Neurologist warns collision running and face-slapping risks death

A neurologist testified before a New South Wales parliamentary inquiry that death is a distinct possibility for participants in collision running and face-slapping competitions. Dr. Rowena Mobbs, an expert in concussion and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, stated that the physical impacts in these emerging events are comparable to a coward punch or a king-hit. She argued that the current format of these sports poses severe risks to the brain that cannot be easily mitigated.

The inquiry is investigating whether events such as Run Nation and Power Slap should be legally classified as combat sports. This classification would subject them to stricter safety regulations. In Run Nation, two players sprint toward each other and collide at high speed. In Power Slap, competitors take turns striking each other in the face. Dr. Mobbs told the panel that she did not believe any modification to the rules would make these activities safe for participants.

The urgency of the inquiry stems from a fatal incident in New Zealand last year. A 19-year-old died after sustaining a critical head injury during a tackling game inspired by the viral run it straight challenge. Organizers of Run Nation have positioned their event as a safer, structured version of these viral trends. They claim their format turns informal rugby league hit-ups into a regulated sport.

Regulatory status remains a point of contention. In September, a New South Wales Supreme Court judge ruled that Run Nation is a combat sport. This decision upheld a cancellation notice issued by the Combat Sports Authority of New South Wales for a Sydney event. The competition has now been rescheduled for November 28, after the authority's medical advisory board approved its permit. Power Slap has not yet held an official event in Australia.

Darren Kane, the chair of the Combat Sports Authority, argued for stricter oversight of new combat sports. He stated that regulated events would mandate ambulance and medical support staff, ensure participant accreditations, and require concussion training for organizers. Kane described unregulated events as a matter of luck, noting that proper systems and doctors would be required at the venue.

Run Nation organizers maintain that their events already include on-field doctors and paramedics. However, the inquiry did not hear directly from the organizers of either competition. It did receive submissions from medical experts and grassroots combat sports groups. Petero Taremwa, founder of the Get That Guap fight club, said the cost of participation is a serious barrier for fighters. He noted that organizers face high expenses for permits, insurance, venues, and medical services.

Taremwa said his club has not had significant injuries at its events. He admitted that the cost of on-site ambulances required under regulation is unreasonable for an entry-level organizer. Dr. Mobbs noted that while she has not treated patients from these specific new sports, the strong impacts could trigger neurodegenerative diseases later in life. The inquiry is expected to release its report in December.