Combat and collision-based ‘sports’ catch Government’s eye

IF you or members of your family spend time on social media, there’s every chance that you have been exposed to new and emerging forms of combat and collision-based activities.

They include bareknuckle boxing, power slap (which is exactly what it sounds like) and something called Run Nation Championship (RNC).

Google describes RNC as “a high-intensity, controversial modern collision sport inspired by the ‘run it straight’ trend, where two athletes sprint head-on into each other on a small 20m x 4m field to deliver the biggest hit.

Sports such as these have prompted the NSW Government to refer these sports, and others that are similar, to the NSW Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Issues for inquiry.

“We need to make sure our laws keep pace with the way collision and combat sports are evolving,” said the Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper.

The inquiry will examine whether NSW’s regulatory framework is keeping pace with emerging activities and whether the Combat Sports Act 2013 (NSW) remains fit for purpose.

Recent reports of organised underground and backyard fight events in NSW have also highlighted questions about whether existing laws are able to effectively regulate these activities and protect participants.

“This inquiry will look at the activities emerging in NSW, how they are regulated elsewhere and whether our current framework provides the protections participants and the community expect,” said Minister Kamper.

“Importantly, it will also examine underground and backyard fight clubs and whether organisers are finding ways around existing regulation.”

The Committee will consider:

*whether emerging activities including collision sports, bareknuckle boxing and power slap should be characterised and regulated as combat sports, or another category, to ensure appropriate participant protections and public safety;

*whether the Combat Sports Act 2013 (NSW) remains suitable to regulate emerging activities, underground fight clubs and other comparable activities;

*regulatory approaches adopted in other Australian and international jurisdictions;

*legislative and regulatory reforms needed to improve participant safety, strengthen harm minimisation and ensure appropriate oversight;

*reforms needed to improve the investigation and regulation of organised underground and backyard fight clubs, including activities that seek to circumvent the Combat Sports Act 2013 (NSW); and

*any other related matter.

The inquiry will provide an opportunity to consider whether changes are needed to ensure NSW has a clear and effective regulatory framework as new forms of combat and collision-based activities emerge.

Submissions to the inquiry can be made via the NSW Parliament website.