I am a member of the Risk Management Advisory Panel and our group has addressed this topic for more than 2 years now with some positive movement. The topic came up after I attended a Laser Tag birthday party for one of my 9 year old son's friends (he was 7 at the time). I was very impressed with the positive atmosphere, emphasis on safety and especially how much fun the kids were having. It was ironic that when my own Pack wanted to go there for an activity I had to put a stop to it. Eventually I had my son's birthday at the laser tag facility and one of the Dad's there is an eye surgeon, so I asked him about the safety of such an activity; he explained that it is very safe as the laser power is very minimal (less than a lser pointer). After much discussion and debate by the RMAP it was determined to endorse the concept of allowing laser tag and removing it from the unauthorized activity list with the CSE's approval of. The matter was brought to the National Health and Safety Committee which ammended the suggestion to allow laser tag only when aiming at non-living targets/representations; the issue being that there is a feeling that the laser device represents a firearm. Having personally observed and participated in this activity I must say that is a far stretch, but yes you are pointing the device at an opponent and aiming at the target they have on their laser vest. I don't want to seem fecetious, but is the next step to place water gun fights on the unbauthorized activity list?
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