Latest news with #RunitStraightOfficial
Courier-Mail
3 days ago
- Sport
- Courier-Mail
Family of teenager who died playing ‘run it straight' make heartbreaking revelation, Ryan Satterthwaite
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News. The family of Ryan Satterthwaite, who tragically died from injuries sustained in a backyard 'run it straight' game, has revealed the teenager and his friends got the idea to play the game after seeing it online. For years the 'run it straight' trend has sporadically gone viral on social media platforms. But in recent months it has transformed from a viral social media trend to a fully-fledged sport, with 'Run it Straight Official' and 'RUNIT Championship League' turning it into a business and holding competitions in Australia and New Zealand. Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. The sport involves four rounds of players charging at each other along a 10m grass runway, with each competitor taking turns carrying a rugby ball. The objective is to either successfully tackle the opponent or run them over in a hard-hitting collision. The contest ends when a player is knocked out or concussed. If both players remain standing at the end of four rounds, a judging panel decides the winner, with the key criteria judged being damage to your opponent. But the 'sport' has been controversial due to the violent nature of some of the tackles, as leading neuroscientists warn 'people will die'. And that grave warning has now rang true, with Kiwi teenager Ryan Satterthwaite dying from what was described as an 'innocuous' tackle playing a backyard game of 'run it straight' on the weekend. Ryan Satterthwaite tragically died after participating in the 'run it straight' trend. Image: Supplied According to Ryan's uncle, Peter Satterthwaite, his nephew and his friends decided to try it at a 21st birthday celebration on Sunday after seeing the big hits on social media. 'They decided to give it a go because of what they saw on social media and on the news last week about it,' Satterthwaite told Stuff. Footage of the tackle that resulted in the injuries that would later take the life of Ryan, was given to police. The video of the tackle in question reportedly didn't even hit his head, instead it was the jolting motion of the hit that proved fatal. Satterthwaite says in the aftermath of the game, his nephew was coherent and talking with his friends but soon deteriorated at a rapid rate. An ambulance was called to the home in Palmerston North but he went downhill at such a rate, his friends decided they couldn't wait for it to arrive, rushing him to Palmerston North Hospital. By the time they arrived Ryan had lost consciousness due to the swelling on his brain. He would never wake up. Ryan Satterthwaite pictured. Image: Supplied Dr Alan Pearce warns 'it will happen again' Leading sports neuroscientist Dr Alan Pearce told that it was sadly 'only a matter of time' until someone died playing the sport. 'This was a matter of time really as sad as that is to say,' Dr Pearce told on Tuesday. 'The concern is that this can happen at any level. Even in the sanctioned 'run it' events someone will probably die in that at some point as well. 'It can't be done safely and when there's kids and teens that see it they like to copy what they see online, and this is something that absolutely not should be copied. The Run It challenge has taken off in recent months. Image: Run It Championship 'It is the biggest please do not try this at home disclaimer if I've ever seen one'. That message was echoed by Satterthwaite, who told Stuff: 'We can put it all out on social media that this is a silly thing to do. Don't do it but no-one's going to listen to us unless we get celebrities on board.' After the teen's death made waves RUNIT Championship League organisers released a statement saying they did 'not encourage any copying of the sport as it should only be done under the strict conditions'. 'This is tragic news and our hearts go out to the family and friends of Ryan. Any contact sport like boxing, martial arts or combat-style activities should only be held in highly-controlled environments, which include professional medical supervision and support.' But that response only infuriated Peter Satterthwaite who said that they are 'dumb' if they think that would stop another fatality from happening. 'That's just their bullsh** line to justify what they're trying to do,' he continued. 'What did they think was going to happen? They'd be dumb if they thought nobody was going to get hurt. They said on the news they have a medical professional on standby. But a medical professional wouldn't have helped Ryan one little bit.' Dr Alan Pearce has warned more people will die if run it straight continues. Picture: Dean Martin New Zealand rugby stars urge caution amid tragic death On Wednesday night, New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) issued a statement, saying: 'NZRL is not associated with nor encourages participation in any events or collision sports like Runit.' 'It's concerning to see people in these events putting themselves at risk of serious injury, and we strongly encourage our rugby league community to only participate in games or events organised or sanctioned by NZRL, our zones and districts, or our associates,' the statement continued. 'In doing so, we can control and mitigate the health and safety of all involved.' While New Zealand rugby stars urged people to not participate in the violent sport. Former All Black halfback Steve Devine told Radio NZ the game was a 'recipe for disaster' and believes it should be banned. While All Blacks star Ardie Savea admitted he had participated in something similar during his youth and said it was therefore hard to condemn it without being a hypocrite. 'It's a tough one,' Ardie Savea said at Moana Pasifika training on Thursday. 'I don't know the precautions they take in terms of the head side of things and you can see the other side and understand why they're doing it and whatnot. 'It's hard because it's kind of made me the rugby player I am – I used to do run it straights in the backyard with Bus (brother Julian Savea) – so you kind of see both sides. 'It's really hard to say, but I'd just encourage people to be safe.' Various 'run it straight' competitions are going viral. Image: Instagram New Zealand government moves to crack down on controversial spot The future of 'run it straight' now hangs in the balance in New Zealand, with the Government seeking advice on what they can do about the controversial sport. Sport NZ group chief executive Raelene Castle told the New Zealand Herald it was concerned about the emergence of the sport, 'which clearly comes with significant health and safety risks'. 'Both Sport NZ and High-Performance Sport NZ (HPSNZ) are committed to fostering safe and inclusive activities and events for all New Zealanders. 'We are working to facilitate a cross-agency discussion with those who have an interest in this area on what a Government approach to the operation of combat sport, including the emergence of activities and events like run it straight, in New Zealand could look like.' Castle strongly advised people against participating in run it or any activities that encourage high-speed collisions. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxonl labelled the teenager's death 'an absolute tragedy'. (Photo by) While New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon labelled Satterthwaite's death an 'absolute tragedy' on Friday morning and said competing in the viral trend was 'a dumb thing to do'. 'When it's happening at a 21st birthday party unofficially, that is not something the Government can solve through legislation or through regulation,' Luxon said. 'All I can say to young adults who are participating is you've got some personal responsibility in this. You're hearing the advice from the police, from the medical fraternity, from the Government, from principals saying don't do it. 'To the adults that are involved in the more formal organisation of it and are influencing it and leading this out on social media, I think you need to stop and I can't be any clearer. 'The evidence is that it's a dumb thing to do and you should stop.' Originally published as Family of teenager who died playing 'run it straight' make heartbreaking revelation
Daily Telegraph
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Telegraph
Expert's grave warning as run it straight makes waves in combat sport space
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News. If you grew up playing or watching rugby league the term 'run it straight' won't be anything new to you. Ingrained in Australian culture is the notion of being tough and fearless, hence why 'run it straight', which refers to charging at full speed at another person who will attempt to tackle you, is something that was often muttered from school playgrounds to sports fields. For years the 'run it straight' trend has sporadically gone viral on social media platforms. But the 'challenge' has been fairly controversial due to the violent nature of some of the tackles, which by the rugby league textbook would see a player sent off and receive a several-week ban. Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. However, in recent months two groups known as 'Run it Straight Official' and 'RUNIT Championship League' have turned the trend into a business, with the latter taking it a step further by holding an inaugural competition on Wednesday with $4000 going to the winner. But while on the surface it all might seem like all fun and laughs, leading Australian sports neuroscientist Dr Alan Pearce found it almightily troubling, telling that participants need to understand they are likely shortening their lives every time they 'run it straight'. 'I was pretty gobsmacked, speechless actually when I saw this competition idea starting because for me as someone who has seen hundreds of footballers and rugby league players who are now struggling with brain injury and long-term impairment it is really troubling,' Dr Pearce told You can watch the 'run it straight' challenge in the player above. Various 'run it straight' competitions are going viral. Image: Instagram 'I just cannot understand how they could take the most violent aspect of sport and just turn it into a spectacle where the objective is just to try and knock out or hurt your opponent. 'In a lot of these other sports (such as NRL, AFL and rugby union) you're trying to avoid direct contact whereas this is purely running at each other, it's insanity.' The sport involves four rounds of players charging at each other along a 10m grass runway, with each competitor taking turns carrying a rugby league ball. The objective is to either successfully tackle the opponent or run them over in a hard-hitting collision. The contest is ended when a player is knocked out or concussed. If both competitors are still standing and have their wits about them after four rounds, a set of judges decide the winner, with the main criteria they are judging being damage. Dr Alan Pearce labelled Australia's newest sport 'insanity' (AAP Image/Joel Carrett) Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Blessing Sehweah promoting the RunIt competition. Picture: Ian Currie So it begs the question, why would people want to compete in a sport that puts not only your body on the line but your brain health? Dr Pearce hypothesised it may be down to the growing belief that traditional contact sports have 'gone soft', a notion he believes has been incorrectly peddled for years. 'A lot of these people competing have a footy background and if anything it's worse as they have already likely had several head knocks which add up a lot quicker than people realise,' Dr Pearce said. 'Then there's the idea that (contact) sport is getting soft. But that's incorrect, it is actually getting far harder as the athletes are now bigger, stronger and faster than ever before, just look at the injury lists every week. 'We are seeing at all levels of the game higher injury rates but yet people are still complaining that sports are getting soft because we're trying to crack down on things that are causing damage to our brains and bodies. 'So to them, I'd say you look at the evidence first before making comments around the game getting soft. We're just basically trying to be more responsible in looking after our athletes as they are not just commodities.' The first ever RUNIT competition takes place this Wednesday (pictured competitors at the RUNIT trials). Image: RUNIT YouTube RUNIT states, unlike most 'run-it-straight' challenges, they have a set of strict rules, with medical staff waiting to assess players before and after each hit in a bid to combat head injuries and promote safety. But with damage the end goal it is a difficult proposition to achieve. Promoting the new league, Melbourne Storm enforcer Nelson Asofa Solomona says in a YouTube clip: 'Welcome to RUNIT, this is where we separate the strong from the stronger'. 'If you're running the job is simple, you run it straight. So how do you win? You win by dominating contact,' Asofa-Solomona continues. 'Hit hard, stand your ground and inflict damage... This is a sport built for warriors with the mental game, technique and strength to step up and run it.' RUNIT believe they can become the next UFC RUNIT believe they are onto the next big thing and are confident the sport can one day rival the UFC. Co-founders Rennie Molimau and Virgil Tauaa say they had modelled the league off the success of the World Arm Wrestling League and Power Slap and believe it is destined to succeed. 'Fans should expect a jam-packed, action-packed night, it'll be one to remember,' Molimau told the Herald Sun. Mr Tauaa said he, like many other pacific islanders, had grown up doing the 'run-it-straight' challenge and when the idea was pitched to turn it into a league, he knew they were onto something big. 'It's a test of strength, but ego and pride do come into it … otherwise it's just a fun game to play,' he said. Competitors take turns running it straight at one another, with the winner judged on who commits the most damage. Image: RUNIT YouTube 'We played it as kids growing up, now fast forward all these years, people's attention span is decreasing and some people find it harder to sit through an 80-minute game of rugby league. 'Fans come for the big collisions and big runs.' AFL and NRL stars including Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and former NRL hard man George Burgess have labelled it 'much watch' sport and to celebrate the launch. Burgess will go head-to-head with former Fijian Super Rugby star Nemani Nadolo in an exhibition run it straight prior to the competition's final on Wednesday. After the Melbourne competition this week it will then head to New Zealand on May 25, before going to the United States, Saudi Arabia and England later in the year. Originally published as Neuroscientist's grave warning about Australia's newest combat sport sweeping the country
News.com.au
29-04-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Neuroscientist's grave warning about Australia's newest combat sport sweeping the country
If you grew up playing or watching rugby league the term 'run it straight' won't be anything new to you. Ingrained in Australian culture is the notion of being tough and fearless, hence why 'run it straight', which refers to charging at full speed at another person who will attempt to tackle you, is something that was often muttered from school playgrounds to sports fields. For years the 'run it straight' trend has sporadically gone viral on social media platforms. But the 'challenge' has been fairly controversial due to the violent nature of some of the tackles, which by the rugby league textbook would see a player sent off and receive a several-week ban. However, in recent months two groups known as 'Run it Straight Official' and 'RUNIT Championship League' have turned the trend into a business, with the latter taking it a step further by holding an inaugural competition on Wednesday with $4000 going to the winner. But while on the surface it all might seem like all fun and laughs, leading Australian sports neuroscientist Dr Alan Pearce found it almightily troubling, telling that participants need to understand they are likely shortening their lives every time they 'run it straight'. 'I was pretty gobsmacked, speechless actually when I saw this competition idea starting because for me as someone who has seen hundreds of footballers and rugby league players who are now struggling with brain injury and long-term impairment it is really troubling,' Dr Pearce told You can watch the 'run it straight' challenge in the player above. 'I just cannot understand how they could take the most violent aspect of sport and just turn it into a spectacle where the objective is just to try and knock out or hurt your opponent. 'In a lot of these other sports (such as NRL, AFL and rugby union) you're trying to avoid direct contact whereas this is purely running at each other, it's insanity.' The sport involves four rounds of players charging at each other along a 10m grass runway, with each competitor taking turns carrying a rugby league ball. The objective is to either successfully tackle the opponent or run them over in a hard-hitting collision. The contest is ended when a player is knocked out or concussed. If both competitors are still standing and have their wits about them after four rounds, a set of judges decide the winner, with the main criteria they are judging being damage. So it begs the question, why would people want to compete in a sport that puts not only your body on the line but your brain health? Dr Pearce hypothesised it may be down to the growing belief that traditional contact sports have 'gone soft', a notion he believes has been incorrectly peddled for years. 'A lot of these people competing have a footy background and if anything it's worse as they have already likely had several head knocks which add up a lot quicker than people realise,' Dr Pearce said. 'Then there's the idea that (contact) sport is getting soft. But that's incorrect, it is actually getting far harder as the athletes are now bigger, stronger and faster than ever before, just look at the injury lists every week. 'We are seeing at all levels of the game higher injury rates but yet people are still complaining that sports are getting soft because we're trying to crack down on things that are causing damage to our brains and bodies. 'So to them, I'd say you look at the evidence first before making comments around the game getting soft. We're just basically trying to be more responsible in looking after our athletes as they are not just commodities.' RUNIT states, unlike most 'run-it-straight' challenges, they have a set of strict rules, with medical staff waiting to assess players before and after each hit in a bid to combat head injuries and promote safety. But with damage the end goal it is a difficult proposition to achieve. Promoting the new league, Melbourne Storm enforcer Nelson Asofa Solomona says in a YouTube clip: 'Welcome to RUNIT, this is where we separate the strong from the stronger'. 'If you're running the job is simple, you run it straight. So how do you win? You win by dominating contact,' Asofa-Solomona continues. 'Hit hard, stand your ground and inflict damage... This is a sport built for warriors with the mental game, technique and strength to step up and run it.' RUNIT believe they can become the next UFC RUNIT believe they are onto the next big thing and are confident the sport can one day rival the UFC. Co-founders Rennie Molimau and Virgil Tauaa say they had modelled the league off the success of the World Arm Wrestling League and Power Slap and believe it is destined to succeed. 'Fans should expect a jam-packed, action-packed night, it'll be one to remember,' Molimau told the Herald Sun. Mr Tauaa said he, like many other pacific islanders, had grown up doing the 'run-it-straight' challenge and when the idea was pitched to turn it into a league, he knew they were onto something big. 'It's a test of strength, but ego and pride do come into it … otherwise it's just a fun game to play,' he said. 'We played it as kids growing up, now fast forward all these years, people's attention span is decreasing and some people find it harder to sit through an 80-minute game of rugby league. 'Fans come for the big collisions and big runs.' AFL and NRL stars including Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and former NRL hard man George Burgess have labelled it 'much watch' sport and to celebrate the launch. Burgess will go head-to-head with former Fijian Super Rugby star Nemani Nadolo in an exhibition run it straight prior to the competition's final on Wednesday.
