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.
We call on everyone who can influence this activity to:
• raise awareness so participants understand the potential for serious injuries and the long-term consequences of high-speed collisions,
• support 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 educational about the risks, and help young athletes protect their health, and
• engage healthcare professionals to provide valuable insights into injury prevention and help inform public policy decisions.
Recent tragic events, including the death of a young man during a “run it straight” challenge, have brought the dangers of this practice into focus. This incident is not an isolated case; it highlights a broader issue within both organised and informal sports where the emphasis on toughness and bravado can lead to reckless behaviour. The glorification of head-on collisions as a measure of strength is outdated and harmful, particularly for youth and young adults who may feel pressured to participate in these dangerous activities to prove their worth or bravery.
The biomechanics involved in “run it straight” significantly increase the risk of serious injuries, including concussions, cervical spine injuries, and long-term neurological damage. Unlike controlled tackles within the framework of regulated gameplay, this practice lacks tactical purpose and amplifies the potential for high-impact forces that can result in catastrophic consequences. The repetitive head trauma associated with such collisions poses a well-documented risk for developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease increasingly recognised among athletes in contact sports.
The environment in which “run it straight” typically occurs – often informal, unsupervised and unregulated – further compounds the dangers. Most of these events happen outside of structured sporting contexts, frequently in casual settings where safety protocols are absent. This lack of regulation exposes participants to unnecessary risks and highlights the urgent need for action from the broader community, including parents, coaches, schools and sporting organisations.
To combat the rising trend of dangerous practices like “run it straight,” the Aotearoa New Zealand Trauma Committee of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons calls upon all stakeholders to take immediate and concerted action:
1. Raise awareness: public health campaigns must educate individuals, especially young athletes and their families, about the dangers of participating in “run it straight” and similar activities. It is crucial that participants understand the potential for serious injuries and the long-term consequences of high-speed collisions.
2. Support regulatory measures: we advocate for the establishment of clear guidelines and regulations governing informal and organised sporting events. This includes mandatory medical evaluations for participants, age restrictions and well-defined safety protocols to minimise risks.
3. Promote safer alternatives: charitable organisations and community groups should seek safer alternatives to fundraising events that do not involve high-risk physical competition. Engaging communities in activities that encourage fitness and camaraderie while prioritsing safety is essential.
4. Encourage educational initiatives: educational institutions and sports organisations must incorporate discussions about the risks associated with “run it straight” into their curricula and training programs. By promoting a culture of safety and informed decision-making, we can help young athletes understand the importance of protecting their health.
5. Engage Healthcare Professionals: collaboration with healthcare professionals is vital to advocate for participant safety in all forms of sports, including informal activities. Their expertise can 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. We urge stakeholders to prioritise safety and foster a culture that values wellbeing over reckless displays of toughness.
Dr Chris Wakeman
Chair, Aotearoa New Zealand Trauma Committee
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Media enquiries
Diana Blake
Contact: +64 27 279 7488