Section 8: Safety Considerations
Alcohol and Consent
Alcohol is optional and should never be treated as a condition of participation. Follow all applicable age restrictions, venue policies, and local laws. Anyone who does not wish to drink alcohol must be allowed to use water or another non-alcoholic beverage without penalty or attention.
Do not use large servings, high-proof alcohol, forced-drinking penalties, speed-drinking pressure, or rules that punish a player for stopping. Participants should pace themselves, eat appropriately, hydrate, and stop immediately if they feel unwell. No one who has consumed alcohol should drive, cycle in traffic, operate machinery, swim, or undertake another hazardous activity.
Choking and Medical Risk
Drinking quickly can cause choking, vomiting, or aspiration. Use small servings and allow each participant to drink at a comfortable pace. Players with swallowing difficulties, relevant medical conditions, medication interactions, pregnancy-related concerns, or other risks should use the non-drinking variation or sit out.
Stop play for confusion, inability to remain awake, repeated vomiting, seizure, slow or irregular breathing, pale or bluish skin, or loss of consciousness. Seek emergency medical help immediately. Keep an unconscious person on their side if it is safe to do so, monitor breathing, and do not leave them alone.
Physical and Venue Safety
- Use only lightweight, unbreakable cups; never use glass.
- Place the table on a level surface and confirm that it does not wobble or collapse under ordinary contact.
- Wipe spills promptly and keep floors, walkways, and exits clear.
- Keep electrical devices and cables away from liquids.
- Do not climb, sit, dive across, or lean heavily on the table.
- Provide enough space for each player to flip without striking a teammate, opponent, wall, light, or spectator.
Hygiene and Allergies
Assign a separate clean cup to every player and do not share drinking vessels. Wash reusable cups before and after play. Clearly identify beverages and ingredients, accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions, and prevent accidental substitution of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Stopping Play
Any participant may call for a pause to clean a spill, replace damaged equipment, check on another person, or address an unsafe condition. Safety pauses carry no competitive penalty. The game should resume only when the hazard has been removed and all affected players freely agree to continue.