Even though the AAPS safety rules are published as part of the AAPS Rules book, they are considered important enough to have there own section on the Web site. These safety rules are specifically written for AAPS events and do not necessarily represent general firearm safety practices. However, they must be strictly adhered to at all AAPS sanctioned events. Violation of any of these safety rules can result in one or more procedural penalties and/or possible disqualification.

AAPS Safety Rules
© 2010 American Airsoft Practical Shooting
www.aaps-federation.org
Safety Rules

  1. Treat all guns as if they are loaded and ready to fire.
  2. Never rely on a gun’s safety to protect you from unsafe handling.
  3. Always check to see if a gun is unloaded and in a safe condition (magazine out and action locked open) before giving it to or receiving it from another person. Never receive a gun that you are not certain how to operate safely.
  4. Never point a gun at anything you do not intend to shoot and never point a gun at another person. 
  5. When on the firing line or completing a course of fire, always keep your gun pointed down range (“watch your 180”).
  6. Keep your finger(s) away from the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are ready to fire. Your finger(s) must be outside the trigger guard when loading and unloading and when moving between targets.
  7. Always be sure of your target and what is behind it.
  8. Eye protection that meets or exceeds ANSI Z87.1-2003 (resists 3 J impact) must be worn at all times when shooting, within 100 feet of other people who are shooting, and in the safe zone.
  9. You must keep your gun unloaded (magazine out and barrel cleared) and holstered or bagged, with the safety engaged or in a safe condition at all times except as specified below.
  10. You may handle your unloaded gun only in a safe zone or on the firing line.
  11. Magazines may only be gassed and filled with BBs in the safe zone.
  12. The transfer of a gun from one person to another can only be done in the safe zone.
  13. You may only load your gun when you are on the firing line and the Range Officer gives the command to “load and make ready”. You must unload your gun, put it in a safe condition and holster or bag it before leaving the firing line.
  14. If you drop your loaded gun while on the firing line or during a course of fire, you must wait for the Range Officer to pick it up and inspect it. If the Range Officer determines that the gun is safe to use, it will be unloaded, placed in a safe condition, and returned to you.  If the Range Officer determines that the gun is unsafe to use, it will be taken to the safe zone for further inspection before it is returned to you.
  15. The use of alcohol or drugs, or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, is prohibited at all AAPS events.
  16. All Range Officer commands must be immediately and strictly obeyed.
  17. Safety is the responsibility of all competitors and match officials at AAPS events. Report unsafe practices to a match official.
  18. When arriving at or leaving an AAPS event, all guns must be stored in a case or bag. Guns may not be openly worn, carried, or displayed while going into or out of the event area, including the parking lot.
  19. Only competitors and match officials may bring guns into the event area. Spectators are prohibited from having guns of any type in the event area.
  20. Firearms are strictly prohibited at all AAPS events.