Airsoft Rules And Etiquette 101

If airsoft is a new sport to you, or you just want a little more information about the sport, you’ve come to the right place. Here we will talk about some of the basic of airsoft such as airsoft game types, airsoft rules, proper etiquette and much more. So lets get right to it!

What Is Airsoft?

Before we get into airsoft rules, lets take a look at some airsoft history! So what is airsoft? The wonderful sport of airsoft was originated in Japan in the late 1980s and quickly spread to the United Kingdom. People who play airsoft use an airsoft gun that shoot their opponents with small plastic projectiles called BBs, in order to eliminate other players. When a player is hit by a BB, the player call themselves out and is eliminated from that match.

Airsoft Arenas and Game Types

Airsoft can be played either in an outdoor course or an indoor course. There’s many different game types and styles of airsoft and it greatly depends on the location of the arena. However, regardless of location, airsoft is mostly a combat strategy simulation which heavily involves military tactics.

Scenarios can range from simple short battles to complex long battles involving complex rules of engagement. The choice is really up to you.

There’s new airsoft game types popping up all the time, but here is a list of some of the most popular ones to get you started.

If you’ve ever played Call Of Duty or any other FPS game you’ll probably be familiar with this game modes.

• Team Deathmatch– a really basic means to play, essentially the first team to have all their players gotten rid of (struck by a BB) loses, and the other team victories
• Capture the flag– get in the adversary base, catch their flag as well as return it to your base
• King of the hill– invest even more time in a neutrally situated hillside than the enemy team
• Fortress– Defend your fortress from the enemy
• Bomb Attack– supply your phony ‘bomb’ to the adversary base without being eliminated

Basic Airsoft Rules

It doesn’t matter if you’re playing on an indoor or outdoor course, on a buddy’s property, or in an official arena, there’s a few basic airsoft rules that you should always follow

• Always make sure it’s legal to play in the space you’re playing in. If you’re unsure, contact the local police department and check local statutes
• Always make sure the end of your airsoft gun has an orange safety tip on the end. It should never be removed for any reason
• An airsoft gun should always be transported in a proper case.
• Use and obey the honor system. When you get hit by a BB, stop shooting, raise your hand and hell “Hit”. BBs don’t contain paint so using the honor system is vital.
• Never shoot someone within 10 feet. Shooting someone that close can break the skin and lead to serious injury
• Always wear eye protection. Getting hit in the eye can cause permanent blindness.
• Obey all venue airsoft rules, Keep in mind that some venues have FPS limits of 350 FPS.

Airsoft Player Roles

In the game of airsoft, there are many roles an airsoft player might choose. From airsoft medic, to sniper, and everything in between. Here are a few commonly used airsoft roles.

Medic

The medic is usually unarmed or only has a sidearm with little to no extra ammunition. When a player on the same team is hit and down, the medic is notified and has to attempt to heal that downed player and put him or her back in the game. If a medic is hit, he or she is completely out of the game. A medic is not allowed to him themselves however they might be able to use other peoples weapons to defend themselves.

Play as a medic can be fun and thrilling. Just be prepared to run a lot so hopefully your cardio is good.

Soldier

An airsoft soldier is pretty basic. They are just regular airsoft player is armed with full ammo and typically some art of AEG

Sniper

An airsoft sniper are usually equipped with an airsoft sniper rifle with heavy camouflaged to blend into their surrounds. Sniper needs to be stealthy, quite and able to blend into their surroundings. I would recommend purchasing a high quality bolt action airsoft sniper rifle along with a ghillie suite.

Runner

As a runner, your role is usually to run around the entire airsoft course without getting hit. Exact rules for this vary but can be made clear before the match. If you pick this airsoft game role, be prepared to run a lot.

Support Gunner

In this class your primary role is to suppress the enemy and lay down cover fire when needed. Typically players who are suppressors use heavy guns that are capable of shooting a bunch of rounds in a short amount of time. Some of these airsoft guns are : RPK, M60, SAW, and PKM’s.

Rifleman

One of the most popular roles is the rifleman. usually people who choose this role have a non specialized airsoft gun such as the M4, M16 and SCARs. Your job as a rifleman is to eliminate enemy players or capture objectives.

Airsoft Etiquette

Practicing proper airsoft etiquette is almost as important as following the basic airsoft rules we talked about previously.

• Always follow the rules in place for the game for that day.
• If ammo limits exist follow them. Ammo restrictions are sometimes use to balance gameplay.
• Be courteous and respectful.
• Use the honor system. Don’t lie about not getting shot.
• Remember you’re not alone. Unless you’re playing free for all, use your teammates. Nobody likes a Rambo
• Follow the surrender rules.
• People love their guns, so when asked to hold another players gun. Don’t from abusing it or pass it around to other players
• New players should always feel welcomed and distributed evenly among veterans and rookies.
• When the airsoft game is over. PUT YOUR GUNS AWAY! Airsoft guns are made to look realistic and the last thing you want is for the police to show up thinking you and your pals are up to no good.

Airsoft Gameplay Tips

For those who may be knew to airsoft, we’ve come up with a few airsoft tips that we think might come in handy

• Befriend veteran players and observe what works for them. A veteran player will usually know airsoft rules and gameplay
• Utilize a red bandana. You can use this to indicate when you’ve been hit…because getting hit when you’re already out sucks.
• Don’t be a jerk. Follow the airsoft rules as well as you can and always respect others.
• Admins or “Refs” make the calls. Respect them even if you don’t agree with the call.
• If you have a question ask! It’s better to ask a question than to think you know everything and look stupid.
• Don’t be “That guy” who does not adhere to the airsoft rules set in place and is just obnoxious. It’s a good way to lose friends.
• Have fun! We’re all here to have fun, Enjoy the game and keep airsoft alive and well

Airsoft Rules & Etiquette 101 Final Thoughts

I hope you found our airsoft rules and etiquette 101 helpful. Understanding the rules of airsoft are easy to understand for veterans of the sport. However, we’re here for all airsofters, both veterans and rookies alike.

If you have any questions leave them in the comment section below. As always, feel free to checkout or other beginner airsoft content.