Ultraviolence of viral games puts lives at risk and imperils safety in sport

The dangerous new 'sport' called Run It Straight has already led to one known death.

- By Christopher Yorke, Michelle O'Shea and Jeremy Sleiman

Created in Australia, Run It Straight is a new, ultraviolent combat sport.

Across a 20m x 4m grassed "battlefield", two players charge at full speed towards one another. Alternating between carrying the ball (ball runner) and defending (tackler), victory is awarded via a knockout (a competitor cannot continue), or a judge's decision based on an athlete's dominance during the collisions.

Despite neuroscientists issuing grave warnings about the brutal sport's risks, Run It Straight's viral popularity on social media, including its endorsement among high-profile athletes, is accelerating.

Melbourne hosted the inaugural "Runit Championship League" event at the beginning of May. Footage showed some participants convulsing after their collisions as the winner celebrated, surrounded by children.

Drawing hundreds of spectators and millions of online views, the full-speed collision challenge is already turning its violence and social media footprint into commercial success abroad, securing interest in the US.

The sport held some events in New Zealand in the week of 19 May, but one was halted by the Auckland city council because of safety concerns and the failure to secure necessary permits.

A history of sport and violence

In ancient times, symbolic cultural displays of power and physical dominance featured in combat sports such as wrestling, boxing, pankration (a mixed martial art combining boxing and wrestling) and even armoured foot races.

This brutal entertainment is reflected in contemporary collision sports such as the National Rugby League (NRL) in Australia and New Zealand, and the Australian Football League (AFL).