The parliamentary investigation was launched in August after a 19-year-old died in New Zealand following a viral tackling challenge. Combat Sports Authority officials argue that legally classifying these emerging competitions will enforce essential safeguards, including mandatory ambulances and specialized doctors. Run Nation organizers defended their safety protocols by noting they already staff events with paramedics, though grassroots operators worry compliance costs could prove prohibitive. The inquiry is scheduled to deliver its final recommendations before the end of the year.
Key points
Medical experts warn that high-intensity head strikes in novelty impact sports can cause…: Medical experts warn that high-intensity head strikes in novelty impact sports can cause fatal trauma or early-onset neurodegenerative disease.
State regulators are pushing for strict statutory requirements to prevent participant saf…: State regulators are pushing for strict statutory requirements to prevent participant safety from being left to random chance.
Grassroots sports organizers caution that broad mandates for ambulances, insurance, and p…: Grassroots sports organizers caution that broad mandates for ambulances, insurance, and permits may impose unsustainable operational costs.
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Collision running and face-slapping competitions have similar impacts to that of a coward punch or “king-hit”, with death a “distinct possibility”, a concussion expert has told a parliamentary inquiry.
A New South Wales inquiry is examining whether emerging competitions such as Run Nation, in which two players run at each other and collide at high speed, and Power Slap, where players take turns slapping each other across the face, should be considered combat sports to better regulate the safety of participants.
But neurologist Dr Rowena Mobbs, an expert in concussion and chronic traumatic encepalopahty (CTE), told the inquiry she did not think there was “any form of modification” that would make the sports safer.
“Collision running and Power Slap are worse than eye-gouging and should be deemed a king-hit, for death is a distinct possibility,” she said.
A 19-year-old died in New Zealand last year after suffering a critical head injury playing a tackling game believed to have been inspired by the viral “run it straight” challenge, of which Run Nation’s organisers have claimed their competition is a safer version,…
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