the starting point for guidance and help map questions or points of attention. The information is treated confidentially.

Free drop-in clinic

At the start of the pilot, Koen Visser runs a drop-in clinic every two weeks. You can come with an emerging complaint, an injury or a question about your health in relation to judo. If you are already in a recovery programme, you can discuss your progress.

During the clinic we map your complaints and questions. We then consider whether advice is enough, whether training adjustments make sense, or whether further assessment or treatment is needed.

The aim is to have a physiotherapist present at every clinic for manual therapy, screening, taping and advice on exercises.

Dates for the next clinics are shown on the right-hand side of this page.

Who for

judoka on Judoteam Groningen’s full-time programme

Provided by

Koen Visser, GP

When

every two weeks, 18:45 to 19:45

Where

Alfa-college, Kardingerweg. If the location differs, we will communicate that in advance.

Purpose

screening and advice. The clinic is not for treatment

Cost

the drop-in clinic is free of charge

Registration

walk in during the clinic without an appointment

Contact outside clinic hours

If you have a question about a complaint or injury between clinics, you can contact us on +31611058932 or via your coaches. We discuss the appropriate next step and whether an appointment is needed.

If other expertise is needed, we discuss options for assessment or support from, for example, a sports physician, physiotherapist, sports dietitian or sports psychologist. The route to follow-up care depends on the medical question, any referral requirements and provider availability.

Voluntary sports medical examination

In addition to the drop-in clinic, you can choose a preventive sports medical examination at the Martini Sports Medical Centre, Het Omnium location. Participation is voluntary and separate from the free clinic.

The Dutch Association for Sports Medicine (Vereniging voor Sportgeneeskunde) advises all elite athletes under 35 to undergo compulsory cardiovascular screening every two years in accordance with the Lausanne protocol.

The basic examination includes:

• Measurement of height, weight and body dimensions.
• Vision check.
• Physical examination.
• Blood tests for glucose, cholesterol and haemoglobin.
• A resting ECG (heart trace).
• A lung function test.
• Discussion of findings and important risk factors, with personal advice from the sports physician.

More information is available on the Martini Hospital website: Sports medical examination at Martini Hospital.

Coordination with coaches and privacy

If your training needs adjusting, coordinating with your coach can help agree practical arrangements. We discuss in advance what information is needed and ask for the required consent.

Medical information, including questionnaire answers and any test results, is treated confidentially. Coaches do not automatically receive access to this data. For minor judoka we take into account age and the rights of the judoka and parents or carers.

When evaluating the pilot we discuss how guidance is going. Personal medical information is only shared when necessary and with the required consent.

We process personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We only collect and use data needed for sports medical guidance, store it securely and do not keep it longer than necessary. We treat medical data as special category data and process it only on an appropriate legal basis, such as consent or providing the guidance.

Under the GDPR you have rights including access, rectification, erasure, restriction of processing, objection and data portability, where the law allows.

See also our privacy statement for more information on how we process personal data.

Information for judoka and parents

Within the pilot we want to organise information sessions on topics relevant to judo, such as balancing training and recovery, nutrition and weight categories, dealing with performance pressure and returning to the mat after injury.

Koen Visser leads these sessions, with a guest speaker where appropriate. Topics and dates are announced in advance. Suggestions from judoka and parents are welcome.

Costs and reimbursement

The drop-in clinic is free of charge. Additional investigation, treatment or appointments with other care providers may involve costs. Reimbursement depends on the type of care, your insurance and any referral requirements. An excess may also apply. Check with the provider and your insurer in advance.

The voluntary preventive sports medical examination costs €199.67 in 2026. You generally pay this yourself. Depending on supplementary insurance, part may be reimbursed. Reimbursement via supplementary insurance is not subject to the statutory excess.

See reimbursement information at Sportzorg, Sports care reimbursements and check your own policy terms.