Semia Rules and Regulations

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Semia (South Eastern Michigan Airsoft)
Guidelines and Rules

Disclaimer

This rulebook has been created as the guideline for all players participating in Semia airsoft events. Players who do not understand any rule should contact a Semia organizer. The articles are not listed in any intentional order of importance.

However, occurrences violating the sanctity of Semia player safety are the highest degree of offense. Consequences for these offenses will be made more severe and strict then any other violation depending on degree of potential for harm to others.

Semia is a non-profit airsoft team and all games held via Semia will be free.

Our goal is promote airsoft in a safe environment/portrayal, create a steady organized basis for the expansion of the sport within the south eastern Michigan region and have a lot of fun doing so.

However, safety is our first priority

* The rules and guidelines for Semia have been derived from various resources including; Michigan Airsoft, Airsoft players and Tac4 Airsoft. The rules have been amended and revised to better suite the needs of the Semia airsoft community with close relationship to the above resources.*

Contents


I. Field Specific
A. Requirements (1-4)
B. Law Enforcement (5, 6)
C. Public Breech (7)
D. General (8-13)
E. Staging Area (14)

II. Equipment
A. General (15, 16)
B. Weaponry (17-18)
C. Handling (19)
D. Transportation (20, 21)
E. Engagement (22)
F. Protection (23, 24))
G. Accessories (25)

III. Game Specific
A. Start/stop (26)
B. Night time specific (27)
C. Elimination (28)
D. Behavior (29)
E. Alternative Elimination Approaches (30)

IV. Player Specific
A. Misconduct (31)
B. Age (32)
C. Equality (33)
D. Organizers (34-36)
E. Precautions (37)




Field Specific

Field Requirements

Article 1: Airsoft will not be played on public property, such as public or state parks, schoolyards, shopping malls, parking lots, etc. If you are arrested for brandishing an airsoft replica in public you can be charged and prosecuted as if you were brandishing a real firearm.

Article 2: All airsoft events of any type held on commercial property will first receive written consent from the landowner and the local law enforcement will be notified prior to the event. Boundaries for the event will be clearly made apparent for players, and when appropriate, surrounding neighbors will be notified of the event.

Article 3: Semia will use the highest amount of discretion when airsoft replicas are used on property, in order to maintain a fun and safe environment for everyone involved. High-risk areas, like front yards, highly populated communities, areas near roads, and the like will be avoided for the safety of neighbors, passersby, and law enforcement.

Article 4: All Semia fields have a written form of consent to allow airsoft. This is via a signed document stating Semia is allowed to play on the land via the owner’s signature. Any field which is submitted for Semia games which does not have written consent via owner will not be made available to play on until a written form of consent is acquired.

Law enforcement

Semia rules have been created to comply with all laws regarding airsoft.

Article 5: However, law enforcement occurrences can not always be avoided. In such case where so instance occurs the following steps will be taken to assure the safety of all players and law enforcement personal.

Everyone will cease game play, drop all airsoft guns, gear and masks/goggles on ground.
A Semia organizer will approach personal with ease with hands clearly visible
All commands made by officer will be obeyed

Article 6: Failure to follow rules could result in physical harm and or prosecution. Law enforcement must be obeyed.

Public breech

If a non-player breeches playing grounds the following behavior will be exercised.

Article 7: if a non-player individual(s) enters the event area all airsoft players should relay the information that a non-player is in the playing field, place their airsoft replicas on the ground and one individual (preferably a Semia organizer) should approach the non-player(s) in a non-threatening manner, to inform the non-player of the scheduled event and relay any information about permissions, or other relevant information. The non-player should be informed that for their safety they should move to an area outside of the event location. The player approaching the non-player should do so with eye/face protection removed and with their hands clearly visible.

General

Article 8: Use of fireworks, pyrotechnics and similar devices are outlawed at all Semia held events.

Article 9: Knives, sharp or bladed instruments, bludgeoning devices, bows, real firearms and other “real steel” weaponry are not allowed at any event (i.e. sword, handgun, mace, etc) However, tools with relatively small/medium sized blades are permitted in playing and staging area (i.e. pocket knives hand knife etc) . These items must be kept in a secure location (i.e. pocket, vest, etc) until needed for their intended use.

*If one so chooses to use them in a harm full manor they will be subject to ejection from the team immediately. There is no exemptions to this rule and no second chances will be given.*

Article 10: Leaving the engagement boundaries through avenues other than those expressly for exit and entrance is prohibited, unless with a Semia organizer’s consent to do so.

Article 11: The event grounds must be left in the same or better condition then at the start of the event. There for, it is the responsibility of each individual to discard any waste materials or to put in order any areas they have disrupted (excludes: picking up ammo). Players who damage any part of field are responsible to fully repair damage before they are even considered being allowed back to Semia games.

Article 12: Wildlife in the event area are not to be disrupted. Players are strictly forbidden to fire at any wildlife or domestic animals and should make every effort to leave the plant life relatively undamaged.

Article 13: Illegal drugs and alcohol are strictly forbidden from any Semia event.

Staging Area

Article 14: At the start of a Semia event the staging area will be made apparent to all players by a Semia organizer. The staging area is where people will come to after elimination from game. This is a designated safe zone and replica firing is strictly prohibited.

*However, depending on the field there may be an area a safe distance away from the staging area to test fire weapons. If this is the case a Semia organizer will let everyone know where the area is.*

While in the staging area it is recommended that ammunition magazines be removed from airsoft replicas with the exception of holstered pistols. Furthermore, it is suggested that any airsoft replica which is being handled in any manner (i.e. cleaning, repairing, and reloading) have the magazine removed as well. Also, if the replica has a working mechanical safety then it must be on. However, if a replica does not have a working safety then the magazine must be removed on these replicas (with the exception of holstered weaponry).

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Equipment

General

Article 15: Each player is responsible for his/her own equipment, whether owned, borrowed, or rented.

Equipment damaged unintentional in game play is not the responsibility of the damager to repair. Everyone who plays understands that there is a small potential for damage to goods by flying bbs. However, if one intentionally destroys another opponent’s equipment then this is a direct violation of rules. Not only will the player be responsible for the damage but, will not be allowed to participate in the present/future games until the dept is paid in full (unless other course of payment is decided between parties in dilemma).

Article 16: The handling, tampering with, or playing with another player’s equipment without that player’s consent is strictly prohibited (see article 15).

Weaponry

Article 17: Even though not required it is highly suggested participants have available an AEG or other high end airsoft replica for game play. Spring powered weaponry is allowed, but not suggested.

Article 18: All types of magazines and clips will be allowed at Semia games (low capacity, high capacity, box, drum, etc). As mentioned above all types of replicas will be allowed also (AEG, Bolt, spring, etc). However, Semia organizer(s) have the authority to limit the allowances of these instruments and equipment as they find necessary.

Handling

Article 19: The following variation of “real steel” weaponry safety rules are to be followed while anywhere on the event grounds:

Every airsoft replica is to be treated as a loaded weapon. Regardless of whether the magazine is empty, the safety is on, battery is disconnected or dead, etc. The replica must always be treated as if it had the capability of firing.

Do not point the airsoft replica at anything that you are not willing to shoot until on the playing field in an active engagement. Never point the airsoft replica at anyone who is not wearing appropriate eye protection (alert Semia organizer).

Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.

Be aware of what is behind your target (see article 11).

Transportation

Article 20: All weaponry must be concealed via some type of case, bag or external covering until the staging area is reached. The external covering must conceal all airsoft items in full (i.e. no bag packs with a gun barrel sticking out).

Article 21: It is suggested that all guns have a red or orange flash hider for airsoft identification purposes. Even though not required this is highly recommended.

Engagement

Article 22: The following are the minimum distance engagement limits for airsoft replicas. The following distances are the closest a player is allowed to engage another player in relationship to their replica firing velocity (fps -feet per second).

In accordance to semi automatic and fully automatic weaponry with a .2 gram bb:

1- 350 fps or 1.20J max: arms length engagement limit
351- 410 fps or 1.69J max: 20 foot engagement limit
411- 550 fps or 3.18J max: 50 foot engagement limit Gun must be bolt action or permanently semi automatic only. The gun may not be capable of being switched to fully automatic by manipulating any external switch or aparatus.

Any replica firing above 550 fps is outlawed at all Semia airsoft events.

Only 6mm plastic bbs will be allowed at Semia events. If someone is caught firing metal bbs immediate ejection from the team is the consequence. However, the bbs may weigh anywhere from (.12 grams - .5 grams) but. All guns minimal engagement distance will be arrived at by their firing velocity of a .2 gram bb. Any gram bb may be used at the minimal distance determined by the .2 gram velocity reading during game play

Example: if a bolt action rifles velocity is 550 fps with a .2 gram bb and a player decides to use a .4 gram bb in play the player is still subject to the 550 ft engagement distance. Even though, the .4 gram bbs velocity would be around the 411-450 limit in spite of increased weight.

If one so chooses to violate any of these engagement limits a severe and immediate consequence will be installed upon the individual in violation. Semia organizer(s) will be the lone judges if so instance occurs and the consequence will depend on the level of harm caused/could of caused via violation of rules(s).

Protection

Article 23: Eye protection must be worn at all times, except in designated “safe” staging and preparation areas. The staging area will be made apparent to all players at the beginning of a Semia Airsoft event. However, it is recommended that players wear their eye protection at all times.

Eye Protection Specification:

Eye protection must be completely sealed type (there must be contact with eyewear frame and face, fully surrounding the eyes). Lenses must meet the minimum rating of ANSI Z87.1, MIL-V-43511C, or ASTM F 1776-01.
In addition, eye protection must not be able to be brushed off, knocked off, or moved with ease. It is strongly suggested that all eye protection be secured with a strong elastic strap/band (the type intended for such use).
Although not required it is highly suggested that players wear a full face mask (mask which covers entire face). The lenses of all full face masks are required to meet the aforementioned ANSI or ASTM specification and the area around the eyes must be sealed to the frame.
Lastly, eye protection in question should be made available for examination or questioning before the day of an event. As any player wearing questionable eye wear may not be allowed to participate in an event due to violation of rules above.

Lower Body

Article 24: Camouflage or BDU’s are not required at any Semia event. However, it is recommended that everyone have some type of camouflage in accordance/relationship/appropriate to the field in use. We would like to keep games as naturalistic and realistic as possible.

However, some form of protective clothing must be worn at all games (t-shirt, pants, etc).

If a Semia organizer feels your choice of clothing is extremely inappropriate then you may be asked to change into a more appropriate form of wear (i.e. don’t come dressed in an orange jump suite).

Accessories

Article 25: Laser sights, flashlights, sound emanating devices and similar items may be dangerous to the eyes or ears. All though they are allowed at Semia events they are subject to examination if they pose a high level of threat to player safety. Laser-sights must have less than 5mW optical effect. Special care must be taken when using all items mentioned above. However, if one chooses to use such devices immaturely they will be subject to the consequences Semia organizers deem fair for the level of violation (i.e. disallowed use, etc).

Gear is not required at Semia events (tactical vests, etc.). However, it is highly recommended to hold magazines, spare batteries, etc. No player will be allowed to go back to staging during game play unless they call themselves out for the remainder the present game.

Radios are allowed and recommended. However, opponents are not allowed to hack into each others signals. If this happens the violator(s) will lose radio privileges for the present game and perhaps ones that follow if violations continue.

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Game specific

Start/stop
Article 26: A Semia organizer will begin/end game play via a blown whistle or car horn. However, players must leave on eye protection until they reach the field staging area.

Restart: If a Semia organizer finds that safety is a concern and players are unable to engage each other at reasonable engagement distances then a restart may be called. At such instance game play stops and everyone in play at the time of call retreats back to their original starting point. Players eliminated before call remain out until next engagement.

Night time specific

Article 27: Night time games are designated as engagements which are scheduled to occur anytime between 8pm- 6am central. This exact time is subject to change depending on the amount of daylight available at any given time.

During night time game play everyone involved in the engagement will have on a working flashlight. The flashlight must either be mounted to the gun in use or to the body of the individual. No maximum or minimum bulb lumen is required. There for, a cheap flashlight tapped to a gun will suffice.

It is allowed by Semia organizer(s) consent to have special exemptions from the above flashlight rule (i.e. one or so more players on each team exempt for a more challenging engagement).

Elimination

Article 28: A player who has been hit by a bb is considered out, dead and eliminated. A hit is considered as a sufficiently mobile bb that has contacted any part of the persons clothing or gear via direct shot or ricochet. This includes a hit to the players chosen weaponry.

Action after hit: Player will call hit. Then will raise their gun above their head and walk to the designated safe staging area in a casual manor (i.e. don’t run)

In the event that a player is hit by someone on his/her own team the hit is considered valid. This is called friendly fire or fratricide.

In the event that a ricochet off a player’s replica hits another player it is NOT a hit to the player who comes in contact with the ricochet. Only one player per bb is able to be eliminated.

Even though not prohibited it is not suggested that the elimination of a player be acquired by opening fire at the facial region. This act should be the last resort of any elimination. Extreme caution should be taken when player elimination amounts to the engaging the facial region. Purposely shooting a players head is in direct violation of safety rules and the penalty for this offense will be decided by Semia organizers.

In the event a player does not feel, hear, or see a hit it is suggested that the shooting player continue firing until the hit is recognized by the opposing player. A player clearly not calling themselves hit is in direct violation of Semia rules and their violation should be made apparent to Semia organizer(s). If a player is consistently reported not calling hits then they will be removed from the game, ones that follow and possibly the team if so issues occur in the future.

Behavior

Article 29: A player who has been hit and eliminated should immediately shout hit or out indicating they pertain knowledge of their elimination. The eliminated player should then remove themselves from the playing area and proceed to the designated safe staging area to await the next game.

An eliminated player is not allowed to fire his/her airsoft replica at anytime after being eliminated from a game (if the game is still active). Doing this may mislead other players into believing that the eliminated player is still in action.

Eliminated players are not allowed to communicate to active players besides for calling out.

In game players are in direct violation of rules if they open fire upon an eliminated player. Depending on whether the engagement was a misunderstanding, unintentional or intentional Semia organizer(s) will arrive at an appropriate course of action per an offense.

Alternative Elimination approaches

Article 30: The actions which follow are alternative methods for the elimination of a player without the use of opening fire upon them.

knife kill: if an opponent player(s) is within arms reach a knife kill should be used to eliminate the player. This involves touching, not hitting, the player with a hand and declaring a knife kill. No real steel knife or sharp instrument should be used to institute a knife kill, but replica rubber knives/bayonets are permitted. Once a player is knife killed they are not allowed to speak but too silently call out/recognize hit and move to staging area.

Surrender: May be used when one is outside of required engagement distance. Even though the opposing player is allowed to object surrender it is highly suggested they do surrender. The player who calls for the surrender of another play must have a clear hit before calling an opponent to do so. Surrender maybe used if a player is within their minimum engagement distance.

Action for surrender: Person calling surrender must directly aim replica at the opposing player called to surrender. The player calling for the surrender must have a 100% chance of a successful hit to his/her opponent.

Blindly calling for surrender around a corner is inappropriate

Calling for the surrender of a person running past a window or doorway is inappropriate

You can only call one surrender per as many players you can point your gun at (one surrender). Even if all the opposing players reside relatively close to the opponent called for the surrender.

After the surrender is called the opposing player have five seconds to either agree to or disagree to terms. In the case they oppose the surrender the player who called for the surrender is allowed to open fire with respect to allowed engagement distance corresponding to their replica velocity (see article 22).

Player specific

Misconduct

Article 31: Intentionally putting players or non-players into a situation where their safety is threatened is completely unacceptable. Any player doing so is in direct violation of Semia rules. Semia organizer(s) will arrive at an appropriate consequence depending on potential for harm to others.

Any behavior which poses a threat to other safety is inappropriate, immature and is in direct violation of Semia rules. Players who exercise continuous unsuitable behavior (fighting, bad temper, harassment, easily angered, irresponsible, etc) may be asked to leave the game. If further irrational behavior takes place at future events player may be booted from all future games and perhaps discharged from the team if Semia organizers deem necessary.

Age

Article 32: Semia games have no designated age limit. However, all players must be either fourteen or above to take part in Semia held events. Regardless of actually age all players are treated as mature and responsible adults. If one so chooses to exercise behavior which is the inverse of mature and responsible possibility of expulsion from future games and perhaps the team is a possible consequence for such offense (i.e. if a twenty year old acts immature then he/she has the same possibility of consequences per action as a fourteen year old who acts in the same manor would have).

Equality

Article 33: The above rules are in effect for everyone who participates in Semia games.

All participants are seen as equal. There will be no lesser degree of consequence because one is more popular, younger/older, Semia organizer, etc. The consequences will be the same for everyone if one so choose to violate Semia rules.

Semia Organizers

Official Semia Organizers:

Jeff Mahowski (DamoDK)

Jeff Lott (Knief)

Erich Phantasamo (El Phantasamo)

Matt Majewski (Gestapo)

Mitch Painter (Mitch1313)

Article 34: Semia Organizers Responsibilities:

Consequences for violation of rules.

Organized and successful game play

Article 35: If a Semia organizer is in violation of rules and is the only one present at a given game then contact another organizer in regards to the violation after the game.

Article 36:
*All rules and guidelines are subject to change if Semia organizers finds appropriate an amendment based upon instance or occurrence (Major amendments must be agreed upon by all organizers).

Precautions

Article 37: Everyone understands they participate in Semia held events with their own discursion. Semia is not responsible for injuries occurring on playing grounds.

*Anyone who does not understand these guidelines or rules please contact a Semia Organizer so they can further elaborate and/or specify for your understanding.*