How do I ensure safety at LARP events?
When LARPing, it's pretty common to also stage battlefields or combat scenarios. LARP weapons are made with this purpose in mind and designed to be used as safely as possible in a fight. That doesn't mean they can't still cause injuries, so it's important to use LARP weapons in a safe way.
LARP swords, spears, axes and other stabbing or percussion weapons
To ensure the safety of LARP weapons, there are strict rules about the condition they must be in. Weapons must be checked before every LARP and are repaired or discarded if they no longer meet safety requirements.
The only part of a LARP weapon that can 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 fibreglass core. This core must not stick out of the weapon at any point. When fibreglass breaks, it becomes extremely sharp and can cause serious cuts. Always check that the fibreglass core isn't sticking out of your weapon, especially not at the tip.
Long weapons, like long swords and pole weapons, must not be too limp and flexible. If there's too much movement in the weapon's structure, they're hard to control and you might end up hitting someone in a way that's not safe.
Stabbing is never allowed! This rule applies to all weapons, even spears. The risk is too high that fibreglass will stick out of the tip and cause injury.
LARP weapons must not be too heavy. A heavy weapon can still have considerable impact.
LARP bows and crossbows
Of all LARP weapons, bows and crossbows are the most dangerous. Even a bow with low draw weight can still cause serious injury.
That's why there are often extra rules for LARP archers. At some groups or events, it's possible that LARP archers will have to pass a skill test to make sure the archer is skilled enough to safely use a bow or crossbow.
At most events, there will be rules about the draw weight of the bow and the distance from which the archer is allowed to shoot. A draw weight of 30 lbs and a maximum distance of 7 meters seem to be common. If in doubt, check the rules of the event.
After shooting, every arrow must be checked for damage. Any damaged arrow must be discarded immediately.
LARP throwing weapons
In addition to stabbing and percussion weapons and bow weapons, there's also a wide variety of throwing weapons. These throwing weapons can range from traditional throwing weapons, like knives, axes, stars and grenades, to random objects to throw, like stones and beer mugs.
Any item you want to use as a throwing weapon must have two characteristics. They must not have a hard core, because a hard core can have a hard impact when thrown. And they must be larger than an eye socket to prevent them from ending up in someone's eye.
LARP shields
A LARP shield is generally constructed the same way as a weapon. They have a hard core, wrapped in foam and finished with a latex coating. The edges must be rounded and have soft parts.
LARP shields must not be used as a weapon! They are a protective tool and must be used as such.
