The following rules are based on our past experience from Operation IRENE, our CQB-focused event. These serve as a general guideline on all LC CQB-focused events, however, some rules may vary based on the actual AO/event.
CQB-FOCUSED ops are not always held at Zussman. The term Zussman is used here as a GENERAL AO term, not necessarily the actual event site.
Below are guidelines for the Base Camp and the AO's. Please observe these simple rules. We have kept them to the absolute minimum possible while insuring safety and are trusting to the common sense of our professional players. The decisions of the staff are subject to review only by the event organizer, John Lu.
A "primitive" campsite/base camp will be set up where you may camp and stage. There will be no electricity or water at this site, be sure to bring whatever you will need for the weekend with you if you are camping. We will have portable lighting and toilets available on site, as well as a food vendor available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Sat. and breakfast and lunch on Sunday.
1.1 Fires - Personal campfires WILL NOT be allowed. You are welcome to use propane stoves or grills and charcoal for cooking, but no open flames on the ground on site, please.
1.2 Smoking - Smokers are requested to take care where and how they discard their cigarettes. Field strip your butts or discard them in a coffee can in sand, etc... None of us want the Op to be interrupted by fire caused by someone carelessly discarding a cigarette.
1.3 Base Camp Weapons Safety - All long arms must be carried on the sling (if on one) wherever possible with magazines out and muzzles down. Side arms must be holstered. No horseplay will be tolerated with weapons! Offenders may be asked to leave the Op. Treat your weapon like it was real steel. No firing of weapons is allowed in the base camp at any time. AD's (accidental discharges) not the result of a weapon malfunction will be dealt with harshly with possible point penalties or other actions. Designated areas at or near the Chronograph stations will be assigned for weapons testing. Those areas (excluding the Chronograph stations) are the only areas near base camp where weapons may be discharged and this rule will be aggressively enforced. Use those areas. If in doubt where to shoot, contact a staff member.
1.4 Noise curfew in camp after 2300 each night. You don't have to go to bed after 2300 but let's respect your neighbors' privacy, please. Generators for RV's and power will be allowed, but please use some sort of noise abatement screen around it (a 3 or 4 sided plywood box or the like surrounding your generator will decrease the noise to an acceptable level).
1.5 Check-In Guidelines - Here are the simple procedures for checking into events:
1.5.1 Personal vehicles are allowed on site. Extra parking is usually available a short distance away as well. Vehicles will stop at the base entrance gate and photo I.D.'s will be checked on all occupants of the vehicle by uniformed DoD personnel (if on a military installation). All personnel in the vehicle will be required to show identification that matches their name on the registration list. Any unregistered parties coming with you to the Op MUST be pre-approved by the event organizer, John Lu. Unregistered parties or those not previously approved and on the list will not be admitted, period. Please do not spoil your event by attempting to bring unregistered parties into the facility. This is your event, for which you have paid. Any registration disputes are subject to the arbitration of the event organizer. After gate check-in you will be directed to proceed to the Event Check-in Station at the base camp/campground (where it will be noted you have arrived). From there, you will be directed to the area you may set up camp. You MUST stop at the event check-in station or come back to it after parking to let us know you have arrived. You will NOT be allowed to recon/walk over the AO until you have checked in. FOLLOW ANY POSTED SPEED LIMITS on base. They ARE ENFORCED!!
1.5.2 Patches will be issued to all registered attendees. It is a requirement of the event that the patches be on your uniform or your person at all times or within the base camp where you could retrieve it if asked. It serves as an "identity card" of sorts. If for some reason you do not have your patch, i.e. late entry or mail problem, please notify John Lu at least 7 days before the event.
1.6 Equipment found in the base camp or in the AO's will be secured by the staff at the staff/check-in station. Personal equipment found abandoned during a mission will be returned to the owner if possible. Since recovered ordnance, either dropped, lost, or expended may alter the scenario load-outs for teams and change the outcome of a scenario or affect play balance, these items will be secured by the staff if found and returned to their owners after the mission is finished or during meal breaks. Mark your equipment in an easily identifiable way (tag, paint, magic marker, colored yarn, etc.) so that we may reunite the owner with his or her equipment. Come to the Check-in Station after the mission to see if we have found your equipment. If we have the time and the time in the AO allows it, the staff will be happy to help you search for lost equipment. Staff WILL NOT be responsible for lost items, however, and will not make special searches after missions for lost equipment. If we happen to come across something, we will retrieve it and hold it at the check in station until claimed.
1.7 You are responsible for the trash in your camp area. Trash collection areas will be designated. All trash must be disposed of in them. Please keep the area pristine by picking up after yourself and your unit. Trash in the AO's must be packed out for disposal. Leave it like you found it. We want to come back next year.
1.8 Foot patrols or recon by both teams and or players for the purposes of familiarization with the AO's will be allowed on Friday beginning at 2 p.m. AFTER you have checked in. The AO's are OFF LIMITS to POV's (Personally Owned Vehicles). Do not enter the AO's with a vehicle without the permission of the event organizer. AEG's/weapons are not permitted in the AO's on Friday afternoon or night. Violators will be escorted from the event.
1.9 FRS/GMRS radio frequencies will be designated at the event or via chain of command in private forums or other communications before the event. Some freq.'s will be used exclusively by operational staff. Please do not use those frequencies. Your frequencies will be assigned by your chain of command before or at the event.
1.10 No alcohol or illegal substances are allowed on the site, period.
These are pretty simple rules. They can be summed up as:
1. NO FIRES!!!
2. Properly dispose of that cig!
3. In Base Camp - Muzzles Down and Mags Out! Weapons locked and clear! No AD's!
4. Quiet after 2300!
5. Stop at the Gate! Stop when the nice gate security says so and show ID! Keep your game patches on you!
6. Keep track of your equipment!
7. Throw away your trash and police your area!
8. The AO is OFF LIMITS to vehicles!
9. Keep off staff and emergency designated radio frequencies.
10. Have a good time (but without the alcohol ON SITE).
As many sites for Lion Claws events are active training site, there are a few guidelines to be followed during the event.
2.1 If it isn't broken, don't break it (intentionally)...(including doors, furniture, fixtures, lights at night, etc....).
2.2 If it isn't locked, don't lock it....(doors may be closed, but NOT locked, WINDOWS may NOT be closed if present). You MAY NOT physically hold a door shut to keep someone out. Doing so is a rules violation and will earn you a trip back to Regen immediately. Doing so repeatedly will earn you a trip OUT of the scenario and event.
2.3 Many of the doors have locks on them that work, however, you cannot lock them to keep people out. It would not be fair as pyro to blow the locks is not allowed :)
2.4 Anything you find in buildings or outside should stay in the buildings or outside...this should go without saying. You MAY NOT pick up or take any brass, used smoke grenades, flash bangs, etc...that may be found in the AO. In short, DO NOT remove or take anything from the AO that is not part of your or a teammates equipment or part of the scenario. Removing ANY items found in the AO constitutes THEFT and will be dealt with accordingly.
2.5 You may USE anything you find in buildings, chairs, tables, boards, etc...to barricade or help make and set defenses. You can NOT use these things to barricade doors shut however. It would be the same as locking them.
2.6 Most buildings have roof access which you may use. However, keep safety at the forefront while using roofs and access ladders. Access in some buildings is via a metal rung ladder mounted to the side of an elevator shaft. Use utmost care when climbing such ladders in boots and full loadouts, especially if it happens to be raining out that weekend. There are fall mats in the areas under the ladders, DO NOT move them under any circumstances. While on the roofs, do NOT lean over the edges or the walls! Some buildings are 4 and 5 stories high... roofs that do not have walled sides in some cases have posts and chains as barriers. Do NOT cross these barriers! The next step is straight down. The townhouse/condos have attic access, however the attics in them are like the attics in most homes. If you step anywhere but on the rafters/joists, you may fall through the ceiling. Avoid these areas or use utmost care. In ALL cases, SLOW down, take your time, be careful! Do not shoot anyone you catch in a bad situation, i.e. on a ladder, crawling out of a pipe head first, etc... Please use courtesy and the "bang bang" rule, if you have the drop on them in a bad situation such as that, surrender them with a verbal "bang bang you're dead" call. If in that situation, you are compelled to comply.
2.7 The site uses various pyro effects throughout to enhance the experience there. Do not sit, stand, or lay directly on areas that look like they have burned before, then they likely will again at some point. Do not bother pyro control boxes, wiring and banks that you may see located throughout the site. It is possible that the staff may have missed a used smoke grenade, or frag grenade simulator (not the real thing, but can be scary if set off close to you), etc...and you may find one during the event. IF SO, do NOT touch it! Send a message up your chain of command immediately so staff can be notified and come and remove it. Do NOT use smoke indoors. It is a respiratory hazard. Outside usage of smoke is fine, but only "cool burning" smoke (pull ring type, no lighters or fuse types) is allowed on site to prevent a fire hazard. You may pop and throw smoke from inside to outside, but not outside to inside.
2.8 There is normally no real glass in the windows of buildings in CQB training areas although there may be exceptions. Please be careful of broken glass in those areas. You may encounter some glass and sharp metal here and there in the AO's.
2.9 This is NOT a sterile environment! There are many things that you may have to or choose to go over, up, down, around, or under. Please take care and watch your step, where you sit, lay, lean, crawl, etc....
2.10 Areas marked with red and white checked tape are "off limits" or hazards. Do not cross into these areas or open doors marked in this way! In the wooded areas, the boundaries to which you may NOT travel past will be marked as well with brightly colored orange flagging tape. There are some pretty steep drop offs in some parts of the woods. Do not cross into the marked areas or you may fall down one of these areas or cross into off limits territory.
2.11 A couple of areas INSIDE of the boundaries are marked as "off limits".
Do Not Open Manhole Covers...each weights 150 lb!
2.12 Areas marked as off limits can not be shot across or into.
2.13 In some area you may see animals/livestock. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES shoot at any of the animals, goats, ducks, horses, chickens, dogs, wildlife (turkey, deer), etc.... Doing so on purpose will cause you to be removed from the event immediately.
2.14 In some AO's there are definitely ticks, and occasionally snakes. Snakes seen there from time to time have included rattlesnakes and copperheads, two VERY dangerous and poisonous snakes. Be careful where you step! Watch where you are walking! If you do see a snake, back away slowly and go around. Notify staff ASAP! Many AO's are a rugged environment, ravines, steep hills, underbrush, briars, etc...be prepared!
3.1 There may or may not be civilians in the AO. Unarmed civilians are NOT to be shot on purpose. Shooting an unarmed civilian will carry a point penalty for your Company. Accidentally shooting an unarmed civilian carries the same penalty. Be sure of your targets before you shoot. Civilians may be interacted with, may have knowledge or intel, may be bargained with for help or real estate, etc... Remember, you don't get anything for free....You MAY NOT physically search (hands on...) ANYONE! You may however "search" them by coming within arms reach, reaching out toward them and stating you are doing a "physical search". Any Intel or weapons they may have concealed on them would have to be revealed at that time. You MUST be within arms reach and control the situation before you can do a "search". They do NOT have to comply if not within arms reach and controlled however, and could choose to run away. If you shoot them, you must search them afterward to confirm they did indeed have a weapon. If not, then your side will be penalized for shooting an unarmed civilian.
3.2 Shadow Squad - Shadow / "Insurgents" may or may not be armed, may or may not be hostile, and may or may not have Intel or useful information. Shadow, like the civilians, may be bargained with, may form allegiances, etc... Shadow will NOT have medics and may proceed to their REGEN point immediately upon being eliminated. They WILL NOT regen on the spot, but will have a separate point to go to away from each Company.
3.3 FULL AUTO is NOT allowed indoors. Any time anyone enters a building where engagement with opposing forces is possible, they are required to switch to semi-auto only or pull a side arm (must also be in semi, such as in the case of a G18C, etc....). If your gun only shoots full auto (like a SAW for instance), then you MAY NOT use it for indoor to indoor combat. You may shoot from one building to another building full auto, following safe engagement distance guidelines.
3.4 You may shoot from inside OUT of a building on full auto (though not point blank into someone just outside a window), and you may shoot INTO a building from outside on full auto (though not point blank into someone just inside). Minimum engagement limits for AEGs (10ft), SAWs (50ft), and Sniper weapons (100ft) as stated in the rules apply in ALL cases.
3.5 Headshots are STRONGLY discouraged! Aim for center mass.
3.6 Tunnel Rat Rule: ONLY Pistols are allowed to be used in the underground tunnel system. Please sling your AEG over your back.
3.7 At times this will be an intense CQB environment, everyone should dress/equip themselves accordingly. Everyone should also be courteous and honorable in their actions. Remember, it just might be you that someone turns the corner on next time, and you wouldn't want to be lit up point blank, so treat others the same.
3.8 Anyone using M203 or LAW or equivalent with Nerf Howlers, Zocker Darts, Nerf rockets (or the equivalent) can only fire them DIRECTLY at a vehicle to take it out. A direct hit takes out the vehicle for 5 minutes, then it must return to it's FOB to regen for 30 minutes (out of service). A nerf is NOT to be fired directly AT a person or persons, but may be fired in PROXIMITY to them (see rules page for kill zone/radius). A 30-foot minimum engagement limit is in effect for any nerf rocket or equivalent projectile fired in proximity to players or directly at vehicles.
3.9 Using M203's, shotguns, (though NOT LAWs) with BBs only (as designed) is fine, and can be shot at players, and can be used inside buildings (multiple BBs fired from M203s , CAWs revolver, shotguns is OK). M203s or LAWs shooting BBs however will NOT take out a vehicle, only a nerf round can do that. Minimum engagement limit of 10 feet applies to multiple BB firing weapons.
3.10 Unsportsmanlike Conduct - Unsportsmanlike conduct will be penalized by deducting points ( minus 25, 50, or 100 points depending on the infraction ) from the offending party's Company's total. The offending player may also be sent directly to regen (staff's choice of site), removed from that scenario, or removed from the event altogether depending on the infraction. The offending player's name, Company, Platoon, and Squad will be written down. Examples of unsportsmanlike conduct are: Not calling your hits, Yelling repeatedly and loudly at others to call their hits (not necessary, just mind your own hits), cussing and yelling at other players or staff, playing with a hot (over the limit) gun, or any other behavior deemed unbecoming and detrimental to the event. STAFF WILL BE actively looking for infractions and ENFORCING penalties for infractions. Don't be the one that cost your Company the game by a few points because of a stupid mistake or loss of temper. Three (3) "Strikes" or offenses (any level...) by the same player and they are OUT of the event. No refunds, no returns, no questions. They may also be barred from future participation in Best of USA/Lionclaws Series Events at the discretion of the event organizer/promoter.
3.11 Note: Accidentally "killing" civilians (i.e. caught in crossfire) is not considered "cheating" or intentional rule breaking, however a points penalty (-10 each) is still incurred.
3.12 Death or Dead Rags - Having and using a red "death" rag is mandatory. (A red shop rag or any red piece of cloth that size is sufficient)
When hit, you are to sit or lie down in place and place a red "death" rag on top of your head while waiting for a medic (see Medic Rules) or until 5 minutes has passed. After 5 minutes if a medic has not reached you, you must get up and go to one of your designated Regen points. You MUST wait your 5 minutes before going to regen if a medic does not "heal" you. If a medic has "healed" you (reached you within 5 minutes of you being hit and placed a bandage on you) and you are then at some point hit again while wearing a bandage, you are OUT and must go to Regen immediately (no waiting period). If you are inside a building and must come out, please shout "Dead Man coming out" while waving your red "Death" rag in the air. Doing so will serve to notify anyone outside not to shoot you again. You may only call for a Medic during those 5 minutes, NO other communication verbally, on the radio, or by hand signal is allowed. You MAY NOT communicate with live players (though you may talk to other dead) while walking to your Regen point. Once you have reached your designated Regen point, you may return to the game immediately, or you may choose to wait for more teammates before returning en masse. Your choice. Regen points are designated "NO FIRE" zones. You may store water, extra ammo, etc...there if you wish. In such case as an FOB/Regen point were to be designated as an objective to be captured, then any supplies stored there may NOT be taken by the capturing team, but are considered "captured" until the FOB is retaken or until the end of the scenario. Also in such case, the FOB would NOT be a Regen point (will be noted in scenario description).
3.13 Medic Rules: When hit, call yourself out and raise your rifle up in the air with a RED RAG over your head, so others can clearly see you. Lay or sit where you were HIT for 5 minutes. Within this five minutes you may call out for MEDIC to come to you or any other squad-mate who may "drag" you to another area by touching/holding your arm and walking (you nor the "carrying" squad mate may NOT run, only walk, two "carrying squadmates MAY jog/run with you however as long as both are touching you) with you to your aid by bringing you back to a designated CCP (Casualty Collection Point) where the MEDIC may tie a bandage around your arm from their designated supplies (bandages will be supplied by the event). As soon as the Medic has tied a bandage around your arm, you are back in the game. After having been "medic'ed" back in the game and returning to play, if you are hit while you have a bandage on, you are OUT, period, and must immediately return (no waiting necessary) to your designated REGEN point or points, where you will take off your bandage and place it in the Medic supplies collection container for your Company/side there. You may return to the game immediately after reaching one of your designated Regen points and removing your bandage. If a Medic does not reach you within the initial 5 minute period after you have been hit, you are then to get up and proceed immediately to your nearest Regen point, where you may then re-enter the game.
3.14 YOU MUST wait the initial 5 minutes on the field where hit when first hit before going to regen unless a Medic "heals" you. If you have already been "healed" by a Medic and then are hit again at some point, DO NOT wait on the field for 5 more minutes or for a Medic, go directly to REGEN. You are only allowed ONE (1) "healing" before you must return to Regen. Medic supplies may be recollected from Regen points by any player and distributed back among MEDICS ONLY. Designated Medics (one per 12 man squad) are the ONLY players allowed to carry and use bandages to "heal" other players. If a Medic's initial supply of bandages is exhausted, they may go to a Regen point and collect more supplies from those returned there, or they may call up their chain of command for "re-supply" from someone just returning to the game from regen.
Sportsmanship is to be strictly observed. Airsoft system is about HONOR. Please Call YOUR OWN hits!
4.1. No Need To Call Others Out: Again, this is the HONOR system. DO NOT BOTHER TO CALL OTHERS OUT. JUST MIND YOUR OWN HITS. If there is a problem with others calling their hits, please notify staff or chain of command to notify staff, we will take care of it.
4.2. Observe and Respect ranks: This is a Military Simulation, not an ego contest! Observe and respect all ranks such as Squad Leader (Sgt.), 1st Sgt., Platoon Leader (Lt.) and, of course, your CO.
4.3. Re-Engagement: When re-engaging from REGEN, display general courtesy by not firing in the back of enemy who may be in your re-engagement path. Go around. ABSOLUTELY NO Regen camping (waiting to Regen at a particular point and shooing them as they step back into the game. This is considered unsportsmanlike conduct and penalty points will apply.
4.4 Weapon safety regulation strictly enforced. Contestant(s) caught cheating by turning up the FPS will be ejected from the game without refund.
4.5 Contestant(s) who cheat and caused bodily harm to other Contestants will be handled by local law enforcement officers.
4.5 A Sniper must carry a Sniper Rifle and a sidearm. NO MODIFIED AEGs will be allowed as a Sniper Rifle. Sniper rifles must be fielded by pre-approved players for the role of sniper, and weapons used must be pre-approved as well. Anyone caught violating this rule will be asked to leave the OP immediately.
4.6 Contestants caught stealing will be handled by local law enforcement officers.
4.7 Safety first: Please make sure that your GOGGLES are on prior to entering the field. Goggle rules strictly enforced! MESH OR WIRE METAL MESH GOGGLES ARE NOT ALLOWED in this AO! Full seal goggles ONLY, no shooting glasses!
4.8 Injured Contestant(s): must alert his/her Squad Leader at once if he/she needs to be removed from the combat zone by production staff.
4.9 Scenario Points: Each scenario is based on a point system. Each multi-task scenario will offer several opportunities for each CO to score points task scenario will offer several opportunities for each CO to score points based on mission accomplishments. Details of each scenario's point system will be described in each scenario write up. In addition, there may be dynamic side objectives that points may be rewarded for that may not be known before the start of missions (i.e. "insurgent" mortar crew capture, HVT captures, bomb making factories secured, etc....). If it looks "suspicious" it could be in your Company's best interests to investigate it...
- John "Lion Claws" Lu
