Organizing Safe Laser Tag Games
LASERWAR has developed these guidelines to enhance game safety and event organization quality. The material is available for use by clubs using LASERWAR equipment. Use by third-party organizations is permitted only with the authors' consent.
The primary goal is to reduce the risk of injuries and emergency situations during games.
Safety is not just about player briefing. It begins with planning, site preparation, and readiness for any situation. These guidelines are a tool to help organizers ensure participant comfort and safety.
Main Sections:
- Event Preparation
- Playing Area Inspection
- Player Briefing
- Game Execution
- Preparing Children's Events
Appendices:
- "General Preparation" Checklist
- "Playing Area Preparation" Checklist
- "Pre-Game" Checklist
- Laser Tag Safety Briefing for Players
- Briefing for Representatives of Underage Participants
Event Preparation
Before a game, the "General Preparation" checklist (Appendix 1) must be completed.
Every item is mandatory. Skipping any item may create a risk for participants.
When planning, consider:
- The number and age of participants;
- Potential hazards, condition, and specific features of the playing area;
- Possible hazardous zones;
- The level of organizer preparedness.
If, after completing the preparation checklist (Appendix 1), you determine that the risk of an emergency is too high, we strongly recommend relocating the event to a different playing area.
If selecting another area is not within your power, we recommend canceling the event at the unsafe location.
Playing Area Preparation
The safety of the area directly impacts the quality of the game.
All stages of preparing the playing area are described in the "Playing Area Preparation" checklist (Appendix 2). It must be completed before the event begins. This is the key to maximizing the safety of the upcoming event.
Key Requirements:
- Identify hazardous zones;
- Restrict access to or isolate hazardous zones;
- Designate starting zones, organizer areas, and parking zones;
- Coordinate the use of the area if it is shared with other game types (e.g., airsoft, paintball).
The "Playing Area Preparation" checklist (Appendix 2) must be completed BEFORE the game event. It is unacceptable to perform the checklist actions during the event.
Player Briefing
A safety briefing is conducted before every game, regardless of the participants' experience or familiarity with the area, rules, or event procedures. The briefing is always mandatory.
The briefing is recorded in the "Pre-Game" checklist (Appendix 3).
Players sign to acknowledge the briefing; however, their signature does not release the organizer from liability.
During the briefing, the following must be explained:
- Specific features of the playing area;
- The most hazardous zones of the area;
- Location of starting points;
- Organizer zones;
- Procedures for emergency situations.
If minors are participating, the form for representatives of participants under 18 must be completed - "Briefing for Representatives of Underage Participants" (Appendix 5). The procedures outlined in the "Key Features of Organizing Game Events for Participants Under 12 Years of Age" section must also be followed.
The reverse side of the "Player Safety Briefing" form is a list of participants, requiring their full last names, first names, and patronymics. Please note: all players must complete all fields in this list.
A player's signature on a liability waiver does not protect the organizer in the event of possible legal proceedings. It primarily serves to remind the participant of the need to follow safety rules.
The participation of adolescents under 18 without parents creates additional risks for the organizer. The signature of a minor is not legally binding, and full responsibility for their safety rests with the organizer.
Preparing Children's Games
For participants under 12 years of age:
- A minimum of two adult organizers for every 10 children;
- Maximally simplified equipment settings (e.g., auto-reload, auto-start) to allow organizers to use their time effectively during the game;
- Starting points for all teams must be visible from a single location;
- Clearly defined area boundaries (fencing or barrier tape);
- Contact information for the parents of each child.
These measures are reflected in the pre-game and playing area preparation checklists.
Additionally, you will be required to complete the "Safety Briefing Acknowledgement Form" form (Appendix 5).
Adhering to these guidelines helps in conducting laser tag events safely and professionally, enhancing player trust and the club's reputation.
Download: Methodological Guidelines "Safety Regulations for Laser Tag Events" in PDF format.
Download: Appendices to the Methodological Guidelines "Safety Regulations for Laser Tag Events".
