What Are the General Rules?
All players need a signed waiver. Players under 18 need a guardian signature, and anyone under 13 must have an adult playing with them at all times. First-time players must present valid state identification at registration.
Blackwater Marsh is a semi-auto, milsim-like, medium-range airsoft field. Structures and game modes encourage close-quarters engagements, so rifles are semi-auto by default unless a specific game mode or gun requirement says otherwise.
Keep your safety engaged, magazine removed, and chamber clear until it is time to play. Use designated areas to test equipment and use an approved barrel cover whenever you are not testing or playing.
Full-seal ANSI Z87.1-rated eye protection or higher is required inside the field and test areas. A mouth guard is strongly recommended.
Rental equipment must be treated respectfully. Abuse can result in the rental being removed without a refund.
Respect other players’ belongings. Theft or handling another participant’s property without permission can result in an immediate ban and possible criminal charges.
What Equipment Do I Need?
All airsoft guns must be chronoed each day using .32g BBs, and all gun types are capped at 25 rounds per second. All HPA regulators must have a tournament lock that staff can secure. Melee weapons must be foam or soft rubber only, and only approved biodegradable 6mm airsoft BBs may be used.
What Are the Joule Limits by Weapon Class?
| Weapon Class | Joule Limit | Fire Mode | Minimum Engagement Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rifles | 1.49 joules or under | Semi-auto: no minimum; full-auto: restricted in some modes | 50 ft (full-auto, certain modes) |
| Pistols | 1.29 joules or under | Semi-auto or full-auto | 30 ft (full-auto) |
| SMGs | 1 joule or under | Semi-auto or full-auto | 10 ft (full-auto) |
| LMGs | 1.64 joules or under | Semi-auto or full-auto | 75 ft (full-auto) |
| DMRs / semi-auto snipers | 2.1 joules or under | Semi-auto only | 75 ft |
| Snipers | 2.81 joules or under | Bolt-action only | 100 ft |
What Are the Field Conduct Rules?
Watch your footing, listen to game instructions, call your hits, and address hit disputes with a referee rather than another player. No blind firing, firing through small gaps, unfairly manipulating game rules, or spawn camping. Ricochets and gun hits do not count as kills; players may surrender but do not have to; dead players cannot relay game information; and friendly fire counts as a kill.
Lasers are only allowed during night games. Night games require a tracer unit and strongly recommend a flashlight.
Pyrotechnics must be purchased from the Blackwater Marsh store. Noise grenades have a 20-foot kill radius unless blocked by full cover, and smoke grenades cannot be used inside buildings or structures.
Staff and referees may inspect all equipment and consumables used on the field. Violations may result in removal for the day without refund or a permanent ban from future Blackwater Marsh events.
Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to bring to play at Blackwater Marsh?
Bring a signed waiver (or sign one on arrival), valid state ID for first-time registration, and full-seal ANSI Z87.1-rated eye protection if you're not renting gear.
Can kids play airsoft at Blackwater Marsh?
Yes. Players under 18 need a guardian signature on the waiver, and anyone under 13 must have an adult playing with them at all times.
What is the joule limit for rifles at Blackwater Marsh?
Rifles are capped at 1.49 joules or under. Semi-auto has no minimum engagement distance, while full-auto has a 50-foot minimum distance in certain game modes.
Is Blackwater Marsh a semi-auto or full-auto field?
Blackwater Marsh is a semi-auto, milsim-like, medium-range field. Structures and game modes encourage close-quarters engagements, so rifles are semi-auto by default unless a specific game mode or gun requirement says otherwise.
What eye protection is required?
Full-seal ANSI Z87.1-rated eye protection or higher is required inside the field and test areas at all times. A mouth guard is strongly recommended.