Running a Laser Tag Match: Rules, Guidelines & Game Ideas

If you're planning on buying or renting laser tag equipment, listen up! Getting the right equipment is a great start, but your job isn't done yet. Understanding how to successfully host, run, and participate in a game makes all the difference. Clearly defined rules, a pre-defined battleground, and an exciting game type are just a few of the factors that go into running a smooth, exciting match.

Below we take you step by step through the basics of setting up, organizing, and running your own games. This guide is perfect regardless of the size or complexity of your group. From parents hosting a small match at a home birthday, to an organizer of a large scale tactical match-up, there is something in here for everyone.

If you intend on visiting a local laser tag arena or event, you won't be handing the responsibilities that this article outlines.

Pre-Match Checklist

A smoothly ran laser tag match starts with proper preparation. As the organizer, the following checklist will keep you on track. We go into depth below, but start here to take inventory:

• Count the number of players.
• Discuss the ground rules.
• Decide or vote on the game type.
• Discuss the rules and mechanics specific to your game type.
• Divide into teams or groups if needed.
• Issue the taggers and sensors.
• Prepare the arena and players.
• GO!

Also be sure that you have the following available:

• Some paper or a tablet available to record scores.
• A whistle or other noise making device for starting, stopping or pausing gameplay.
• A timer.

Basic Ground Rules

The following guidelines are universally accepted across the laser tag world. The first step in running your match should be laying out these rules. Ensure that all players clearly understand each rule. Be sure to print or write them out so that there is no question if an issue arises during play.

image: Nigel Lamb

1. Absolutely No Contact Allowed

One of the biggest draws to laser tag is how safe the activity is. The biggest thing that enables this is the no contact rule. Any touching, bumping, or hitting of people or equipment is grounds for immediate removal from the game. This rule should be strictly enforced.

2. Don't Cover Your Sensors

This rule is second only to the no contact rule. During the game, a player's sensors must be exposed at all time. Any player who covers their sensors to prevent enemies from tagging them will be automatically removed. Obviously this does not include hiding behind obstacles. Situations can get grey here, so be sure to discuss the details of this rule ahead of time. For example if your sensors are attached to your blaster, then putting a blaster under your shirt is not allowed, but hiding it behind your body may be.

3. Decide How to Handle Equipment Failures

Sometimes the equipment or scoring systems fail. If the failure is something quick to fix, then get it done and continue the game. If it is a major malfunction consider having the referee pause the game, reset the game, or remove the player. Scoring system failures often require a full reset.

4. Set Arena Rules

The arena and obstacles in it play a big part in your laser tag match. Be sure to set rules around your specific arena. For example if you're playing at home then it should be strictly forbidden to use an object like a pillow as a shield.

5. No Friendly Fire

You can only shoot enemies. Any shots at your own team on purpose and you're out. Some laser tag sets don't allow friendly fire by default which means you can ignore this rule.

The 4 rules above will cover the vast majority of situations that will arise during your matches. In addition a few other small tips will cover the remaining situations:

• Designate a referee for each match. Their decisions are final.
• Set consequences for cheaters.
• Encourage good sportsmanship.
• No whining allowed!

Prepare the Arena

image: Pop Culture Geek

Before you start, you'll want to prepare the arena for battle. The requirements of your arena may change slightly depending on the game type. Here are some basic guidelines:

• Make sure there are obstacles to hide behind, but nothing that could get broken in the heat of battle.
• Set starting points or bases.
• Set or reset any props.
• Consider the size of the arena for the number of players and match type.

Once you set the map, be sure to do a walk through with players before you start. A map of the arena can also be handy.

Choose a Game Type

Before the match, you'll need to decide what type of game you'd like to run. Game mechanics are going to rely on the capability of your blasters and the arena setup. Here we are going to cover game types that can be played with a basic home laser tag set. These blasters allow you to set the team of a player and have a set number of hit points before the player is out.

Browse our list of game ideas:

This list is by no means exhaustive. We encourage you to be creative and come up with your own game types using this list as inspiration. If you have a great game type to add to the list, be sure to contact us with it or leave the idea in the comments below.

Keep Score & Reward the Winners

Once you've clarified the rules and set the game type, its time to start your matches! Depending on your match type, we suggest keeping score so you can reward the winners at the end. A little competition never hurt anyone, and it can make the matches much more interesting.

If you follow this guide, please be sure to let us know how it goes in the comments below.

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