All weapons must be inspected before each game session or battle day. Unsafe weapons or gear will not be allowed on the field—no exceptions. 

To ensure the safety of everyone and for everyone to enjoy their time.

✅ INSPECTION OVERVIEW

Category

Pass/Fail Criteria

Safety First

• No exposed core, rigid surfaces, or unsafe modifications

Soft Strike Zones

Must use foam latex, closed-cell foam, or equivalent

Tip Compression

• Weapon tips must compress safely under pressure

Secure Construction

• No loose parts or wobbly attachments

Thrust-Safe

• Thrusting tips must be padded, compressible, and secure

Weight Balance

• Not overly heavy or unbalanced—safe for light-touch play

Grip/Handle

• No hard knobs or edges that could injure hands

Covering/Coating

• Foam must be sealed (tape/latex/rubber) and show no cracks or damage

Blade Edges

• Edges must be soft enough not to leave welts/bruising on contact

Polearms/Spears

• Special scrutiny for leverage, thrust safety, and control

Shields

• Padded edges, no hard rims or bolts, must not be used offensively unless specifically allowed

Thrown Weapons

• Soft foam, safe to throw, no hard cores or loose seams

Projectile Weapons

• Approved LARP-safe bows (poundage limits apply), with blunt-tipped foam arrows only

Other Props (e.g. claws, staves, axes)

• Treated as melee or off-hand weapons—same standards apply

⚠️ WEAPONS THAT AUTOMATICALLY FAIL

• PVC pipe with minimal padding

• Wooden or metal core weapons without full LARP-safe padding

• Latex weapons with exposed cores or cracked foam

• DIY gear using nails, screws, or hard internal structure without proper foam and sealing

• Throwable props with hard centers (rocks, glass bottle props, etc.)

• “Cosplay-only” foam weapons that are rigid or fragile

🧰 STAFF SAFETY PROTOCOLS

1. Inspection Station

• Weapons must be inspected at the start of every event or battle day.

• Mark each approved weapon with colored tape, zip tie, or sticker for that day.

• Record the player name and approved gear for accountability.

2. On-Site Fail Protocol

• If a weapon fails inspection:

  • • Explain the issue respectfully.

    • Offer advice or fix suggestions if possible.

    • Do not allow the item on the battlefield until repaired and rechecked.

3. Mid-Event Spot Checks

• Staff may recheck weapons mid-game if:

  • • Complaints are raised

    • Weapons are seen used unsafely

    • Weapons show new damage

4. Weapon-Related Injury

• Immediately call a HOLD

• Administer first aid

• Confiscate the weapon for review

• Investigate cause, with logs/photos if necessary

• If a player repeatedly uses unsafe weapons or techniques, enforce escalating consequences (warning → suspension → ban)

🧙 GENERAL PLAYER SAFETY GUIDELINES

• Check Your Weapon Before Every Fight

• If you drop your weapon hard or notice damage, stop using it immediately.

• Never intentionally use your weapon in an unsafe way—this is grounds for removal.

• Use lightest touch at all times. Pull your shots.

• Respect your opponent’s safety and boundaries—check in after any intense contact.

⚔️ OPTIONAL: DAMAGE SCALE GUIDE (for testers)

Use this during inspections to assess edge safety:

• Grade A: Soft, no pain even with firm hit.

• Grade B: Acceptable with light touch only.

• Grade C: Reject. Too firm or risky to use.