A young man's death in New Zealand following a viral tackle game has prompted urgent discussions surrounding safety in informal sports. Ryan Satterthwaite, 19, died due to a serious head injury sustained while playing "run it straight," a game gaining popularity through social media. Local police emphasized the risks associated with the game, which involves two players charging at each other at high speeds without protective gear.
Tragic Death of New Zealand Teen Highlights Risks of Viral Tackle Game
Tragic Death of New Zealand Teen Highlights Risks of Viral Tackle Game
A 19-year-old's death after a tackle game raises safety concerns about "run it straight".
In Palmerston North, NZ, a tragic incident unfolded when a social media-inspired game took a life. Ryan Satterthwaite, a 19-year-old, suffered a serious head injury during a round of "run it straight" and later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. Law enforcement has intervened, urging caution to others contemplating similar games. A spokesperson from the police, Ross Grantham, reiterated the inherent dangers associated with such informal activities despite this particular game being spontaneous among friends.
"Run it straight," traditionally played casually in Australia and New Zealand, has recently surged in popularity online, endorsed by some professional rugby figures. The game typically entails one player carrying a ball while the opposing player attempts to tackle him as they rush towards each other. Many social media clips depict the fervor and recklessness with which participants engage, often resulting in severe consequences, including unconsciousness.
Due to its rising popularity, some enthusiasts have begun organizing tournaments, although oversight and regulations for such events remain ambiguous. The Runit Championship League just launched in Auckland, attracting over 1,000 spectators and offering a substantial prize pot, despite reports of injuries during the events, including one distressing incident that appeared to involve a seizure post-collision.
Kimami Ngaluafe, the organizer behind another local event, emphasized the longstanding appeal of "run it straight" within New Zealand households while acknowledging safety issues. He advocates for the use of protective headgear, which is notably absent among many players, and the presence of spotters to help mitigate risks of players hitting the ground during tackles. "It's vital we guide the youth on how to safely enjoy these games," he remarked as a poignant reminder of Satterthwaite's tragic passing.
"Run it straight," traditionally played casually in Australia and New Zealand, has recently surged in popularity online, endorsed by some professional rugby figures. The game typically entails one player carrying a ball while the opposing player attempts to tackle him as they rush towards each other. Many social media clips depict the fervor and recklessness with which participants engage, often resulting in severe consequences, including unconsciousness.
Due to its rising popularity, some enthusiasts have begun organizing tournaments, although oversight and regulations for such events remain ambiguous. The Runit Championship League just launched in Auckland, attracting over 1,000 spectators and offering a substantial prize pot, despite reports of injuries during the events, including one distressing incident that appeared to involve a seizure post-collision.
Kimami Ngaluafe, the organizer behind another local event, emphasized the longstanding appeal of "run it straight" within New Zealand households while acknowledging safety issues. He advocates for the use of protective headgear, which is notably absent among many players, and the presence of spotters to help mitigate risks of players hitting the ground during tackles. "It's vital we guide the youth on how to safely enjoy these games," he remarked as a poignant reminder of Satterthwaite's tragic passing.
