Overview

• Nineteen-year-old Ryan Satterthwaite died on May 25 in Palmerston North after suffering a fatal head injury in an impromptu ‘Run It Straight’ game.
• The trend involves two competitors charging head-first over a 20-metre strip with minimal protective gear and carries a high risk of concussion or worse.
• Prime Minister Christopher Luxon condemned the challenge as irresponsible, echoing police and medical experts’ warnings against participation.
• Sport minister Mark Mitchell is exploring legal measures to ban or restrict unregulated events on public land.
• Schools, local councils and arena operators have already prohibited the game following injuries at organized RUNIT Championship League events.