Other pages describe player interaction rules based on 100 years of practice and games. For videos, visit See the LARP Game page or Rules page for text details. These pages can be summed:
- All strikes can not be of more force than necessary to trigger devices or block a weapons strike. A player can not be taken down or blocked unless a strike to a device or actual contact with a defensive weapon is, at minimum, attempted first.
- If missed or thought to be missed based on reasonable effort, only then can a take down or body type block be executed.
- The purpose of these rules is to eliminate high speed collisions from any direction and lower risk of injury.
With these rules, WLCC’s innovations have invented a way to eliminate high speed collisions at the point of contact, but safely allows the same result at a slower speed.
It produces a new era in LARP and could evolve into a new sport.
Here, individual components that facilitate the proper use of the rules are discussed:
Protective Equipment
HELMETS – 3 Generations
Due to the rules of engagement, contact impacting the top of the helmet is the primary area of concern.
WLC uses ANSI certified construction helmets which are purposely built for absorbing falling objects that strike the top of it.
See Larp Game explains how the helmets are subjected to very minimal force and are not legal targets.
NEW VERSION OF HELMET/NEW STAR WARS PROP SABERS
Iron Man helmet:
These helmets also have an internal visor for eye protection that are not possible to move away from covering the eyes. The certified helmets are specifically configured for protecting the top of head from impacts, highly relevant to WCL’s game format.
Note previous swords have been replaced by hollow plastic Star Wars’ light sabers as seen in picture. These extremely light devices are discussed in another section.
These are the original Generation 1 helmets and now obsolete, but used for testing.
new helmet test video here
Note that strikes are required to target not only the upraised visor, but preferably the 6 inch rubber rod emanating outward from visor. Actual impacts to helmet itself sometime occur but they are glancing blows. Older Gen 1 version of helmet seen here and in videos.
Chest and Back Protection
WLCC as safer than rugby does not need armor. However, its use is to mount weaponry to leave the hands free for those who might handle the ball. Rules require only light contact to devices and the defense against these strikes- and all players are subject to the rule against using any force more than necessary.
Armor is for mounting weapons on rear plate
PADDED LOWER BODY PROTECTION AND ABDOMINAL PADDING:
BODY PROTECTION
Chest and abdomen protection is of high impact plastic and hardened foam, respectively. They were sourced from the racing motorcycle industry. Very thick leg padding provides protection, sourced from street hockey, greatly effective for softening falls and deadening impacts.
New lighter hollow Plastic Sabers are Safer
WarBall LARP has switched from the heavier plastic training swords to off the shelf Cosplay or props that mimic the Star Wars film’s laser weapon. The lighted blades are stunning when activated under stadium lights.
Note the 6 inch rubber rod on top of the visor that is the target, drawing any impacts away from the helmet itself. Also the LED light is above the button which is triggered upon impact by a palm strike.
LIGHT USE OF FORCE TRIGGERS LED LIGHTS
Hit button on facemask. Hitting any harder than sufficient to trigger LED’s is not allowed. Player is now inactive for duration of play.
Very moderate force is needed to trigger lights
Button on facemasks is force tested. Contents inside of Button device revealed
JavBall as Safety Device:
The WarBall LARP Club uses its patented JavBall as a tool to defend the ball carrier and progress downfield. If the blue player tries to throw down the ball carrier (allowed since he attempted a device targeting first) the ball carrier can deflect the blue player using the Javball.
SAFETY ITEMS ON JAVBALL – TIPS ARE SOFT AND FLEXIBLE:
There is a risk of a player falling on the tailed end of the ball, so the tail section resides in a thick but flexible PVC tube.
Linemen’s Staff Blocking technique Safety
No strikes to body or head except to target visor devices above helmet or as defense against another weapon:
Rules require staff use against another staff or saber FIRST before any other form of contact. If staff drops visor on top of helmet, player contacted is out of the play
New version of blocking staffs are Star Wars Dual Light Sabers:
For linemen, conversion is complete from hollow plastic rods to a dual form of Star Wars Light sabers but rules remain the same.
Gloves
Sourced from motorcycle competition gear, the knuckles are stainless steel.