1. Will I be able to play with the group I came with?
Yes, you will be able to play with the people you came with. We don't split up groups at The Smak Zone unless it is a large group of experienced players who may tip the odds heavily to their side if they are kept together. Often, the equilizer may be more overall numbers on the opposite team instead of splitting them up. To date, we have never had to split up groups.
2. Are there enough camping spaces and can I reserve one?
There is plenty of camping area and it is free, but there are no electrical hookups. Any reserved spots are for those playing special roles, i.e. generals, Refs-In-Play, ect.
3. Are campfires allowed?
Yes, some wood may be provided and there are certain areas in which you may gather wood for fires as well.
4. What if I prepay, then can't come to the game?
In the event that you can't make the game due to unavoidable circumstances such as illness, family death, accident, ect. we will refund 100% of your payment. You will be required to produce documentation. If you can't participate for any other reason, we will credit your payment toward a future game.
5. Is full auto fire allowed?
No electronic full auto or burst fire is allowed. One shot on an honest player is enough and it takes longer for the shooter to get their finger off of the trigger than it takes for another ball to come out of the barrel. Semi auto electronics are plenty fast enough. One ball per trigger cycle.
6. Are response triggers allowed?
Yes, if used with caution. Pneumatic R/Ts are still one shot per trigger cycle. If abused, however, meaning very long strings being fired, overshooting other players or very high ROF (Rates Of Fire) you will lose your privilege to use it.
7. What is the age limit?
10 years and up. It is asked that an adult accompany players under the age of 12. It is a large field and we don't want to lose anyone!
8. Can I BYOP (Bring My Own Paint)?
No. We used to allow that option, but, in order to keep our prices low, we decided that we need to sell the paint that is shot on the field. We carry both Battle Line Aim and Fire at $55 and $60 per 2000 ball case, respectively.
9. Can I choose which team I want to play on?
Yes, if you pre-register, however, in the event that the numbers become heavily lopsided, we may ask for volunteers to change from one side to the other to help balance teams.
10. Will there be rentals available?
Sorry, we no longer offer equipment rentals.
11. Can I be a member of my team's chain of command?
Possibly. You will need to see your team general about specific positions. Often, a group who comes together will name a squad leader for themselves, then see their general for mission assignments.
12. When does the game start?
Usually at 10:00 am. That does not mean show up at 9:30 am. You should arrive early enough to have your gun chronoed and be at the game briefing at 8:00 am. All units have specific time windows to insert into the field before game start. If you are not ready to move out with your unit, you will be required to wait until after game start and then insert from your team command base.
13. Can I take pictures or video during the game?
Yes. We hope that you will provide us copies too. You never know, they could be published in a major magazine!
14. Can we use landmines, tripwire mines, paint grenades and smoke bombs?
Yes to all of those, but tripwire cords must be easily breakable. Smoke bomb rules are subject to field conditions. If it is very dry, you will not be allowed to throw them, only place them in a position free of burnable material and left there. ALL special weapons are subject to pre-game safety inspections. Clear them with the staff early.
15. Can I use night vision or thermal imaging equipment?
Yes, but you are solely responsible for any damage that may occur to it. We very seldom host an event that includes night segments, however.
16. How long are you out when you get eliminated?
Reinsertions after being eliminated are on the quarter hour unless otherwise stated at the player briefing. Instant reinsertions are sometimes used. When and if medics are used, they may come to you and reinsert you immediately at your position if you do not have a head shot or were not eliminated by heavy ordinance, a mine, or a bomb.
17. Can I use a two way radio?
Absolutely yes. We encourage it. Communication in battle is everything! FRS/GMRS channel 2 is reserved for game staff communications only. Stay off of that channel unless you need to report an emergency or a safety problem to the staff.
18. How many players do you expect?
Because our pricing is so low, we tend to have a high percentage of walk-on players for our events regardless of the higher entry fee to do so. It depends on the weather to some degree, but we expect anywhere from 300 to 600 players for our scenario events this year and 100-200 for our single day events.
19. What if it rains?
Smak Zone games are held as scheduled, rain, snow or shine unless travel conditions are dangerous. If it looks like rain, come prepared to get wet!
20. Is there food available on the premises?
Yes, there are concessions available at very reasonable prices, not to mention the free player BBQ on Fri. evening before the game.
21. Are there showering facilities on the premises?
Not at this time. There are plans for them in the future, but it's just not in the budget right now.
22. What do I do when I get eliminated?
You will be required to go to a dead zone/reinsertion point and wait until at least the nearest quarter hour before you reinsert into the game. You then return to your command base to see where you may be needed after reinserting since the dynamic of the game can change quickly.
23. Where are the field boundaries and how are they marked?
The field boundaries are marked every few feet by colored survey tape. At no time is a player to cross a fence as all boundaries are inside all fenced areas. The eastern and southern boundaries are likely the only ones you will ever actually see. The northern and western boundaries are fairly distant from where the majority of the action will take place.
24. Do visitors who only want to watch have to pay an entry fee?
No, only active participants in the game have to pay the registration fee. All spectators, including those filming and photographing, will be required to check in at the registration building and sign a waiver where they will receive a spectator rules list and a safety vest. Spectators, including camera wielders are not to aid a player in any way except in case of an injury or emergency. This includes carrying paint or equipment, comprimising player positions, coaching, or informing others of a player's elimination. Stay out of the way. It is frustrating to have a spectator in the line of fire when you are trying to play. Do not interfer with the staff. They are there to do a job, and it is not to entertain spectators.
25. We aren't camping on the premises, but can we set up a canopy or tent in the campground to rest and keep our equipment?
Yes, you may. We do request that you do not requistion a spot that players who are staying on the premises might use to better effect, however.