Standards

Field Standards

Airsoft fields are the heart of the community where players gather to enjoy the sport safely and responsibly. To maintain a welcoming and professional environment, all AFSO-affiliated fields must adhere to the following standards:

1. Safety Protocols and Equipment

  • Eye Protection: All players must wear eye protection that meets ANSI Z87+ standards, providing a full seal around the face to prevent debris or BBs from entering. Eye protection must also include a retention strap to keep the equipment securely in place during gameplay.
  • Face Protection: A hard lower face mask is required for all participants under 18 years of age. Adult players are encouraged to wear additional face protection for optimal safety.
  • Barrel Bags: All players must use barrel bags on their airsoft guns while in the staging area to ensure safe handling of equipment.
  • Velocity and Engagement Requirements: All airsoft guns must meet the following joule energy rating standards to ensure safe gameplay across various field zones and player roles:
    • Rifleman: 1.5 Joules and below. No full auto in buildings, CQB (Close Quarters Battle), or within 10 feet of other players. No minimum engagement distance.
    • DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle): 1.5 - 2 Joules. Semi-auto only, must be equipped with a magnified optic, and requires a minimum engagement distance of 75 feet. Not allowed in CQB areas.
    • Sniper: 2 - 3 Joules. Bolt-action only, must be equipped with a magnified optic, and requires a minimum engagement distance of 100 feet. Not allowed in CQB areas.
  • Pre-Game and Post-Game Briefings: Conduct mandatory briefings before and after each game to review safety protocols, gameplay rules, and emergency procedures.

2. Field Maintenance, Staging Area, and Cleanliness

  • Designated Staging Area: There must be a protected staging area, separated from the playing fields, where players can safely remove their goggles.
    • Rule Board: A rule board with all published rules must be placed in the staging area for players to review prior to gameplay.
    • Barrier Requirements: If fields are adjacent to the staging area, a barrier at least 12 feet tall must be in place. If no barrier exists, there must be a minimum distance of 200 feet between the staging area and the nearest playable field.
  • Daily Field Inspection: The field must be inspected each day before play begins to ensure all structures and obstacles are secure.
  • Cleanliness and Waste Management: The field must be kept clean, with designated waste and recycling bins provided.

3. Trained Staff and Referees

  • Qualified Referees and Staff: Employ trained referees and staff who are prepared to manage safety incidents and consistently enforce rules.
  • Staff Training Areas: Staff must be trained in:
    • Safety Briefings: Conducting effective safety briefings.
    • Game Management: Managing gameplay flow and enforcing rules.
    • Abnormal and Emergency Operations: Managing unexpected situations with structured responses.
  • Ongoing Staff Training: Provide continuous training to keep staff up-to-date on best practices.

4. Clear Incident Reporting Process

  • Incident Documentation: Implement a standardized incident reporting system to document any injuries, safety breaches, or equipment malfunctions.
  • Incident Awareness: Ensure that all staff and players are aware of the procedure for reporting incidents.
  • Incident Review: All incident reports must be reviewed monthly to determine appropriate courses of action.

5. Rental Equipment

Fields must agree to provide the following equipment for rent to ensure that all players have access to necessary gear:

  • Airsoft Guns: Rifles or pistols suitable for gameplay.
  • Protective Gear: Goggles and face masks that meet the required safety standards.
  • Barrel Bags: Barrel bags for airsoft guns.
  • Team Identification Bands: Easily visible team identification bands.

Store Standards

Airsoft retail stores play a crucial role in the airsoft community, providing players with high-quality gear, expert advice, and essential services. To maintain these standards, AFSO-affiliated stores are expected to meet specific requirements.

1. Store Requirements

  • Physical or Online Presence: Must have a physical brick-and-mortar location, a dedicated website, or both.
  • Exclusion of Third-Party Marketplaces: Stores that operate solely through third-party marketplaces (such as Amazon or eBay) are not eligible for affiliation.

2. Pricing and Advertising

Retailers agree to adhere to all Minimum Advertised Pricing (MAP) requirements as defined by the distributor. Compliance with MAP ensures fair competition across retailers and helps to protect the profit margins needed for sustainable operations.

3. Inventory Requirements

Retailers must maintain a physical inventory that includes essential airsoft products to support the needs of the community. Required inventory includes:

  • Airsoft Guns: A selection of airsoft guns to accommodate various player preferences.
  • BBs: Stock of BBs in multiple weights and quantities.
  • CO2 and Green Gas: Sufficient supplies of CO2 cartridges and green gas for airsoft guns.
  • Protective Gear: A range of protective gear, including eye and face protection, to ensure player safety.

4. Repairs and Maintenance

Stores must offer at least one level of on-site airsoft gun maintenance and repair services to meet customer needs. The levels of service are as follows:

  • Level 1 - Basic Diagnosis and Repairs: Basic inspection and diagnosis, with minor repairs to resolve common issues.
  • Level 2 - Gearbox and Internal Repair/Upgrade: Comprehensive work on the gearbox and internal components, including upgrades to improve performance.
  • Level 3 - Full Customizations: Advanced customization services, allowing players to fully personalize their airsoft guns with unique components and configurations.

Legal Compliance: No illegal modifications of airsoft guns will be performed. All repairs and customizations must comply with federal and local laws governing airsoft equipment where the work is conducted.

Distributor Standards

Distributors are responsible for supplying the airsoft community with high-quality products and supporting the retail and field operators who rely on their services. AFSO-affiliated distributors must meet the following standards to uphold industry integrity:

1. Fair Pricing and Support

  • Pricing Margins: Airsoft guns must have a minimum 30% profit margin, accessories must have a 40% margin, and BBs must offer a 50% margin.
  • MAP Pricing Protection: Products must be protected by logical MAP pricing that maximizes margin opportunities where possible.
  • Customer Support: Provide responsive customer support, including technical assistance and troubleshooting for all distributed products.

2. Commitment to Product Quality and Safety

  • Quality Assurance: Work with reputable manufacturers and perform quality checks to ensure that all products meet performance and safety standards.
  • Communication: Stay informed of recalls, safety issues, or product improvements, and promptly update retailers.

3. Seamless Product Support and RMA Process

  • RMA System: Implement a streamlined RMA system for handling product returns, repairs, and replacements.
  • Accessible RMA Portal: Provide retailers and field operators with access to an online RMA portal or dedicated support line for initiating requests quickly.

4. Avoid Direct Competition with Retailers

  • Retail Channel Policy: If selling through retail outlets or platforms like Amazon, distributors must adhere to MAP pricing, with Amazon sales at a rate above MAP.
  • Fair Competition: Airsoft guns must be priced at $10 over MAP or 10% above MAP on Amazon, whichever is less.

5. Timely and Reliable Distribution

  • Inventory Management: Maintain reliable inventory levels to prevent supply shortages.
  • Transparency: Communicate clearly about product availability, backorders, and shipping timelines.