By Fatma Younis
A New South Wales parliamentary inquiry is examining whether emerging competitions such as Run Nation, where two participants run at each other and collide at high speed, and Power Slap, where competitors take turns slapping each other across the face, should be classified as combat sports to improve safety regulation.
Neurologist Warns of Fatal Risks
Neurologist Dr Rowena Mobbs, an expert in concussion and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, told the inquiry that the impacts in these activities are akin to coward punches or "king-hits" and that death is a "distinct possibility." She said there is no form of modification that would make the sports safer and that the stronger impacts could trigger neurodegenerative disease with far fewer blows than in traditional contact sports.
Court Rules Run Nation a Combat Sport
In September, a NSW Supreme Court judge ruled that Run Nation constitutes a combat sport, upholding a cancellation notice for a Sydney event issued by the Combat Sports Authority (CSA) of NSW. The event has been rescheduled for 28 November after the authority's medical advisory board approved its permit. Power Slap has not yet held an official event in Australia.
Regulation Debate
CSA chair Darren Kane said he would prefer new combat sports to be regulated, with mandated ambulance and medical staff, concussion training, and accredited personnel. He contrasted regulated events with unregulated ones where safety is "pot luck." Run Nation organizers say their events already include on-field doctors and paramedics.
Grassroots Organizers Seek Pathway
Petero Taremwa, founder of the Get That Guap fight club, told the inquiry that compliance costs for permits, insurance, venues, and medical services are a serious barrier for entry-level organizers. He said his events have had no significant injuries and always have a nurse on site, but the cost of required on-site ambulances is unreasonable for small operators.
Inquiry to Report in December
The inquiry, established in August, has heard from medical experts, bareknuckle boxing groups, and grassroots combat sports organizations. It is expected to deliver its report in December.
