Semi, Auto, and RPS
Events will state if they are are semi-only, or if full auto is allowed.  Please note that any area designated as CQB is semi only.

• Semi-auto is a firing mode in which one BB is shot per full cycling of the trigger (squeeze and release).
  • If a player has a binary trigger, we will allow that with a 50′ MED.
• Full-auto is the mode of operation of a firearm whereupon the trigger is pulled and multiple shots are fired and will continue to fire until the trigger is released or until the magazine is empty.
  • There is a 50′ MED for any replica on full-auto.
• Do not shoot a player from behind on full auto.  Either switch to semi, use a secondary that is single fire, or attempt a knife kill.
• Max RPS is 25 rounds per second.  That’s 1,500 BBs per minute.  That’s nearly $8 in BBs in one minute.

Special Considerations For Pallet Fort

Pallet fort is a designated CQB area as it is only 4900+/- square feet in size.  MEDs are calculated from the perimeter of Pallet Fort, not the distance from the shooter.  This is a very important distinction to make.  Please reference the  image to the right (click to expand).  You will note that the two closest tire piles to the west and east are exactly 50′ from Pallet Fort.  You will also note that the open field to the north and south are within 50′ from Pallet Fort.

• Absolutely no full auto allowed point-to-point inside Pallet Fort.  This means that if you and your target are both within the perimeter of Pallet Fort, neither of you may use full auto.
• Players inside Pallet Fort may use full auto for all targets more than 50′ from Pallet Fort, if it is approved for the game.  Please note that this could mean an opposing player could actually be more than 100′ from you.
  • If you are engaging a player between Pallet Fort wall and either of the tire piles, or between Pallet Fort wall and in the open field to the north or south, you must switch to semi auto.
• Players outside Pallet Fort may not use full auto if they are within 50′ of Pallet Fort, if it is approved for the game.  Please note that this could mean an opposing player could actually be more than 100′ from you.
  • If you are engaging a player inside Pallet Fort and you are between Pallet Fort wall and either of the tire piles, or between Pallet Fort wall and in the open field to the north or south, you must switch to semi auto.

Included on this image is the 100 foot MED for snipers.

LMGs/SAWs (Light Machine Guns/Squad Automatic Weapons)

SAWs are allowed, with some caveats:

• 1.86 joules limit with 50′ MED
• LMG/SAW must be a replica of an actual LMG/SAW.  A souped-up MP5 is not an LMG/SAW.
• Must be mounted (bipod down and sitting on something.. a barrel, wall, rock, stump, the ground, etc.).
  • We realize that bipods easily break, and are either prohibitively expensive, or difficult to source.  So long as the replica is resting on something, we’re not going to squawk about it.  We just don’t want someone out there Ramboing the damn thing.
• LMG/SAW gunner should have a secondary, such as a pistol or AEG that fires on semi
• Approved replicas (if yours isn’t on this list and you think it should be, let’s chat about it):

Gun Safety
Always treat all firearms as if they are loaded. This includes airsoft guns. Always keep your gun pointed in a safe direction. Never point a firearm at anyone or anything that should not be shot. Never look down the barrel of your gun.Always keep your finger off the trigger, outside of the trigger guard, and your selector on SAFE until you are ready to fire. Always be fully aware of exactly what your target is, what is around it, and what is behind it. Always remove your gun magazine and fire twice to clear your hop-up chamber before exiting the Live-fire Zone.

Injury from BBs
Airsoft devices can be very dangerous. 400 fps > 272 mph!Airsoft BBs can become lodged in your skin and cause permanent scars. They can chip and break off your teeth. Dental repair work can cost thousands of dollars. This is why we recommend full-face protection for everyone.

Shooter’s Responsibility
The shooter of the airsoft replica should never be reckless when engaging a target; every trigger pull is a decision. This means that you are responsible for the trajectory and number of BBs that fly out of your gun.

Southern Aroostook Action Sports and Airsoft Maine require that you switch to semi-auto and never spray full-auto when within 50 feet of your target. Your selector switch should be set to SEMI whenever you are inside our built-up close-quarters battle area.

It is the responsibility of the shooter to be able to see and hear their target call HIT.  Overshooting will not be tolerated.  Be judicious with your suppression fire and always use short, controlled bursts (butterbutterjam).

IFF (Identification Friend or Foe)

Typically, colored armbands are used to denote which team a player is on and for easy target identification.  If armbands are issued, each player must apply at least one to their non-dominant arm.  This means if the player is right-handed, the armband goes on their left arm, and vice versa.  Do not remove or switch armbands.

Ghillie snipers may opt to apply an armband to their non-dominant arm, so long as it’s not completely covered by 3-D camo, or the ankle of their choice.  Either way, it’s going to be difficult for a player to immediately discern which team the ghillie sniper is on, so friendly fire incidents may be increased.

Armbands will be returned in good serviceable condition to their appropriate container in The Bunker.

Safety Kills (Bang-Bang Rule)
Our field does not have a mandatory safety kill or “bang-bang” rule that is often used during close-proximity engagements at other airsoft fields. Players at Southern Aroostook Action Sports are encouraged to shoot each other with a single shot to a non-sensitive area when at point-blank range. We support this because getting shot by a BB is a lot more immediate and decisive in determining a hit rather than having to follow a complicated safety-kill rule set that involves distance estimation and dispute challenges.Alternatively, generous players may sometimes offer for their targets to call themselves out, but this is only a polite courtesy and is usually performed by offering for them to surrender. This option is not required and doesn’t need to be adhered to by the targeted player who could try to quickly turn around and shoot first. So, always keep your gun aimed at your opponent and ready to fire in these situations. Don’t divert your muzzle away until after your opponent has agreed to the surrender and has acknowledged it by donning a red rag.

No Blind Firing
Blind firing is when you hide behind cover and stick your gun out to start shooting without being able to see what you’re shooting at. This is prohibited at Southern Aroostook Action Sports because it’s too dangerous.  Do not fire unless you are looking through the sights (or optic) down the length of your gun.

Forbidden Targets
Never shoot at a person who is not wearing adequate eye protection. Always ask yourself if your target is wearing eye-pro before pulling the trigger. Beware of curious non-players who might wander onto the field during an airsoft game. If this happens, tell them to cover their eyes with their hands, and put your red rag on their heads. Yell for all airsofters in the area to stop shooting and call for a field moderator to assist them off the field.Never deliberately shoot at a player who is wearing a red rag. Avoid shooting anyone who is wearing bright orange or yellow vests/hats because these are worn by dedicated field moderators, photographers, or special observers who are not playing. Never shoot at birds or other critters – especially the farm’s livestock. Please also do not shoot at the greenhouses, house, sheds, barns, or any of the farm equipment and vehicles.

No Hard Contact
Avoid physically touching other players unless you’re shaking hands, healing someone back in, simulating a player being dragged, escorting a captured player with your hand on his or her arm, or gently tapping someone with an approved boffer in games where boffers are permitted. Never tackle, shove, punch, kick, or bite anyone. Fist fighting will result in police intervention and expulsion from the property.

Stealth Kills
SAASMaine requires you to have a rubber training weapon (knife, hatchet, flamberge, whatever) if you wish to do knife kills.  Fingers, sticks, gun barrel, etc., do not count.To perform an effective and reasonable melee kill, simply place your approved melee weapon on your target’s shoulder and whispering “knife-kill” in the person’s ear. “Stealth kills” are always quiet.  The target must not yell out, just quietly don their dead rag.

• • NEVER throw your melee weapon at another player.
  • NEVER make a stabbing motion at another player.

Gun and Equipment Hits
Unless otherwise noted, gun hits count as player hits at Southern Aroostook Action Sports. And, so do hits to anything you are wearing or carrying such as a backpack or a portable game prop. Therefore, riot shields are worthless at Southern Aroostook Action Sports.

Friendly Fire
Friendly fire counts as a hit at Southern Aroostook Action Sports.

Explosive Devices
Explosive devices are not allowed (think fuse-lit fireworks, or other potentially harmful explosive device).Unless otherwise noted in the specific game rules, we welcome all of our players to use non-pyrotechnic explosive devices like the gas-powered Airsoft Innovations Cyclone Impact Grenade or the spring-loaded Duel Code Claymore Mine.  Enola Gaye and Taginn grenades are allowed.  40mm “grenade launchers”, etc., like the 40 Mike are allowed with a 20′ MED (in other words, please don’t point-blank fire 120+ BBs at another player).“Distraction” grenades, like the Hakkotsu Thunder B and clones are encouraged. We will be experimenting with blast radius rules:

• • • If you are within 15’ of a grenade that explodes, you are hit.
    • If a grenade explodes inside a building or bunker, everyone in that area is hit (even if you may be beyond the blast radius). If a grenade goes off on the other side of a solid man-made barrier (pallets, tires, etc., you are NOT hit.)

If one of these grenades detonates within a multi-room structure, it is expected to cause hits to only the players who are located within the specific room where it exploded. Zoning ordinance prohibits us from putting roofs on our buildings, so pretend that a roof is there and don’t throw your grenades over them. However, you may toss your grenade through any open door or window. And, you may throw your grenades over any low walls that are less than 5’ tall. Never pick up a grenade to throw back at your enemy because it will very likely explode in your hand and could cause severe injuries.

Authorized field and game staff may occasionally operate explosive devices using methods that are beyond the limitations of this rule set as a means of safely enhancing an event.

Airsoft Night Game Rules Supplement

Night games introduce a completely new obstacle:  darkness.  Because of this, a lot of more traditional gameplay items are inappropriate to use.

IFF (Identification Friend or Foe)

Armbands obviously won’t work at night.  We may run with blue and green glowsticks, but if there isn’t a budget for that, then be careful.

Hit Indicators

Your dead rag cannot be seen at night.  We strongly recommend you invest in a red headlamp, a bike rear lamp, or even an airsoft-specific light that you can strap to your gear.

A lower budget idea would be to get a clear red plastic folder and simply cut a piece the same size as the lens on a flashlight and attach that to a flashlight that you can hang on your gear somewhere.

Or, of course, red glowsticks.  While most manufacturers will claim “4 to 8 hours”, plan on bringing more than one.  If everyone grabs a package of them at Walmart or the Dollar Store, then there should be plenty.

Tracers

Many companies make bio tracer BBs.  Well, okay, most of them repackage BLS bio tracers.  Regardless, the operative thing here is *bio*.  Tracer BBs are more expensive, of course.

If you’re not familiar, you need a tracer unit along with the tracer BBs, otherwise the tracers won’t glow.  Acetech makes a range of tracer units to fit about any budget.  If you have a MAXX hop chamber, you can get an LED attachment for that.  However, last I knew, there were issues with things not working 100% correctly.  Perhaps they’ve figured it out and fixed it by now.

We do not yet sell tracers, but you can get BLS bio tracers from InfantryShop.

Illumination

Regular flashlights are fine.  Please note that you may not use a red lens on your light unless you’re dead.  Yes, I know that white light destroys your “purple vision” (that’s what a Marine buddy of mine called it), you’ll be fine.  And yes, it’s more difficult to discern the exact point of origin of the white light when it’s diffused through underbrush and leaves.

Yes, Dragon, you can bring a spotlight.

NVGs, or Night Vision Goggles, will obviously provide a great deal of advantage.  For this reason, there must be an equal number of NVG users on each team.  Please note that “NVG” is being used as a broad term to cover anything that a player can use to see better at night, to include infrared optics, monoculars, cell phone attachments, etc.

Required items for night games

• • • A red light or red or orange glowsticks to be used as a hit indicator. If you do not have one, you will not be allowed on the field after dark.  “Night” will be based on actual sunrise/sunset times for the gameday.
    • A regular clear-lensed flashlight (it’s good to have a light source when returning to spawn, or in case of an emergency).
    • Backup batteries for everything you bring.

Potential future required items:

• • • Glowstick(s) in your team’s color.

Fun things to have for night games:

• • • Tracers
    • NVG
    • IR-reflective IFF patches (ie. “ranger eyes”)

Vehicles

Introduction

The use of vehicles in airsoft scenarios, provided they are under a heavily regulated set of guidelines, can add an extra layer of fun and strategy to an event. Launchers and rocket systems fall into the same category as well.

These rules are meant to balance safety, realism, and simulation in a way that allows all players to find a level of enjoyment in this wargame.

Rule 0 (Traversal, Basic Safety)

• DON’T BE A DICK.
• Anyone under the age of 18 must ride seated in the interior of the vehicle.
• All combat vehicles must be painted in an approved military color, and flying their team’s flag. Non-military colors are not allowed (white, yellow, purple, pink, etc).
• All gameplay vehicles must maintain a walking speed of 5 MPH or less during engagements and may never exceed 10 MPH while on the field.
• Vehicles may never drive through smoke, tall grass, or poor terrain for any reason.
• Exposed drivers must have full face-protection and all dedicated crew must have head protection.
• All gameplay vehicles must furnish their own stop-watch and flags in their faction color (Green or Blue),as well as yellow and red.
• All armed gameplay vehicles must adhere to the MED of their weapon systems.
• Players under transport must be completely seated and may not hang on the exterior of a vehicle.
• All vehicles must have a working fire extinguisher.

Rule 1 (Approval, Presentation, Classification)

The use of any vehicle on the playing field must be pre-approved by Bear at least two weeks prior to the event. Any field going vehicle must be physically inspected by the game staff prior to participating in the event. All gameplay vehicles must make an effort to mimic a military aesthetic and must adhere to the proper construction guidelines (defined below). We currently recognize the following vehicle classifications:

Personal Utility Vehicles (ATVs):

• • • Personal vehicles approved by game control for use by faction leadership to assist in the transportation of players and supplies to staging areas.
    • These vehicles are NOT to be used in action and may NOT transport live players around the field.
    • Operators must possess a vehicle slip to bring their vehicles on the field.
    • These vehicles CANNOT be used in gameplay and must fly white flags at all times.

Light Fighting Vehicles (Guntrucks, Technicals, SxS):

• • • Vehicles that simulate soft-skinned motorized trucks such as guntrucks and technicals.
    • Light vehicles may have a maximum of 3 gunner positions.
    • All gunners must be exposed from the chest up while firing, and murder holes are not allowed.
    • Only one LMG/SSW is allowed per light vehicle.
    • Anyone hit by a BB must be removed from the vehicle in order to be revived.
    • If a passenger is hit by a BB they are incapacitated the same way they would have been if they were on foot and must follow the same respawn/medic rules.
    • Operators must identify these vehicles with a block-letter “L” somewhere visible to staff/players (Car chalk).

Heavy Fighting Vehicles (Armor):

• • • Vehicles that simulate heavy and tracked vehicles such as tanks and APCs. Legitimate heavy military vehicles fall under this category as do vehicles purpose built to simulate them.
    • Must have a fully constructed 360 top-mounted turret with a hard mounted launcher and 1 mounted coaxial airsoft gun.
    • Heavies may have a single additional “commander’s gun” firing from an EXPOSED position so that the gunner may be eliminated by infantry fire.
    • Must have some kind of “side skirt” to make the vehicle look more “tank like”. Must attempt to emulate a tracked fighting vehicle in design and decoration.
    • Windows are to be up and all buttoned crew must be completely protected from BB strikes with material.
    • Embarked passengers may not fire from heavies.
    • If a crewman is buttoned (turned in) and protected from fire by material that player may not be eliminated by BB strike.
    • Any crewman unbuttoned (turned out) and exposed through a hatch or cupola may be eliminated by a BB strike. Any live player that is “peeking” above material may be eliminated with a BB strike.
    • Heavy fighting vehicles may leave maintained roads and trails with a walking guide and clear visibility.
    • Heavies may be restricted to certain areas to prevent overshooting and safety hazards.
    • Operators must provide a second yellow flag for their turret and identify these vehicles with a block “H” letter somewhere visible to staff/players (Car chalk).

Rule 2 (Vehicle Eliminations)

All game-play vehicles must provide a stop-watch and any required flagging to participate. Flagging codes are defined as:

• • YELLOW – DISABLED
  • RED – ELIMINATED

While a crew, walking guide, or anti-vehicle player is confirming a projectile hit the vehicle in question is a non-combatant until the hit is confirmed and cannot engage/be engaged.

Light Fighting Vehicle Eliminations

One hit from an anti-vehicle projectile disables a light vehicle. The driver must bring the vehicle to a stop as safely as possible. All crew members and passengers are still alive and may dismount the vehicle. Vehicle crew must raise a yellow flag to display that it has been disabled.

A second hit from an anti-vehicle projectile destroys a light vehicle. Any crew or passengers remaining within the vehicle are immediately eliminated and cannot be revived by a medic. Vehicle crew must raise a red flag to display that the vehicle has been destroyed and return to its designated staging to await respawn.

Vehicles may be forcibly respawned or repaired through the activation of a logistics card by their faction command and engineers.

If the driver is hit, everyone is hit and cannot be revived by a medic.  All players inside the vehicle must return to respawn in the vehicle.

Heavy Fighting Vehicle Eliminations

One hit from an anti-vehicle projectile disables a heavy. The driver must bring the vehicle to a stop as safely as possible. All crew members and passengers are still alive and may dismount the vehicle. Vehicle crew must raise a yellow flag to display that it has been disabled.

A second hit from an anti-vehicle projectile disables a heavy’s turret and restricts the vehicle to a single “commander’s gun”. The vehicle must raise an additional yellow flag from their turret.

A third hit from an anti-vehicle projectile destroys a heavy. Any crew or passengers remaining within the vehicle are immediately eliminated and cannot be revived by a medic. Vehicle crew must raise a red flag to display that the vehicle has been destroyed and return to its designated staging area to await respawn.

Vehicles may be forcibly respawned or repaired through the activation of a logistics card by their faction command and engineers.

Rule 3 (Launchers, Projectiles, Anti-Vehicle Players)

All gameplay vehicles may only be eliminated by approved projectiles from pre-approved launchers that must be inspected and tagged by game control before play.

All anti-vehicle players must have a yellow cloth to use to flag-down an unaware eliminated vehicle. While flying their yellow cloth they are a non-combatant.

After notifying a vehicle of a hit an anti-vehicle player must return to their original approximate area of play before going live again.

Rockets

Only foam projectiles may be used in Launchers with the exception of TAGinn FOAM/CHALK projectiles.

NO HARD PLASTIC OR TAGINN PECKER ROUNDS.

BB shells (such as Masterkey rounds) for launchers are allowed outside of buildings and with a 50 foot Minimum Engagement Distance.

All launchers and projectiles are subject to review by event staff.

Rule 4 (Tank Referees/Walking guides)

All combat vehicles must provide a dedicated tank referee also called a walking guide or tank walker. These persons are comped and must be marked down on a crew roster at check-in.

If at any time a gameplay-vehicle leaves a maintained road or is operating near players, that vehicle should deploy a walking guide.

If at any time the vehicle is engaged/engaging other vehicles or players a walking guide should be deployed to maintain safety and accountability.

Walking guides must be high-visibility and cannot be eliminated. Walking guides must stay within close proximity of their vehicle to allow it to move and may carry shields to protect themselves from fire.

Walking guides must:

Prevent their vehicle from traveling in an unsafe direction.

Call their vehicle out if hit with an anti-vehicle projectile or mine.

Flag down unaware vehicles that have been hit with an anti-vehicle projectile.

Walking guides must keep all players 5 feet from the vehicle while in motion.

Maintain comms with their vehicle’s driver to ensure safety.

Walking guides CANNOT assist their vehicle in engaging the enemy by marking targets or acting unsportsmanlike. Walking guides are expected to be truthful and fair and disciplinary action will be taken against a vehicle as a whole if a walking guide does not adhere to these guidelines.

Rule 5 (Accountability, Game Control, Radios, Vehicle Caps, Ref. Photos)

The commander of a vehicle is responsible for the conduct of their crew. Drivers must be of legal age with valid drivers licenses. All crew are required to be listed on a tank form at check in or prior to the event. All vehicles must have some kind of liability insurance, proof of insurance must be shown to the organizers at check-in.

If a vehicle is disrupting game flow in a way that hinders the majority of players from having a good time, game control reserves the right to ask the vehicle to alter its behaviour. Vehicles are not permitted to “dogpile” an area on the field.

Radios are required and spare radios may be issued to vehicles by game control. Any radio equipment loaned must be returned to game control at the end of the week. Vehicle commanders should plan on having a dedicated radio install and antenna if possible.