Airsoft Rules & Regulations

Gun Safety

• Federal law requires that all airsoft guns must have orange tips to designate that they are not lethal weapons. Even though airsoft guns fire pellets, they should be treated as if they fire bullets. No airsoft guns should be fired at close range or pointed at anyone outside of the game arena.

Safety Gear

• Because of the small size of the plastic pellets, protective goggles are necessary. Some groups even require spectators outside of the playing field to wear protective eye gear. Many groups require long sleeves and long pants to prevent bruising and injury from the pellets. But many groups prohibit the use of ski or face masks. This helps to prevent anyone from mistaking airsoft players for real criminals.

Group Safety

• Airsoft games should be played in a well-marked area. The game arena should be away from the general public. Anyone who sees weapons or battles should be well aware of the game in progress. But, mistakes happen. While it is rare, there have been cases of unknowing bystanders calling the police to report suspicious activity.

  In the event that police or military enter the playing field, groups require that all members immediately stop playing, raise their weapons above their heads and remain silent until officials clear the area. This prevents any mistakes that might occur.

  Airsoft battles are best played with leagues. Neighborhood pick-up games are never recommended.

Hit Rules

• Upon being hit by a pellet, each player calls out the hit and where it occurred. If the hit is in a non-lethal area, such as the arm or the leg, a designated "medic" can clear the player to continue the game. If the hit is in the chest or head, it is considered a kill shot. Most teams consider it good form to act out a dramatic death scene before lying silent on the ground. A "dead" player is required to stay silent until the end of the round.

Game Moderators

• Most groups have designated moderators. These people check each player&'s weapons and gear before the game to make sure that everything meets safety requirements. During the game, the moderators act as umpires or judges. They make decisions on disputed hits and keep track of each teams "kills." Arguing with a moderator at any time can cause a player to be expelled from the game.

Bad Form

• Airsoft battles are mock military battles. As such, teams expect their players to exercise self-discipline and good sportsmanship.

  Each player must call out when they are hit by a pellet. To ignore a hit is cheating. The shooter is not to call out or argue when he hits another player. This causes arguments and slows down the play. If there is a question about a player being hit, it should be left for the moderators.

  To speak or give information to teammates after receiving a "kill shot" is also considered unfair. Dead men tell no tales.

Safety Call

• In the event a player becomes wounded, teams have different safety calls. These are words that should not normally be used during play that notifies both teams that someone is hurt. When the safety call is announced, all play stops while the injured player cares for his wound.