A lawyer says criminal charges could be possible when a 'Run it Straight' game turns fatal

Palmerston North 19-year-old Ryan Satterthwaite died after playing the game with friends on Sunday.

The tackling competition is big on social media.

Police are not launching a criminal investigation.

Lawyer Matt Goodwin says charges become possible depending on whether it's considered a sport.

She says if there aren't enough rules or one participant moves outside the rules - then there's criminal liability.