1.1 Handling your AR (airsoft replica)

• Always handle your AR as if it were a real firearm. Careless use and thoughtless behaviour can turn even this toy into a source of nasty injuries.
• Always transport your AR in a bag made for it. If the set came with a barrel “cap”, use it – this keeps dirt out of the barrel. It is also recommended to transport the AR with the battery disconnected.
• It is strictly forbidden to take out an AR in public places where it could be mistaken for a real firearm. This can lead to a lot of trouble.
• Never look into the barrel of an AR unless it is absolutely necessary.
• Never look into the barrel of an AR unless the battery, magazine and any BB in the barrel have been removed. An accidental shot can cost you an eye.
• Always wear special certified goggles or a mask when handling an AR.
• Keep your finger off the trigger when not needed. Your finger goes on the trigger only when the AR is in the game area, aimed and you are ready to fire. At all other times keep your finger off the trigger.
• Before firing, always check what is in front of and behind the target. People and objects not involved in the game may end up in the game area and the line of fire.
• Before firing, make sure there are no people without protective gear in the firing zone. Certified goggles or masks are mandatory equipment.
• Test-firing the AR before the game must take place in a designated area. If no such area has been designated, test-firing must be done in a safe direction, away from places where people without protective gear may be moving.
• Removing goggles or a mask in the game zone is strictly forbidden.
• At home, keep your AR where strangers and children cannot reach it. Store it with the magazine removed and the battery disconnected.
• Keep your AR in working order – it needs proper maintenance. You should be confident in its reliability and know how it is built.
• Use only good-quality BBs that comply with the rules. Low-quality ammunition can damage your gun.

1.2 Safety rules

• It is categorically forbidden to pick up a firecracker or other pyrotechnic product that has already been lit (for example to throw it on or back).
• It is forbidden to shoot people wearing red or orange tape, an orange reflective vest or a red light.
• It is forbidden to shoot towards people or creatures not involved in the game, such as locals, tourists, mushroom pickers, anglers, athletes, animals or birds.
• It is forbidden to shoot in safe zones, “graveyards” (into them or out of them) and areas outside the game.
• It is forbidden to take part in the game without protective gear. The minimum protective gear is safety goggles or a special mesh mask covering the eyes.
• Players settling scores with each other during the game is forbidden. To resolve personal or in-game problems, contact the organisers or the “trustees”.
• It is forbidden to use weapon types whose technical specifications fall outside the limits set for ARs (see section 3).
• Hand-to-hand combat techniques are forbidden.
• It is forbidden to use objects or materials at hand to imitate weapons, for example throwing stones or sticks, or imitating grenades.
• Blind firing is forbidden with guns exceeding 120 m/s. From a muzzle velocity of 121 m/s, minimum engagement distances apply and the player must see the target they are shooting at. Blind firing is not recommended below 120 m/s either.

1.3 Protective gear

The main protective gear is goggles.

• Basic requirement for goggles: regardless of type – ballistic, mesh or other – goggles must withstand a shot from an AR with a muzzle velocity of 130 m/s from a distance of at least 1 m. The goggles must stay intact and must not change shape. Goggles that have not passed this test are not used in the game.
• Everyone in the game area must wear goggles, whether they are a player or another participant (photographer, spectator, etc.). The rule cannot be applied to people who have entered the area by chance (“civilians”).
• Removing goggles during the game is strictly forbidden, except when the lenses have fogged up badly (see “Fogging”) and in goggle-free zones (see “Camp”, “Car park”).
• Fogging. If fog has made visibility so poor that it may become dangerous (risk of tripping, missing a danger or obstacle, etc.), you may clean your goggles while doing everything you can to keep BBs away from your face and eyes. First try adjusting your head or face covering so that air can flow behind the goggles, and try fanning with your hand. If that is not enough, try wiping the lenses with a cleaning cloth, lifting the goggles as little as possible. The safest option is to take out your “dead rag”, take cover or lie down while cleaning. If possible, ask a teammate to shield you from BBs. Clean the goggles without taking them off. Before returning to the game, make sure your goggles are properly in place.
• Dirty goggles. If dirty goggles prevent you from continuing and cannot be cleaned without taking them off, move to a goggle-free zone to clean them.
• Broken goggles. If your goggles break during the game, immediately take out your “dead rag” and move to a goggle-free zone, covering and shielding your eyes with your hands and anything else available. If possible, ask fellow players to guide you.

1.3.1. Additional protective gear

It is also recommended to protect your mouth from hits. A hit can damage your teeth, so keep your mouth closed as much as possible or cover it with fabric or a special protective mask.

• A mask is protective gear made of metal mesh, plastic or another material that covers the head or face fully or partially. The requirements for masks are the same as for goggles. A mask is recommended in dense undergrowth, buildings and other places with a high risk of close contact.
• Gloves (full-finger and fingerless). Full-finger gloves that completely cover the hand and fingers are recommended. They protect your hands from injuries and keep them fairly clean.
• Elbow and knee pads are also recommended, as they protect your knees and elbows from possible injuries. Before use, make sure the pads don’t restrict your movement and are comfortable for continuous wear.
• Helmet – protects the head. Especially important in games with buildings, difficult terrain with a risk of falling, or low obstacles.
• Scarves, shemaghs, etc. To protect the neck, chin or the whole face.

1.4 Player responsibility

ATTENTION! Under the laws of the Republic of Estonia, the person who caused physical or material damage is liable for it.

A word to players:

Dear players!

Airsoft is a hobby we all share. Be very attentive! Follow the safety and game rules. Respect the other players. That way we all get the most out of the game.

2.1 Alcohol and drugs

• Drinking alcohol at airsoft games is CATEGORICALLY forbidden, regardless of alcohol content or amount.
• A person suspected of drinking alcohol or showing obvious signs of intoxication (slurred speech, impaired movement or thinking, inappropriate behaviour) will be removed from the game and may be banned from future games.
• A person who drinks alcohol during the game must stop taking an active part, put away their AR and remove its magazine.
• Under the laws of the Republic of Estonia, minors are not allowed to drink alcohol.
• If an organiser/trustee/fellow player discovers a person who has been drinking during the game, that person will be removed from the game and may be banned from future games.
• Using drugs on the game grounds is strictly forbidden before, during and immediately after the game.
• A person showing clear signs of drug use will be removed from the game immediately and may be banned from future games.
• The use and distribution of drugs is punishable under the laws of the Republic of Estonia.
• Anyone involved in any way in the use or distribution of drugs will be handed over to the Estonian authorities.

2.2 Participation of minors in airsoft games

• Minors’ participation in airsoft games is restricted:
• people under 16 may only take part together with their parent or legal guardian, unless the game announcement states otherwise;
• people aged 16–17 may only take part with the written consent of their parent or legal guardian, signed in the presence of the organiser or sent digitally signed to the organiser’s email.

2.3 Use of pyrotechnics

• Home-made explosive devices are forbidden in games.
• All explosive devices used must be official commercial products.
• An explosive device without a hitting element is not a grenade. Its explosion does not count as a hit on any participant.
• An explosive device may be used to distract or disperse other participants.
• Inside buildings, grenades made from factory-made firecrackers with a safe hitting element and not exceeding the equivalent of four “Corsairs” are allowed.
• Grenades made from factory-made firecrackers with a safe hitting element that exceed the equivalent of four “Corsairs” may only be used in open terrain.
• “Achtung”-type firecrackers are used only by the organisers for game effects, and only in open terrain.
• Smoke candles allowed in games must be factory-made and must not contain toxic, allergenic or suffocating additives. If you are not sure the product is free of these substances, it’s better not to use it.
• Using smoke candles or smoke grenades inside buildings is strictly forbidden.
• When a grenade is used in open terrain, being hit by the grenade’s hitting element counts the same as being hit by an AR.
• When a grenade is used in rooms smaller than 25 square metres (rooms, cellars), everyone in the room at the moment of the explosion counts as hit. A player does not count as hit if they were protected by solid cover such as a wall. Plywood, cardboard and other thin materials do not protect, unless the organisers have declared them to be imitations.
• When a grenade is used in rooms larger than 25 square metres (for example a long corridor or a hangar), the same rule applies as in open terrain – only a hit by the grenade’s hitting element counts.
• Grenades filled with flour, icing sugar or other potentially explosive substances are forbidden.
• Using other pyrotechnics or fire extinguishers as smoke grenades is forbidden.
• Unless the organisers state otherwise, a participant may carry up to five grenades.
• The use of rockets in games is forbidden.

2.4 Player behaviour when hit

• A player hit by a hitting element (according to the game rules) is considered “killed” or “wounded”.

2.4.1 “Killed” player

• After being hit, a “killed” player must clearly indicate they are out of the game, detach the AR’s magazine, mark themselves with a red cloth (the “dead rag”) or an orange reflective vest and head to the graveyard.
• The red cloth must be at least 20 x 20 cm.
• Players without a red cloth or an orange reflective vest are not allowed into the game.
• If the game takes place in the dark, the red cloth is replaced by lights with a red filter or wrapped in red cloth. A red glow stick etc. may also be used.
• A hit can be announced with words such as “Убит”, “Surnud”, “Мертв”, “Pihtas”, “Hit”, etc.
• A “killed” player may not reveal in-game information that could affect the course of the game.
• A “killed” player may not use a radio or mobile phone for in-game communication.

2.4.2 “Wounded” player

If the scenario includes “wounding”, a player hit by a hitting element must act as follows.

• After being hit, the player must sit or lie down.
• The player may not use their AR.
• The player cannot move without help.
• The player may call a medic out loud or by radio.
• If after five minutes (unless the scenario says otherwise) the player has not been “bandaged”, they are considered “killed” and act according to the rules for “killed” players.

2.5 Trustee system (trustee / person of trust)

• To improve oversight of compliance with the rules and safety, a trustee system has been introduced.
• A trustee is a respected member of the community who voluntarily helps the organisers check compliance with the rules and safety at games.
• A trustee may play on one side of the game.
• Any participant may turn to a trustee to resolve a conflict that arises during the game.
• A trustee assists the organisers during the game.
• When resolving a conflict, a trustee must rely on the rules and common sense.
• When resolving a conflict, a trustee must base the decision only on the applicable rules and safety requirements.
• A trustee may not use their position to create favourable conditions for their own side during the game.
• A trustee may impose penalties on players if the organiser has authorised them to do so for that game.
• A trustee must know the rules and safety requirements used by the community well.
• The list of trustees can be found at this forum link: viewtopic.php?f=23&t=2772

2.6 Penalties

• A participant may be penalised for breaking the game, community or safety rules.
• Depending on the severity of the offence, the penalty may be a warning, being sent to the graveyard, removal from the game, being added to the blacklist or a general game ban.
• The organiser decides which penalty to impose for an offence.
• Every penalised player is added to the “blacklist”.
• The “blacklist” is a shared list kept by the organisers in a closed forum.

The muzzle velocity of ARs is measured with a 0.2 g BB and the hop-up turned off. Using BBs of a different weight and the hop-up can give dramatically different results.

You can check AR classes here: http://world.guns.ru/index-e.html

Indoors, only ARs with a muzzle velocity not exceeding 120 m/s are allowed.

3.1 AR types and muzzle velocities

• Assault rifles and submachine guns: muzzle velocity up to 130 m/s.
• Single-shot ARs (full-auto mechanically disabled!), machine guns and light machine guns (LMG): muzzle velocity up to 150 m/s.
• Semi-automatic sniper ARs (full-auto mechanically disabled!): muzzle velocity up to 170 m/s.
• Bolt-action sniper ARs: muzzle velocity up to 190 m/s.

3.2 Minimum engagement distance by muzzle velocity

• Up to 120 m/s (inclusive): no minimum distance, blind firing not recommended.
• 121–130 m/s: minimum distance 10 m, blind firing forbidden.
• 131–150 m/s (single-shot AR, machine gun, light machine gun, semi-automatic sniper and bolt-action sniper AR): minimum distance 20 m, blind firing forbidden.
• 151–170 m/s (semi-automatic sniper and bolt-action sniper AR): minimum distance 30 m, blind firing forbidden.
• 171–190 m/s (bolt-action sniper AR): minimum distance 30 m, blind firing forbidden.

Attention! Blind firing is forbidden with guns over 120 m/s. From 121 m/s, minimum engagement distances apply, so the shooter must clearly see the target and judge the distance to it. Blind firing is not recommended at 120 m/s and below either.

• Don’t carry an uncovered AR in populated areas. When transporting an AR, always keep it hidden from view.
• Don’t wear combat gear outside the game area. Put your harness and vest in a bag.
• Don’t shoot an opposing player in the head if another part of their body is visible.
• Don’t get into “hit / didn’t hit” arguments.
• Don’t stick your AR out from behind a corner or cover blindly, without seeing where you are shooting.
• Avoid damaging other people’s property during games.
• Don’t leave litter behind. Ask the organisers where the rubbish bags are.
• People who break the good practice rules may also end up on the organisers’ blacklist if the organisers consider it necessary.
• Follow the norms of society. Be polite to other participants.

5.1 Clothing and footwear

Try to find comfortable clothing and gear. It’s important that they suit the weather and season during the game.

In warm weather dress lightly, but don’t forget to protect your limbs. Long sleeves and trousers protect you from scrapes, cuts and insect bites and soften the impact of hits. They also add camouflage.

In cold weather try to dress so that you don’t sweat heavily while moving or get cold when you have to stay in one place for longer.

Always check the weather forecast and dress for the conditions expected in the game area.

Footwear

Choose footwear suited to the conditions. The shoe must support the foot to protect it from sprains. A sturdy sole protects against punctures and cuts. The tread pattern and material should prevent slipping. Lighter footwear is better in summer and lined footwear in winter.

5.2 Water

Always try to carry drinking water, whatever the season. Dehydration can have quite serious consequences. In warm weather the body needs roughly two litres of water a day at minimum. In cold weather dehydration is just as dangerous as in warm weather.

5.3 Medicine

ATTENTION!

If you have a chronic illness or have to take medication but still choose to come to the game, tell the organisers and your teammates where your medication is, how it should be taken and whom to contact in an emergency besides the ambulance.

In other cases it’s a good idea to carry a small first aid kit for common injuries such as cuts, scrapes and bruises. Insect repellent is also worth taking along.

5.4 Useful tips (being expanded)

• Carry a mobile phone with a full battery and enough credit in case you don’t have a radio and need to contact the organisers. Calling the emergency number (112) is free.
• Always carry the number of a relative or someone close whom we can contact in an emergency.
• Save the game organiser’s mobile number.
• Remember that a mesh mask or mesh goggles will not protect your eyes from a shattering BB or the dried peas often used as the hitting element in grenades. Small fragments can fly through the mask and injure your eyes.

Organisers (hereinafter GM or GMs) are the people responsible for organising an airsoft game. During the game a GM usually wears an orange or green reflective vest.

Organising a game

• Nobody can oblige a GM to organise a particular game. Organising is purely voluntary.
• Nobody can prevent a game from being organised if it complies with the laws of the Republic of Estonia and ethical norms. Duties of the GM
• Organising the announced game. If the GM is unable to organise the game, they must announce this as early as possible.
• Keeping order during the game. If necessary, the organiser may involve a third party, such as a security company.
• Resolving conflicts and disputes arising during the game, based on the airsoft rules and the specifics of the game scenario rules. Rights of the GM
• The GM is always right.
• The GM has the right to remove a player who has broken the rules from the game or send them to the dead zone.
• The GM has the right to remove a player from the game or send them to the dead zone if the player has broken the rules or is disrupting the game (for example: breaking scenario rules or requirements, inciting conflict or provocation, disobeying the side commander or a trustee, etc.).
• The GM has the right to restrict a player’s freedom of movement and right to use props if justified by the scenario rules.
• The GM has the right to record the name, surname, nickname and photo of a player who has broken the order or rules of the game, visible to other organiser groups.
• The GM has the right to recommend that other organiser groups don’t admit people on the list of offenders to their games. For information: organisers have agreed not to admit a player who has broken the order at one game to other organisers’ games either. Before such a decision is made, the conflict is reviewed and analysed thoroughly again. The list of offenders is a list accessible to game organisers containing the names and photos of offenders. Props are equipment, materials and organiser property used to run the game and add to the setting.

There can be two types of photographers (or camera operators) at a game: “front-line photographers” (experienced players who don’t take part in the game but capture it from the inside) and regular photographers (outsiders with cameras who don’t take part in the game).

Only experienced players or experienced photographers (at the organiser’s discretion) who know the specifics of the game well are allowed as “front-line photographers”. They may follow the game from the inside and move with the squads. They must follow these rules:

• a “front-line photographer” must wear a cap with the word “PRESS” or a clearly visible armband with “PRESS” on both arms. The photographer must provide these items themselves;
• a “front-line photographer” wears safety goggles or a mask and must provide them themselves;
• “front-line photographers” may not disrupt the game, give anyone in-game information, reveal players’ positions or interfere with the game or players in any way;
• a “front-line photographer” must leave the area of action if a player asks them to. Regular photographers are allowed onto the game grounds only with the organisers’ permission. To get it, the organisers must be notified at least two weeks before the game. Such photographers are not “killed” by hits, don’t take part in the scenario and don’t interfere with the game in any way. A regular photographer must follow these rules:
• a regular photographer must wear an orange reflective vest (not yellow!) and must provide it themselves;
• a regular photographer wears safety goggles or a mask and must provide them themselves;
• a regular photographer may not start conversations with players;
• a regular photographer may not come closer than 10 metres to a player;
• a regular photographer may not be among the players;
• a regular photographer may not be inside fortifications/positions;
• a regular photographer may not deliberately follow a squad or player, photograph positions or hidden/ambushing players, or interfere with the game or players in any way. Following all the rules does not guarantee that the photographer or their equipment won’t be hit. The photographer must accept this, and no claims against players or organisers will be considered. Players with cameras take part in the game and follow the rules for regular players (going to the graveyard when hit, etc.).

AR (airsoft replica), AEG (Airsoft Electric Gun), GBB (Gas Blowback) – electro-pneumatic airsoft gun replicas used in airsoft games. “Knife attack” or “knife kill” (whether such attacks are allowed is up to the organisers of each game)

A knife attack can be played out in two ways:

1) A tap on the body with a voice announcement. The attacker approaches the opponent, touches/taps them on the shoulder/neck/body and says “knife kill” or “нож (nož)”. The attacked player then acts according to the rules for “killed” players.

2) A touch with a soft knife replica (allowed only if the organisers have specifically said so) with a voice announcement. The attacker approaches the opponent, touches them on the shoulder/neck/body with the knife replica and says “knife kill” or “нож (nož)”. The attacked player then acts according to the rules for “killed” players.

Test-firing area

The test-firing area is designated by the game organisers:

• the area is marked with tape;
• the organisers set the firing direction;
• muzzle velocity is measured only in this area;
• testing an AR with a magazine and battery attached is allowed only in this area;
• when leaving the test-firing area, check that the magazine has been removed and no BBs are left in the mechanism – fire an empty shot upwards at an angle of at least 30 degrees.

Stop game

This is used when a dangerous situation has arisen that could lead to injury, an accident or material damage.

“Stop game” must be called in the following cases:

• a fire on the playing field;
• outsiders without protective gear, or vehicles not related to the game, have entered the game area;
• a participant has been injured;
• serious misconduct by a player or players that could lead to injury. In such cases, the player must shout “Stop game!” loudly and clearly. If you hear this signal, you must pass it on in the same way, and by radio if possible.

Graveyards or dead zones

Areas set aside for players “killed” in the game.

• The time spent in the graveyard is stated in the game rules.
• The graveyard is marked with marking tape (the colour may vary) and is often outside the game area.
• The number of graveyards and which sides they belong to are decided by the organisers.
• Shooting in or right next to the graveyard is strictly forbidden.
• Removing goggles or a mask in the graveyard is forbidden because it is close to the game area.

Camp

An area set aside by the game organisers where players can put their cars and tents, make a campfire, etc. during big games. Organisers are often in the camp too. As a rule, the camp is a safe zone where you may go without goggles and where shooting is categorically forbidden.

Car park

The car park is an area set aside by the organisers where players can park their vehicles. An organiser may also be present. As a rule, the car park is a safe zone where you may go without goggles and where shooting is categorically forbidden.

Side commander

A person appointed by the organiser to lead one side of the players. Players must follow the commander’s orders. If an order is not followed, the organiser decides the penalty, for example sending the player to the graveyard or even removing them from the game.