SUMMARY
Scouts and their parents expect all Scouting America activities to be conducted safely. To ensure the safety of participants, Scouting America expects leaders to use the four points of SAFE when delivering the Scouting program.
GENERAL INFORMATION
S = Supervision
This activity will be supervised by trustworthy and qualified leaders who set an example for safety.
- Only participants who meet the commercial laser tag facility’s age requirements are allowed to participate in this activity.
- Trustworthy and qualified supervision must be provided, including Scouting America’s policy of two or more adults with
Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT). Additional trained leadership may be necessary for groups with more than 20 participants. - The staff members of the commercial laser tag facility shall not be considered as qualified supervision for the participating unit.
A = Assessment
Activities are assessed for risks during planning. Leaders must review this document and ensure that risk avoidance or mitigation is incorporated into the activity.
- Events must take place at indoor, commercial laser tag facilities. Laser tag activities in Scouting should not take place outdoors.
- Prior to the event, leaders should consider visiting the facility to conduct a hazard assessment, looking for things such as non-slip floors, proper lighting, emergency exits, and posted safety rules.
- The facility must be well lit to ensure all obstacles—including columns, benches, and slopes—are visible. A facility with reduced lighting or black lights may be used if emergency exits remain clearly marked and easy to see.
- Sufficient hydration areas should be provided for participants. Water and/or non-sugar, non-carbonated drinks should be available.
- A properly stocked first-aid kit and an AED unit should be readily available and visible. The facility should have emergency phone numbers posted.
F = Fitness and Skill
Participants’ Annual Health and Medical Records are reviewed, and leaders have confirmed that prerequisite fitness and skill levels exist for participants to take part safely.
- Laser tag may require moderate levels of running, walking, skipping, ducking, and twisting.
E = Equipment and Environment
Ensure participants use only safe and appropriately sized equipment. Leaders should periodically check equipment and the environment for changing conditions that could affect safety.
- All participants must use taggers, vests, headbands, wrist sensors, and safety cables provided by the commercial laser tag facility. The use of personal equipment is not allowed.
- Participants can choose to wear athletic clothing for the event. Closed-toe shoes are required.
