SECTION 1: CHEATING AND SPORTSMANSHIP

Airsoft is a game of honor and as players we must take faith in the fact that other players will play honestly. Not following the spirit of any of the rules listed below will be considered cheating and will not be tolerated.

If there is ever an occurrence when you feel you have hit someone and they do not call it, DO NOT yell and swear at them in the middle of the field (or off the field for that matter). If you have a problem, talk to that player and indicate your side of the story (I saw it hit your tac vest, helmet, etc.). Maybe the player didn’t feel it; maybe you didn’t hit them. Who knows? It’s only a game. If there is ever an occurrence when you think you might have been, but are not for sure, call yourself out and wait for the next mission to begin.

Any form of physical altercation (i.e. fighting) is not tolerated whatsoever. If a player is ever involved in a fight, he/she must agree to not play at any TASO game for a minimum of two (2) months. If that same player is ever involved with a second fighting occurrence, that member will no longer be allowed to play at ANY TASO game- EVER.


SECTION 2: SAFETY

Note: Failure to follow the recommended safety guidelines can put yourself in danger of bodily harm. Some safety rules may vary from field to field, please take the time to familiarize yourself with your local Airsoft safety rules before playing. Safety should always be your first concern.

Personal Safety

Eye Protection:
Proper eye protection is mandatory at every Airsoft field in the state of Texas. Only the use of Industry approved Paintball Manufactured goggles are acceptable at ALL fields. However Ballistic Shooting Goggles that do not have any cracks or holes larger than 6mm are allowed on most Airsoft fields. All lenses must be rated at ANSI 87.3 1989. Regular shop goggles, shooting glasses, or sunglasses are not adequate enough for protection and are not allowed! If the eye protection is not FULL SEALING (meaning NO gaps between the face and lens/frame) then you must receive permission to use that eye protection from the Field Owner.

Face Protection:
Though only recommended, face protection can be just as important as eye protection in some cases. When playing in tight quarters or at very close proximities, the use of full paintball masks and/or Balaclavas can greatly reduce the chance of whelping if accidentally hit in the face. Most indoor events/games require full face protection as an additional measure. Outdoor use of full face protection is not required, but recommended.

Hand Protection:
Commonly overlooked as a good form of protection, a players hands can be very important in the prevention of unnecessary pain when accidentally hit. The use of gloves (full or fingerless) greatly helps in the reduction of energy transfer when hit by a BB. There are a variety of gloves on the market to choose from, however paintball gloves tend to be better suited for practical purposes.

Foot Padding:
Definitely a given, proper footwear is important when playing Airsoft or any other action sporting game. Tennis Shoes and Sandals just don't cut it when running around the woods or a bombed out CQB facility. Proper Law Enforcement/Military Grade Boots are highly recommended for play. For some of you soft-footed players out there, it's recommended to wear an additional pair of socks for protection against blisters. However purchasing a cheap pair of foot inserts for your boots can save you allot of extra grief.

Knee Padding:
Another item not often considered for standard play, Knee pads are also recommended when on harsh terrain that could be hazardous. Aside from the obvious protective qualities, they too are excellent for comfort and safety.

Elbow Padding:
Often not considered for standard play, Elbow pads are recommended when on harsh terrain that could be hazardous. Aside from the obvious protective qualities, they are an excellent comfort factor for people who do al lot of crawling, sneaking, and lying down.

General Safety

Firing on observers, eliminated players, or any other non-participating individuals or group of individuals is prohibited. Such action shall be grounds for immediate ejection from the field of play, and constitute termination of that player’s activity for that day’s schedule. All weapons should have a Barrel Blocker or the magazine removed as an extra precaution when the weapon is not in use. Fireworks, pyrotechnics and similar devices are only allowed to produce safe effects, such as smoke, light and sound, and they will have to pass inspection before each game from the Event Organizer, Field Owner or TASO Officer In Charge. Field owners have the exclusive right to allow or reject the use of any types of pyrotechnic devices.

Check your weapons and gear for proper functionality before starting play. A player is personally responsible for his/her equipment, whether owned, borrowed, or rented. If you break or ruin something, you will be held responsible for any damages. Accidents do happen. Be careful and play responsibly.


SECTION 3: WEAPON VELOCITY

The maximum velocity of all weapons shall be measured in the form of muzzle velocity in feet-per-second with the Hop-up turned off, using 0.20 gram BBs. For safety reasons these are the official fps limits are:

1. Indoor & CQB Velocities: During indoor events and/or Close Quarters Battles, the indoor velocity rule is to be observed at all times. No AEG (Airsoft Electric Gun) or Gas Gun is allowed to fire above 300fps. Personal safety (as always) is especially important during indoor games. Stock AEG's can still be hazardous at close distances. A surrender should be presented for any engagements occurring indoors.

2. AEG Velocities: During outdoor events the Outdoor Velocity rule is to be observed at all times. Unless otherwise specified, no AEG is allowed to fire above 400fps or 1.48 joules. A surrender should be presented for any engagements under the 10 feet rule. If your field and/or event is using the Specialty Velocity Rules be sure to adhere to the additional safety rules that go along with those velocities.

3. Support Weapon Velocities: During outdoor events this type of specialty velocity can be used; however, it's own set of operational guidelines must be followed. This special velocity (450fps) may be only be used at distances over 40feet. If a player is within 40 feet, you may not use this gun/velocity. A secondary gun that meets the Standard Outdoor Velocity should be carried as well, for any engagements under the 40 feet rule. Support Weapons are defined as those weapons specifically designed to be used in a support role (including the M60, the M249 and the RPK). A regular AEG shooting over 400 fps does not constitute a support weapon!

4. Sniper Weapon Velocities: During outdoor events this type of specialty velocity can be used. It however has it's own set of operational guidelines that must be followed. This specialty velocity (550fps) may be only be used at distances over 100feet. If a player is within 100 feet you may not use this gun/velocity. A secondary gun that meets the Standard Outdoor Velocity should be carried as well, for any engagements under the 100 feet rule. Sniper Weapons are defined as bolt action or semi-automatic only. Any weapon with the ability to be switched to full auto, does NOT constitute a sniper weapon!

These limits IN NO WAY indicate what your guns should be shooting at! It is NOT a goal to reach! It is a LIMIT. It is recommended that your guns shoot below these figures.

Also, remember, the stronger the spring the more expensive upgrade parts you will need, and the sooner your gun will break.


SECTION 4: PLAYER ELIMINATION

Direct contact with a fired BB on any part of a player’s body shall be considered a "kill" or “hit”; and, constitutes that player’s elimination. This includes BB contact, or hits, on the person’s clothing, headgear, and equipment closely attached to said player’s natural body silhouette.

Ricochets, intentional or otherwise, are not considered direct hits or “kills”. All penetrating shots shall be considered valid shots; and are not considered ricochets. Penetrating shots are defined as shots passing through grass, bush, leaves or thin material used for cover. A hit from a player’s teammate, or "Friendly Fire", shall count as a “kill”. Players legally “killed” shall confirm their elimination by shouting aloud the word “HIT”, “DEAD”, or “OUT”. Players “killed” shall immediately signify their elimination by standing upright, holding their weapon above their head in clear visibility of any other player after first calling out the words “HIT”, “DEAD”, or “OUT”, and display a “Red Rag/Dead Rag”. "Killed” players shall make their way out of the field of play to a previously agreed holding area. DO NOT stand in the middle of the field when you are dead! Alternate methods shall be discussed and agreed upon prior to commencement of any activity.

Eliminated players are prohibited from giving hints, clues or instructions to any active player.

Where the activity specifically calls for the use of “reincarnation” of eliminated players, the “reincarnation” period shall be of a time duration or medic rules established prior to the commencement of play.


Exception - Hits on the player’s gun, or under special rules, pieces of bulky equipment such as backpacks shall be considered “non-lethal” or incidental hits, and shall not be use as a basis for elimination.


SECTION 5: HOSTAGES

Under no circumstances shall a player take hostages.

Taking “hostages” shall be defined as the deliberate use of a player, a non-participating individual, or group of individuals, by a player in order to use them as cover or to gain a firing advantage on other participating players. This rule shall stand regardless of whether or not the non-participating individual or group is situated within the field of play.


SECTION 6: PHYSICAL CONTACT

Any unwanted or unwarranted physical contact such as holding on to, grappling, or physically detaining a fellow participant’s clothing or gear shall be prohibited.

SECTION 7: TIME-OUTS

Once the scheduled mission has started, calls for a time-out shall be deemed as invalid and non-binding. Players who cannot continue shall eliminate themselves from the field of play and signify their elimination by the method described in Section 4 of these Rules of Engagement. Similar to an actual “kill”, players may return to the holding area or remain at their point of elimination for the specified “reincarnation” period.



Exception - Time-out calls shall apply only in cases of emergency such as accidents, serious injury requiring medical attention, notification of personal/family emergencies, presence of civilians or other non-participants.


SECTION 8: BOUNDARIES AND LIMITS

Players shall observe all boundaries and limits to the field of play as established prior to commencement of activities. There shall be no deviation from the established boundaries at any time.


SECTION 9: "NO FIRE" ZONES

Players shall not engage an opponent from, into, and/or across any designated "No Fire" zone.


SECTION 10: COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT

Use of radio and electronic communications equipment on the field of play is acceptable. However, covert monitoring of opponent radio channels is strictly prohibited.


SECTION 11: COMMENCEMENT AND TERMINATION OF ACTIVITIES

Each scheduled Mission shall be considered begun when the OIC or Event Organizer shouts aloud the phrase, “GAME ON - SAFETIES OFF!” Similarly, the activity shall be considered terminated when the OIC or Event Organizer shouts aloud the phrase, “GAME OFF - SAFETIES ON!”

SECTION 12: FIELD RULES


Specific field rules are given with every emailed game schedule, posted on the Airsoft Retreat calendars, and listed in the field lists on www.texasairsoft.org. You MUST follow these rules. They are from the respective fields and field owners. Usually they are mandatory for insurance reasons. Anyone who is unable to comply with the rules set by the field will not be allowed to play that day. You must pay the field fee for the given game day.
If something is lost or dropped, report it to the organizers. Include markings and description of the item.


SECTION 13: SPECIAL PLAYING CONDITIONS

These are circumstances under which, by prior agreement, all participants agree to, and abide by, additional or modified rules regarding player elimination, re-generation and other special rules for scenario play.:

SECTION 14: STINGER TEAM FIELD GROUND, VEHICLE, AND WEAPONS SAFETY

GROUND SAFETY:
The terrain hosts large creek beds, significant elevation changes, (2) ponds, and much rocky terrain. In addition, the terrain is fairly inhabited by wildlife, snakes, and cattle; players must leave the wildlife alone. Players should pay attention to their footing on the hillsides, and watch for cactus and sharp rocks.

CQB Area’s:
There are several buildings forming CQB area’s on the field. During ALL indoor engagements, your AEG MUST be switched to semi-auto; NO player is allowed to fire full-auto in a CQB area. Any player caught firing full-auto in a CQB environment, will be removed from the CQB area. If that player is caught firing full-auto in a CQB area again, he will be removed from the field.

VEHICLE SAFETY:
Only event authorized vehicles are allowed past the parking area’s on the field. All players who ride in a vehicle, must wait until the vehicle comes to a complete stop before loading into or exiting the vehicle. No players shall engage a vehicle at any time; vehicles are not targets.

WEAPONS SAFETY:
Never point your AEG at anyone you do not intend to shoot. When test firing an AEG, players must point their AEG’s in a safe direction, downrange toward the field of play, to do so; no test firing should occur in the parking area around other players’ vehicles. All players must switch their safeties to “SAFE” position when leaving the field of play.