How do I ensure safety at LARP events?
In LARP-ing, it is very common to also conduct battlefields or fights. LARP weapons are made with this purpose in mind and to be used as safely as possible in a fight. This does not mean they cannot still cause injuries, so it is important to use LARP weapons in a safe manner.
Each LARP group or event has its own rules regarding safety, but these generally look very similar to each other.
LARP swords, spears, axes and other thrusting or striking weapons
To ensure the safety of LARP weapons, strict rules apply to the condition in which the weapons are found. Weapons must be checked before each LARP and repaired or discarded if they no longer meet safety standards.
The only part of a LARP weapon that may have a hard surface is the handle. Every other part of a LARP weapon must be soft. The handle must be firmly attached to the rest of the weapon.
Most LARP weapons have a core of fibreglass. This core must not protrude from the weapon at any point. When fibreglass breaks, it is extremely sharp and can cause severe cuts. Always check that the fiberglass core does not protrude from your weapon, especially not at the tip.
Long weapons, such as long swords and pole weapons, should not be too limp and flexible. If there is too much movement in the structure of the weapon, they are difficult to control and you might end up hitting someone in a way that is not safe.
Thrusting is never allowed! This rule applies to all weapons, even spears. The chance is too great that the fibreglass will protrude from the tip and cause injury.
LARP weapons must not have too much weight. A heavy weapon can still have a significant impact.
LARP bows and crossbows
Of all LARP weapons, bows and crossbows are the most dangerous. Even a bow with low poundage can still cause serious injury.
Therefore, often additional rules apply for LARP archers. In some groups or events, it is possible that LARP archers must take a skill test to ensure that the archer is skilled enough to safely use a bow or crossbow.
At most events, there will be rules about the weight of the bow and the distance from which the archer may shoot. A draw weight of 30 lbs and a maximum distance of 7 meters seem common. When in doubt, check the rules of the event.
After shooting, each arrow must be checked for damage. Any damaged arrow must be discarded immediately.
LARP throwing weapons
In addition to thrusting and striking weapons and archery weapons, there is also a wide variety of throwing weapons. These throwing weapons can range from traditional throwing weapons, such as knives, axes, stars, and grenades, to random objects to throw, such as stones and beer mugs.
Each item you wish to use as a throwing weapon must have two characteristics. They must not have a hard core, as a hard core can cause a hard impact when thrown. And they must be larger than an eye socket to prevent them from getting into someone's eye.
LARP shields
A LARP shield is generally constructed in the same way as a weapon. They have a hard core, encased in foam and finished with a latex coating. The edges must be rounded and have soft parts.
LARP shields must not be used as weapon! They are a protective tool and must be used as such.
