A leading neurologist has warned that emerging contact sports like high-speed collision running and face-slapping competitions deliver brain impacts comparable to those of a coward punch, raising serious safety concerns. The expert testified before a New South Wales parliamentary inquiry, which is assessing whether these growing activities—such as Run Nation and Power Slap—should be classified as combat sports to introduce stricter oversight. With the risk of severe injury, including fatal outcomes, the inquiry is weighing whether current regulations can adequately protect participants. The debate highlights the need for clearer guidelines as these unconventional sports gain popularity.
Impacts in emerging contact sports are akin to coward punches and cannot be made safer with regulation, neurologist saysGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastCollision running and face-slapping competitions have similar impacts to that of a coward punch or “king-hit”, with death a “distinct possibility”, a concussion expert has told a parliamentary inquiry.A New South Wales inquiry is examining whether emerging competitions such as Run Nation, in which two players run at each other and collide at high speed, and Power Slap, where players take turns slapping each other across the face, should be considered combat sports to better regulate the safety of participants. Continue reading...
