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Laser Skirmish FAQ

 

Select a question below to a see the answers to our frequently asked questions.
1. What is Laser Skirmish?
2. Who can play Laser Skirmish?
3. How do the weapons work exactly?
4. How many referees will you have to run the games?
5. How safe is it?
6. I am not keen on kids shooting each other, and playing war games - I am worried it will encourage violence.
7. Do your staff have experience with children?
8. What happens when I get there?
9. What do I wear/bring?
10. Are there any hidden costs, such as having to buy extra ammo?
11. What happens if it is raining?
12. Do you get bruised?

1. What is Laser Skirmish?
Laser Skirmish is a revolutionary new outdoor, team-based combat game. Laser Skirmish is a live computer game. Players also get the opportunity to use a variety of phasers. Our missions are designed to encourage kids to work together as a team. Missions may have a military or extra terrestrial or 'sci-fi' theme. Depending on the battlefield venue, missions are played in either woodlands or urban settings, for example around buildings, rainforest or in a huge pavilion/warehouse. Our gaming guns vary in size, weight, ammo allowance and shooting range. Gamers shoot an invisible and harmless infrared beam like your TV remote control. The sound effects are realistic so you know when you have been shot or dying and the highly intelligent software in our weapons will ensure no cheating takes place! We have a big arsenal so you can select your weapon from a compact SMG, to a mid-sized carbine, to the monster sniper rifles.

2. Who can play Laser Skirmish?
Laser Skirmish is designed for primary school students and their parents. Army cadets, scouts, boys' brigade, girl guides, air cadets, youth clubs, schools, sports team have all enjoyed Laser Skirmish. Laser Skirmish has no age limits, but we recommend 7 years and up. Often families like to play too - including Grandpa! Fitness levels are not a major issue as everyone can play to a level that they find comfortable. We have different sized weapons to choose from so we match you up accordingly.

3. How do the weapons work?
There is no paint, no mess, and no projectiles, so you can be sure that your kids are playing in safety. The game system has been built around a safe, robust and reliable high-tech infrared weapons made by Battlefield Sports. Our weapons are formidable because they are made of metal so they look cool. Our small guns are highly maneuverable. With an effective range in excess of 150 meters, realistic digitized sounds and multiple modes of fire this is technology with attitude! We have a selection of guns for use. The guns we use include: Spitfires, Scorpions, Commando Carbines, Pulse rifles and Morita Sniper Rifles. The size and weight of weapon issued to you will depend on your age/size/fitness etc and will be evened up across the competing teams to make it balanced. The kit is the best available on the market. We also have Claymore Mines for ambushing your enemy with. You'll love their sound effects!

4. How many referees will you have to run the games?
Typically have one referee per team (there are usually 2 teams) plus a Session Manager. We increase staff numbers for larger groups. We ask youth leaders or parents to accompany younger players for additional security and to join in the game. Adults love Laser Skirmish as much as the kids do! We ensure that our referees running youth events have either all have Blue Cards (where required) or are in the process of applying for one.

5. How safe is it?
There are no projectiles so there is no pain and no bruises to worry about. The risks to players are only the same as to anyone playing outdoors, (e.g. trip hazards, low branches, stings etc). We run a Mission Briefing before the game starts and it is the responsibility of every player to adhere to the rules, for their own safety. We cannot guarantee an accident won't happen but we can guarantee that we do everything we can to minimize the risks. And if an accident does happen, our trained staff will be on hand.

6. I am not keen on kids shooting each other, and playing war games - I am worried it will encourage violence.
Laser Skirmish is a fun outdoors sport that kids really enjoy, and we find that kids benefit from the exercise and outdoors experience, rather than sitting indoors, shooting each other in computer games. In a Laser Skirmish environment we do not tolerate violence or foul play. It's a non contact sport. Secondly, and most importantly, it is a team building game - there is no individual scoring. Teams must plan and work together which is a real bonding experience. The kids that leave Laser Skirmish leave with huge grins - not pent up aggression or frustration.

7. Do your staff have experience with children?
Yes. We believe in having fun but doing it safely. Our referees have various backgrounds from Outside Hours School Care workers to former Marines and of course some of them are Mums and Dads themselves! They are big kids themselves and some of them are 40+ !!! We would never staff an event with someone who doesn't get on with kids and who wasn't mature enough at the same time to handle the responsibility.

8. What happens when I get there?
Your party will be welcomed by our very professional team. First, you register for the number of missions you'd like to play (minimum 2 hours). Then you can rent the optional camouflage gear. Next your Session Manager will give players a Mission Briefing, he or she will go through the various scenarios and games you will play. Just before your deployment you will be issued with your weapon. Once you are at your base with your team, your referee will activate your weapon. During your sessions, you will play several different games and scenarios. On your return to the armoury bags will be provided to return dirty hats and outfits.

9. What do I wear/bring?
If you plan to hire our camo then we recommend that you wear t-shirt and shorts so you can pop the coveralls over the top. You are welcome to wear your own fatigues, if you have them. But everyone must wear long trousers (such as jeans) past their ankles. Also everyone must wear covered footwear. If you have hiking boots wear them, if not runners are okay. You should, of course, try to keep to camouflage or neutral tones, so that it's not too easy for your enemy to spot you! We insist players do not roll up trouser legs and sleeves as they can get stung, splinters, cuts etc. I've seen one player come in a bright orange sweat-shirt, needless to say he was a good target! Missions can be very hot and sweaty because the adrenalin really gets going. You may wish to bring sun-cream in warm weather. It's very important to remember to bring your Membership Forms, signed by the parent or guardian of each player. Unfortunately without them, players will not be able to take part. You might also want to be bring a water-bottle, we provide water for free, so you can re-fill when required. You may wish to bring some money with you too, as we sell chocolates, drinks, etc. in our Quartermaster's store. We also sell combat BDUs etc (you will need to pre-order). Don't bring flashy jewellery or lots of bling; it might give away your position. Laser Skirmish will not be responsible for any loss, theft or accident to players or their property.

10. Are there any hidden costs, such as having to buy extra ammo?
No! Your referee will load up your gun with enough lives to get you through your game. Laser Skirmish provides players with everything they need for the event, and unlike paintball, all the necessary ammunition is included in the price.

11. What happens if it is raining?
We play in all types of weather (rain or shine); however we do recommend that you bring a change of clothing with you. In fact we have been told that the kids love it when it trains because it is more authentic. Our guns are water resistant. If it rains, we can provide waterproof ponchos. We will stop play if there is an electric storm for safety reasons and wait to the storm passes over.

12. Do you get bruised?
Our guns emit infrared, just like your TV remote. So the beam of light is invisible and harmless. So their are no bruises from being hit. No pain, just a lot of fun.

 

 

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The Laser Skirmish is part of a string of battlefields across Australia and the UK. Email us today to find out where your closest battlefield is info@laserskirmish.com