Northeastern Airsoft Group - NEASG

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Northeastern Airsoft Group-Rules and Organization

The Northeastern Airsoft Group (NEASG) is an association of airsoft enthusiasts in the northeast region of the United States. The Northeastern region is comprised of the states of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. The purpose of the NEASG is to serve as a central organizing body to promote the safe enjoyment of airsoft within the region, to provide a standardized set of rules and guidelines to enhance safe, fair and honorable play, and to provide a venue for the players in the region to participate in the sport at every level of involvement.

Organization:

The NEASG's main governing body is the NEASG Committee. The Committee is comprised of senior players who were appointed by the original-founding members of the NEASG. The Committee determines the rules and guidelines for all the members, and mediates all disputes within the organization. Committee members will serve until they are no longer able to fulfill the obligations of their office. Upon retirement, the committee will nominate new replacement officers. Committee members can only be removed by a majority vote of the rest of the committee.

The NEASG is a not for profit organization, not a business. As a result, the NEASG will occasionally request donations from the membership to aid in raising funds for specific events, including monies needed for the maintenance of the NEASG web site.

Membership:

Membership in the NEASG is free. No person shall be denied membership on the basis of race, creed, religion, sex, or sexual preference. Minimum age for membership is 13 years of age although minimum age for participation in NEASG sanctioned events may vary by field and event organizer.

All members of the NEASG agree to follow all rules as established by the NEASG committee. Failure to follow the rules and guidelines, including all codes of conduct, will subject the member to dismissal from the organization, and forfeiture of all rights to participate in any and all NEASG sanctioned events.

Safety requirements and regulations:

The foremost concern of the NEASG is the safety of its members. Airsoft is a strenuous and vigorous sport. As a result, The NEASG Committee has established the following safety requirements and recommendations. Failure to adhere to the safety rules is grounds for dismissal from an event or from the organization. ALL FIELDS HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ANNOUNCING THEIR VERSION OF THESE RULES ON THEIR WEBSITES AND NEWS GROUPS. ALL PLAYERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR READING AND KNOWING THESE RULES IN ADVANCE OF ATTENDING AN EVENT. Safety rules are not subject to modification or change at NEASG sponsored events, unless those modifications increase the safety of the participants, or are necessary for insurance reasons at specific locations or events.

1. Eye protection:
Proper eye protection must be worn at all times when in areas not designated as “no fire zones”. Required proper eye protection is considered to meet ANSI 87.1 as a minimum. Full sealing eye protection that provides no gaps though which a bb may pass is highly recommended. Minors are required to have full-face protection in addition to full sealing goggles. Failure to provide the proper eye protection will subject the player to dismissal from the event.

While in a live fire area, eye protection is not to be removed for any reason. In the event of eye protection failure (fogging for example) seek the assistance of another player to escort you to a “no fire zone”. If any player observes another player without proper eye protection in place while in a live fire area, loudly announce a cease-fire, “Blindman!”, and insure that said player without eye protection is escorted into a safe area as soon as possible. Any player caught without eye protection or removal of such protection in the live fire zone is reason for removal from the game.

2. Weapon safety:
Always treat your airsoft weapon as if it were a real firearm. Never point your weapon or fire it at another person unless it is during a skirmish. Barrel blockers of some sort must be used on rifles and AEG's when in safe or no fire zones, respawn or staging areas. Handguns must be holstered. Never fire any airsoft weapon at a person who is not wearing proper eye protection. Never fire your weapon without your proper eye protection in place. Any discharge of any airsoft weapon outside of designated live fire areas is reason for immediate removal from the game. Carry your weapon through no fire zones unloaded, with the safety engaged and the barrel block in place. Before use, insure that all weapons are in good working condition with no malfunctions. After removing a magazine, make sure to fire the weapon to insure that all projectiles are removed from the weapon before engaging the safety. Always transport your weapons to and from events in proper “discrete” weapons cases.

3. Personal safety gear:
*A working compass and a signal whistle is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all NEASG sanctioned events.

*A red rag and red chemlite for designating one’s status as a hit or dead player is a near-universal sign in the NEASG. As such, they are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED; and REQUIRED at most events.
*A small (lc-1 type) first aid kit is recommended.
*Proper hydration equipment is also MANDATORY (canteen or camel back type preferred, bottles allowed- PICK UP YOUR TRASH). ALL PLAYERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN HYDRATION.
*If a full-face mask is not used, a mouth guard is recommended.
*Knee and elbow pads are recommended.
*Good quality gloves are recommended.
*A good quality FRS type radio is MANDATORY. Referees at all neasg events will be available on FRS-1 or a designated channel that is to be announced before play begins. (see below)
*Proper footwear is MANDATORY. “Tennis” type or deck shoes or open toed shoes are not allowed. Boots with good ankle support are highly recommended.

4. Radio emergency channel:
Channel 1 on the FRS or GMRS radios is to always be reserved for emergency use only. This channel is to be monitored by event officials at all times during a game. (if for instance the ref channel is being used by some passersby or otherwise has interference issues, all players will be advised of the new channel by the event staff prior to startex. ALL EVENTS MUST HAVE A DEDICATED REF CHANNEL AND ANNOUNCE THIS CHANNEL TO ALL PLAYERS FOR SAFETY.)

5. Weapon types:
The only weapons that will be allowed at NEASG sponsored events will be AIRSOFT weapons. “Real steel” or actual firearms of any type will not be allowed. Any type of weapon that is considered potentially “lethal” in use, form or function will not be allowed. Any weapon that uses an explosive for projectile propulsion will not be allowed. (This includes any chemical or mixture of chemicals that can cause an explosive reaction) Any “homemade” type of device or weapon that will be used at a NEASG sponsored event will need the prior approval of the NEASG committee AND the event organizer before it's use at a NEASG sponsored event will be considered or allowed.

Code of Conduct:

The sport of airsoft is a sport of Honor and Integrity. All members of the NEASG are required to follow the NEASG Code Of Conduct, both on and off the field. If we have no honor, we have nothing. All members will always endeavor to behave in a reasonable and responsible manner; especially in areas where the sport of airsoft and airsoft weapons are concerned. Public opinion is crucial to our continued ability to enjoy the sport of airsoft without excessive governmental or legal restrictions and regulations.

1. All members will conduct themselves at all times in a fair and honorable manner, and in a manner that is consistent with the ideals of the NEASG.

2. Cheating is not allowed. There are no exceptions to this rule. The NEASG Committee will deal with all incidences of cheating swiftly. The first incidence of a player cheating will be cause for a letter of notice served to the individual. The second incidence by the same person within a period of 6 months will be cause for a letter of reprimand, and publication of the letter within a public forum. The third incidence within 6 months will cause a letter of dismissal from the NEASG, and loss of player privileges at all NEASG sponsored events, and publication of the letter within a public forum.

3. Violent behavior of any kind is not allowed. There are no exceptions to this rule. Physical contact, the threat of physical contact, intimidation or coercion of any type, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, sexual harassment (the creation of a hostile or unwanted uncomfortable situation of a sexual nature) damage or threats of damage to any person or their property are not allowed. Violation of this rule is grounds for immediate dismissal from the NEASG, and loss of player privileges at all NEASG sponsored events.

4. Theft is not allowed. Any person found stealing another person's property will be reason for immediate dismissal of this person from the NEASG, and loss of all player privileges at all NEASG sponsored events. The involvement of law enforcement may be required.

5. The firing of any airsoft weapon at any non-combatant, or at any person not directly involved in a skirmish, including players in designated ³respawn² areas or staging areas or any area not fully designated as a live fire area, or at any player or person without proper eye protection in place, is not allowed and will be cause for the offender to be ejected from the game.

6. Firing airsoft weapons at any animals is not allowed.

7. Threatening any non-combatant with an airsoft weapon is not allowed.

8. Never brandish, or carry concealed on your person or vehicle, any airsoft weapon.

9. If questioned by law enforcement officials regarding airsoft weapons, realize that they may not be able to recognize that these are not real weapons. Make sure, at all times that you completely comply with all commands issued by any law enforcement official. Your life may depend on it.

10. If any member is to skirmish in a non-sanctioned event (a “backyard” skirmish), notify your neighbors, and if necessary, your local law enforcement officials, so as to avoid any embarrassing ramifications, or potentially frightening or even possibly life threatening complications.

11. Always be a good sport. Win well, and lose better. When hit, let the player that shot you know, perhaps with a “good shot!” or something along those lines. When you shoot someone, try for something like “you were sure a tough target, never thought I'd get you!” This is a game, so lets have fun out there.

12. If you observe someone not calling himself or herself out when hit, do not get into any type of altercation. Try to be diplomatic and polite. Bring attention to the situation by saying, “I saw the bb's hit you, but you probably didn't feel them.” If it appears there can't be an honorable solution on the field, both players should call themselves out and resolve the situation back at respawn. If necessary, move on and bring the matter to the attention of the game sponsor, or the attention of the NEASG Committee, but at all costs, do not embarrass yourself by getting angry.

13. If you find yourself in a situation where you have been hit, and you call yourself out, but are still getting shot at, remember that in the heat of battle, it is often difficult to hear someone calling themselves out over the distance and over the noise on a battlefield. Call out louder, but protect yourself and try to remove yourself from the danger area as quickly as possible.

14. The use of drugs or alcohol is not permitted previous to or during an event. Any member who shows signs of intoxication will not be allowed to participate in the event.

15. Any discharge of any airsoft weapon outside of designated live fire areas is not permitted at any time or for any reason and will result in immediate removal from the game.

Rules of Engagement, Elimination and Reincarnation:

The following are the standard rules of engagement for NEASG sanctioned events. These are standard rules, and as such, are subject to modification by the event organizer. In the absence of any modifications or announcements of any modifications prior to the commencement of an event, the standard rules will apply. Modifications to the standard rules should be made at the scenario briefing. All modifications before an event must be clearly listed and explained to all event participants by the event organizers. All players are expected to fully understand all rules of engagement before beginning an event.

1. Elimination:
A shot to any part of a player's body or their gear, is considered to be a “hit”
Shots to a player's gun are considered “hits” 
Friendly fire counts as a “hit”. A bb has no friend. 
Ricochets are not considered “hits”. Do not abuse this rule.

2. Elimination acknowledgement:
Upon receiving a “hit”, raise your gun into the air and as loudly as possible announce, “I'm hit”, “dead man”, “you got me” or some similar verbal announcement so as to let all nearby players know you have been hit. After announcing you are hit, place a “hit rag”, usually a red cloth at least 12' x 12' on your head, raise your arms or your weapon over your head. You then stay in place OR walk to a designated respawn area as quickly as possible, trying as much as possible to stay out of the line of fire of other players still engaged in battle. What to do after being hit is part of the rules of engagement and MUST be announced to all players prior to the start of the game by the event runner. Always remember that other players may not have heard your call and may continue to fire at you. It is your responsibility to make sure everyone knows that you have been eliminated.

3. Dead men tell no tales:
Once hit/wounded/or eliminated, you are a “dead man”, and as such, you are not allowed to communicate anything to anyone, except that you are hit, (the only exception to this is to compliment your opponent on a fine elimination!) as you make your way to respawn or wait for a medic. You are not allowed to give the location or status of any players or any other type of tactical or strategic information to your teammates. You are not allowed to communicate on the radio any information at all except in case of an emergency, in which case all transmissions would be limited to the emergency channel only.

4. Surrender, firing rules, minimum safe firing distance, and special equipment:
The minimum safe firing distance (MSFD) is 10 with all handguns and AEG's. Bolt-action or other sniper weapons have a minimum safe firing distance of 100'. The only permitted reason to engage another player within the MSFD is if a surrender situation arises. An optimum surrender situation will occur when one player will approach another player without that player being observed, and then have a firing opportunity. Rather than firing, the player should call out loudly and clearly “surrender”. The player being asked to surrender should then immediately yield and proceed as indicated under “elimination acknowledgement”. In the event that the player does not yield, that player is assumed to waive the MSFD rule, in which case the player is allowed to fire, being restricted to firing only at the lower extremities. Headshots in the MSFD will not be allowed. For reasons of safety and honor, players are highly encouraged to yield to surrender requests. 
Occasionally, two players may happen upon each other, in complete surprise for both players. In these situations, both players should call themselves out rather than firing at each other. This avoids “panic fire” and the possible serious injury that may result. In common parlance, the term “Safety Kill” should be understood as the above use of surrender. Surrendering a player is not a substitute for proper teamwork and room clearing.

NO BLIND FIRING- You MAY NOT fire your weapon by sticking it out a window or around a corner without seeing your target. You must be able to see your target to safely fire your weapon. You may NOT use a mirror or camera system to fire around an object.

NO FULL AUTO in built up areas. CQB is to be semi-only and in strict observance to the MSFD rule.

Ballistic shields- Are treated as RESTRICTED items. Event organizers will determine if and how many Ballistic shields are allowed. A safe guideline ruleset is the following-

1- The shield should be realistic in weight

2- the shield operator may not use a rifle or SMG; they may only use a pistol.

3- the shield will be disabled by special weapons as per the pre-game briefing. Expect M203, claymores and other weapons to disable the shield.

4- a disabled shield is dropped and becomes part of the field- the shield can then be picked up by other players. (actual ownership of the shield does not transfer! only use in game)

Sniper rifles-

1- must obey standard 400/.25 FPS limits unless the operator is a certified NEASG or Field Certified sniper. Then, and only then, may they exceed 400 fps but no more than 550 fps as measured by event staff with achrony using .25s. Heavier ammo after chrony is recommended for accuracy.

2- sniper rifles may NOT possess the ability to fire full auto and MUST be replicas of real sniper rifles.

3- NEASG/Field certified snipers may NOT engage targets closer than 100' with their sniper weapon system.

4- Event and field runners will have final say if a player may use their SWS during the game, whether that player is certified at that field or in the neasg.

5. Knife kills:
Knife kills are allowed. Knife kills are when a player can engage another player close enough to use a rubber knife (gently, no need to slash faces), or their hands to “tag” another player. This is the only physical contact allowed between players. Because of the strategic value of a knife kill, silent elimination is allowed. In this case, a player is to proceed as indicated under “elimination acknowledgement” with the exception of loud verbal announcements of “hit”. You are not allowed to dispute a knife kill. Responding to a knife kill with fire in the MSFD may be grounds for your removal from the game.

6. Reincarnation: May differ from event to event. Pay attention to the pre-game briefing so you do not inadvertantly break the rules.
After being eliminated, a player generally proceeds to the designated “respawn” area. This is a staging area set aside for the purpose of allowing eliminated players to regroup and return to play. There are two general types of respawn: individual and squad. With individual respawn, a player will spend a predetermined amount of time in respawn after checking in with the officials in the respawn area. Once time has elapsed, the player is allowed to return to play. 
With squad respawn, an eliminated player will check in with the officials at the respawn area, but will not be allowed to return to play until a designated number of team members (sometimes referred to as a “rolling” respawn) arrive at the respawn area, regardless of the time elapsed.

6.b.- Medic rules.
During the pre-game briefing, any medic rules will be established. It is the player's responsibility to listen and learn the rules and to obey them. Typically a designated player will act as medic and have to physically have contact with a player for a predetermined amount of time before that "wounded" player can re-enter the game. Medic rules may or may not require a bandage system, and that will be discussed in the pre-game briefing.

7. Field Velocity Limits and BB's:
Biodegradable BB's are preferred. All weapons will be chronographed with BBs of the same weight to ensure fair impact energy comparisons. The maximum weight of all 6mm bb's for AEG's and handguns shall not exceed .28 grams. The maximum weight of all 6 mm bb's for all bolt-action sniper rifles shall not exceed .43 grams. Metal clad or all metal bb's are not allowed although graphite coated 6mm bb's are allowed- at the discretion of the field owner. Projectiles containing paint or other “marking” substances are not allowed.
8 mm bb's are allowed for special weapons, provided their FPS does not exceed the following- .3s = 360FPS/.36s= 330 fps/ .45= 300fps. Each rating, LIKE THE 400/.25 STANDARD FOR 6MM BBs reflects a muzzle energy of 1.85j.
Weapons are generally classified into two basic groups-AEG/handgun and Sniper weapons, and each has their own limits. Sniper weapons are limited to field or region-certified snipers.
AEG's, used in outdoor events, shall not exceed a velocity of 400 fps, using a .25-gram projectile. (1.85j of muzzle energy)
Gas powered handguns used in outdoor events shall not exceed 400 fps using a .25 gram projectile.
Sniper weapons shall not exceed a velocity of 550 fps using a maximum .25-gram projectile for the baseline test. 
AEG's, used in indoor events, shall not exceed a velocity of 350 fps using a .25-gram projectile.
Gas powered handguns used in indoor events shall not exceed a velocity of 350 fps using a .25 gram projectile.
Sniper weapons will not be allowed in indoor games.

Any combination of internal modifications can be used to maintain these limits. Please remember, though, that these are limits, not goals. Modifying your weapon puts severe stresses on the internal mechanical parts and will lead to higher initial costs, and higher repair costs. Modified weapons break more often than stock weapons. Please bear these considerations in mind before modifying your weapon.

All weapons used in an event will need to be chronographed before being allowed on the field. Cheating the chrony or modifying the gun after chrony is grounds for immediate banning from NEASG events.

8. Scenario briefings:
All events will be preceded with a scenario briefing to be conducted by the event organizers. The purpose of this briefing is to fully explain to the event participants all of the objectives, rule modifications and any special rules for the event. Scenario time limits and start and end times and special objectives are also explained. Boundaries and special areas, including respawn areas and staging and other no-fire zones are established. Communication requirements, radio frequencies and call signs and signals are assigned. A safety briefing is also to be given at this time. It is the responsibility of all event participants to make sure that they are fully aware of all event rules and modifications to the rules before the beginning of an event.
After the completion of an event, an after action de-briefing is to be given, in which any and all disputes can be resolved, and announcements of winning teams and completed objectives can be made.

9. No fire Zones:
No-fire zones are areas set aside by event organizers in which no weapons shall be fired. These areas are usually game staging areas, briefing areas, first-aid areas, respawn areas and any other area so designated by the event organizers. No weapons shall be fired within a no-fire zone, at any time, for any reason. There shall be no exceptions to this rule. Firing into a no fire zone, or across the zone from outside the zone is also forbidden. Any discharge of any airsoft weapon outside of designated live fire areas is reason for immediate removal from the game. There are no exceptions to this rule. Failure to abide by these rules will be grounds for immediate dismissal from the event.

All weapons MUST be cleared in the safe zone- magazines off, safety switched to "on" and barrel blocker affixed to the barrel. The weapon should also be slung.

10. Time outs and game stoppages:
There are to be no ³time outs² for any reason, except in the case of an actual emergency. In the event of an emergency that requires a game stoppage, an announcement will be made on channel 1 of the FRS radios stating ³emergency². An air horn or whistle will also blast five times, pause, then blast five more times. If any player is involved in an emergency situation, and is the first person or persons to respond, communicate to game officials on channel 1 of the FRS radios, indicating the type of emergency and then wait for further orders. 
Upon hearing the emergency signal, all players are to stop immediately and safe their weapons, until the all clear signal is given. The only persons allowed to move during an emergency are those involved in the emergency or those giving emergency assistance.
After the emergency is resolved, the all-clear signal will be announced on channel 1 of the FRS radio, and an air horn or whistle will blast three very long blasts. Once the all-clear signal is given, play will resume normally.

11. Communications equipment:
Radios of the FRS or the GMRS type are used during events. CB type radios are not allowed. High power transmitters are not allowed. Frequency monitoring is allowed, but jamming is not allowed. FRS Channel 1 is always to be reserved for use as an emergency channel only and is not to be use for any other purpose. Failure to follow this rule may be cause for dismissal from the event.

12. Smoke and other pyrotechnics:
Flares of any type are not allowed, including parachute type and hand launched flares. Smoke generating devices are limited to “pull ring” type smoke grenades AT THE EVENT RUNNER'S DISCRETION. Fuse lit smoke grenades are not allowed. Firecracker type devices are not allowed. Explosive devices of any type are not allowed, except for those allowed by the event organizers. Event organizers have the final say in this matter, and it is the responsibility of the players to adhere to their judgment.

13. Disputes:
All disputes between players are to be resolved in a fair, honorable, sportsman-like and non-violent manner- on the field or in the parking lot on the day of the event. Any player that can't maintain their composure may be asked to leave the event. Under no circumstances are players to resort to violence or intimidation. There will be no exceptions to this rule. If players on the field can't easily resolve a dispute, both players should remove themselves from the game and return to the respawn or staging area for resolution or mediation. If mediation is requested or required to resolve a dispute, seek out an event official or organizer. A mediator's verdict is to be considered final and without appeal. The NEASG boards are NOT the place to resolve disputes.

14. Night games:
Night games are special events that require a few special considerations. Night games will require the following extra-required equipment: a working flashlight with fresh batteries.

15. Equipment liability:
The NEASG assumes no liability for any player's equipment or other gear used in an event. In addition, the NEASG assumes no liability for the safety of any player during an event. All players are required to sign a waiver absolving the NEASG of any liability prior to any event.

16. Trash:
Players are required to remove any trash or refuse they bring to an event, including all food items, packaging, and any other type of garbage. If you bring it in, make sure you bring it back out! Damaging property in any manner or fashion is not allowed at any event. Players should always show the utmost courtesy and respect for any land and/or persons property that hosts an event.

Cheating:

Airsoft is a game, and it is a game in which honesty, integrity and honor play a very important role. This is not paintball; there are no markers or any verifiable way to insure that a player has actually been ³hit² other than the honesty and integrity of the players themselves. Because of this, any and all incidences of players intentionally not calling themselves out when hit, will be defined as cheating, and will be dealt with as indicated under the code of conduct rules. Any players that witness events of cheating, whether by their teammates or by their opponents, should bring attention to game organizers or to NEASG committee members as soon as possible in order to quickly take punitive or corrective action. Remember, all we have is our HONOR.

Rule revision and addition:

The NEASG committee will make any changes necessary to the rules as needed.

Closing remarks:

The NEASG wants all it's members to enjoy the sport of Airsoft. We will endeavor to make all airsoft experiences here in the Northeastern region the best that we can, but ultimately, it is up to the individual members and players. By following these rules and guidelines and codes of conduct, and using your god given common sense, and by following the GOLDEN RULE, we will all have a lot of fun!