NORTHERN STRIKE AIRSOFT

SAFETY REGULATIONS

The purpose of these regulations is to outline all safety measures for players and staff to apply and adhere to during regular days of operation and special events. Safety is of the utmost concern at Northern Strike Airsoft. Repeated violations of the rules may result in removal from the game or being barred for the day without refund. Continued violations may result in a ban from the premises. This also includes the willful destruction of property and equipment provided by Northern Strike Airsoft. These rules are enforced to ensure that safety is conducted and applied at all times.

NOTE: THESE RULES WILL BE UPDATED REGULARLY TO CONFORM WITH THE CHANGING POLICIES OF NORTHERN STRIKE AIRSOFT. UPDATED RULES WILL BE POSTED ON THE OFFICIAL WEB PAGE (link). IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL NORTHERN STRIKE AIRSOFT STAFF AND PLAYERS TO READ AND UNDERSTAND THE DOCUMENT PROVIDED. ANY QUESTIONS CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE NORTHERN STRIKE AIRSOFT RSO (RANGE SAFETY OFFICER) IN THE SAFETY SECTION ON DISCORD.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

This section covers PPE that is required for staff and players.

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): PPE is mandatory for staff and players on the field to reduce the chances of injury. If staff are not satisfied with a player having adequate PPE, Northern Strike Airsoft reserves the right to deny access to the field.
    • i. ANSI Z87.1-rated goggles with full skin contact must be used. These can be purchased from reputable airsoft retailers. Shop goggles or glasses from hardware stores are not permitted. Be cautious when purchasing online and consider, "Is it worth my eyesight?"
    • ii. Ballistic prescription eyewear can be used if it provides full protection and proof of documentation is provided. Without documentation, approved eye protection must be available as a backup.
    • iii. Footwear must have ankle support, good tread, and be in good repair. Open-toe footwear (e.g., sandals) is not permitted.
    • iv. Long-sleeve shirts and pants are recommended for protection against insects, brush, and BB impacts.
    • v. Face and ear protection is recommended to protect against BB impacts.
    • vi. Headgear, such as hats and helmets, is recommended to protect against BB impacts and falls.
    • vii. Knee and elbow pads are recommended to protect joints from high-impact falls.
    • viii. Gloves are recommended to protect hands from BB impacts and other hazards.

GENERAL RULES AND SAFETY ON THE FIELD

This section covers safety on and off the field for staff, players, and guests.

Common Area: The common area is a safe zone where PPE can be removed and maintained.

i. PPE may be removed for comfort and maintenance in this area.

ii. Standard weapon-handling safety must be followed. No magazines or mock rounds are allowed in replicas in this area.

iii. HPA (High-Pressure Air) replicas must not be connected to their source in this area.

iv. Guests must be briefed on all safety guidelines by the staff or players who bring them.

v. Children underage must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times and are not allowed on the field during gameplay.

vi. Pets must be leashed, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them. Unattended pets or failure to follow this rule will result in removal from the premises.

vii. Replicas must not be pointed at anyone in the common area, even as a joke. Weapons must be slung, holstered, or carried with the muzzle pointed at the ground, and the fire selector set to "safe."

viii. Physical altercations are not allowed on the premises. Disputes must be reported to staff for resolution.

ix. All garbage and food waste must be disposed of properly to avoid attracting wildlife.

x. Unauthorized replicas or accessories are prohibited.

xi. Players are responsible for dressing appropriately for the weather and bringing necessary supplies such as bug spray, sunblock, food, and water.

xii. Alcohol and controlled substances are strictly prohibited. Suspicion of use will result in removal, and authorities may be notified.

xiii. Players with medical conditions must inform staff, who will handle the information discreetly.

xiv. All players and guests must sign a waiver. No exceptions.

xv. Only ANSI Z136.1-compliant lasers are allowed. Higher-powered or unclassified lasers are strictly prohibited.

xvi. Only gas-powered and citric-acid-powered grenades are allowed. Pyrotechnic grenades are prohibited.

 

GAME SIGNALS AND ENVIRONMENTAL

3: Game Signals: This section covers signals used by staff to coordinate operations on the field.
NOTE: THESE SIGNALS ARE TO BE USED BY STAFF AND MUST BE CLEARLY COMMUNICATED TO PLAYERS. NO MODIFICATIONS TO THESE SIGNALS ARE ALLOWED UNLESS APPROVED BY THE RSO.

  • i. One blast: Made by airhorn, whistle, or verbal “game on,” signifies the game start. Players can take replicas off "safe" and commence playing.
  • ii. Two blasts: Made by airhorn, whistle, or verbal “game over,” signifies the end of the game, and replicas must be switched to "safe."
  • iii. Three blasts: Made by airhorn, whistle, or followed by verbal “Range Emergency, No Duff.” Players must cease gameplay immediately, put replicas on "safe," repeat verbally “No Duff” in acknowledgment, and wait in place for further directions.

NOTE: ANY STAFF OR PLAYER CAN CALL A “NO DUFF” RANGE EMERGENCY. In the event of a range emergency, staff will assess the situation and respond accordingly.

4: Environmental: This section covers weather and environmental safety guidelines.

  • i. In the event of a lightning or thunderstorm, all gameplay will cease immediately. This effectively ends the game day. Staff will direct players and guests to the common area to collect belongings and exit the premises safely. Once all players and guests have been accounted for, staff can begin lock-up procedures. NO EXCEPTIONS. During large events, gameplay will cease, and personnel, under staff direction, will seek appropriate shelter until the weather passes.
  • ii. During a fire ban or when the RSO deems the field too dry, no pyrotechnics will be used under any circumstances. Smoking areas will be out of bounds. Players wishing to smoke may do so in their own vehicles.
  • iii. No open fires or briquette BBQs are permitted on the premises. Other cooking devices may only be used with RSO approval, following Environment Canada's guidelines. Failure to comply with staff directions will result in removal from the premises without a refund.
  • iv. Personnel are strictly prohibited from shooting their replicas at wildlife under any circumstances.

 

GAME PLAY AND SAFETY

5: Game Field:
The Game Field is the designated area(s) where game scenarios are played out, accommodating varying player bases and game engagement zones. This is where most accidents and injuries can occur, requiring players and staff to remain vigilant about safety.

  • i. When entering the field, all staff and players must wear goggles at all times. Goggles may only be removed in the designated safe area. Do not remove goggles on the field, even to wipe them down or reduce fogging. If fogging severely impairs vision, ask a staff member for assistance. They will escort you to the safe area to resolve the issue so you can reenter the game without penalty.
  • ii. Magazines may only be inserted once past the safety field marker identified by staff. This includes connecting HPA to its source. Replicas may only be test-fired in a safe direction at a 45-degree angle to the ground, away from other players, before switching the selector to "safe" until the game start signal.
  • iii. Players must be reminded of their replicas' safe engagement distances.
  • iv. Staff on the field must wear high-visibility vests to distinguish themselves from players and carry a PRC for communication at all times.
  • v. Players must remain aware of their surroundings while playing. The field is in a wooded area with visible and hidden obstacles. Players are strongly advised against diving or rolling through brush or structures. Any player who willfully destroys or damages a structure during gameplay will be held responsible for damages.
  • vi. Players are prohibited from jumping off any structure under any circumstances.
  • vii. Intentional head or groin shots are not permitted. Players caught doing this will be removed from the game or the premises for the day without a refund.
  • viii. When exiting the field, players must remove magazines, dry fire their replicas at a 45-degree angle to the ground, switch their weapons to "safe," and disconnect HPA from the source.
  • ix. Using the rules and regulations of other game fields to circumvent or subvert gameplay will not be tolerated. Northern Strike Airsoft has its own rules and regulations that must be followed. Suggestions or concerns may be brought to the attention of staff members. Northern Strike Airsoft values fairness and commitment to its players.
  • x. In the event of a disagreement between players about rules or gameplay, staff will resolve the situation. The staff's decision is final and not open to debate.
  • xi. Sportsmanship is the cornerstone of building trust and camaraderie among new and returning players. Play safe and enjoy a memorable experience.

CHRONOGRAPH RANGE SAFETY

6: This section covers general rules and safety guidelines for the Chronograph Range.
The Chronograph (chrono) Range is where replicas are chronographed to measure their power and ensure they meet safety parameters to prevent bodily harm. The range is also used to test the accuracy of replicas using provided targets, allowing personnel to safely utilize different fire selection settings. All replicas must be tested every game day and at events during specified times. NO EXCEPTIONS.

  • i. Eye protection must be worn at all times by staff and players while utilizing the range.
  • ii. A maximum of two staff members and two players may use the range at one time for chronographing. Players waiting for their turn must stay in a designated area until called upon in the queue. Players waiting shall not have magazines fitted or HPA connected to the source. Standard weapon-handling safety procedures must be adhered to at all times on the range.
  • iii. Once personnel have finished using the range, magazines must be removed, replicas dry-fired downrange, selectors switched to "safe," and HPA disconnected from the source.
  • iv. It is the responsibility of replica owners to know and adhere to the safe engagement distances of their replicas.
  • v. Once chronographed, HPAs will be fitted with an anti-tampering tag to prevent accidental valve adjustments. If adjustments are required during gameplay or if the tag is removed due to circumstances beyond the player's control, the player must notify the RSO or staff to re-chronograph and re-tag the replica. The replica cannot be used for the remainder of the current game without being retagged. If staff notice a missing tag on an HPA replica, it will not be allowed on the playfield. Players caught tampering with the tag will be removed from the game or the premises for the day without a refund.