SAFETY GUIDES’ GUIDE TO PHYSREP INSPECTION AND TAGGING

Physical Representation Tagging

All weapons, Shields, Firearms, Armor and other Phys Rep must come to the Public Works/Post Office before going into play. The weapon, shields, etc should be checked for safety and the item card that accompanies the Phys Rep must be presented. Once the Phys Rep is confirmed for safety and card legitimacy, a paper/fabric wrist band is attached. It can be attached anywhere on the Phys Rep, so long as it does not interfere with use or holding. If an item is upgraded or the tag falls off or if a different card is being used for a previously tagged Phys Rep, it must be brought to public works/post to have a new tag put on.

Color/pattern coding is as follows:

  • White: Starter (uncarded)

  • Green: Basic level

  • Yellow: Proficient level

  • Red: Master level

  • Black: non striking or shooting Phys Rep

  • Pink: Game owned weapons, borrowed from Ops

Written on tag, in spaces provided:

Player number (to confirm ownership)

Guide number and initials (to confirm passed safety check)

 Guide Weapon Test

 When someone brings a weapon to public works/post, ask to see the weapon card that they wish to use if they are using one. Then complete the following weapon check. While conducting the test please explain what you are doing and looking at during the weapon test. If you have any questions ask a fellow safety/post guide.

  • Feel the weapon using light pressure to compress the foam enough to check if the core is suffectly padded. You should not be able to feel any core along any area that may come in contact with a player. If any core is felt the weapon immediately fails.  

  • Weapons should have some kind of  pommel, i.e. a foam cap on the handle side of the weapon that prevents the core from unintentionally hitting a player.

  • Using the weapon, strike yourself 3 times in the row simulating a safe and legal flurry. If it hurts or is able to be felt 20 - 30 seconds  after the strike the foam is either too hard or soft and should be failed. 

  • If a weapon has any loops, strings or other items that can cause an entanglement hazard these need to be removed.

  • Inspect the weapon for any signs of damage i.e cracks, foam coming apart, or other damage that can affect the safety of the weapon.

Safety Check for Melee Weapons 

When a prop is brought to logistics, verify the weapon card that they wish to use if they are using one, and proceed with a safety check. 

While conducting the check, explain to the player what you are checking for, and what you’re doing, as a customer service courtesy. 

If you have any need for a second opinion, ask a fellow safety or logistics guide. The procedure for a melee prop safety check is as follows: 

● Use light pressure to compress the foam to check if the core is suffectly padded. You should not be able to feel any core along any striking edge that may come in contact with a player. If any core is felt the melee prop fails. 

● Weapons should have a padded pommel on the bottom of the handle (if applicable.) This should be between ½”-1” of foam padding to prevent a player being hurt on an accidental backswing. If the pommel is hard, the melee prop fails. 

● Using the weapon, strike yourself 3 times in the row simulating a safe and legal flurry. If it hurts or is able to be felt 20 - 30 seconds after the strike, the foam is too hard. If the weapon is too dense, it fails. 

● If a weapon has any loops, large strings or other items that can easily cause an entanglement hazard they need to be removed before use. 

● Inspect the weapon for any signs of extreme damage. This could come in the form of a death rattle (the foam becoming detached from the core.), exposed core, prominent physical damage that hurts the integrity of the prop, or other common factors. If the prop has damage that makes the weapon unsafe for use, the melee prop fails. 

Safety Check for Shields 

Shields should be designed with foam padded edges to ensure that not only are players safe, but also the foam props that hit them. 

The safety check procedure for shields is as follows: 

● Feel along the edge of the shield. The foam should be in good condition and not breaking down. You should not be able to feel the edge of the core. 

● Check the front or face of the shield should be free of any non-contact safe protrusions that can damage people or props. 

● Ensure that the core is foam, plastic or wood. 

● Check to see if the shield is sufficiently resilient regarding bending and flexing under normal combat conditions by providing light pressure.

Safety Check for Armor 

Armor should be made in such a way that it does not cause damage to any weapons or people from contact. 

● Armor should not have any metal spikes or other protrusions that can cause harm to a person or prop. 

● Armor should not have any sharp edges. 

● Armor should not cause significant harm to self or others if the wearer were to fall. 

Safety Check for Foam Blasters 

● Foam blasters should undergo a brief triple-checked chronograph test before receiving a safety tag. 

● Each blaster should undergo 3 shots through a chronograph each measuring 120 or less Feet per Second as per the Chronograph. 

● Any internal modifications should be declared by the blaster prop owner, and are subject to a local branch’s approval and review. 

● Blasters should have the option to be, or by default be, semi-automatic. (One trigger pull, one projectile.)