
The Nerf Rival, a team-based shooting game, has been banned in Australia due to safety concerns. The game involves players using Nerf blasters to shoot foam balls at their opponents, with the goal of eliminating the opposing team. While many people argue that the game is harmless and can be enjoyed by people of all ages, others believe that the high-velocity foam balls pose a risk of injury, especially to children. As a result of the ban, retailers are not allowed to stock Nerf Rival products in Australia, however, it is not illegal to own or import them. The decision to ban the game has been met with mixed reactions, with some people criticising it as an infringement on their right to play, while others support the decision to prioritise safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legality in Australia | Banned for sale in stores due to safety concerns, but not illegal to own |
| Safety concerns | High-velocity foam balls could cause eye injuries and break bones |
| Registration requirements | In South Australia, certain models must be registered as firearms if loaded with gel balls |
| Public opinion | The ban has been met with mixed reactions, with some seeing it as unnecessary and an infringement on their right to play, while others believe it is necessary for public safety |
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What You'll Learn
- Nerf Rival is not illegal to own in Australia, but it is illegal for retailers to sell them
- The Australian government banned the game due to safety concerns
- Some Australians have to register their Nerf guns as firearms
- The ban has been met with mixed reactions from the public
- The game may be released in Australia in a watered-down, low-power version

Nerf Rival is not illegal to own in Australia, but it is illegal for retailers to sell them
Nerf Rival blasters are not illegal to own in Australia, but they do not meet the country's toy safety standards, making it illegal for retailers to sell them.
In Australia, the sale of toys that exceed a maximum energy output is prohibited. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has received complaints from parents about the potential safety hazards posed by the high-velocity Nerf Rival blasters, which can cause serious injuries if they hit someone in the eye or other sensitive areas. As a result, the ACCC has deemed the toy a "potential safety hazard for children" that "could encourage unsafe play."
Despite the ban on sales within Australia, some individuals have imported the product from international retailers like Amazon. However, there is a risk that these imported blasters may be seized by customs.
It is worth noting that in South Australia, certain designs of Nerf guns that operate identically to prohibited gel blasters must be registered as firearms. This regulation highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the safety and legality of these toys in different parts of the country.
The banning of Nerf Rival in Australia has sparked mixed reactions from the public, with some expressing disappointment and viewing the game as harmless, while others support the decision to prioritize safety and prevent potential accidents.
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The Australian government banned the game due to safety concerns
The Australian government has banned the sale of Nerf Rival blasters due to safety concerns. The decision was made by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), which received complaints from parents about the potential safety hazards posed by the toy.
Nerf Rival is a team-based shooting game where players use blasters to shoot foam balls at their opponents. The game can be played both indoors and outdoors, and each team typically consists of two to four players. The foam balls are shot at high velocities, which has raised concerns about the risk of injury, particularly if someone is hit in the eye, which could result in permanent vision damage.
The ACCC's decision to ban the game was met with mixed reactions from the public. Some people supported the ban, citing safety concerns and the potential for accidents if the game is not played properly. Critics of the ban argue that Nerf Rival is a harmless game enjoyed by people of all ages and that it can be played safely if the right precautions are taken.
It is important to note that while the sale of Nerf Rival blasters is banned in Australia, it is not illegal to own one. The ban only applies to retailers, who are not allowed to stock the product as it does not meet the country's maximum energy toy safety rules.
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Some Australians have to register their Nerf guns as firearms
In Australia, the sale of Nerf Rival blasters is prohibited due to safety concerns. The blasters do not meet the maximum energy requirements for toys, as they shoot at around 90-100 fps instead of the maximum allowed speed of 50 fps. This raises concerns about the potential for eye injuries and broken bones if individuals are hit in the wrong spot.
While it is not illegal to own a Nerf Rival blaster in Australia, certain models that operate identically to prohibited gel blasters must be registered as firearms in South Australia. This requirement came into effect in April 2021, and blaster owner Brad Phillips revealed that he registered his Nerf Mega Big Shock model as a firearm at his local police station. It is important to note that this regulation only applies to specific Nerf models that use gel balls, and there is no requirement to register any model of the Nerf blaster.
The decision to ban the sale of Nerf Rival blasters in Australia has been controversial, with some people arguing that the game is safe and does not encourage unsafe play. However, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) maintains that they received multiple complaints from parents and that the game poses a potential safety hazard for children.
The ban on the sale of Nerf Rival blasters in Australia highlights the country's strict approach to toy safety. While some Australians have expressed disappointment and viewed the ban as an infringement on their right to play, others support the decision to prioritize safety and prevent potential accidents.
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The ban has been met with mixed reactions from the public
The ban on Nerf Rival in Australia has sparked varied responses from the public, with some expressing surprise and disappointment while others view it as a necessary safety measure. Those opposed to the ban argue that Nerf Rival is a harmless game suitable for all ages and promotes physical activity. They believe that with the right precautions, it can be enjoyed safely, and view the ban as an infringement on their right to play.
On the other hand, supporters of the ban highlight the potential dangers associated with the game, especially if it is not played properly. They agree with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) statement that Nerf Rival poses a safety hazard and could encourage unsafe play. The high velocity of the foam balls, for instance, can cause serious injuries, including permanent vision damage and broken bones.
The controversy surrounding the ban is further fuelled by the fact that while Nerf Rival is not illegal to own, it does not meet the country's toy safety standards, particularly those related to maximum energy and projectile distance. This has resulted in a situation where retailers are restricted from stocking the product, but individuals can still obtain it through alternative means, such as online purchases or importing.
The mixed reactions to the ban reflect the differing perceptions of the risks and benefits associated with Nerf Rival. While some emphasize the fun and recreational aspects of the game, others prioritize safety concerns, especially for children. Ultimately, the decision to ban Nerf Rival in Australia remains divisive, with valid arguments presented by both proponents and opponents of the ban.
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The game may be released in Australia in a watered-down, low-power version
The game Nerf Rival has been banned in Australia due to safety concerns. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) made the decision to ban the game after receiving multiple complaints from parents who believed it was a "potential safety hazard for children" that could "encourage unsafe play". The high-velocity foam balls fired from Nerf blasters can cause serious injuries, including permanent vision damage and broken bones if they hit someone in the eye or other sensitive areas.
However, there is speculation that a low-power version of the game may be released specifically for the Australian market. This version would likely have reduced power and shooting speed to comply with Australian toy safety standards. The current Nerf Rival blasters shoot at 90-100 fps, while the maximum allowed in Australia is 50 fps.
The decision to ban the original version of the game has been controversial, with some arguing that it is safe and does not encourage unsafe play. Additionally, there are concerns that a low-power version may not be appealing to enthusiasts who are already modifying classic Nerf blasters to enhance performance.
In South Australia, certain models of Nerf guns must be registered as firearms due to their similarity in operation to prohibited gel blasters. This has caused further confusion and frustration among Australians who enjoy the sport of gel blasting.
It remains to be seen whether the release of a low-power version of Nerf Rival will satisfy Australian safety standards and consumer demands. The game's manufacturer, Hasbro, has not provided any recent updates on their plans for distribution in Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Nerf Rival has been banned in Australia due to safety concerns. The game involves shooting foam balls at high velocities, which can cause serious injuries if they hit someone in the eye or other sensitive areas. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) made the decision to ban the game after receiving complaints from parents who believed it was a potential safety hazard for children and could encourage unsafe play.
The decision to ban Nerf Rival in Australia was based on the unique safety standards and regulations in the country. Australia has strict laws and safety standards for toys, particularly those that can be considered imitation firearms, such as gel blasters. The high-velocity foam balls of Nerf Rival were deemed unsafe and not compliant with these standards, leading to the ban.
Nerf Rival blasters are not available for purchase in Australia through regular retailers or stores. They do not meet the maximum energy toy safety rules in Australia, as they shoot at higher speeds than what is allowed. However, some people have reported buying them from Amazon AU or through international sellers, but there is a risk of customs seizing and destroying these items.
Yes, there are other Nerf products available in Australia that meet the safety standards. These include classic Nerf blasters such as the Slingfires and Strongarms, which can be modified for enhanced performance. Additionally, there is speculation that a watered-down, low-power version of Nerf Rival may be released specifically for the Australian market in the future.











































