Ryan Satterthwaite
Share and Follow

It’s a viral social media trend that’s already ended in tragedy.

Run It Straight involves participants running at each other head on and at full speed aiming for a knock out, and it has concussion experts furious.

The premise is in the name, and it’s drawn the ire of head injury experts.

Ryan Satterthwaite
Last week teenager Ryan Satterthwaite died in an impromptu backyard game with friends in New Zealand. (Stuff)

Headsafe founder Dr Adrian Cohen called it a “stupid idea”.

“We certainly don’t like activities that create pain, that create damage and that fundamentally are designed to hurt people,” he said.

“We probably need a ministry of common sense, because this would be the very first thing to be chucked out.”

His uncle, Peter has called for big names to call it out

It's a viral social media trend that's already ended in tragedy.Run It Straight involves participants running at each other head on and at full speed aiming for a knock out.
It’s a viral social media trend that’s already ended in tragedy.Run It Straight involves participants running at each other head on and at full speed aiming for a knock out. (Nine)

“I am hoping that out of this we get some All Blacks, some league players stand up, and express what sort of dumb idea that this particular game is,” he said.

Run It Straight and other activities like it don’t fall under any particular legislation. The questions are what can be done about it, and who’s going to do it.

“It’s not a sport. It’s not a combat sport. We can’t legislate against every bad idea,” NSW Wales Sport Minister Steve Kamper said.

Australian Sports Commission CEO and Olympic legend Kieren Perkins said it was a “dangerous activity which doesn’t align with any of our advice”.

“When it comes to protecting Australians from concussion and brain injuries,” he said.

Run It Straight, which holds organised events, insists it is here to stay, but says the sport should not be copied outside of its strict conditions.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Drone attack in Kyiv

Russia Intensifies Assault on Kyiv as Trump-Zelenskyy Peace Talks Approach

A recent aerial assault resulted in the death of a 71-year-old individual…
Kristy Lee Kelly is a self-described 'lover of words' who fell into ghostwriting as a side hustle.

Sydney Author Profits from Writing Unmentionable Books

Ghostwriting was the last thing Kristy Lee Kelly expected to dive into…
Coral Adventurer

Cruise Ship Hits Ground on Maiden Voyage Following Tragic Passenger Incident

Australian-flagged vessel, the Coral Adventurer, hit a coral reef and ran aground…
Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, takes questions from the media at a press briefing in New York, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025.

Iran Leader Warns Nation of Potential Escalating Conflict

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says his country is in a full-scale war…
Soccer coach, children missing after tour boat sinks in Indonesia

Youth Soccer Coach and Team Unaccounted for Following Tragic Boat Incident in Indonesia

Indonesian rescuers are searching for a Spanish soccer coach and his three…
The property is fenced off, after a freak storm left the house plagued with mould.

Family’s Dream Home Faces Challenges with Mould Infestation

A south-west Sydney family have been forced to abandon their dream home…

Ring in the New Year: Essential Weather Forecasts for New Year’s Eve and Day

If you’re finalising plans for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day,…
The midnight New Year's Eve fireworks on Sydney Harbour, viewed from Mrs Macquaries Chair. 31 December 2024. Photo: Wolter Peeters, The Sydney Morning Herald.

New Year’s Eve Weather Forecast: What to Expect in Your City

Aussies are preparing to celebrate the end of 2025 and the start…