NSW inquiry hears death risk in collision running and face-slapping
A neurologist told a New South Wales parliamentary inquiry that Run Nation and Power Slap carry a distinct possibility of death and should be regulated as combat sports.
At a glance
- A neurologist told a NSW inquiry that collision running and face-slapping carry a distinct possibility of death.
- A NSW Supreme Court judge ruled Run Nation is a combat sport; its Sydney event is rescheduled for 28 November.
- The Combat Sports Authority chair supports mandatory medical staff and ambulances at regulated combat events.
A New South Wales parliamentary inquiry has heard that collision running and face-slapping competitions carry a “distinct possibility” of death and should be viewed as dangerous as a coward punch, according to a concussion expert. The inquiry, established in August, is examining whether events such as Run Nation and Power Slap should be classified as combat sports to improve participant safety.
Dr Rowena Mobbs, a neurologist specialising in concussion and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, told the committee she did not believe any rule changes could make the activities safer. She said the impacts were worse than eye-gouging and likened them to a king-hit, because participants cannot defend themselves and are struck in a highly vulnerable area.
Mobbs also said repeated subclinical head impacts in football and traditional combat sports can lead to brain disease, and that the harder blows in collision running and face-slapping could trigger neurodegenerative conditions after fewer exposures. She said she had not treated patients injured in these specific competitions.
A 19-year-old died in New Zealand last year after a head injury sustained in a tackling game believed to have been inspired by the viral “run it straight” challenge. Run Nation organisers describe their event as a safer version of rugby league hit-ups.
In September, a NSW Supreme Court judge ruled that Run Nation is a combat sport, upholding the Combat Sports Authority’s cancellation of a Sydney event. The event has been rescheduled for 28 November after the authority’s medical advisory board approved a permit. Power Slap has not yet held an official event in Australia.
Darren Kane, chair of the Combat Sports Authority, told the inquiry he favours regulation with mandatory ambulances, medical staff, concussion training and accredited officials. He said unregulated events leave safety to chance.
Run Nation’s organisers say their events already include on-field doctors and paramedics. The committee did not hear from organisers of either competition, but received submissions from medical experts and combat sports groups.
Petero Taremwa, founder of the unlicensed Get That Guap fight club, said licensing costs, including permits, insurance and medical services, are a serious barrier for entry-level organisers. He said his events have not had significant injuries and always include a nurse, though he acknowledged ambulance costs are difficult for new promoters.
The inquiry is chaired by Labor MLC Sarah Kaine and is expected to report back in December.
Source: The Guardian World.
Questions and answers
- What did the NSW inquiry hear about collision running and face-slapping?
- A neurologist said death is a distinct possibility in these competitions and compared the impacts to a coward punch or king-hit.
- Has Power Slap held an event in Australia?
- No. Power Slap has yet to host an official event in Australia, according to the inquiry evidence.
- When is the inquiry expected to report?
- The New South Wales parliamentary inquiry is expected to report back in December.
