Renting an industrial site for airsoft

[Gerkraz]

So, we're all aware that there is, in some regions, a lack of playable airsoft fields.

After taking a drive, I came across a variety of industrial sites on the outskirts of my town. These are sites which are fenced in, have at most two buildings (sales buildings, etc) and don't appear to be under construction.

For the most part they contain mounds of gravel, some tractors/back hoes and maybe some large stacks of pipes and I-beams. There are no signs requiring the use of safety equipment, so I would say they are pretty safe to walk/run around on.

Now, I'm not asking you guys to judge the playability of the field, rather, I'd like to hear any advice you might have in terms of approaching the owners in order to rent their facilities.

What kinds of things should I mention?
What kind of things should I especially stress?

I figure it's important to mention that the sport is safe, both for the players and for the property. I will mention that BBs do not leave marks, like paintballs. (I will refrain from mentioning paintball at all). Should I invite him/her to assist our first game, in order to supervise?

I know that, as the owner, he would legally be responsible for any injuries that occur on his property, so would mentioning a legal waiver be important? (Even though they have no legal standing, etc)

I imagine that I'm not the first person in the history of airsoft wanting to (legally) use an industrial type site, so any advice is appreciated. I figure that the worst thing that can happen is they say "no"...but I'd rather give it a try and find out.

[L473ncy]

I guess liability insurance might be a big one. I know CamoGames has rented out the Claybank site, first time was supposedly a success so they let them run it again.

Maybe contact him in regards to how he did it and for guidance.

Also I think it would be important to mention the safety standards that you place upon players.

Maybe start with a small game (8-10 people maybe) with senior/respected members of the community for the owners to watch first and judge if they want this kind of activity in their building then have a larger games going on maybe 16 players to let them see what the dynamics of having more people are like in a game. Take small steps basically. Finally then hopefully they let you have invite only/open invite (ie. thread in games section and if name not on list no entry) games.

[Brian McIlmoyle]

you would have to have liability insurance to cover the activity.. a waiver won't mean much..

[Gerkraz]

Liability insurance, of course. I should have thought of that. We have liability coverage at work, so I know exactly how that works/how to go about getting it.

[The Chad]

I posted an ad in the local classifieds and had numerous property owners wanting to make some cash on the side. Most were trying to sell the property and didn't care what we were doing in there. Ultimately, because of the locations being within visible distance of public eyes, it was not a good idea.

[Rugger_can]

Originally Posted by Gerkraz

Liability insurance, of course. I should have thought of that. We have liability coverage at work, so I know exactly how that works/how to go about getting it.

Call an insurance company. I know its obvious, but literally that's the answer. Call around and ask for prices


cheers

[Brian McIlmoyle]

Originally Posted by Rugger_can

Call an insurance company. I know its obvious, but literally that's the answer. Call around and ask for prices


cheers

Probably not that easy... they will want to know..

location of the site
use of property
number of participants
ages of participants
details of activities planned

There are very limited carriers for this kind of coverage

[Rugger_can]

Originally Posted by Brian McIlmoyle

Probably not that easy... they will want to know..

location of the site
use of property
number of participants
ages of participants
details of activities planned

There are very limited carriers for this kind of coverage

I guess I assumed that someone wanting to host their own games would have a semblance of having their shit together. And here's the name of a reputable sporting/event insurance company located in Canada.

Also you need to remember that he would be calling insurance brokers. Brokers assess your needs then find a company for you. Brokers deal with many companies.




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[Gerkraz]

I'm director of a Youth Organization and we take part in sporting events all the time. Our liability insurance covers us for all types of sporting event.

I imagine this would cover airsoft as well.

[Brian McIlmoyle]

Originally Posted by Gerkraz

I'm director of a Youth Organization and we take part in sporting events all the time. Our liability insurance covers us for all types of sporting event.

I imagine this would cover airsoft as well.

Maybe... you should ask the insurer and be sure

[coach]

Originally Posted by Gerkraz

I'm director of a Youth Organization and we take part in sporting events all the time. Our liability insurance covers us for all types of sporting event.

I imagine this would cover airsoft as well.

I wouldn't assume your coverage would extend to airsoft.

[zollen]

If someone injured or a crime was committed at the site playing Airsoft, who is responsible? Any emergency room or hospital near the site? Any broken glass or nails on the ground?

[Farmboy]

Here is what I would ask you, if you asked to rent my building.

1) Do you have insurance. Prove it and prove that you and the others who attend are covered

Then I would have to contact my insurance company and ask them about my coverage just incase

2) What are your plans to clean up the mess?

3) What are your plans to fix or pay for any damamge?

4) Would you personally gaurantee that everything would be as when you started

5) What times would people be attending?

6) Is it legal? Would you let the police know the event is taking place so I don't get a phone call about something happening

7) Who is in charge of any keys?

8) Are you paying me up front?

9) How can I be sure you won't leave my property and trespass next door?

10) Do you have any other building owners or property owners that can vouch for you

Those are off the top of my head.

Should I invite him/her to assist our first game, in order to supervise?

No. The last thing I want to do as a business and building owner is assist or supervise people.

You need to provide references to the last places you played. If he/she wants to they might ask to see a game.


Basically you are going to have to make it worth their while to go through the hassle.

[101jinx101]

BIO BB restrictions.. there degrade in 3-4 months time, rather than having white BB's all over his yard for years to come.

[Gerkraz]

Originally Posted by Farmboy

Here is what I would ask you, if you asked to rent my building.

1) Do you have insurance. Prove it and prove that you and the others who attend are covered

Then I would have to contact my insurance company and ask them about my coverage just incase

2) What are your plans to clean up the mess?

3) What are your plans to fix or pay for any damamge?

4) Would you personally gaurantee that everything would be as when you started

5) What times would people be attending?

6) Is it legal? Would you let the police know the event is taking place so I don't get a phone call about something happening

7) Who is in charge of any keys?

8) Are you paying me up front?

9) How can I be sure you won't leave my property and trespass next door?

10) Do you have any other building owners or property owners that can vouch for you

Those are off the top of my head.




No. The last thing I want to do as a business and building owner is assist or supervise people.

You need to provide references to the last places you played. If he/she wants to they might ask to see a game.


Basically you are going to have to make it worth their while to go through the hassle.

This is super helpful! Thanks a lot for this! (as well as all the other replies in this thread)