Battle Safety

• Our rules reduce the risks associated with combat in Empire, but they do not eliminate them
• You must follow all safety guidance given to you by our referees or other members of crew
• If you are at elevated risk from strenuous physical activity then follow any medical advice you have been given

Our skirmishes and battles are a contact sport and our rules serve to mitigate the risks, but cannot eliminate them. Participants who take the battlefield are exposed to a number of physical risks. These risks include the potential for heavy blows, physical crushes from other participants, accidental falls, and the trips and hazards of uneven ground. While our rules state all blows must be pulled, larp combat is unpredictable - and at Empire it happens on outdoor terrain, in all weathers.

It is the responsibility of everyone taking part in a battle to consider their own safety and that of the participants around them. All participants in battles should adhere to the instructions of referees and other members of crew, who have your safety and enjoyment as their primary consideration. You can practice good "self-care" by being aware of the trip hazards on the battlefield and preparing for them by wearing sensible supportive footwear; by ensuring you wear suncream if needed; and by bringing enough water to keep you hydrated throughout the battle.

If you consider yourself to be at an elevated risk of serious injury from these activities, then we ask that you take that into consideration when deciding whether to fight in battles. If you are recovering from an OC injury, are pregnant, or have any health issues that mean taking part in contact sports would put you at additional risk, then you may wish to consider seeking medical advice before participating. If a medical professional has advised you to avoid strenuous physical activity - for example, if you have an ongoing health condition that means you are at risk of permanent or even fatal injury if you participate in combat - then you should not participate in fighting.

Battles can be intense situations and there are a few additional considerations in addition to the usual Combat safety rules

Battle Referees

There will be a team of referees for each battle who are there to monitor the safety of all participants and ensure the rules are being followed correctly. Where needed they may intervene to avoid dangerous situations occurring or check participants are aware of the rules. Typical interventions are listed below