Airsoft and military simulation (milsim) games are full of rules. Some of them have dozens of pages of restrictions and regulations. They're valuable, but they're hard to remember when the intensity ramps up. The other challenge with rules is they can limit creative solutions to problems. We find those innovative solutions are where some of the best experiences can found.
While Blackline has its own set of rules, we strive to keep them simple. Outside of those restrictions, we ask our players to gauge any action they're going to take against our three principles. The principles allow for maximum flexibility but ensure we maintain a safe, respectful, and fair environment.
SAFETY
Safety is the first principle, and it's also the most important. We strive to create a safe environment for the players. In return, we expect our participants to prioritize safety in their behaviour. We ask that players do not take any actions they feel are unsafe, and we ask that they call out risky activities when they see them. Everyone has the responsibility to opt-out of something they don't think is safe enough for them. Here are a few examples of how you'll see safety manifest itself at our events.
Letting someone know they're getting close to the edge of a cliff or rooftop.
Keeping eye protection on at all times, and reminding others if their eye protection comes off.
Handling airsoft guns as if they were real firearms (pointing them in safe directions, fingers off triggers).
Checking restraints on a prisoner to make sure they're not too tight.
RESPECT
Respect is a bit more challenging for new players to understand, but it is just as important as safety. Respect means treating all people, property, and rules with care and consideration. Even while role-playing or during part or an intense tactical scenario, respect is critical. Respect includes:
Understand that 'NO' means 'NO' and respecting that when someone asks not to be touched or restrained, you comply with their request.
Provide feedback and safety information constructively. Assume comments are not malicious.
Respecting an individuals comfort level and limits with how far a search of their person or property can go
Ensuring you respect the property that events are taking place on by cleaning up trash and preventing damage to the facilities
Respect for the belongings of other players by not touching or taking anything without permission; by treating all of their property with the same respect you have for your own.
Adhering to the event rules such as the medical simulations (MEDSIM) rules, weapons restrictions, and safety protocols put in place
SPIRIT OF THE GAME
With our Safety and Respect principles comes a trust that these two principles will not get abused. That's where Spirit of the Game comes into play. Spirit of the Game means you won't use safety or respect to gain an advantage within the event. It also means you'll commit to the scenario and the environment of the event. Here are a few good examples of how to live the Spirit of the Game principle.
You won't hide weapons or information on yourself in a place you don't want to be searched.
You won't put essential event items in areas that are unsafe to get to
You won't dismiss the scenario or mission you're assigned to do something else
With these three principles, we can open up a lot of opportunities for new experiences and creative solutions.