You're hit!! Whats next?
While the specific rules may change at different events, in order for any game to work, it must have rules that are adhered to by the players. Since we are not playing a video game, the rules cannot be "enforced" automatically. Hit players don't act out some "death script," (unless you are Doug, lol), their fire does not show up on your HUD, nor do they just disappear off the field once they are hit. The players themselves have to know, and be willing to self-enforce the rules for an airsoft game to be fair and to flow right. Let the "unfair" part of your fight be in superior tactics, not skipping out on the rules. Anything else wastes other players time and money, and burns up your reputation fast.
Now, in real gunfighter training, one trains to never give up even when shot because doing so may prematurely take you out of the fight and that is essentially "training to die." However, we put that aside for a relatively safe game of tactics and enjoyment, where the outcome of the game goes to the harder, smarter, and faster fighters in a fair contest where everyone calls their hits. Notice I didn't say camping.
For the safety and comfort of the hit players, the trust that everyone is playing fair, and for the honest outcome of the game, most organizations around the country have some system for illustrating that a player is currently "out of play." As such, players have the responsibility to each other and to the game to VISUALLY and VERBALLY declare when they are hit, in accordance with the rules.
Our rule when hit is to yell hit, hold your gun up, then walk back to respawn. I have seen fields do the same, and also some use red rags to place on top of your head, (best option since its more clearly visable to see a hit player), to using white socks to place over the barrel of your gun. Red shop rags can be purchased at Walmart and auto parts stores everywhere, often for about thirty cents a rag. Here is a good system to follow when hit, to clearly show you are hit, and for the opposing players to not shoot you more then necessary.
Step 1
Yell "hit" approximately three times to make it clear heard you are hit. Put your hands in the air, and if a fire fight is still underway, move to either the left or right to avoid being in the lane of fire.
Step 2
Pull out a red rag from your pocket. You can either wave it above your head while walking back to respawn, or place it on your head while you walk. Either way is sufficient.
Step 3
Begin whatever casualty scheme that is in place for the day or the scenario whether it just a respawn, or a medic system that is in place. It's that easy, and it is not an act to be ashamed of as it does not make you a bad player. In my opinion, players should train rapidly and consistently produce their red rags like any other piece of game equipment so that they can be more effective as players.
Sound counter-ntuitive? Think about it. Many rule sets do not let hit players talk or give out tactical information, so the faster you rag up, the faster your guys can react and bring you back or avenge you. Furthermore, consistant red rag use creates trust with the regular players you interact with, because they will know that you're willing and able to play fair and you are not a cheater. Remember there is no shame in being hit. This is a game of honesty................
--
General CJ
Team Commander