The Aotearoa New Zealand Trauma Committee of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons is profoundly concerned regarding the increasingly prevalent informal activity known as “Run It Straight". This practice, characterised by two players charging directly at each other in a high-speed collision, poses significant risks to participants, leading to severe injuries and, tragically, fatalities.
The letter to the Minister of Health and the Minister for the Accident Compensation Commission called on them to:
• raise awareness to ensure participants understand the potential for serious injuries and the long-term consequences of high-speed collisions.
• introduce regulatory measures such as medical evaluation, age restrictions, and safety protocols to minimise risks
• promote safer alternatives for fundraising events that do not involve high-risk physical competition
• encourage education about the risks, and help young athletes protect their health
• engage with healthcare professionals to provide valuable insights into injury prevention and help inform public policy decisions.
“Run It Straight” represents an alarming trend that requires immediate attention from all associated parties. The Trauma Committee urged Ministers to prioritise safety in both formal and informal sporting activities and foster a culture that values well-being over reckless displays of toughness.
The letter to the Minister of Health and the Minister for the Accident Compensation Commission called on them to:
• raise awareness to ensure participants understand the potential for serious injuries and the long-term consequences of high-speed collisions.
• introduce regulatory measures such as medical evaluation, age restrictions, and safety protocols to minimise risks
• promote safer alternatives for fundraising events that do not involve high-risk physical competition
• encourage education about the risks, and help young athletes protect their health
• engage with healthcare professionals to provide valuable insights into injury prevention and help inform public policy decisions.
“Run It Straight” represents an alarming trend that requires immediate attention from all associated parties. The Trauma Committee urged Ministers to prioritise safety in both formal and informal sporting activities and foster a culture that values well-being over reckless displays of toughness.