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Southeast Texas Airsoft Community (SE-TAC)
Ruleset Guidelines

These rules are used to set a guideline only for safe airsoft play. Game hosts can use these rules or choose to use a different ruleset if so desired, or if the rules need to be modified for CQB and/or MOUT-style games. The guidelines set forth can and will be evaluated regularly to ensure that new weapons and gear get recognized for use at games, as long as they are deemed safe to do so.

1.0 Honor

1.1 Airsoft is a Military Simulation (MilSim) game. As such, it is a sport of honor and honesty. These characteristics of honor and honesty are expected to be shown to all players, by all players, at all times.

1.2 These guidelines were arrived at by a concentrated effort of the members of the Airsoft Safety Association (ASA) and the SE-TAC Staff.

1.3 These guidelines may be amended in the future by SE-TAC and may be amended for specific scenario exceptions when agreed upon before games.

1.4 SE-TAC is NOT a governing body, and enlists these guidelines in order to give players, teams, organizations, and fields a safe playing environment. All participants in airsoft events participate solely of their own volition and assume all risks.

1.5 Field rules supersede SE-TAC ruleset guidelines.

2.0 Eye Protection

2.1 Full-sealing goggles/masks are mandatory to wear during games. Paintball goggles/masks are also allowed for use as long as they meet or exceed the ANSI Z87.1 standard for goggle lens protection. Full face mask or balaclava/goggle combination use is required for players 17 years of age or younger. Shooting glasses are not allowed for use unless they have a full sealing foam seal around the eye, a strap anchoring them to the head, and they are presented to the game host for inspection prior to play.

2.2 Eye protection will not be removed during game play or while on the field of play. If it becomes necessary to do so, and before removal of eye protection, the Team Leader should be notified so they may call a cease-fire and stop play. This is achieved by shouting "Blind Man!" During a blind man cease-fire, the game is stopped, no shooting of any kind is allowed, and all players must remain in their positions - no advancing or gaining tactical advantage. Once you have put on your eye protection, you must indicate you are ready for play and "Game On!" will be shouted. Eye protection may only be removed while in the staging area, or as outlined above.

2.3 Blind Man Rule: If a player comes across a spectator, player, or anyone without eye protection, they shall shout "BLIND MAN" to stop the game for the safety of the persons without goggles and have them move off the field or fix their goggle problem. Game will resume with a shout of "GAME ON".

3.0 Airsoft Replicas

3.1 SE-TAC suggests following the Real Steel Firearms Safety Rules. These are:

3.1.1 Treat all Firearms as if they are loaded, powered-up, and ready to shoot.

3.1.2 Keep your finger off of the trigger until you are ready to fire.

3.1.3 Never point your muzzle in the direction of anything you are not willing shoot.

3.1.4 Blind firing is not allowed. Never fire without seeing your target and where your muzzle is pointed.

3.1.5 Automatic Electric Guns (AEGs), Automatic Electric Pistols (AEPs), Gas Guns, Gas Blow-Back (GBB) Guns, Gas Non-Blow-Back (GNBB), and spring-operated guns are suggested for airsoft play and the above rules apply to them.

3.2 Rifle, Carbine, SMG, SAW, LMG, Sniper Rifle, & Side Arm Acceptable Velocities and Engagement Distances

For simplicity's sake, the maximum acceptable velocity of a replica will be based on chronograph testing with 0.20 gram (g) BBs. Given the different weights of BBs available on the market, the maximum acceptable BB kinetic energy, measured in joules (J) of force, will be included below to eliminate confusion.

3.2.1 Sniper Rifle Replicas

Any replica with a feet per second (fps) rating of 451-550 fps using 0.20g BBs should be designated as a Sniper Rifle. Sniper rifles should be single-shot or semi-auto fire only. Minimum Engagement Distance (MED) for Sniper Rifles is 80 feet. Due to engagement distance requirements, snipers should be proficient in range-to-target distance estimation. Sniper rifles may not shoot faster than 550 fps with 0.20g BBs. Using heavier BB's increases the MED to 100 feet.

3.2.2 AEG and Support Weapon Replicas used in Outdoor Games

AEG and support weapons used in outdoor games may not shoot faster than 450 fps with 0.20g BBs. The MED is 20 feet.

3.2.3 Close Quarters Combat/Battle (CQC/B) Weapon Replicas used in Indoor Games

For CQC/B weapons used in indoor games that shoot NO faster than 350 fps with 0.20g BBs, the MED is 0 feet (point-blank).

For CQC/B weapons used in indoor games that shoot NO faster than 400 fps with 0.20g BBs, the MED is 10 feet.

3.2.4 For the purposes of indoor, CQB, or MOUT games, full face masks or balaclava/goggle combinations must be used. The whole face and ears must be covered. Neck protection is recommended, but not necessarily required. Long-sleeve uniform tops or shirts and full-leg pants are required to wear. Hand protection or gloves are required to wear. Closed-toe boots or shoes are required to wear. A full combat or tactical vest is recommended for use, but not required.

3.4 Guns or devices (grenades, etc) utilizing explosive munitions are NEVER allowed on or at the field.

3.5 Specialty weapons - M203-style grenade launchers, airsoft-style rocket launchers, pneumatic mortars, airsoft claymores, and airsoft landmines - will be allowed for use if the user can demonstrate safe operation and proficiency with said devices.

MED for M203-style grenade launchers is 10 feet.
MED for rocket launchers is 50 feet when fired with no arc.
MED for pneumatic mortars is 100 feet when fired in a parabolic arc.
MED for claymores and landmines is 0 feet.

A solid understanding of Minimum Engagement Distances with specialty weapons must be demonstrated by the user before they will be allowed.

4.0 Minimum Engagement Distance (MED)

4.1 A minimum engagement distance of 20 feet for all replicas in outdoor events, except sniper designated replicas and side arms, should be maintained for safety. Should two or more players find themselves closer than this distance, they have the option to call for Parlay and move to a distance of greater than 20 feet and re-engage. Else, these players call themselves hit and move back to their re-spawn points or dead-boxes.

5.0 Parlay Rules

5.1 A Parlay is used when two opposing players find themselves closer to each other than the acceptable MED. Players will call out "PARLAY" and move away from each other, beyond MED, and then re-engage.

6.0 Hits

6.1 Hits to any part of the body or gear are considered “fatal shots”. Yell out "HIT" and display your red dead-rag on your head and/or raise your hand(s)/gun(s) above your head and move to your re-spawn point or dead-box. Use of red dead rags (usually automotive towels) is mandatory. Richochets and BB strikes to one's gun do not count as hits.

6.2 Shooting a "dead" player is not allowed under any circumstances.

6.3 Shooting or relaying game information (enemy positions, etc.) while "dead" is dishonorable and not allowed.

7.0 Knife Kills

7.1 Knife kills are not allowed, as all physical contact between two opposing players should be avoided.

8.0 Surrender or “Bang” Rule

8.1 The surrender or "BANG!" rule is suggested to be used when a player has engaged an opposing player within the MED completely by surprise. In situations where one player has worked in close to an opposing player, and their presence is not known, the infiltrating player can call “Surrender”, “Bang”, “Call it”, or another pre-arranged verbal signal to alert the other player to their presence. This should only be used inside the MED, and only when a player has the drop on an opposing player. This rule cannot be used against multiple opponents at one time. This is a “courtesy rule” meant to avoid potentially dangerous shooting situations and should be treated as such. Calling out "surrender" will not guarantee that the other person will surrender. If the other person raises their weapon to shoot at you, aim at their torso or extremities and fire at them. NEVER aim at their face or neck. If you get caught by a surrender call, do the right thing, and call yourself out.

9.0 Other Suggested Rules

9.1 No Drugs or Alcohol will be allowed on or at the playing field. No exceptions. Unless you have a prescription medication, do not bring it to the game or grounds.

9.2 Do not push, shove, fight, or argue with anyone while at any games. All involved parties will be expelled from the playing field and, if necessary, the proper authorities contacted.

9.3 Real Steel firearms and ammunition shall NEVER be brought to the playing field. Their presence will not be tolerated and the police will be contacted immediately.

9.4 Respawn and Medic Rules may vary greatly from team to team, or game to game. SE-TAC urges organizations and game-hosts to find and implement the system that works best for that group or game.

9.5 Magazines and clips MUST be removed from their associated replicas while in the staging area. Mag removal shall be checked by game-hosts and/or designated safety personnel and weapons fired to remove any remaining BBs in the chamber PRIOR to players leaving the playing field.