Site membership

There is some confusion as to what you need to purchase a Realistic Imitation Firearm or RIF for short. You do not need any form of "licence", membership to OWN a Realistic Imitation Firearm.

From 1st September 2026, UCAP will no longer issue its own site membership.

Anyone wishing to establish a defence for the purchase of a Realistic Imitation Firearm (RIF) will need to register through the new Airsoft Defence system: https://airsoft-defence.co.uk/

How to register, get verified, and use the full Airsoft Defence system:-

Step 01 Create your account

Start by registering your account with your real details and a valid email address. Verify your email and set up your basic account security so your profile can be trusted by sites and stores.

  • Use your legal name and current contact details.

  • Complete any required account verification prompts.

  • Keep your login and device security up to date.

Step 02a Set up your player profile

Add the profile information needed by participating sites and stores. A complete profile helps reduce delays when your status is being reviewed or checked for purchases.

  • Upload profile details and any requested supporting information.

  • Make sure your information stays accurate if details change.

  • Use the same profile consistently across site attendance and purchases.

Step 02b Upload an up-to-date photo for verification

For identity checks you must upload a clear, recent photo of yourself to your profile. Sites and retailers may compare this image to a government-issued photo ID when verifying your account in person.

  • Use a clear, well-lit headshot (no sunglasses, face visible).

  • Accepted formats: JPEG, PNG. Keep file size within upload limits.

  • Update the photo if your appearance changes significantly.

Step 03 Build verification through real attendance

Your defence evidence is built through genuine participation at recognised sites. Site-side attendance records are what demonstrate active, legitimate skirmishing over time.

  • Ask a participating game site to verify your account details in person.

  • Site staff should compare your profile details and photo against photo ID.

  • Attend approved game days in line with platform policy.

  • Check that each attendance is captured correctly.

  • You will need a minimum of 3 games with a minimum of 58 days between the first and last game.

  • After your first 3 games, register at least 1 game at a participating site within the last 12 months to maintain your verified status.

Step 04 Complete membership payment when required

If your role or account flow requires payment, complete it directly through the secure in-platform payment process.

  • Use secure payment prompts from your dashboard.

  • Follow any additional card authentication steps if requested.

  • Keep confirmation records in your account history.

Step 05 Use QR check-in on game days

Participating sites may use self check-in QR or site-staff QR check-in to improve attendance accuracy and reduce queues.

  • Self check-in QR: you scan the site poster code and confirm attendance.

  • Site-staff QR: staff scan your personal account QR pass at check-in.

  • Bring photo ID when first-time or periodic checks are needed.

Step 06 Buy and sell responsibly in the marketplace

The marketplace supports trusted community trading. Keep all listings accurate, communicate clearly, and follow platform rules.

  • Only list items you are entitled to sell.

  • Use platform messaging and status tools for traceability.

  • Follow moderation and reporting rules where needed.

Step 07 Check another player's defence when appropriate

For player-to-player RIF sales, defence checks matter. Use approved lookup and request flows in your account before any transaction.

  • Request and verify status through official platform workflows.

  • Do not rely on screenshots or off-platform claims alone.

  • Keep decisions evidence-based and compliant with policy.

  • For player-to-player lookups a one time use code is required for security and privacy.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

  • One digital player profile that can be used across participating sites and retailers nationwide

  • A clear, secure record of your qualifying game attendance

  • Faster and more consistent eligibility checks when purchasing a RIF

  • Easier verification for private player-to-player RIF sales

  • QR check-in at participating game sites

  • Automatic reminders and renewals to help keep your status active

  • Secure, GDPR-compliant handling of your personal information

  • Better protection for players, retailers, game sites and the wider airsoft community

An airsoft defence is evidence of genuine participation in the sport—it is not a licence and does not automatically guarantee that a retailer will complete a sale.

If you are currently completing your qualifying games and have already had games signed off on your paper application please contact [email protected] where we will then advise you of the next steps.

UCAP will no longer sign off qualifying games using the old-style paper application forms.

We do not support or facilitate registering player details with United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers Association or UKARA.

For membership validation enquiries, please email us at [email protected]