Neurologist calls collision sports fatal risk

Ordinary participants in collision running and face-slapping events face a distinct possibility of death, according to medical testimony presented to a New South Wales parliamentary inquiry. Neurologist Dr Rowena Mobbs told the committee that the high-impact nature of these competitions makes them comparable to a king-hit or a punch delivered from behind. She stated that she could not identify any modification to the current format that would render the activities safer for competitors.

The inquiry is currently debating whether competitions such as Run Nation and Power Slap should be classified as combat sports. This regulatory shift would mandate specific safety measures, including ambulance coverage, on-site medical personnel, and formal concussion training for all participants. Dr Mobbs emphasized that the force involved in these events is substantial, noting that fewer impacts might be required to trigger neurodegenerative diseases like chronic traumatic encephalopathy compared to traditional football codes.

The debate follows a legal dispute over a planned Run Nation event in Sydney. In September, a Supreme Court judge ruled that Run Nation is a combat sport, which upheld the NSW Combat Sports Authority’s decision to cancel the original event. The competition has since been rescheduled for 28 November after the authority’s medical advisory board approved a new permit. Power Slap has not yet held an official event in Australia.

Darren Kane, chair of the NSW Combat Sports Authority, supported the push for stricter regulation. He argued that unregulated events often lack essential safeguards such as certified medical staff and proper accreditation. While Run Nation organizers claim that doctors and paramedics are present at their events, neither group provided direct testimony to the inquiry. The committee has reviewed submissions from various medical specialists and grassroots combat sports representatives.

Cost concerns were raised by Petero Taremwa, founder of the Get That Guap fight club. Taremwa operates mixed martial arts and kickboxing events without a promoter’s licence. He cited the financial burden of permits, insurance, and venue costs as barriers for entry-level organizers. Taremwa told the inquiry that he did not believe his personal medical knowledge exceeded that of the authority but viewed the mandatory on-site ambulance requirement as unreasonable for smaller operators.

The inquiry also considered a recent death in New Zealand. A 19-year-old died last year after sustaining a critical head injury during a tackling game inspired by the viral run it straight challenge. Run Nation organizers have described their event as a safer adaptation of that challenge, utilizing rules adapted from rugby league hit-ups. The parliamentary committee is scheduled to release its final findings in December.