Airsoft rules ensure fair play, safety, and an enjoyable experience for all participants. While specific rules may vary by field and game type, these core principles are universal across the sport.
Universal Safety Rules
- Eye Protection Mandatory: Must be worn at all times in playing areas
- Chronograph Testing: All guns must pass FPS limits before play
- Safe Zone Protocols: No firing or magazine insertion in designated safe zones
- Barrel Covers: Required when not actively playing
- Age Restrictions: Minimum age requirements and parental consent for minors
FPS and Engagement Distance Rules
Fields set velocity limits to prevent injuries. Common limits include:
- Pistols: 350 FPS, no minimum engagement distance (MED)
- AEGs/Rifles: 400 FPS with 0.20g BBs, typically no MED or 10-20 feet
- DMRs (Designated Marksman Rifles): 450 FPS, 50-75 feet MED
- Sniper Rifles: 500-550 FPS, 100 feet MED
- Support Weapons: 400-450 FPS, 50 feet MED
Note: Velocity limits and MEDs vary by field. Always check local rules.
Hit Calling and Honor System
- Call Your Hits: Immediately acknowledge when hit by shouting "Hit!" or raising your hand/weapon
- Dead Man Walking: Eliminated players raise a hand or arm and proceed to respawn
- Ricochet Rule: Indirect hits (ricochets) typically count as hits
- Gun Hits: Shots to your weapon count as hits in most games
- Gear Hits: BBs hitting equipment you're wearing count as hits
- Blind Firing: Shooting without being able to see your target is strictly prohibited
- No Overshooting: Don't continue firing at players who called their hit
Gameplay Rules
Respawn Rules
- Timed respawns (e.g., every 5 minutes)
- Medic rules (teammates can revive you)
- One-life elimination games
- Rolling respawns at designated points
Physical Contact
- No physical contact with other players except safety situations
- Knife/melee kills require tap or touch, not strikes
- Surrender rule: Close-range encounters may require verbal "Surrender!" option
Equipment Rules
- No full-auto indoors (many CQB fields)
- Semi-auto only for high-FPS weapons
- Magazine capacity limits (milsim events)
- Biodegradable BBs may be required at outdoor fields
- Certain pyrotechnics may require approval
Common Game Modes
Team Deathmatch
Eliminate all opposing players. May have respawns or be elimination-style.
Capture the Flag
Retrieve the enemy's flag and return it to your base while defending your own.
Domination/King of the Hill
Control specific objectives or areas for points or time-based victory.
VIP Escort
One team protects a VIP player while the other attempts elimination.
Search and Destroy
One team plants objectives while the other defends or defuses them.
Sportsmanship and Conduct
- Respect all players, referees, and field staff
- No arguing with referees - their decisions are final
- No aggressive or abusive language
- Help new players learn the game
- Clean up your BBs and trash
- Report safety concerns immediately