Airsoft Rules (For Guns, Shots, Behavior, Gear)

Although this can change from field to field, there are some general rules of airsoft that should be kept in mind when you're playing or for you to have an idea of if it’s your first time.

Instead of simply writing an extremely long list for you to memorize, we’ve broken the sections down by topics.

For each of these topics, we’ve listed a “standard” rule that is usually held for all players, no matter where you're playing.

Airsoft Rules for Guns

Even if you just invested in a brand new airsoft gun, if it doesn't meet the standard rules, you probably won’t be allowed to play. Therefore, before you look into investing in an airsoft gun, make sure that you're meeting these standards:

All guns have to have a working safety and should be inspected prior to playing
The guns must all have a 1/8-inch trigger pull situated on the model
The guns also have to have a trigger spring installed
The gun is NOT allowed to have an elongated trigger guard and should have a secured trigger guard
While playing Airsoft, 2-finger triggers or extended triggers are not allowed
You are allowed to use burst-mode ONLY if you're playing full-auto games

Rules Of Airsoft For Shots

Although your gun can shoot higher than the required fps maximum—you’re not allowed to. Before you start playing, the officials will let you know the limits and rules.

The measurement of acceptable BB weights is the standard 0.20g – 0.30g
All players, along with their equipment, should check-in for inspection before the game and sometimes routine checks will be done during the game. The regulators that are set should not be altered after the check-in
The regulators have to be lockable and zip-tied at chronograph before you play
There are absolutely no metal BBs allowed, especially when or after there is a Magazine and Ammunition Check
There will also be a muzzle velocity check. The guns are only allowed to shoot at 350 fps for AEG’s and pistols and 450 fps for bolt-action rifles (usually). If you are caught altering the fps after check-in, then you will probably be taken out of the game—or worse (suspended, etc.)

Airsoft Rules For Behavior

Being a proper airsoft player means following the rules—because, at the end of the day, it’s just a game. The rules made by the facility are put in place to keep everyone safe.

Always follow the referees because they have the final decision on player disputes or disagreements on the field, do not take matters into your own hand, don’t argue during the game and if you see cheating—tell an official
The airsoft weapon has to be shouldered before you take aim and fire. Anything else that you do is considered blind-firing and is NOT allowed—this also means pre-firing corners before you turn them—that is strictly forbidden
When you're hit—use honor and integrity. Otherwise, there’s no point in playing. Call your hits

Rules Of Airsoft For Equipment

Getting the proper equipment and using it correctly is also extremely important! You should follow these rules for your airsoft equipment:

Your mask has to always be covering your ENTIRE face at all times. It should have a full seal to eyes and normally, mesh eye pro is NOT allowed
You are not allowed to bring in and use sound devices like sound grenades. They are not permitted on the course or field
You should only be wearing close-toed shoes for safety reasons
You are NOT allowed to bring in REAL firearms or knives
If you don't have the proper facemask, the staff is allowed to prohibit you from playing. The organizers, referees, and observers also have to wear them when they're on the field
Depending on the place, you should check to see if communication equipment is allowed

Airsoft Rules For Dead Zone

Most fields or courses you're playing on will have something called the “Dead Zone” or the “Safe Zone”. These are places where no weapons are allowed to be fired or even loaded. Here are some rules about them:

You will be immediately ejected from the game when you fire inside the dead zone or if your gun goes off
Your airsoft-approved barrel sock has to cover the barrel of your gun when you're in these areas
You must also empty out the magazine holder or the magazines must be out of weapon in the Safe Zone
There are usually no spectators allowed in the Dead Zone
Switch your gun to safety mode

Airsoft Playing Rules

These rules will probably change when going from one place to the next. However, these are the general rules that are usually put into play in airsoft:

If you happen to shoot another player as they're shooting at you and you hit each other at the same time—you both are out
In absolutely no circumstances should you be blind-firing. See your target and line up your shot
If your gun has a laser, you should NEVER point it above the neck area
If the field has obstacles, you are not allowed to move them, jump over them, or alter them in any way
When you’ve gotten hit, call it out loud—the word differs from place to place (usually “HIT” or “DEAD” works) and then walk calmly to the Dead or Safe Zone with your arms held high
If you're hit from a ricochet, this will not be considered a direct hit and does not count as an out
However, if you're hit from your own teammate, you're still eliminated
There is absolutely no physical contact between players—no holding nor grappling
You should also not shoot the referee
If you are within 10 feet of your opponent (around 3 meters) you should not discharge your weapon and just yell “BANG”. This can alter in different places but is usually the case
You should follow and stay within all borders and boundaries

Although the set of specific rules can change from place to place, it’s always best to familiarize yourself with the general rules of the game before you head into your first airsoft battle! If you're not certain of certain things, always ask the officials or on-site staff. Most importantly, the number one rule is to have fun!