The Lazer Tag Code of Conduct…

Rule 1: Lazer Tag is a Noncontact Sport

Any intentional contact is unpardonable. Any accidental contact requires immediate warnings to both Lazer Tag Sportsmen to be more careful, with further physical contact subject to immediate censure. No grabbing, holding or pushing of players, non-players, their equipment or their clothes. If someone is hurt, the game stops immediately and responsible assistance should be given. Players should maintain a minimum of 5 feet from their opponents and their equipment.

Rule 2: Sensors Must be Visible

Preventing a Lazer Tag beam from tagging a sensor is dishonorable. In the course of a game when a sensor is blocked, any player is allowed to yell, "Sensor!" If the player whose sensor is blocked is not in a duel with someone else, he is obliged to either run away or move to better show his sensor. Some game players allow for the sensor to be partially hidden for a short period of time.

There is ZERO TOLERANCE for intentional cheating. This is defined as any intentional attempt to cover the IR-tag receivers with your body or clothing or that of another person. Other forms of cheating include going beyond the boundaries of the play area and hiding in an area where only the nose of your gun is exposed. “Blind fire” or firing with only the gun exposed is forbidden. Repeat cheaters will be asked to leave.

Rule 3: Sensors Must be Audible

Masking the sound of a sensor or tagger in any way is dishonorable. Unless equipped with a mute button, the sensor indicator should always be free to emit its loudest tones.

Rule 4: Equipment Failure Means Disqualification

Lazer Tag equipment can fail in the course of a contest (usually because of low battery power, or the battery compartment opening up). In this event, the Lazer Tag Sportsman with the equipment failure is out of the contest. Each contestant is expected to check his equipment thoroughly before starting to play and any failure during the game, although regrettable, means that the player must return to the DEADZONE until the next game.
 

If equipment is provided by the game host, the player with the faulty equipment receives an automatic time-out while obtaining a replacement. If time permits.

Some games will allow the player to rejoin the game once the set has been “shot” down to where it was before the failure. In other words if you had only three tags left and your set failed, once you were reset, you would be “shot” down to 3 tags again.

Rule 5: Sensors Must be Attached

A sensor that fails or is pulled off must be put back on immediately. While the sensor is not worn, the player is not allowed to use his weapon. If the sensor malfunctions, the player must take himself out of the contest.

Rule 6: Sensors Must be Activated at All Times

At times during the heat of normal Lazer Tag contests, it could happen that a sensor is not turned on or gets reset. If this is discovered, that Lazer Tag Sportsman must take himself out of the contest immediately.

Rule 7: Be Responsible

It is the responsibility of the player to conduct themselves in a proper and safe manner. Stretching at the beginning of each meet is required. Laser Tag is a vigorous game and all good athletes stretch their muscles before a workout. This improves their game and helps prevent injury.

Guns (Taggers), props or other items are never to be waved around in a way that might hit another player.

Before the fun starts, players will take garbage bags and walk through the play area to pick up litter. Hazards such as broken bottles, torn cans and boards with nails should be removed to prevent game injuries. Trip hazards like large sticks should be moved to the side of paths. This action also shows we care about the beauty of the parks and encourages park authorities to let us come back in the future.

After the game, please make sure you take everything you brought with you, home. This includes the trash of the day.

Damage to the parks and fields we play in can be avoided and are preventable. This includes defecating or urinating anyplace other than an outhouse or restroom. This also includes but is not limited to: climbing on, moving or altering the trees, buildings, tables or other equipment not belonging to the group.

Rule 8: Lazer Tag Sportsmen are Honorable

No matter what a person is like away from the games, when he puts on the Lazer Tag equipment he is to be treated with respect and honor. Lazer Tag Sportsmen never lie, cheat, or take advantage of a fallen foe. What starts of the field, stays on the field.

We accept players of any race, sex, religion, and walk of life. Discrimination just isn't acceptable in our society. People with bad attitudes, who are irresponsible or disrespectful to other people, property or the environment will be asked to leave.

There is no place for sexually oriented conversations or actions in tag. There is also no room for name calling or practical jokes. This is a clean, respectable sport and we plan to keep it that way.

No camouflage clothing in public. We don't want to look like paramilitary fanatics. No pointing guns in the direction of non-players. If a non-player is between you and your opponent, then find a new opponent to tag. Smiling and talking to non-players assures them that you're friendly and this will encourage them to join the fun. Give the right of way to non-players. Never forget that it is a privilege to play tag in public and that others have as much right to be there as you. Also, it only takes one complaint to get your whole group kicked out. Never use non-players or tagged-out players as shields. No swearing. Keep your language clean and appropriate to those overhearing your conversation.

Rule 9: Lazer Tag Is a Game

Players must always remember that Lazer Tag is only a game. It is designed so everyone can have fun. If a player gets angry, exhausted, or bitter, he should stop playing until he cools off. Not having fun is against the code. The most important thing is to have fun, but be careful.

Rule 10: Injuries can happen

If injured, yell "MEDIC!" The phrase "Help me, guys" just doesn't work. Any time a player is potentially injured, the game is stopped so immediate care can be given or called for as needed.

Rule 11: Getting tagged out

Pirates would say “dead men tell no tales!”. Well the same holds true for the game of tag. The dead do not talk. They walk silently to the graveyard and wait for the next game. When you are tagged out, you will stand and walk quickly back to the DEADZONE with your tagger held high. This informs other players that you are out. Do not talk to anyone or make any communication to active players about the game, until you are back at the DEADZONE.

Rule 12: Procedures for gameplay…

Dropping Out

During the course of a game a Lazer Tag Player may want to drop out, or be forced to drop out because his sensor has been tagged out. If you want or need to drop out of the game, put your weapon in its holster or over your head, hold both hands over your head, and shout, "I'm out!" Anyone leaving the playing area with his hands in the air is finished playing that game and should never be tagged or blocked by other players.

Bystanders

People who are watching the game but not playing should not become tools for players to hide behind or be used in any other manner. This is especially important with people who come by and don't know you are playing with Lazer Tag equipment. The sight of someone aiming what appears to be a weapon could cause non-players to become alarmed. A little courtesy to outsiders is appreciated and is much safer as well. If in the event an officer of the law, or other official makes the scene, it is to your advantage to holster or place the gun down and keep your hands visible. Listen to instructions.

Rule 13: Lazer Tag Is a Team Sport

Although Lazer Tag Sportsmen can be highly competitive individually, they must always consider the success of the team first. Players always win and lost as a team, not as individuals. A team does not win because one person does well nor does it lose because one person does badly. Win or lose, the team is a unit.