ASTM F2940-21

Standard Practice for Air Soft Field Operation

ABSTRACT
This practice sets forth procedures for the operation of air soft playing fields, intended to assist air soft field operators in running a safe business. It covers eye protection devices suitable for use in air soft games, including goggles, and recommends the minimum engagement distance between the shooter and the target at which a shot may be fired. It also requires the conspicuous posting of player safety rules, printed in 24-point type or larger, at the registration area.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice establishes minimum safety requirements for the operation of air soft playing fields, and provides for certain materials and procedures required.  
1.2 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Nov-2021
• ICS: 97.220.10 - Sports facilities
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.27 - Airsoft

Relations

• Refers: ASTM F2748-19 - Standard Specification for Airsoft Guns
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM F2748-15(2019) - Standard Specification for Airsoft Guns
• Effective Date: 15-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM F2879-18 - Standard Specification for Eye Protective Devices for Airsoft Sports
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM F2879-16 - Standard Specification for Eye Protective Devices for Airsoft Sports
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM F2679-15e1 - Standard Specification for 6 mm Projectiles Used with Airsoft Guns
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM F2748-15 - Standard Specification for Airsoft Guns
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM F2679-15 - Standard Specification for 6 mm Projectiles Used with Airsoft Guns
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM F2879-14 - Standard Specification for Eye Protective Devices for Airsoft Sports
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2014
• Refers: ASTM F2748-14 - Standard Specification for Low Energy Air Guns
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM F2679-13 - Standard Specification for 6 mm Projectiles Used with Low Energy Air Guns
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM F2748-08 - Standard Specification for Low Energy Air Guns (Less Than 1 Joule)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Refers: ASTM F2679-07 - Standard Specification for 6 mm Projectiles Used with Low Energy Air Guns
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2007

Overview

ASTM F2940-21: Standard Practice for Air Soft Field Operation provides comprehensive guidelines for the safe and effective operation of air soft playing fields. Developed by ASTM International, this standard assists air soft field operators in establishing procedures and safety measures to protect players and spectators while ensuring an enjoyable experience. The standard emphasizes the importance of eye protection, minimum engagement distances, clear safety signage, and formal safety briefings for all participants. By adhering to these minimum safety requirements, field operators can foster a safer environment, reducing accidents and promoting best practices within the air soft community.

Key Topics

• Eye Protection:
  All persons within designated “goggles on” areas, including playing fields and target ranges, must wear approved eye protective devices, such as goggles meeting ASTM or ANSI specifications.

• Minimum Engagement Distance:
  The standard sets recommended minimum distances between the shooter and target, based on air soft gun velocity and weight of projectiles. This helps prevent injuries due to close-range firing.

• Safety Rules and Signage:
  Operators must post clearly visible player safety rules (minimum 24-point type) at the registration area, along with mandatory “Goggles On,” “No Fire Zone,” and “Eye Protection Required” signs throughout the facility.

• Field Orientation and Briefings:
  Every participant receives a formal safety briefing before gameplay, covering rules, risks, field layout, and emergency procedures.

• Chronographing and Gun Safety:
  All air soft guns, both rentals and user-supplied, must be tested for projectile velocity (chronographed) before use. Guns must feature functioning safety mechanisms and rigid trigger guards.

• Emergency Preparedness:
  Facilities are required to maintain emergency contingency plans, display emergency contacts, and provide first aid kits on site.

• Referee and Staffing Requirements:
  At least one referee must be present per field, with a recommended referee-to-player ratio of 1:15, to supervise gameplay and enforce safety rules.

Applications

ASTM F2940-21 is essential for operators of both indoor and outdoor air soft playing fields, including:

• Commercial recreation facilities
• Adventure parks and entertainment centers
• Sports clubs and leagues
• Event organizers hosting air soft tournaments

Implementing this standard helps operators:

• Minimize liability and risk of injury
• Ensure compliance with international safety requirements
• Enhance player and spectator confidence
• Standardize field operation procedures and rules
• Improve overall field management and reputation

Related Standards

Operators and equipment providers should be aware of related ASTM and ANSI standards, including:

• ASTM F1776: Specification for Eye Protective Devices for Paintball Sports
• ASTM F2679: Specification for 6 mm Projectiles Used with Airsoft Guns
• ASTM F2748: Specification for Airsoft Guns
• ASTM F2879: Specification for Eye Protective Devices for Airsoft Sports
• ANSI Z87.1: Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices

These standards complement ASTM F2940-21, providing additional guidance on equipment specifications and personal protective gear.

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Keywords: air soft field operation, ASTM F2940-21, safety requirements, eye protection, minimum engagement distance, air soft gun, field safety, referee requirements, airsoft standards, goggles, game operations, emergency preparedness.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2940 − 21 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Air Soft Field Operation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2940; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
This practice sets forth procedures for operating an air soft playing field. The goal is to assist air
soft field operators in running a safe business. Like any other physical activity, air soft presents a
potential for injury. No procedural practice can prevent all injuries, especially when air soft players
do not follow safety instructions.The ultimate responsibility for preventing injury lies with the air soft
player. This practice, however, intends to promote safe air soft field operation through standardization
of operating practice.
1. Scope 3.1.2 air soft gun, n—device specifically designed to dis-
charge air soft projectiles such as but not limited to those
1.1 This practice establishes minimum safety requirements
described in Specification F2748.
for the operation of air soft playing fields, and provides for
3.1.3 accidental discharge device, n—device specifically
certain materials and procedures required.
designed to be installed on an air soft gun to prevent the
1.2 This international standard was developed in accor-
accidental discharge of air soft projectiles.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.4 ear, nasal cavity and oral cavity protection, n—device
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
or devices that cover the ear, nasal cavities or oral cavities and
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
prevent direct entry of air soft projectiles into these areas.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.5 firing mode, n—operating mode at which a specific
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
weapon can fire or launch its projectiles.
3.1.5.1 Discussion—Common modes include pump action,
2. Referenced Documents
semi-auto, three round burst or full auto.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1.6 game area, n—area in which air soft games are
F2679 Specification for 6 mm Projectiles Used with Airsoft
conducted and in which eye protection suitable for air soft
Guns
game play is required to be worn.
F2748 Specification for Airsoft Guns
3.1.7 goggles, n—eye protection device suitable for use in
F2879 Specification for Eye Protective Devices for Airsoft
air soft games and that meets the requirements of Specification
Sports
F2879.
3. Terminology
3.1.8 goggles on area, n—areas in which all persons are
required to wear an eye protection device suitable for air soft
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
games, such as and not limited to playing fields, game areas,
3.1.1 airsoftprojectile,n—projectilecomplyingwithSpeci-
chronograph areas, and target ranges.
fication F2679, which is fired from an air soft gun.
3.1.9 minimum engagement distance, n—recommended
minimum distance between the shooter and the target at which
a shot may be fired.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports
3.1.9.1 Discussion—This distance is defined based on vari-
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of
ous factors in Table 1.
Subcommittee F08.27 on Airsoft.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2021. Published January 2022. Originally
3.1.10 player, n—air soft game participant.
approved in 2013. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as F2940 – 13 (2017).
DOI: 10.1520/F2940-21.
3.1.11 playing fields, n—
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
3.1.11.1 indoor playing field, n—indoor playing arena or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
area, where air soft games are conducted in which close range
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. engagements are common.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2940 − 21
TABLE 1 Air Soft Gun Minimum Engagement Info Chart
Outdoor Field Indoor Field
Maximum Maximum
Minimum Minimum Recommended
Velocity Velocity
Engagement Engagement Fire Mode
0.20 g BB 0.25 g BB
Distance Distance
300 FPS 270 FPS 5 ft 5 ft All
350 FPS 310 FPS 10 ft 5 ft All Outdoor, Semi-Auto Indoor
400 FPS 350 FPS 20 ft 10 ft All Outdoor, Semi-Auto Indoor
500 FPS 450 FPS 100 ft 100 ft Semi-Auto or Bolt Action Only
550 FPS 500 FPS 100 ft 100 ft Bolt Action Only
3.1.11.2 outdoor playing field, n—area delineated by a 4.5 It is recommended that all game participants wear
boundary marker, in which air soft games are conducted. additional protective device(s) which limit the impact of air
soft projectiles to ears, the nasal cavities and oral cavity.
3.1.11.3 Discussion—Fields may be a combination of both
4.6 Chronographing:
indoor and outdoor conditions. The field operator shall deter-
mine the best practices for recommended minimum engage-
4.6.1 All air soft guns shall be chronographed.
ment distance based upon the specific conditions at the facility
4.6.1.1 All field rental supplied air soft guns shall be
in question.
chronographed daily prior to being used at the field.
3.1.12 safety mechanism, n—device that, when activated,
4.6.1.2 All user supplied air soft guns shall be chrono-
disables a part of the air soft gun, usually the trigger, to prevent
graphed prior to being used on the field.
unintentionalfiringinnormaluseandmustbereleasedtoallow
4.6.2 Each air soft gun will be classified based on the
the gun to be discharged by the movement of the trigger.
chronographed velocity, bb gram weight and fire mode restric-
3.1.12.1 Discussion—Thedeviceissometimesreferredtoas
tions in Table 1.
a safety, safety button, or safety lever. An electronic on/off
4.6.3 All players will be advised of the recommended
switch is considered to be a safety mechanism if, when the
minimum engagement distance of their air soft gun based on
switch is placed in the off position, it renders the gun
the information in Table 1.
inoperable.
4.6.4 Players that carry multiple air soft guns will be
3.1.13 staging area, n—area protected against stray entry of
advised of the recommended minimum engagement distance
air soft projectiles, in which air soft players organize them-
for each air soft gun.
selves for a game.
4.6.5 Any air soft gun chronographing outside the required
velocity limits or any other requirement listed in Table 1 will
4. Operational Procedures
not be allowed on the field.
4.1 Safety Rules Pos
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F2940 − 13 (Reapproved 2017) F2940 − 21 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Air Soft Field Operation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2940; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
This practice sets forth procedures for operating an air soft playing field. The goal is to assist air
soft field operators in running a safe business. Like any other physical activity, air soft presents a
potential for injury. No procedural practice can prevent all injuries, especially when air soft players
do not follow safety instructions. The ultimate responsibility for preventing injury lies with the air soft
player. This practice, however, intends to promote safe air soft field operation through standardization
of operating practice.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice establishes minimum safety requirements for the operation of air soft playing fields, and provides for certain
materials and procedures required.
1.2 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F1776 Specification for Eye Protective Devices for Paintball Sports
F2679 Specification for 6 mm Projectiles Used with Airsoft Guns
F2748 Specification for Airsoft Guns
F2879 Specification for Eye Protective Devices for Airsoft Sports
2.2 ANSI Standards:
ANSI Z87.1 American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 air soft projectile, n—projectile complying with Specification F2679, which is fired from an air soft gun.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
F08.27 on Airsoft.
Current edition approved April 1, 2017Dec. 1, 2021. Published April 2017January 2022. Originally approved in 2013. Last previous edition approved in 20132017 as
F2940 – 13.F2940 – 13 (2017). DOI: 10.1520/F2940-13R17.10.1520/F2940-21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2940 − 21
3.1.2 air soft gun, n—device specifically designed to discharge air soft projectiles such as but not limited to those described in
Specification F2748.
3.1.3 accidental discharge device, n—device specifically designed to be installed on an air soft gun to prevent the accidental
discharge of air soft projectiles.
3.1.4 ear, nasal cavity and oral cavity protection, n—device or devices that cover the ear, nasal cavities or oral cavities and prevent
direct entry of air soft projectiles into these areas.
3.1.5 firing mode, n—operating mode at which a specific weapon can fire or launch its projectiles.
3.1.5.1 Discussion—
Common modes include pump action, semi-auto, three round burst or full auto.
3.1.6 game area, n—area in which air soft games are conducted and in which eye protection suitable for air soft game play is
required to be worn.
3.1.7 goggles, n—eye protection device suitable for use in air soft games.games and that meets the requirements of Specification
F2879.
3.1.8 goggles on area, n—areas in which all persons are required to wear an eye protection device suitable for air soft games, such
as and not limited to playing fields, game areas, chronograph areas, and target ranges.
3.1.9 minimum engagement distance, n—recommended minimum distance between the shooter and the target at which a shot may
be fired.
3.1.9.1 Discussion—
This distance is defined based on various factors in Table 1.
3.1.10 player, n—air soft game participant.
3.1.11 playing fields, n—
3.1.11.1 indoor playing field, n—indoor playing arena or area, where air soft games are conducted in which close range
engagements are common.
3.1.11.2 outdoor playing field, n—area delineated by a boundary marker, in which air soft games are conducted.
3.1.11.3 Discussion—
Fields may be a combination of both indoor and outdoor conditions. The field operator shall determine the best practices for
recommended minimum engagement distance based upon the specific conditions at the facility in question.
3.1.12 safety mechanism, n—device that, when activated, disables a part of the air soft gun, usually the trigger, to prevent
unintentional firing in normal use and must be released to allow the gun to be discharged by the movement of the trigger.
3.1.12.1 Discussion—
The device is sometimes referred to as a safety, safety button, or safety lever. An electronic on/off switch is considered to be a
safety mechanism if, when the switch is placed in the off position, it renders the gun inoperable.
TABLE 1 Air Soft Gun Minimum Engagement Info Chart
Outdoor Field Indoor Field
Maximum Maximum
Minimum Minimum Recommended
Velocity Velocity
Engagement Engagement Fire Mode
0.20 g BB 0.25 g BB
Distance Distance
300 FPS 270 FPS 5 ft 5 ft All
350 FPS 310 FPS 10 ft 5 ft All Outdoor, Semi-Auto Indoor
400 FPS 350 FPS 20 ft 10 ft All Outdoor, Semi-Auto Indoor
500 FPS 450 FPS 100 ft 100 ft Semi-Auto or Bolt Action Only
550 FPS 500 FPS 100 ft 100 ft Bolt Action Only
F2940 − 21
3.1.13 staging area, n—area protected against stray entry of air soft projectiles, in which air soft players organize themselves for
a game.
4. Operational Procedures
4.1 Safety Rules Posted—Player safety rules, printed in 24-point type or larger, shall be posted conspicuously at the registration
area. Every player shall be instructed to read the safety rules.
4.2 Field Orientation and Safety Briefing—Prior to their first game of the day, every player shall be given or shown a formal
briefing on safety rules, risk of injury, game rules, field orientation, and equipment operation. During this briefing every player will
be advised of what to do in case of an emergency.
4.3 Accidental Discharge Requirements—At all times other than while on the playing field during games, at the chronograph, or
at the target range all air soft guns shall be maintained in a condition which will eliminate the chance of accidental discharge.
Acceptable methods of meeting this requirement are:
4.3.1 To have a clearly identifiable accidental discharge device installed in the gun, or
4.3.2 To have the air soft gun enclosed in a case or holster that does not allow a discharged air soft projectile to escape.
4.4 Goggles—All persons shall be required to wear an eye protective device at all tim
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