Who Are We?

We are a Big Guns R/C Warship combat club with members in Virginia and the surrounding states. The Mid-Atlantic Battle Group (MABG) was called the Blacksburg Battle Group in the 1990s. The name was changed to reflect the broader geographical area its members came from. Some of our original members from the 1990s are still active in the club today.

Our members have diverse backgrounds. Some of us came into this hobby from a passion for the history of the ships we model. Other members are passionate about the electronics to control the ships. One member even makes their own ship cannons.

What is Big Guns R/C Warship Combat?

Simply put, we build remove control (R/C) warship models, arm them with CO2 powered cannons, and sink each other in hotly contested battles. Yes, the cannons really do punch holes in the ships. Yes. the ships really do sink. However, the ships are designed for this type of abuse and are easily recovered and repaired.

About the Ships

Our remote control (R/C) warships are scale models of historical ships. We allow models of any surface warship that was laid down or in active service between January 1, 1900 and December 25, 1945. We only allow ships whose construction at least started to be modeled. Designs that only existed on paper are prohibited.

The ship models are built at a scale of 1:144. This is a scale were one inch in the model represents twelve feet on the historical ship. To allow for various builder skill levels we allow a +/-5% tollerance for honest build mistakes. Our rules also allow for some changes in scale to make smaller ships easier to build.

All ships have a maximum scale speed which is based on the maximum speed of the historical ship being modeled. Similarly, the model ships can be armed with CO2 powered cannons to model any 3"+ cannon on the historical ship. The caliber of these CO2 powered cannons is based on the caliber of the gun being modeled. For example, CO2 cannons arming an Iowa class battleship fire 1/4" ball bearings while the destroyer sailing next to it would be firing BBs.

The rules require that the hull of the ship can be penetrated by the cannons we use. The rules also require that the ship then be able to flood with water and sink from that damage. Other parts of the ship, for example the superstructure, can generally be made out of whatever the modeler wants.

Important
The content for this section is still being pulled together and updated from imperfect records and notes. It is likely to be updated.
Article I – Name and Purpose
  1. The name of the club is “Mid‐Atlantic Battle Group” (hereinafter “MABG” or “Club”).
  2. The purposes of the MABG are
    1. to provide interested persons in Commonwealth of Virginia and nearby states with the opportunity to associate with others interested in the hobby of radio controlled semi‐ scale model warship combat;
    2. to prompt safety, good sportsmanship and fun in semi‐scale model warship combat competitions
    3. to make information available to members and others concerning the history of early 20th century warships and the construction and operation of semi‐scale models of those ships in simulated combat activities
  3. The MABG has no opinion on any social issue or political topic. The use or display of any symbol, flag, or other image at Club events is done for the sole purpose of accurate depiction of historical events and artifacts only. The MABG does not promote, condone, support or oppose any group, policy or viewpoint that may be represented by such symbols, flags or other images.
  4. No part of the MABG’s net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any member, officer, director or other person having a personal or private interest in the activities of the Club. The MABG shall, however, be empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in section B., above.
Article II – Membership
  1. Membership in the Club is open to all persons interested in the hobby of radio control semi‐ scale model warship combat, who participate in radio controlled semi‐scale model warship combat within the Commonwealth of Virginia or a nearby State, who are willing to
    1. abide by these Bylaws and Rules of the Club as modified from time to time
    2. practice good sportsmanship at all times
    3. maintain a current signed Waiver of Liability on file with the Club
  2. No person may be excluded from membership in the Club for reasons of race, national or ethnic origin, religion or advanced age.
  3. Types of Members
    1. Regular Member ‐ eligible to participate at all Club events and to vote on all Club business, including changes to the Club 's rules and these By‐Laws.
    2. Associate Member ‐ eligible to participate at all Club events and to vote in Club business except for changes to the Club 's rules and these By‐Laws.
    3. Visiting Member ‐ eligible to participate in a single Club event but has no vote in any Club business.
  4. Requirements to Qualify as Associate Member
    1. status as Associate Member has been approved by a ¾ vote of the Club 's current Regular Members at the time the vote is taken. This means that ¾ of the Club's current Regular Members, not simply those present, must approve.
    2. pays any dues or other assessments payable to the Club in full.
    3. has a current signed Waiver of Liability on file with the Club.
    4. membership is not currently under suspension.
  5. Requirements to Qualify as Regular Member
    1. Has met all of the Requirements to Qualify for Associate Membership
    2. possesses one or more ships that have passed the Club 's Technical Certification, as described in The Club's Rules, within the previous twelve months.
  6. Requirements to Qualify as Visiting Member
    1. has a current signed Waiver of Liability on file with the Club.
    2. membership is not currently under suspension.
    3. membership has been approved by a simple majority vote of Club 's Regular Members and Associate Members present at the event.
    4. Visiting Member status expires automatically at the end of the event.
  7. Any Club member who is less than eighteen years of age is considered an Underage Member.
    1. Underage Members must have a Waiver of Liability form signed by parent or legal guardian on record with the Club.
    2. A parent or guardian must accompany the Underage Member to Club events. That parent or legal guardian is solely responsible for the actions and safety of the Underage Member.
  8. Suspension or revocation of membership
    1. Membership in the Club may be revoked by a ¾ vote of the full current membership of the Club.
    2. Conditions or actions that may be considered cause for suspension or revocation:
      1. Repeated refusal to follow Club rules, policies, safety regulations, or bylaws.
      2. Unpaid dues, or other fees that may be assessed by the Club under the authority of these By‐Laws.
      3. Other conduct that is considered detrimental to the operation, well being, or image of the Club.
    3. The Commanding Officer may authorize refund in full or in part of any current dues already paid by a suspended member but is under no obligation to do so.
  9. Absentee Votes
    1. Members who are eligible to vote may cast absentee votes prior to a vote being taken.
    2. Absentee votes may be delivered in writing to any of the Club 's officers prior to the vote.
    3. Absentee votes can be made verbally provided that the Commanding Officer and one other Club officer is notified prior to the vote.
      1. The member casting the absentee vote must tell the Commanding Officer which other officer has been notified.
      2. At the time of the vote the Commanding Officer and the officer indicated to him must be in agreement as to how the member voted.
Article III - Club Meetings
  1. Types of Meetings
    1. A Club meeting that adheres to the following conditions shall be a Regular Meeting:
      1. Scheduled by the Commanding Officer as a Regular Meeting.
      2. Publically announced at least thirty (30) days prior on the Club Website
    2. Election of the Club 's Elected Officers shall be held at the first Regular Meeting each calendar year which has at least three‐fourths (¾) of the Regular Members and Associate Members attending. This three‐fourths (¾) of these members collectively, there need not be three‐fourths (¾) of each of these types of members.
  2. The Commanding Officer is required to schedule at least two Regular Meetings each year.
  3. The Commanding Officer may schedule other events, meetings and gatherings as needed.
Article IV ‐ Club Officers
  1. Elected Officers
    1. Eligibility to Serve
      1. Only Regular Members and Associate Members may serve as Elected Officers.
      2. Elected Officers are selected by simple majority vote of the Regular Members and Associate Members of the Club at the first Regular Meeting of the calendar year.
      3. If no eligible member receives a simple majority of votes then the current holder of that office retains the post until a revote is taken at the next Regular Meeting.
    2. President / Commanding Officer (CO)
      1. i. Schedules and organizes the Club events, meetings and other activities.
      2. ii. Keeps copies of all signed Waivers of Liability.
    3. Yeoman / Financial Officer
      1. Maintains minutes of all meetings.
      2. Maintains phone and address roster of all members.
      3. Maintains the Club' s financial records.
    4. Technical Officer (TO)
      1. Inspects ships safety and compliance to construction specifications and issues Certifications.
      2. Regulates radio frequencies.
  2. Other Officers
    1. Vice President / Executive Officer (XO)
      1. Appointed by the Commanding Officer.
      2. Fulfils the CO’s duties in the Commanding Officer’s absence
    2. Safety Officer (SO)
      1. Appointed by the Commanding Officer.
      2. Insures all safety measures are followed and safety rules are adhered to.
      3. Works closely with the Technical Officer to insure that all ships are in safe condition and operated safely.
        (!) The Safety Officer's decisions are FINAL!
    3. Laundry & Morale Officer (LMO)
      1. Appointed by the Commanding Officer.
      2. Coordinates refreshments at all Club events, meetings and other activities.
      3. Monitors morale and takes necessary steps to insure that everyone has an ear for grievances.
      4. Receives grievances. If, problems brought to him are not resolvable, then will notify the Commanding Officer immediately for further action.
  3. Rubber Stamp Committee (Grievance & Anti‐Red Tape)
    1. Shall consist of the Commanding Officer, (or the Executive Officer in his absence) and any two voting members.
    2. Authorized to make decisions for the Club when, in their judgment, it is not necessary or timely to wait for the next regular meeting.
    3. These decisions shall be reviewed at the next regular meeting
    4. Deals with grievances other than Safety and Technical issues.
  4. Official Spokesperson
    1. Only the Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, or their designated representative are authorized to represent the Club for the purpose of making arrangements or obligations for the Club.
Article V - Dues and Fees
  1. The Commanding Officer or Financial Officer may submit requests that fees are levied of the membership.
    1. The request must clearly state how the funds will be used.
    2. The request must clearly state how any unused funds will be disposed of or spent.
  2. If approved by a ¾ vote of the Club 's current Regular and Associate Members the Fee is considered a requirement for maintaining those memberships in the Club
    1. Members may voluntarily pay fees before the fee is approved. If the fee is approved then the member is considered to have paid that portion of the fee. If the fee is rejected then the member is considered to have made a voluntary gift to the Club.
  3. The Financial Officer will collect approved fees from the membership and maintain a record of which members have paid what fees.
    1. These records must be available for review by any voting member or Club officer.
  4. The Financial Officer is responsible to insure that all funds are disposed of or spent exactly as the membership directed.
    1. The Financial Officer shall make a full report of what Dues and Fees have been approved in the previous twenty‐four months, who has paid them and how they were spent to any Regular Member or Associate Member requesting it.
Important
The content for this section is still being pulled together and updated from imperfect records and notes. It is likely to be updated.
Ship Construction Rules
  1. Period, Reference, Source and Scale
    1. Period
      1. Only ships that were laid down between January 1, 1900 and January 1, 1946 may be used, except sailing ships which are not authorized
      2. Only ship designs that construction was actually started on prior to Jan 1, 1946 can be built. Designs that were only "considered" but never implemented are not allowed. This means that the design must be one of the following
        1. It is the design that was used when construction started
        2. It is the design of the ship as it was completed
        3. It is the design of ship after modifications that were started prior to Jan 1, 1946
    2. Ships of a Class
      1. All ships of the same class may have the technical specifications of the most desirable ship of the same class
      2. Ship can not be built by pulling the best components of any and all ships in that class. One ship must be chosen and all characteristics are based on that ship
    3. Reference Source
      1. Conway’s All the Worlds Fighting Ships 1906-1921 and Conway’s All the Worlds Fighting Ships 1922-1946 (two books) shall be the only authorized reference sources for ships
      2. If a person wants to build a ship not listed in the authorized reference resources this may be acceptable provided plans and specifications can be verified by at least two other reputable sources. The Technical Officer and the Commanding Officer must agree on the suitability of the vessel for before it can be authorized
      3. Under certain circumstances defined in defined in these rules the club officers are authorized to approve waivers to the authorized references
    4. Scale
      1. All ships must be built to a scale of 1:144 (one inch equals twelve feet)
      2. Ships are allowed a +/- 5% tolerance is allowed for honest building errors in addition to any changes to a ships dimensions allowed elsewhere in these rules
    5. Modifications
      1. Modifications which are determined to give a ship an unfair advantage will not be allowed and shall not be approved for waiver
  2. Hull Construction
    1. Penetrable Area
      1. Penetrable areas are defined as all points below the main deck and cap-rail to a point one inch below the waterline
        1. The area protected by the frames (ribs) as defined in this chapter is exempt from this specification
      2. Hull may be solid from the first frame forward and the last frame aft. These frames are typically 2" or less inward from the ends of the hull
      3. Only lightweight six-pound density balsa wood may be used on areas defined as penetrable
      4. The exterior of the hull may be covered with a single layer of lightweight one mil thick silkspan in addition to a thin layer of the approved paints
        1. The interior of the balsa sheeting must remain untreated
        2. Silkspan patches to holes in the hull must be applied to the exterior of the ship. These patches may not be wider than twice the diameter of the hole being patched, or half an inch, whichever is narrowest
      5. The thickness of the hull will be based on actual armor thickness at the thickest part of a given ships armor belt as listed here
        Armor Thickness of Ship Maximum Balsa Thickness
        0.00" to 6.99" 1/16"
        7.00" to 11.9" 3/32"
        12.0" and above 1/8"
    2. Deck and Cap Rail
      1. Ships with at least one inch of penetrable freeboard the maximum combined thickness of the deck and cap-rail shall not exceed half of an inch
      2. Ships with less than one inch of penetrable freeboard the maximum combined thickness of the deck and cap-rail shall not exceed three-eighths of an inch
      3. On boats with a high bow the deck and cap-rail may be constructed so the bow is up to 3/8 inch lower than shown of the plans to allow guns to fire over the bow
    3. Frames (Ribs)
      1. Frames (ribs) may be no thicker than 3/8 inch, and on the bottom most interior surface of the boat may be no higher than 1 inch above the bottom
      2. Frames (ribs) must be spaced at least one inch apart, on center, for every 1/8" of frame thickness, rounded up. For example
        1/16 inch thick = frames must be at least 1 inch apart,
        1/8 inch thick = frames must be at least 1 inch apart,
        9/64 inch thick = frames must be at least 2 inches apart,
        1/4 inch thick = frames must be at least 2 inches apart,
        17/64 inch thick = frames must be at least 3 inches apart,
        3/8 inch thick = frames must be at least 3 inches apart
      3. To increase the displacement and allow installation of hardware, frames (ribs) may be 3/8 inch higher than specified on boat plans for boats less than 15,000 tons displacement, heavy load. The water line shall be at the same placement and the free board shall be the same area as shown on the plans
      4. On boats with a high bow the frame may be constructed so the bow is 3/8 inch lower than shown on the plans to allow guns to fire over the bow
    4. Penetrable Areas Forward and Aft of Ribs
      1. Non-penetrable hull areas are allowed in the bow and stern. These areas may be made of any material provided the combined length of these two sections does not violate the rules and provided the ship does not have an unfair advantage as determined by the Technical Officers
      2. As much of the length of the ship shall be made penetrable as is possible given the ship design and available plans. It is the Technical Officer's decision what is possible but the following limits always apply to what the TO may allow
        1. Other as described above for ribs any impenetrable areas of the hull must be at the extreme ends of the hull, before the first window or after the last
        2. Under no circumstance can either impenetrable area be large enough, or maximized to constitute an unfair combat advantage, by providing a nearly impenetrable cross section across bow or stern
        3. A waiver is not needed if the combined lengths of the impenetrable areas at the bow and stern is not more than 10% of the length of the ship at the waterline
        4. If the combined lengths of the impenetrable areas at the bow and stern is more than 10%, but not more than 15% of the length of the ship at the waterline the ship can be waivered if the TO feels that every effort was made to minimize the penitrable areas at the bow and stern. However, under no circumstance can the combined lengths of the impenetrable areas at the bow and stern be more than 15% of the length of the ship at the waterline. Waivers will not be given for ships violating this point
    5. Allowances to Reward Scale Detail
      1. Armor Plate
        1. To give the effect of armor plate on ships that had such, a horizontal stringer made of any material 1/8 inch high and flush with the outboard side of the frames(ribs) may be installed
        2. This will provide additional non-penetrable area of 1/8 inch around the horizontal perimeter of the armor plate and shall not be interpreted to further increase the non-penetrable area
        3. The stringer may not be within half an inch of the waterline. If the scale location of the armor plate is within half an inch of the water line than the horizontal stringer may not be added to the model
      2. Hull Crenellations
        1. Many ships had pronounced hull crenellations along the edge of the deck (usually for secondaries). If there is not at least 1/4" between bottom edge of these crenellations and the bottom of the caprail, then these crenellations need not be made penetrable
      3. A model may not have both in-penetrable hull crenellations and a non-penetrable stringer for an armor plate
  3. Superstructure
    1. The superstructure may be made of any material and must resemble the profile of the real ship, from all directions
  4. All Ships Must Sink
    1. The finished ship must be capable of sinking below the waters surface
      1. No means of delaying, or slowing down the sinking of any ship is allowed other than pumps complying with Chapter Two, Section Nine
    2. Ships may be constructed of a neutral buoyancy design which prevents the ship from sinking to the bottom of the pond
      1. This must be accomplished within the design of the superstructure. No buoyancy may be added to the hull, or interior of the hull of the ship to retard it from sinking and the deck itself may not be made buoyant
      2. The superstructure or a portion thereof may remain above the water surface allowing ease in recovery of the vessel
      3. 95% of the ship must sink below the waters surface
  5. Recovery Device
    1. All ships must have a recovery device in the form of a float with line securely attached to the ship and float
      1. The float shall break free of the ship as the ship sinks and the line shall deploy
      2. The line shall be of sufficient length to allow the float to reach the surface of the water when the ship is on the bottom, marking the location of the ship and allowing recovery of the ship from the waters surface
  6. Blast Shields
    1. These are devices to prevent rounds from passing through both sides of a ship's hull, or from damaging internal hardware
      1. Blast shields may be made of any material and must be mounted no closer than 5/16 inch away from the hull skin of the boat on the interior of the boat
      2. Rounds must be free to penetrate the hull, strike the blast shield and fall away from the hole towards the bottom of the boat
      3. The blast shield may not impede water flow in any way, or allow rounds (balls) to impede water flow
      4. The blast shield may NOT be sealed to any water-channeling device in such a manner as to prevent the water from reaching the bottom of the hull
  7. Watertight Compartments
    1. Electrical and electronic gear that would become damaged by water immersion may be protected by placing it in watertight compartments
      1. These compartments may not be larger than is needed to contain the gear that is being protected
      2. These compartments may not increase the buoyancy to the ship at any time
      3. These compartments may not subdivide the hull or impede the flow of water through the hull
  8. Water Channeling
    1. Water channeling to direct water towards the pump is approved
      1. Channeling shall be no higher than 1/2 inch above the bottom most interior surface of the hull and must allow water to run over and flow into the rest of the ship when there is more than 1/2" of water on the bottom of the hull
      2. Blast shields shall not be sealed to the water channeling
  9. Pumps and Pumping Capacity
    1. All ships may have one or more bilge pumps, but the combined pumping capacity shall not exceed the rates defined here
      Category Displacement Gallons / Hour
      0 Under 13,499 30
      1 13,500 to 24,999 45
      2 25,000 to 34,999 60
      3 35,000 to 47,999 75
      4 48,000 to 64,999 90
      5 Over 65,000 105
    2. The pumping capacity of all unarmed convoy ships, liners, cargo ships or oilers shall not exceed category zero, regardless of the ship’s displacement
    3. The pumping capacity of all armed convoy ships, liners, cargo ships, oilers or raiders shall not exceed category one, regardless of the ship’s displacement
  10. Rudders
    1. Rudders may be made of any material and may be up to 25% larger in surface area than on the real ship. Rudders must be the same shape and installed in the same position as on the real ship, but all rudders need not be installed or operational
    2. Convoy vessels and Raiders converted from transports may have rudders twice the area as shown on the plans
  11. Propellers and Screws
    1. Propellers
      1. Boats may have up to the same number of propellers as the real ship
      2. All propellers need not be installed
      3. Propellers that are installed must be in the same position as on the real ship
      4. Propellers may be up to 50% larger in area than would be correct for scale
    2. Bow thrusters
      1. Bow thrusters may be used only if the real ship was so equipped
  12. Propulsion and Speed
    1. All ships have a maximum scale speed which is based on the type and maximum speed of the ship being modeled
      1. The scale speed of warships is either the maximum speed of the original ship in knots, or twenty-four knots, whichever is faster
      2. The scale speed of non-warships is either the maximum speed of the original ship in knots, or twenty-two knots, whichever is faster
      3. "Trials Speeds" are not authorized
    2. The maximum speed of the model ship is determined by timing how long it takes for the ship to travel one-hundred feet (100’) in a strait line at full throttle. The time it takes for the ship to travel the distance can be no less than the time (in seconds) listed here for each scale speed
      Scale Time Scale Time Scale Time Scale Time
      22 51.1 30 37.5 38 29.6 46 24.5
      23 48.9 31 36.3 39 28.9 47 24.0
      24 46.9 32 35.2 40 28.1 48 23.4
      25 45.0 33 34.1 41 27.4 49 23.0
      26 43.3 34 33.1 42 26.8 50 22.5
      27 41.7 35 32.1 43 26.2 51 22.1
      28 40.2 36 31.3 44 25.6
      29 38.8 37 30.4 45 25.0
    3. Only electric motors may be used in conjunctions with factory sealed batteries
    4. Motors or throttles may not be set to increase power in a turn to improve the maneuverability of a ship, or to increase power during acceleration or deceleration to improve the starting and stopping characteristics of a ship
    5. Modifying the profile of the bow or shape of the hull to increase drag as a means of slowing down the ship is not allowed
  13. Waterline and Boots
    1. All ships shall float at scale waterline as shown on the ship plans
    2. Boot toppings shall be in scale position as shown on ship plans, must be 1/4 inch wide and may be painted or striped with one layer of hobby pin stripe tape
    3. Aircraft carriers are inherently top heavy, so to achieve a stable balance the waterline of aircraft carriers may be raised one half of an inch provided that at least 1 inch of penetrable free board remains above the waterline. This will reduce the freeboard and increasing the displacement of the ship
  14. Lamination, Paints, Fillers, Wood Hardeners
    1. Lamination
      1. Lamination is not permitted in penetrable areas
      2. Holes in penetrable areas may be plugged, or hull sections replaced, or holes may be covered with one layer of light weight silk span
      3. The silk span may not exceed more than 3/8 inch beyond the size of the hole being repaired and may not overlap areas of previous repairs. This means that multiple layers of silk span can not be allowed to build up on the hull, increasing the thickness of the hull as multiple repairs are made
    2. Paints
      1. Only model dope, lacquer based paints, water based paints or acrylic enamel paints may be used on penetrable areas and epoxy, oil based, or house type latex paints may not be used
      2. No paint shall be used on penetrable areas that increases the hardness, strength, or elasticity of the balsa wood
    3. Fillers and Hardeners
      1. Water based wood fillers may be used, but such fillers shall not add strength or thickness of the balsa wood of penetrable areas. Lightweight wall spackle works well as a filler and is easy to sand
      2. Wood hardener materials such as penetrating liquids may not be used on the wood covering the penetrable areas of the hull
  15. External Hull Modifications (Keels, stabilizers, etc.)
    1. Any modifications not present on the ships plans or not of scale must be submitted for a waiver
  16. Radio Control Devices
    1. Conventional R/C Radios
      1. Each ship can have one channel reserved for it
      2. Channels are reserved first-come first-serve
      3. If the ship for which a channel is reserved is not present than another ship may use that channel with the approval of the CO (or XO in the CO's absence)
      4. If the ship does not participate in a club event for one year then the channel is considered available for other ships to reserve
    2. Custom Control Devices
      Do to the difficulty in regulating such devices it is left to the builders to regulate themselves. The following restrictions always apply
      1. If custom devices are to be used then the owner must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of all participating captains, that the device(s) does not conflict with any other control devices
      2. If two or more custom control devices interfere with each other then none of the devices can be used until the conflict is resolved
      3. If any custom control device interferes with any convention R/C radio then the custom control device may not be used until it is changed to not interfere with any convention radio
Important
The content for this section is still being pulled together and updated from imperfect records and notes. It is likely to be updated.
Armament Rules
  1. Cannons
    1. Number and Placement
      1. The number of cannons allowed are the same as on the real ship. However, not all need to be installed.
      2. The The Technical officers may approve waivers to scale gun placement to allow guns to fit into a particular ship provided:
        1. The cannon is placed as close as possible to the scale location
          1. A waiver should always be given if the cannon could not be placed correctly in the model because of rules requirements obstructed their placement then the cannons may be moved to the nearest possible position. This exception does not apply to space concerns not directly caused by these rules.
        2. There must be no significant tactical advantage to the alternate location
          1. Increasing overall magazine size beyond what is achievable at the correct scale location is disallowed as an unfair advantage.
        3. A waiver is not needed if the cannon's placement is within +/-5% of the correct scale location (measured to center of rotation for turret). This allows for honest building mistakes.
      3. Cannons and torpedo tubes of a single battery shall not have converging barrels that allow the balls fired to strike at the same point at any given distance.
      4. Performance and operating parameters of guns and torpedoes is covered in this chapter under Weapons Testing Procedure and Operating Parameters.
      5. The minimum spacing between barrels shall be 0.5 inch center-to-center
    2. Barrels
      1. The length of barrels must be the same as on the real ship within 5%. Barrel length is measured from the end of the barrel to the face of the correctly scaled turret cover.
      2. Gun barrels may not elevate higher than horizontal, which is defined as parallel with the waters surface, at any point in the arc of rotation.
      3. Gun barrels may not depress more than fifteen degrees below horizontal at any point in the arc of rotation.
      4. Weapon caliber's shall be the same as on the real ship to the scale size defined here:
        Caliber on Real Ship (metric) Caliber on Scale Model
        3" to 6.9" (76.0mm to 179mm) 0.177 inches
        7" to 10.9" (180mm to 279mm) 3/16 inches
        11" to 14.9" (280mm to 379mm) 7/32 inches
        15"+ (380mm +) 1/4 inches
      5. Gun Rotation
        1. Only ships that had rotating guns may have rotating guns and these guns shall be in the same position as on the real ship.
      6. Operating Parameters
        1. Maximum operating pressure shall not exceed 140 psig, but may be required to operate at below 140 psig to meet the penetration requirements defined herein.
        2. Only CO2 or compressed air may be used as a propellant.
        3. Maximum penetration shall not exceed that described in this section.
      7. Weapon Testing
        1. Maximum weapons system pressure is 140 psi. However, system pressure must be reduced as required to prevent shot from exceeding these penetration test requirements.
        2. When testing a particular cannon, use only the propellant that the cannon is designed for.
        3. Test weapons by firing into DOW Styrofoam, Square Edge Extruded Polystyrene Insulation, 2 inches thick. Do not substitute 2 layers of 1" thick material.
        4. Firing into 2" thick FOAM test material:
          1. Secure the foam solidly, 12" from the muzzle of the cannon's barrels. If need be, build a frame for the foam and anchor it solidly, or strap it against a stable object such as a desk, and fire into area of the foam that has no support directly behind it.
          2. If ANY rounds go through the foam, adjust the system pressure down and re-test. Repeat this process until no rounds pass through the foam.
  2. Torpedoes
    1. Torpedoes are simulated using cannons in place of torpedo tubes.
      1. All restrictions applicable to cannons also apply to cannons simulating torpedoes.
      2. Only ships that had torpedoes may be so armed.
      3. The maximum number of torpedoes on any ship shall not exceed the number of tubes on the real ship.
      4. Torpedo tubes must be angled down to limit their range to 4 feet.
    2. All torpedo tubes are simulated by 1/4 inch or smaller cannons regardless of the diameter of the prototype torpedo tube.
  3. Aircraft
    1. Aircraft may be simulated using 1/4 inch cannons.
      1. For every ten combat aircraft the ship carried a single 1/4 inch barrel may be installed.
        1. If the number of aircraft carried is not a multiple of ten then the number of barrels that can be install is the number or aircraft divided by ten, rounded down.
      2. The cannons must be installed under the deck with approximately half of the guns pointed directly forward and the remainder pointed directly rearward
      3. These cannons may not rotate.
    2. Launching Scale Model Aircraft
      1. Aircraft carriers may launch scale replicas of aircraft carried on the real ship.
      2. Aircraft must be launched from the flight deck forward over the bow.
      3. One aircraft may be launched every eight seconds.
      4. Aircraft must be constructed such that they are recoverable and may not be allowed to sink to the bottom of the pond and be lost after firing.
  4. Rate of Fire for Cannons and Torpedoes
    1. The rate of fire for cannons and torpedoes is as follows:
      Scale Caliber of Cannon Rate of Fire
      0.177 inches (bb) 1 round per barrel every 4 seconds
      3/16 inches 1 round per barrel every 4 seconds
      7/32 inches 1 round per barrel every 6 seconds
      1/4 inches (except Torpedoes) 1 round per barrel every 8 seconds
      Torpedoes Non-Reloading
  5. Mines
    1. Mines are simulated using lengths of string held afloat with small floats. Ships become caught in the string.
      1. Mine strings must float and be recoverable.
      2. Mines strings are limited to one foot for every ten mines the ship historically carried plus three or more feet (determined by Referee for battlesite) for an anchor.
      3. The mine string must be weighted at one end with sufficient weight to anchor it. The nearest float to the anchor must be three feet away from this anchor.
      4. There must be one additional float every five feet, spaced evenly between first float and the last float at the unweighted end.
      5. The individual deploying the mine is responsible for recovering the mines at the end of battle.
  6. Other Weapons/Shipboard Systems
    1. Lights, anchors, horns, and similar devices are allowed. Shipboard smoke generators are allowed, provided no propelled/exploding pyrotechnics or liquid fuels are used. Commercially sold smoke bombs are acceptable, but should be placed in a hollowed out smokestack lined with a nonflammable material.
    2. All other weapons/ship board systems added that are visible on the exterior of the ship, must maintain the scale look and profile of the ship.
    3. Aiming devices to simulate radar are allowed under R&D.
    4. Automated devices that fire a weapon without human input are not allowed.
  7. Weapon System Safety
    1. C02 Tanks, Air Tanks and Air Compressors
      1. All systems must be of a commercial design suitable for the pressures used in combat vessels.
      2. The maximum pressure delivered to the weapon systems shall not exceed the limit specified herein.
      3. Air tanks and C02 tanks and all fittings operating at non-regulated pressure must be of a commercially approved design and must meet state and local laws, and must be rated at 150% the operating pressure at a minimum.
      4. No device may be installed in any pressurized portion of the CO2 system that will prevent the pressure regulator from performing it's function throughout the entire system.
    2. Regulators
      1. These items are pressure relief regulators, set to a maximum of 140 psi
    3. Pressure Gauges
      1. All combat ships with CO2 bottles or compressors must have a Clippard quick disconnect fitting on the highest pressure line in the ship.
      2. The TO has the right to require that the quick disconnect be repositioned.
    4. Gas for Gun Systems
      1. Only liquid CO2 or compressed air may be used.
    5. High Pressure Tanks (HP)
      1. High Pressure tanks, lines and valves are those that are operated in excess of 300 psi.
      2. Members utilizing tanks for the purpose of dispensing gas to another tank shall do so as described below:
        1. The transfer of HP air or CO2 shall be done in the designated area.
        2. A tank intended to supply gas, receive gas and the associated supply lines shall be of a type and design suitable for such HP gas.
        3. Upon the completion of the transfer of gas, each tank valve shall be closed, and any gas pressure remaining in the transfer line shall be released immediately.
      3. High Pressure Tanks & Hoses:
        1. All HP tanks are to be pressure tested every 5 years (hydrostat) as applicable.
        2. The date of test and PSI rating must be stamped on all HP tanks.
        3. At no time shall a tank be pressurized above the stamped PSI rating on the tank.
        4. No HP line or valve stall be used above its rated pressure.
    6. Safety Switch
      1. All ships with weapons systems shall be equipped with a safety switch.
      2. When in the "safe" position, the switch shall allow no gas to flow to the firing valves or actuators, nor allow any current to pass to the firing solenoids (on electrically fired systems), no matter which position the firing servo is in.
Important
The content for this section is still being pulled together and updated from imperfect records and notes. It is likely to be updated.
Combat Rules
  1. Eligibility
    1. The Technical Officer shall inspect all vessels to insure the vessels are in compliance with the rules. If the vessels are found to be in compliance with the rules the Technical Officer shall issue certification and then start maintaining a record of the certified ship. At the direction of the Commanding Officer, the Safety Officer may certify a vessel in the absence of the Technical Officer.
    2. The certifying officer will inspect the vessel to insure compliance with the following:
      1. Meets all construction standards.
      2. Meets all armament and weapons standards.
      3. Can be safely operated and fitted out
    3. A complete set of plans, or the information from which the ship was constructed shall be provided to the Technical Officer prior to inspection.
    4. Once a vessel is certified it does not need to be re-certified unless it undergoes modification or re-certification is requested.
      The Referee may require that any and all ships be re-certified for speed and weapon penetration before a battle.
    5. The Commanding Officer (or Executive Officer in the Commanding Officer's absence) may grant a temporary certification in the absence of the Technical Officer, but does not have the authority to grant a waiver prior to review and inspection by the Technical Officer.
    6. Challenges to a ship's eligibility can be made at any time by a captain with a ship participating in the battle.
      1. If the challenge is issued during a sortie the Referee will announce "Cease Fire - Eligibility Challenged" at which time all ships will come to a complete stop and cease firing. Once both ships have been removed from play and handed over the Referee will announce "Resume Fire" and combat will resume without the two ships.
      2. Once the challenged ship and the challenging ship are removed from play they are immediately handed over to the Referee with their controls.
      3. The Referee will supervise or personally conduct the appropriate test(s) on both ships.
        1. If the challenge was issued during sortie then the test(s) will be conducted during the next break between sorties.
      4. If either ship fails the test then it shall not return to play until the situation is corrected and re-tested and their team will be issued a scored penalty. Ships passing the test(s) may return to the play normally.
      5. A scored penalty shall be issued to the challenging ship's team if the challenged ship passes the test.
        1. This penalty will be the same as it the challenging ship had failed the test.
        2. If the challenging ship also failed the test then the penalty is applied once for failing the test and once for issuing a wrongful challenge.
          (!) If both captains are on the same team then the team is still issued a penalty. This is to avoid abuse of these rules to remove a teammate ship from the water before it can sink

  2. Rules of Engagement
    1. The CO (or XO if the CO is not present) will appoint a Referee for the battle.
      1. The CO (or XO) may appoint himself as the Referee.
      2. The Referee may command or operate a ship participating in the battle
      3. The Referee may stop play at any time by declaring "Cease Fire" at which time all ships must come to an immediate and complete stop and cease firing.
        1. Failure to observe a cease fire is considered a safety violation.
      4. The Referee may order any ship removed from play at any time.
    2. A battle is conducted as a series of timed sorties.
      1. The Referee will announce a five-minute warning before the beginning and end of each sortie.
      2. The sortie will begin with the Referee announcing "Commence fire".
        1. Any warship not already on the water when this announcement is made will not be allowed to participate in this sortie.
        2. Any ship on the water at this time must participate in the sortie and can not be removed until sunk or the sortie ends.
      3. The sortie will end with the Referee announcing "Cease fire". At this time all ships can return to a designated launching location and be removed from the water.
        1. Any ship not already in a designated launching area at the end of the sortie, that can not returned to a designated launching area under their own power, are considered disabled.
        2. Ships can be pushed or towed back to a designated launching area by teammates until the sortie ends. All ships involved in the maneuver are considered in play and can be fired upon and return fire, normally.
      4. Sorties are thirty minutes long unless the participating captains unanimously agree to a different time length before the sortie begins.
      5. There will be thirty minutes between sorties to reload ammunition, and recharge CO2 and batteries as needed. The length of time between sorties may be changed if the participating captains unanimously agree.
      6. Repairs to battle damage may be made between every other sortie.
        (!) So after the first sortie ships may reload and recharge but may not plug holes. Only after the second sortie has been fought can skippers repair battle damage.
        1. Patching holes, even with silk span is considered a repair of battle damage
        2. Removing mine strings is not considered repairing battle damage.
        3. Damage incurred because of a ram, intentional or accidental, is not considered battle damage and may be repaired.
        4. Any change of equipment other than batteries must first be approved by the Referee or the Technical Officer.
    3. Convoy Runs
      1. The captain of a convoy ship may start his convoy run at any time during the sortie by notifying the Referee. The Referee will then announce "Cease Fire - Convoy Ship Entering the Water". At which time all ships will come to a complete stop and cease fire. The captain of the convoy ship can then place his ship in the water in the DLA and combat will resume with the Referee announcing "Resume Fire".
      2. Convoy ships must complete one or more circuits around a clearly defined course determine by the referee. The course must be announced to all captains before the battle starts and can not be changed during the battle.
        1. Convoy ships running the minimum speed of 22 knots must depart port, complete one lap around the defined course and return to port score points.
        2. Convoy ships running greater than 22 knots must depart port, complete 2 laps around the defined course and return to port to be awarded points.
        3. Extra points will be awarded when three or more ships traverse the convoy circuit together, never straying more than ten feet from each other.
          (!) If three ships, A, B and C are traveling together and A is 8' from B, which is 8' from C but A is 16' from C the ships are still considered together because they are all less than ten feet from at least one ship in the convoy.
        4. If faster convey ships maintain the 22 knot speed of the slower convoy ships and stay with the convoy for the entire course as defined in item 3, they need complete only 1 lap around the course to score points.
      3. Convoy ships can be removed from the water by removed from play after completing one or more convoy runs (which may be more than one complete circuit each).
        1. The convoy ship must return to the DLA and its captain must notify the referee that he intends to remove his ship from play. At this time the Referee will announce "Cease Fire - man in the water" and all ships will come to a complete stop and cease firing. The convoy ship can then be removed from the pond. The Referee will then announce "Resume fire" and combat will resume.
    4. Designated Launching Area (DLA)
      1. Each ship will be assigned a DLA at the start of the battle. Generally each team will have its own DLA but, depending on the pond site, teams may be required to share a DLA.
      2. Combat is conducted normally in the DLA. Ships in the DLA are considered in play and can be fired upon and return fire, normally.
    5. The Five Minute Rule
      1. If a captain feels his ship is in danger of sinking then the captain may request that the referee call "Five Minutes!" The referee shall call "Five Minutes!" then start a timer, but shall not announce which ship is on five minutes.
      2. If the Referee is not available then any captain may call "Five Minutes" and start a timer, or have a teammate make the announcement and start a timer. It is not required that the ship on five minutes be identified.
      3. The ship on "Five Minutes" remains in play for the entire five minute time, but may maneuver and return fire (if able to do so) and may be defended by teammates.
      4. After the five minutes have elapsed the Referee or captain will call "Cease Fire!" At this point, all ships will come to an immediate stop and cease firing and the ship on five minutes will be removed from the pond.
      5. If the ship sinks prior to the expiration of the five minutes it shall be scored as sunk, otherwise it shall be scored as lost.
      6. Five Minutes may not be called after the Referee announces the five minute warning for the end of the sortie.
    6. Sinks
      1. A ship is considered sunk if at least 60% of its deck is awash (in the judgement of the Referee).
      2. When a ship sinks the Referee will announce "Cease Fire - man in the water". At this time all ships must come to an immediate stop and cease-fire. The captain of the sunk ship will then recover the ship from the pond. Once the ship has been recovered the Referee will announce "Resume fire" and combat will resume.
    7. Surrendered Ships
      1. A captain may declare that his ship surrenders at any time.
      2. When a ship is surrendered the Referee will announce "Cease fire - man in the water". At this time all ships must come to an immediate stop and cease-fire. The captain of the surrendered ship will then recover the ship from the pond. Once the ship has been recovered the Referee will announce "Resume fire" and combat will resume.
    8. Lost Ships
      1. Any ship that is placed under the Five Minute Rule and survives the five minutes is considered lost.
      2. Ships placed under the Five Minute Rule that sink after their five minutes has passed are not considered sunk - they are still considered lost.
    9. Disabled Ships
      1. Any ship not already in a designated launching area at the end of the sortie, that can not returned to a designated launching area under their own power, are considered disabled.
    10. Technical Time Out (TTO)
      1. The purpose of the TTO is to correct minor technical problems in a timely manner such as props being fouled by weeds, moss or debris, or to align turrets. etc.
      2. A captain may notify the Referee they wish for a Technical Time Out at any time. The Referee decides if a TTO will be granted or not.
        1. Technical time outs should only be granted for problems beyond the control of the ships captain.
        2. Technical time outs should never be granted because of mistakes made by the captain of the ship requesting a time out. Technical time outs should not be granted for failing to arm cannons, start pumps or propulsion.
          (!) The Referee's decision to grant a TTO (or not) is final
      3. If a TTO is granted the Referee will announce which ship is on TTO and the ship shall remain fair game for 30 seconds. After thirty seconds time the Referee will call "Cease Fire" and all ships will come to an immediate stop and cease firing. The captain requesting the TTO shall then correct the problem after returning the ship to the nearest shoreline.
        1. The ship on TTO must return to shore under its own power. If it is unable to do so then combat will resume and the ship will remain in play.
        2. The ship should not be removed from the water to clear the problem unless it is otherwise unsafe, difficult, or impossible to correct the problem. If the ship is removed from the water it will be scored as lost and may not be returned to the water during the sortie.
      4. If a TTO is called by a ship on "Five Minutes" the five minute time begins anew after clearing the problem and returning the ship to play.
    11. The captains who are participating in a specific battle may change any of these "Rules of Engagement"
      1. The participating captains must unanimously agree to the change.
      2. The change will be in effect for no longer than the duration of the battle
      3. The battle's Referee and the Club's Safety Officer (if present) must each agree to the change even if they are not participating captains.

  3. Event and Participant Safety (!) Violations of this section are considered safety violations
    1. Safety Glasses
      1. Eye protection (safety glasses) MUST be worn by all persons at or near the water's edge when guns are fired. These glasses or goggles MUST have side protection to prevent rounds from coming in from the side.
    2. Firing weapons
      1. No weapons will be fired until certified safe by the TO and XO or CO.
      2. Unauthorized shooting is prohibited. Weapons may only be fired when the Referee has declared that shooting is permitted.
      3. Test firing of weapons may be conducted only in designated pit areas.
      4. Weapons may not be fired at animals (wild or domestic), participants or spectators. Doing so is considered a safety violation.
    3. Combat Waters
      1. Camera persons may enter the water during combat if they are wearing full head and face protection and then only with the permission of the two most senior club officers present.
      2. No other persons may enter the water until cease fire is called.
    4. Pit Areas
      1. Pit Areas will be designated by signs, barriers and by any other means which make the area obvious.
      2. Spectators are not allowed in the pit areas, only crews and club officials are allowed in these areas.

  4. Maneuvers During Combat
    1. Ramming
      No ship shall intentionally ram another vessel.
      1. It is the responsibility all skippers to take appropriate action and make every effort to avoid a ram.
      2. If a ship is damaged by an accidental or intentional ram the damaged ship may be removed from the water at the nearest shoreline and the ram damage may be repaired, then the ship may be returned to play.
      3. When a ship is sunk as the result of an intentional ram, or unwarranted collision the team of the offending skipper may be assessed a scored penalty. The rammed vessel shall not be scored as a sink.
      4. The gun barrels of ships with rotating guns protruding over the side of the hull may not be side swiped, or a ship may not intentionally make contact with the hull of an opponents ship to misalign, or damage the guns.
    2. Hull to Hull Contact
      Hull to hull contact with ships of the opposing fleet, be it accidental or otherwise is not approved. Any contact between ships of opposing fleets is considered a ram.
      1. It is acknowledged that a tactic of convoy ships is to move in close to attacking enemy warships to reduce the effectiveness of their fire, however it is the responsibility of the warship to maintain a reasonable distance from the convoy ship under attack to preclude this occurrence.
      2. Hull to hull contact with convoy ships or ships on Five Minutes of the opposing fleet shall carry a scored penalty. The decision on this type of mishap is left to the Referee whose decision is final.
    3. Right of Passage
      All ships have a right of passage.
      1. Turning at a high rate of speed into the immediate path of a fast moving enemy vessel (crossing their T) is considered a unrealistic maneuver with the intention of causing the other ship to ram or quickly alter course/speed. In this case, the blocked vessel will not be penalized if it doesn't alter course or speed in time to avoid the collision. For scoring, the quickly turning vessel will be considered a ramming ship and subject to associated ram penalties. Conversely, however, slow speed turn collisions aren't necessarily rams. The decision of either type of mishap is left to the referee.
      2. Maneuvering in front of a moving ship so that it has to turn sharply or reverse engines to avoid collision is not allowed.
      3. If two ships are on a bow-to-bow collision course both vessels shall make a starboard (right) turn to avoid the collision. NOTE: If one of the ships tuns to port and places itself in position to receive a ram, there is no penalty to the ramming ship.

Important
The content for this section is still being pulled together and updated from imperfect records and notes. It is likely to be updated.
Scoring Rules
  1. Combat Factor
    1. Each warship shall be assigned a combat factor to reflect the ships relative combat value for the sake of scoring and for comparison to other ships.
    2. The formula for computing CF is the sum of the values from the following factors.
      1. Armor
        1 point for each 1/32 inch of hull armor thickness
      2. Guns
        1 point for each operational .177 (BB) barrel
        2 points for each operational 3/16 barrel
        3 points for each operational 7/32 barrel
        4 points for each operational 1/4 barrel
      3. Rotation
        2 points for each rotating turret
      4. Depressing Barrels on Turrets
        1 point for each depressing turret
      5. Torpedoes
        2 points for each operational non-reloading tube
        3 points for each operational reloading tube
      6. Speed
        0 points for ships with a max speed of 22-26 knots
        1 point for ships with a maximum speed of 27-30 knots
        2 points for ships with a maximum speed of 31-35 knots
        3 points for ships with a maximum speed of 36-40 knots
        4 points for ships with a maximum speed of 41 knots or faster
      7. Pumping
        1 point for a category 0 pumps (30 gph)
        2 points for a category 1 pump (45 gph)
        3 points for a category 2 pump (60 gph)
        4 points for a category 3 pump (75 gph)
        5 points for a category 4pump (90 gph)
        6 points for a category 5 pump (105 gph)
      8. Displacement
        0 points for ships displacing 0 to 9,999 tons
        1 point for ships displacing 10,000 to 19,999 tons
        2 points for ships displacing 20,000 to 39,999 tons
        3 points for ships displacing 40,000 or more tons

  2. Scoring Hits From Cannon Fire and Aircraft
    1. All hits that penetrate the hull will be scored. Hits on or above the cap rail, or to Non- penetrable areas will not be scored. Points will be assessed as follows:
      1. Hits below the boot 50 points each
      2. Hits on the boot 25 points each
      3. Hits above the boot 10 points each
    2. Scoring hits by an aircraft launched from an aircraft carrier.
      1. An aircraft that strikes a ship shall be scored at 100 points regardless of where it struck the ship.
      2. Only the first ship struck shall be scored as a hit if the aircraft glances off one ship and strikes a second ship.
      3. If the aircraft skips off the waters surface and hits a ship it shall be scored as a hit.

  3. Scoring Sunk, Lost, Disabled and Surendered Ships
    1. Scoring Sunk Ships
      1. Ships that are sunk are scored at 100 times the ship's Combat Factor except as noted below.
      2. A ship that has received no waterline or below hits during a battle, but somehow sinks, will be declared an "Unseaworthy Sink." Unseaworthy sinks are scored at the loss value of the ship.
      3. Hits that were taken during the sortie the ship sank are not scored.
    2. Scoring Lost Ships
      1. Lost ships are scored at 10 times the combat factor of the ship, or the score of all combined hits, whichever is greater.
    3. Surrendered Ships
      1. Surrendered vessels and vessels declared sunk are scored at 110 times the combat factor.
      2. A vessel may be declared sunk and immediately removed from the water by a skipper to prevent further damage. It is immediately considered out of play and is scored as a surrendered vessel.

  4. Scoring Rams
    1. If a vessel is sunk by what the Referee determines was an intentional, or avoidable ram then the team of the skipper causing the ram shall be assessed points equal to 110 times the combat factor of the rammed ship which sank. Neither ship, or team will be assessed a scored penalty for rams or collisions the Referee determines were accidental.
    2. In addition to score penalties for intentional enemy rams resulting in a sink, the ramming captain shall remove his ship from play while the damage is being repaired on the rammed ship.
      1. If the rammed ship cannot reenter play the day of the battle, then the ramming captain shall also not play that day.
      2. The captain of the out-of-play rammed ship may grant the offender to continue play.

  5. Penalty for Hull-to-Hull Contact
    1. A penalty of 100 points per occurrence shall be assessed for making illegal hull-to-hull contact as specified in the rules for combat.

  6. Scoring Convoy Runs
    1. For each successful convoy run the team shall be awarded points as defined here:
      Convoy Ship Type or Displacement Points Awarded
      Converted Destroyers 200
      Less than 1,000 tons 200
      1,000 to 9,999 tons 500
      10,000 to 19,999 tons 1,000
      20,000 to 39,999 tons 1,500
      40,000+ tons 2,000

    2. If three or more convoy vessels make a successful convoy run, starting, staying on and completing the course together an additional 500 points shall be awarded.
      (!) When comparing scores the points from convoy runs are usually kept separate from the combat score.

  7. Penalty for Non-compliance to the Rules
    1. Safety violations, accidental or otherwise shall be assessed at 1,500 points per occurrence to the team of the offending skipper. Penalties are multiplied for repeat violations: 2x for second, 3x for third etc. Either the club's Safety Officer, or the Referee may impose these penalties.
      1. Anything that could potentially harm a participant or spectator is considered a safety violation. This includes (but is not limited to):
        1. Any unauthorized firing of weapons.
        2. Firing weapons after cease fire has been called by the Referee.
        3. Using substandard, faulty or defective CO2 equipment.
        4. Failing to wear safety goggles.
    2. Ships which the Referee or the club's Safety Officer determine have safety violations shall be immediately removed from play until the problem is corrected.
    3. Other rule violations, accidental or otherwise, shall be assessed at 1,000 points by the Referee.