diff --git a/entities/components/explosive_damage_component.gd b/entities/components/explosive_damage_component.gd
index 99433ad..1218042 100644
--- a/entities/components/explosive_damage_component.gd
+++ b/entities/components/explosive_damage_component.gd
@@ -14,9 +14,16 @@
 # along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 class_name ExplosiveDamageComponent extends Area3D
 
-@export var damage : int = 100
+@export var damage : int = 35
 @export var impulse_force : int = 1000
-var damage_dealer : Player
+var damage_dealer : MatchParticipantComponent
+
+func _ready() -> void:
+	# this component only scans to apply explosion damage/impulse
+	# at the moment layers: 1 Object, 3 Damage, 4 Objective
+	monitorable = false
+	monitoring = true
+	collision_mask = 0b10000000_00000000_00000000_00001101
 
 func _physics_process(_delta : float) -> void:
 	for body in get_overlapping_bodies():
diff --git a/entities/components/explosive_damage_component.tscn b/entities/components/explosive_damage_component.tscn
deleted file mode 100644
index 3a35a9a..0000000
--- a/entities/components/explosive_damage_component.tscn
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,9 +0,0 @@
-[gd_scene load_steps=2 format=3 uid="uid://ds1hekx1dq1bg"]
-
-[ext_resource type="Script" path="res://entities/components/explosive_damage_component.gd" id="1_2uehk"]
-
-[node name="ExplosiveDamage" type="Area3D"]
-collision_layer = 0
-collision_mask = 13
-monitorable = false
-script = ExtResource("1_2uehk")
diff --git a/entities/components/flag_carry_component.tscn b/entities/components/flag_carry_component.tscn
deleted file mode 100644
index 6587f8c..0000000
--- a/entities/components/flag_carry_component.tscn
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,6 +0,0 @@
-[gd_scene load_steps=2 format=3 uid="uid://2t8ql8pkxv6c"]
-
-[ext_resource type="Script" path="res://entities/components/flag_carry_component.gd" id="1_b6ee8"]
-
-[node name="FlagCarryComponent" type="Node3D"]
-script = ExtResource("1_b6ee8")
diff --git a/entities/components/health_component.gd b/entities/components/health_component.gd
index 9a07e95..d3fc683 100644
--- a/entities/components/health_component.gd
+++ b/entities/components/health_component.gd
@@ -19,17 +19,21 @@ class_name HealthComponent extends Area3D
 	set(value):
 		health = value
 		health_changed.emit(value)
-@export var _player : Player
+@export var match_participant_component : MatchParticipantComponent
 
 signal health_zeroed(killer_id : int)
 signal health_changed(value : float)
 
 func _ready() -> void:
+	# only collide with the "Damage" layer, disable monitoring completely
+	collision_layer = 0b00000000_00000000_00000000_00000100
+	monitoring = false
+	collision_mask = 0
 	heal_full()
 
 @rpc("call_local", "reliable")
 func damage(amount : float, damage_dealer_player_id : int, damage_dealer_team_id : int) -> void:
-	if (damage_dealer_team_id == _player.team_id) and (damage_dealer_player_id != _player.player_id):
+	if (damage_dealer_team_id == match_participant_component.team_id) and (damage_dealer_player_id != match_participant_component.player_id):
 		return
 
 	health = clampf(health - amount, 0.0, max_health)
diff --git a/entities/components/health_component.tscn b/entities/components/health_component.tscn
deleted file mode 100644
index 5943234..0000000
--- a/entities/components/health_component.tscn
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,8 +0,0 @@
-[gd_scene load_steps=2 format=3 uid="uid://bof3mg7wgxrmn"]
-
-[ext_resource type="Script" path="res://entities/components/health_component.gd" id="1_00xis"]
-
-[node name="HealthComponent" type="Area3D"]
-collision_layer = 4
-collision_mask = 0
-script = ExtResource("1_00xis")
diff --git a/entities/components/match_participant_component.gd b/entities/components/match_participant_component.gd
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..816ba11
--- /dev/null
+++ b/entities/components/match_participant_component.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+class_name MatchParticipantComponent extends MultiplayerSynchronizer
+
+signal player_id_changed(new_player_id : int)
+signal nickname_changed(new_nickname : String)
+
+@export var player_id : int:
+	set(value):
+		player_id = value
+		player_id_changed.emit(player_id)
+@export var team_id : int = 1
+@export var nickname : String = "<Newblood>":
+	set(value):
+		nickname = value
+		nickname_changed.emit(nickname)
+
+func _ready() -> void:
+	replication_config = SceneReplicationConfig.new()
+	root_path = "."
+
+	_set_replication_for(NodePath("player_id").get_as_property_path())
+	_set_replication_for(NodePath("team_id").get_as_property_path())
+	_set_replication_for(NodePath("nickname").get_as_property_path())
+
+func _set_replication_for(property_node_path : NodePath) -> void:
+	replication_config.add_property(property_node_path)
+	replication_config.property_set_replication_mode(property_node_path, SceneReplicationConfig.REPLICATION_MODE_ON_CHANGE)
diff --git a/entities/player/player.gd b/entities/player/player.gd
index 31b5c90..81e7dd6 100644
--- a/entities/player/player.gd
+++ b/entities/player/player.gd
@@ -35,12 +35,6 @@ enum PlayerState { PLAYER_ALIVE, PLAYER_DEAD }
 
 @export_group("State")
 @export var player_state : PlayerState = PlayerState.PLAYER_ALIVE
-@export var player_id : int = 1:
-	set(id):
-		player_id = id
-		$PlayerInput.set_multiplayer_authority(id)
-@export var team_id : int = 1
-@export var nickname : String
 
 @onready var input : PlayerInput = $PlayerInput
 @onready var camera : Camera3D = $Smoothing/SpringArm3D/Camera3D
@@ -56,6 +50,7 @@ enum PlayerState { PLAYER_ALIVE, PLAYER_DEAD }
 @onready var tp_player : Vanguard = $Smoothing/ThirdPerson/PlayerMesh
 @onready var _game_settings : Settings = get_node("/root/GlobalSettings")
 @onready var jetpack_particles : Array = $Smoothing/ThirdPerson/PlayerMesh/JetpackFX.get_children()
+@onready var match_participant_component : MatchParticipantComponent = $MatchParticipantComponent
 
 signal died(player : Player, killer_id : int)
 signal energy_changed(energy : float)
@@ -65,17 +60,16 @@ var g : float = ProjectSettings.get_setting("physics/3d/default_gravity") # in m
 var gravity : Vector3 =  g * ProjectSettings.get_setting("physics/3d/default_gravity_vector")
 var _jumping : bool = false
 
-@rpc("call_local", "reliable")
-func set_nickname(value : String) -> void:
-	nickname = value
-
 func _ready() -> void:
-	energy_changed.connect(hud._on_energy_changed)
+	match_participant_component.player_id_changed.connect(_setup_pawn)
+	match_participant_component.player_id_changed.connect(input.update_multiplayer_authority)
+	match_participant_component.nickname_changed.connect(iff.set_nickname)
 	health_component.health_changed.connect(hud._on_health_changed)
 	health_component.health_changed.connect(iff._on_health_changed)
 	health_component.health_changed.emit(health_component.health)
 	health_component.health_zeroed.connect(die)
 
+	energy_changed.connect(hud._on_energy_changed)
 	input.fired_primary.connect(_fire_primary)
 	input.jumped.connect(_jump)
 	input.throwed_flag.connect(_throw_flag)
@@ -83,22 +77,22 @@ func _ready() -> void:
 	input.MOUSE_SENSITIVITY = _game_settings.mouse_sensitivity
 	input.inverted_y_axis = _game_settings.inverted_y_axis
 
+func _setup_pawn(_new_player_id : int) -> void:
 	if _is_pawn():
 		camera.current = true
 		camera.fov = _game_settings.fov
 		pawn_player = self
 		# set the spring arm translation to be about head height level
 		$Smoothing/SpringArm3D.transform = Transform3D().translated(Vector3(0, collision_shape.shape.height / 2, 0) * 0.9)
-
-		$Smoothing.remove_child($Smoothing/ThirdPerson)
+		$Smoothing/ThirdPerson.hide()
 	else:
 		# set the iff attachment translation to be about head height level
 		$Smoothing/ThirdPerson/IFFAttachment.transform = Transform3D().translated(Vector3(0, collision_shape.shape.height / 2, 0) * 0.9)
-		remove_child(hud)
+		hud.hide()
 		weapon.hide()
 
 func _is_pawn() -> bool:
-	return player_id == multiplayer.get_unique_id()
+	return multiplayer.get_unique_id() == match_participant_component.player_id
 
 func _fire_primary() -> void:
 	if _is_player_dead():
diff --git a/entities/player/player.tscn b/entities/player/player.tscn
index 9ed7cb5..2b0d991 100644
--- a/entities/player/player.tscn
+++ b/entities/player/player.tscn
@@ -1,18 +1,19 @@
-[gd_scene load_steps=41 format=3 uid="uid://cbhx1xme0sb7k"]
+[gd_scene load_steps=42 format=3 uid="uid://cbhx1xme0sb7k"]
 
 [ext_resource type="Script" path="res://entities/player/player.gd" id="1_mk68k"]
 [ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://drbefw6akui2v" path="res://entities/player/assets/vanguard.tscn" id="2_beyex"]
 [ext_resource type="Shape3D" uid="uid://cb8esdlnottdn" path="res://entities/player/collision_shape.tres" id="2_vjqny"]
 [ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://bcv81ku26xo" path="res://interfaces/hud/hud.tscn" id="3_ccety"]
 [ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://c8co0qa2omjmh" path="res://entities/weapons/space_gun/space_gun.tscn" id="4_6jh57"]
-[ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://bof3mg7wgxrmn" path="res://entities/components/health_component.tscn" id="4_jxn63"]
+[ext_resource type="Script" path="res://entities/components/match_participant_component.gd" id="6_lrose"]
 [ext_resource type="Script" path="res://entities/player/player_input.gd" id="6_ymcrr"]
 [ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://dsysi2rd3bu76" path="res://interfaces/hud/iffs/iff.tscn" id="7_8hc80"]
-[ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://2t8ql8pkxv6c" path="res://entities/components/flag_carry_component.tscn" id="8_ej011"]
+[ext_resource type="Script" path="res://entities/components/flag_carry_component.gd" id="8_pdfbn"]
 [ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://d3l7fvbdg6m5g" path="res://entities/flag/assets/flag.glb" id="9_fce2y"]
 [ext_resource type="Script" path="res://addons/smoothing/smoothing.gd" id="11_k330l"]
 [ext_resource type="Texture2D" uid="uid://ct1v5iadtpadm" path="res://entities/player/assets/jetpackfx/smoke_01.png" id="12_ypuho"]
 [ext_resource type="Texture2D" uid="uid://doxo4vfn0bjlp" path="res://entities/player/assets/jetpackfx/smoke_02.png" id="13_wvbf0"]
+[ext_resource type="Script" path="res://entities/components/health_component.gd" id="14_ctgxn"]
 [ext_resource type="Texture2D" uid="uid://dmf12llra7aq5" path="res://entities/player/assets/jetpackfx/Particle01.png" id="14_vughy"]
 
 [sub_resource type="PhysicsMaterial" id="PhysicsMaterial_clur0"]
@@ -65,21 +66,12 @@ properties/0/replication_mode = 1
 properties/1/path = NodePath(".:position")
 properties/1/spawn = true
 properties/1/replication_mode = 1
-properties/2/path = NodePath(".:player_id")
+properties/2/path = NodePath("HealthComponent:health")
 properties/2/spawn = true
 properties/2/replication_mode = 2
-properties/3/path = NodePath("HealthComponent:health")
+properties/3/path = NodePath(".:player_state")
 properties/3/spawn = true
 properties/3/replication_mode = 2
-properties/4/path = NodePath(".:player_state")
-properties/4/spawn = true
-properties/4/replication_mode = 2
-properties/5/path = NodePath(".:nickname")
-properties/5/spawn = true
-properties/5/replication_mode = 2
-properties/6/path = NodePath(".:team_id")
-properties/6/spawn = true
-properties/6/replication_mode = 2
 
 [sub_resource type="SceneReplicationConfig" id="SceneReplicationConfig_5j4ew"]
 properties/0/path = NodePath(".:direction")
@@ -238,14 +230,15 @@ monitorable = false
 [node name="CollisionShape3D" type="CollisionShape3D" parent="Sensor"]
 shape = ExtResource("2_vjqny")
 
-[node name="HUD" parent="." instance=ExtResource("3_ccety")]
-
-[node name="HealthComponent" parent="." node_paths=PackedStringArray("_player") instance=ExtResource("4_jxn63")]
-_player = NodePath("..")
+[node name="HealthComponent" type="Area3D" parent="." node_paths=PackedStringArray("match_participant_component")]
+script = ExtResource("14_ctgxn")
+match_participant_component = NodePath("../MatchParticipantComponent")
 
 [node name="CollisionShape3D" type="CollisionShape3D" parent="HealthComponent"]
 shape = ExtResource("2_vjqny")
 
+[node name="HUD" parent="." instance=ExtResource("3_ccety")]
+
 [node name="AnimationPlayer" type="AnimationPlayer" parent="."]
 libraries = {
 "": SubResource("AnimationLibrary_hg307")
@@ -261,6 +254,9 @@ root_path = NodePath(".")
 replication_config = SubResource("SceneReplicationConfig_5j4ew")
 script = ExtResource("6_ymcrr")
 
+[node name="MatchParticipantComponent" type="MultiplayerSynchronizer" parent="."]
+script = ExtResource("6_lrose")
+
 [node name="Smoothing" type="Node3D" parent="."]
 script = ExtResource("11_k330l")
 target = NodePath("..")
@@ -280,19 +276,20 @@ unique_name_in_owner = true
 
 [node name="SpaceGun" parent="Smoothing/SpringArm3D/Inventory" node_paths=PackedStringArray("holder") instance=ExtResource("4_6jh57")]
 transform = Transform3D(-1, 0, 2.53518e-06, 0, 1, 0, -2.53518e-06, 0, -1, 0.15, -0.3, -0.55)
-holder = NodePath("../../../..")
+holder = NodePath("../../../../MatchParticipantComponent")
 
 [node name="SpineIKTarget" type="Node3D" parent="Smoothing/SpringArm3D"]
 transform = Transform3D(-1, 0, -8.74228e-08, 0, 1, 0, 8.74228e-08, 0, -1, 0, 0, 0)
 
-[node name="FlagCarryComponent" parent="Smoothing/SpringArm3D" node_paths=PackedStringArray("sensor", "carrier") instance=ExtResource("8_ej011")]
-transform = Transform3D(-1, 0, -8.74228e-08, 0, 1, 0, 8.74228e-08, 0, -1, 0, 0, 0.150603)
+[node name="FlagCarryComponent" type="Node3D" parent="Smoothing/SpringArm3D" node_paths=PackedStringArray("sensor", "carrier")]
+transform = Transform3D(-1, 0, -8.74228e-08, 0, 1, 0, 8.74228e-08, 0, -1, 0, 0, 0)
 visible = false
+script = ExtResource("8_pdfbn")
 sensor = NodePath("../../../Sensor")
 carrier = NodePath("../../..")
 
 [node name="FlagMesh" parent="Smoothing/SpringArm3D/FlagCarryComponent" instance=ExtResource("9_fce2y")]
-transform = Transform3D(0.5, 0, 0, 0, 0.5, 0, 0, 0, 0.5, 0, -0.602515, 0)
+transform = Transform3D(0.5, 0, 0, 0, 0.5, 0, 0, 0, 0.5, 1.559e-08, -0.462981, -0.178329)
 
 [node name="ThirdPerson" type="Node3D" parent="Smoothing"]
 
@@ -330,6 +327,7 @@ draw_pass_1 = SubResource("QuadMesh_uc7ts")
 [node name="IFFAttachment" type="Marker3D" parent="Smoothing/ThirdPerson"]
 transform = Transform3D(1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 1.27457, 0)
 
-[node name="IFF" parent="Smoothing/ThirdPerson" node_paths=PackedStringArray("player", "attach_point") instance=ExtResource("7_8hc80")]
+[node name="IFF" parent="Smoothing/ThirdPerson" node_paths=PackedStringArray("player", "match_participant_component", "attach_point") instance=ExtResource("7_8hc80")]
 player = NodePath("../../..")
+match_participant_component = NodePath("../../../MatchParticipantComponent")
 attach_point = NodePath("../IFFAttachment")
diff --git a/entities/player/player_input.gd b/entities/player/player_input.gd
index 5880053..520f7c4 100644
--- a/entities/player/player_input.gd
+++ b/entities/player/player_input.gd
@@ -26,6 +26,10 @@ signal fired_primary
 signal throwed_flag
 
 func _ready() -> void:
+	update_multiplayer_authority(0)
+
+func update_multiplayer_authority(player_id : int) -> void:
+	set_multiplayer_authority(player_id)
 	var has_authority : bool = is_multiplayer_authority()
 	set_process(has_authority)
 	set_process_unhandled_input(has_authority)
diff --git a/entities/target_dummy/target_dummy.gd b/entities/target_dummy/target_dummy.gd
index dcfd2cf..f857eb1 100644
--- a/entities/target_dummy/target_dummy.gd
+++ b/entities/target_dummy/target_dummy.gd
@@ -16,13 +16,11 @@ class_name DummyTarget extends RigidBody3D
 
 @export var respawn_time := 0.0 # seconds
 
-@onready var health_component: HealthComponent = $HealthComponent
 @onready var collision_shape_3d: CollisionShape3D = $CollisionShape3D
 
 var start_pos : Vector3
 
 func _ready() -> void:
-	health_component.health_zeroed.connect(spawn)
 	start_pos = global_position
 	$TargetMesh/AnimationPlayer.play("gunTwoHanded")
 
@@ -30,7 +28,6 @@ func spawn(_killer_id : int) -> void:
 	hide()
 	collision_shape_3d.disabled = true
 	await get_tree().create_timer(respawn_time).timeout
-	health_component.heal_full()
 	global_position = start_pos
 	show()
 	collision_shape_3d.disabled = false
diff --git a/entities/target_dummy/target_dummy.tscn b/entities/target_dummy/target_dummy.tscn
index b87ef2b..75e45da 100644
--- a/entities/target_dummy/target_dummy.tscn
+++ b/entities/target_dummy/target_dummy.tscn
@@ -1,9 +1,8 @@
-[gd_scene load_steps=5 format=3 uid="uid://dpnu1lvfncx6q"]
+[gd_scene load_steps=4 format=3 uid="uid://dpnu1lvfncx6q"]
 
 [ext_resource type="Script" path="res://entities/target_dummy/target_dummy.gd" id="1_iup5v"]
 [ext_resource type="Shape3D" uid="uid://cb8esdlnottdn" path="res://entities/player/collision_shape.tres" id="2_i5k5j"]
 [ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://chuein4frnvwt" path="res://entities/target_dummy/assets/player_mesh.glb" id="4_fuync"]
-[ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://bof3mg7wgxrmn" path="res://entities/components/health_component.tscn" id="4_l1exy"]
 
 [node name="DummyTarget" type="RigidBody3D"]
 collision_layer = 2147483649
@@ -19,7 +18,5 @@ script = ExtResource("1_iup5v")
 transform = Transform3D(1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0)
 shape = ExtResource("2_i5k5j")
 
-[node name="HealthComponent" parent="." instance=ExtResource("4_l1exy")]
-
 [node name="TargetMesh" parent="." instance=ExtResource("4_fuync")]
 transform = Transform3D(0.75, 0, 0, 0, 0.75, 0, 0, 0, 0.75, 0, 0, 0)
diff --git a/entities/weapons/space_gun/projectile.gd b/entities/weapons/space_gun/projectile.gd
index cdd0209..91aaaea 100644
--- a/entities/weapons/space_gun/projectile.gd
+++ b/entities/weapons/space_gun/projectile.gd
@@ -25,9 +25,10 @@ class_name Projectile extends Node3D
 @onready var projectile_trail : Trail3D = $Smoothing/ProjectileTrail
 
 var velocity : Vector3 = Vector3.ZERO
-var shooter : Player
+var shooter : MatchParticipantComponent
 
 func _ready() -> void:
+	assert(shooter)
 	var lifespan_timer : Timer = Timer.new()
 	lifespan_timer.wait_time = lifespan
 	lifespan_timer.one_shot = true
diff --git a/entities/weapons/space_gun/projectile_explosion.gd b/entities/weapons/space_gun/projectile_explosion.gd
index 97ffb48..d957b09 100644
--- a/entities/weapons/space_gun/projectile_explosion.gd
+++ b/entities/weapons/space_gun/projectile_explosion.gd
@@ -14,13 +14,14 @@
 # along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 extends Node3D
 
-var shooter : Player
+var shooter : MatchParticipantComponent
 
 @onready var fire : GPUParticles3D = $Fire
 @onready var explosive_damage : ExplosiveDamageComponent = $ExplosiveDamageComponent
 var explosion_effect_pending : bool = false
 
 func _ready() -> void:
+	assert(shooter)
 	explosive_damage.damage_dealer = shooter
 	fire.emitting = true
 	fire.finished.connect(func() -> void: queue_free())
diff --git a/entities/weapons/space_gun/projectile_explosion.tscn b/entities/weapons/space_gun/projectile_explosion.tscn
index 1639644..2c70157 100644
--- a/entities/weapons/space_gun/projectile_explosion.tscn
+++ b/entities/weapons/space_gun/projectile_explosion.tscn
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 [gd_scene load_steps=9 format=3 uid="uid://8atq41j7wd55"]
 
 [ext_resource type="Script" path="res://entities/weapons/space_gun/projectile_explosion.gd" id="1_fp5td"]
-[ext_resource type="PackedScene" uid="uid://ds1hekx1dq1bg" path="res://entities/components/explosive_damage_component.tscn" id="2_d4sf4"]
+[ext_resource type="Script" path="res://entities/components/explosive_damage_component.gd" id="2_28ymv"]
 
 [sub_resource type="Curve" id="Curve_rg204"]
 _data = [Vector2(0, 1), 0.0, 0.0, 0, 0, Vector2(1, 0), 0.0, 0.0, 0, 0]
@@ -25,7 +25,8 @@ emission_energy_multiplier = 4.0
 [sub_resource type="SphereMesh" id="SphereMesh_k3pnh"]
 material = SubResource("StandardMaterial3D_wpu51")
 
-[sub_resource type="SphereShape3D" id="SphereShape3D_mlo2k"]
+[sub_resource type="SphereShape3D" id="SphereShape3D_nj68w"]
+margin = 0.05
 radius = 5.0
 
 [node name="ProjectileExplosion" type="Node3D"]
@@ -41,8 +42,8 @@ fixed_fps = 60
 process_material = SubResource("ParticleProcessMaterial_3mf41")
 draw_pass_1 = SubResource("SphereMesh_k3pnh")
 
-[node name="ExplosiveDamageComponent" parent="." instance=ExtResource("2_d4sf4")]
-damage = 35
+[node name="ExplosiveDamageComponent" type="Area3D" parent="."]
+script = ExtResource("2_28ymv")
 
 [node name="CollisionShape3D" type="CollisionShape3D" parent="ExplosiveDamageComponent"]
-shape = SubResource("SphereShape3D_mlo2k")
+shape = SubResource("SphereShape3D_nj68w")
diff --git a/entities/weapons/space_gun/space_gun.gd b/entities/weapons/space_gun/space_gun.gd
index cdc3b1d..3d58d4c 100644
--- a/entities/weapons/space_gun/space_gun.gd
+++ b/entities/weapons/space_gun/space_gun.gd
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ extends Node3D
 class_name SpaceGun
 
 @export var PROJECTILE : PackedScene
-@export var holder : Player
+@export var holder : MatchParticipantComponent
 
 @onready var nozzle : Node3D = $Nozzle
 @onready var inventory : Node3D = get_parent()
diff --git a/interfaces/hud/iffs/iff.gd b/interfaces/hud/iffs/iff.gd
index 8b31bb5..16a66d0 100644
--- a/interfaces/hud/iffs/iff.gd
+++ b/interfaces/hud/iffs/iff.gd
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 extends Control
 
 @export var player : Player
+@export var match_participant_component : MatchParticipantComponent
 @export var attach_point : Marker3D
 @export var healthbar_low_health_color : Color = Color(1 ,0 ,0, 0.78)
 @export var healthbar_mid_health_color : Color = Color(1, 1, 0, 0.78)
@@ -28,8 +29,8 @@ extends Control
 @onready var is_within_los : bool = false
 @onready var healthbar_fill_stylebox : StyleBoxFlat = _health_bar.get_theme_stylebox("fill")
 
-func _ready() -> void:
-	_player_name_label.text = player.nickname
+func set_nickname(new_nickname : String) -> void:
+	_player_name_label.text = new_nickname
 
 func _process(_delta : float) -> void:
 	# retrieve camera for current viewport
@@ -44,7 +45,7 @@ func _process(_delta : float) -> void:
 	# Show the correct IFF based on whether the player we're looking at belongs is a friend or a foe
 	# in other words if their team_ids are the same as the "pawn" player
 	if player.pawn_player != null:
-		if player.pawn_player.team_id == player.team_id:
+		if player.pawn_player.match_participant_component.team_id == player.match_participant_component.team_id:
 			%FoeChevron.hide()
 			%FriendChevron.show()
 		else:
diff --git a/interfaces/scoreboard/scoreboard.gd b/interfaces/scoreboard/scoreboard.gd
index 4a59029..83a9494 100644
--- a/interfaces/scoreboard/scoreboard.gd
+++ b/interfaces/scoreboard/scoreboard.gd
@@ -30,17 +30,17 @@ func _unhandled_input(event : InputEvent) -> void:
 	elif event.is_action_released("scoreboard"):
 		hide()
 
-func add_player(player : Player) -> void:
-	_add_scoreboard_entry.rpc(player.player_id, player.nickname)
+func add_participant(participant : MatchParticipantComponent) -> void:
+	_add_scoreboard_entry.rpc(participant.player_id, participant.nickname)
 
-func remove_player(player : Player) -> void:
-	_remove_scoreboard_entry.rpc(player.player_id)
+func remove_participant(participant : MatchParticipantComponent) -> void:
+	_remove_scoreboard_entry.rpc(participant.player_id)
 
-func increment_kill_count(player : Player) -> void:
-	_entries[player.player_id].kills += 1
+func increment_kill_count(participant : MatchParticipantComponent) -> void:
+	_entries[participant.player_id].kills += 1
 
-func add_score_to_player(player : Player, amount : int) -> void:
-	var player_id : int = player.player_id
+func add_score_to_player(participant : MatchParticipantComponent, amount : int) -> void:
+	var player_id : int = participant.player_id
 	var entry : ScoreboardEntry = _entries[player_id]
 	_update_scoreboard_entry.rpc(player_id, entry.nickname, entry.kills, entry.score + amount)
 
diff --git a/maps/components/deathmatch_scoring_component.gd b/maps/components/deathmatch_scoring_component.gd
index 2c069bb..ee4dd80 100644
--- a/maps/components/deathmatch_scoring_component.gd
+++ b/maps/components/deathmatch_scoring_component.gd
@@ -28,9 +28,9 @@ func unsubscribe_player(player : Player) -> void:
 	player.died.disconnect(_on_player_died)
 
 func _on_player_died(player : Player, killer_id : int) -> void:
-	if player.player_id != killer_id:
+	if player.match_participant_component.player_id != killer_id:
 		var node_name : String = str(killer_id)
 		if _players.has_node(node_name):
 			var killer : Player = _players.get_node(node_name)
-			_scoreboard.increment_kill_count(killer)
-			_scoreboard.add_score_to_player(killer, 10)
+			_scoreboard.increment_kill_count(killer.match_participant_component)
+			_scoreboard.add_score_to_player(killer.match_participant_component, 10)
diff --git a/maps/components/rabbit_scoring_component.gd b/maps/components/rabbit_scoring_component.gd
index 215ef9a..9507727 100644
--- a/maps/components/rabbit_scoring_component.gd
+++ b/maps/components/rabbit_scoring_component.gd
@@ -38,16 +38,16 @@ func setup(flag : Flag) -> void:
 	flag.dropped.connect(_on_flag_dropped)
 
 func _on_flag_grabbed(grabber : Player) -> void:
-	grabber.team_id = _team_rabbit.team_id
-	_scoreboard.add_score_to_player(grabber, ON_GRAB_SCORE)
+	grabber.match_participant_component.team_id = _team_rabbit.team_id
+	_scoreboard.add_score_to_player(grabber.match_participant_component, ON_GRAB_SCORE)
 	_flag_carrier_scoring_timer.start()
 
 func _on_flag_regrabbed(grabber : Player) -> void:
-	grabber.team_id = _team_rabbit.team_id
+	grabber.match_participant_component.team_id = _team_rabbit.team_id
 
 func _on_flag_dropped(dropper : Player) -> void:
-	dropper.team_id = _team_chasers.team_id
+	dropper.match_participant_component.team_id = _team_chasers.team_id
 	_flag_carrier_scoring_timer.stop()
 
 func _on_flag_carrier_scoring_timer_timeout(flag : Flag) -> void:
-	_scoreboard.add_score_to_player(flag.last_carrier, ON_HOLD_SCORE)
+	_scoreboard.add_score_to_player(flag.last_carrier.match_participant_component, ON_HOLD_SCORE)
diff --git a/modes/demo.tscn b/modes/demo.tscn
index 3fe8a59..2a5062a 100644
--- a/modes/demo.tscn
+++ b/modes/demo.tscn
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ script/source = "extends Node
 
 func _ready() -> void:
 	player_node.died.connect(respawn_player)
+	player_node.match_participant_component.player_id = 1
 
 func respawn_player(player : Player, _killer_id : int) -> void:
 	player.respawn(player_respawn_location)
diff --git a/modes/multiplayer.gd b/modes/multiplayer.gd
index f249179..cce6229 100644
--- a/modes/multiplayer.gd
+++ b/modes/multiplayer.gd
@@ -40,8 +40,8 @@ func start_server(config : Dictionary) -> void:
 	# server setup
 	var peer : ENetMultiplayerPeer = ENetMultiplayerPeer.new()
 	peer.create_server(config["port"], MAX_CLIENTS)
-	multiplayer.multiplayer_peer = peer
 	multiplayer.peer_disconnected.connect(remove_player)
+	multiplayer.multiplayer_peer = peer
 
 	_load_map.call_deferred(config["map"], config["nickname"])
 
@@ -69,23 +69,24 @@ func respawn_player(player : Player) -> void:
 	player.respawn.rpc(spawn_location)
 
 func add_player(peer_id : int, nickname : String) -> void:
+	var match_participant_component : MatchParticipantComponent = MatchParticipantComponent.new()
 	var player : Player = PLAYER.instantiate()
+	player.died.connect(_on_player_died)
 	player.name = str(peer_id)
-	player.player_id = peer_id
-	player.team_id = ($RabbitScoringComponent as RabbitScoringComponent)._team_chasers.team_id
-	player.nickname = nickname
 	players.add_child(player)
 	player.global_position = _map_manager.get_player_spawn().position
-	player.died.connect(_on_player_died)
+	player.match_participant_component.player_id = peer_id
+	player.match_participant_component.team_id = ($RabbitScoringComponent as RabbitScoringComponent)._team_chasers.team_id
+	player.match_participant_component.nickname = nickname
 	$DeathmatchScoringComponent.subscribe_player(player)
-	scoreboard.add_player(player)
+	scoreboard.add_participant(player.match_participant_component)
 	print("Peer `%s` connected" % player.name)
 
 func remove_player(peer_id : int) -> void:
 	var node_name : String = str(peer_id)
 	if players.has_node(node_name):
 		var player : Player = players.get_node(node_name)
-		scoreboard.remove_player(player)
+		scoreboard.remove_participant(player.match_participant_component)
 		player.died.disconnect(_on_player_died)
 		$DeathmatchScoringComponent.unsubscribe_player(player)
 		player.queue_free()
diff --git a/tests/test_health_component.gd b/tests/test_health_component.gd
index 0f89077..34287f9 100644
--- a/tests/test_health_component.gd
+++ b/tests/test_health_component.gd
@@ -16,11 +16,17 @@ extends GutTest
 
 var _subject : HealthComponent
 const TEST_MAX_HEALTH : float = 100.0
+const TEST_PLAYER_ID : int = 1
+const TEST_TEAM_ID : int = 1
 
 func before_each() -> void:
 	_subject = HealthComponent.new()
 	watch_signals(_subject)
 	_subject.max_health = TEST_MAX_HEALTH
+	var participant : MatchParticipantComponent = MatchParticipantComponent.new()
+	participant.player_id = TEST_PLAYER_ID
+	participant.team_id = TEST_TEAM_ID
+	_subject.match_participant_component = participant
 	add_child(_subject)
 
 func after_each() -> void:
@@ -29,17 +35,27 @@ func after_each() -> void:
 func test_that_it_has_max_health_when_ready() -> void:
 	assert_eq(_subject.health, _subject.max_health)
 
-func test_that_it_takes_damage() -> void:
-	var damage_amount : float = 10
-	_subject.damage(damage_amount, -1, 0)
+func test_that_it_takes_damage_from_opponent_team() -> void:
+	var damage_amount : float = 10.0
+	_subject.damage(damage_amount, -1, -1)
+	assert_eq(_subject.health, TEST_MAX_HEALTH - damage_amount)
+
+func test_that_it_takes_no_damage_from_same_team() -> void:
+	var damage_amount : float = 10.0
+	_subject.damage(damage_amount, -1, TEST_TEAM_ID)
+	assert_eq(_subject.health, TEST_MAX_HEALTH)
+
+func test_that_it_can_self_damage() -> void:
+	var damage_amount : float = 10.0
+	_subject.damage(damage_amount, TEST_PLAYER_ID, TEST_TEAM_ID)
 	assert_eq(_subject.health, TEST_MAX_HEALTH - damage_amount)
 
 func test_that_it_emits_health_changed_after_damage() -> void:
-	_subject.damage(1, -1, 0)
+	_subject.damage(1, -1, -1)
 	assert_signal_emitted(_subject, 'health_changed')
 
 func test_that_it_emits_health_zeroed() -> void:
-	_subject.damage(TEST_MAX_HEALTH, -1, 0)
+	_subject.damage(TEST_MAX_HEALTH, -1, -1)
 	assert_signal_emitted_with_parameters(_subject, 'health_zeroed', [-1])
 
 func test_that_it_heals_fully() -> void:
diff --git a/tests/test_scoreboard.gd b/tests/test_scoreboard.gd
index 1a65c6d..4c6819d 100644
--- a/tests/test_scoreboard.gd
+++ b/tests/test_scoreboard.gd
@@ -14,7 +14,6 @@
 # along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 extends GutTest
 
-var PLAYER : PackedScene = preload("res://entities/player/player.tscn")
 var SCOREBOARD : PackedScene = preload("res://interfaces/scoreboard/scoreboard.tscn")
 
 var _subject : Scoreboard
@@ -30,29 +29,29 @@ func test_that_new_scoreboard_is_empty() -> void:
 	assert_eq(_subject._entries, {})
 
 func test_that_added_entry_is_added_correctly() -> void:
-	var player : Player = PLAYER.instantiate()
-	player.nickname = "test_nickname"
-	_subject.add_player(player)
+	var participant : MatchParticipantComponent = MatchParticipantComponent.new()
+	participant.nickname = "test_nickname"
+	_subject.add_participant(participant)
 	var entries : Array = _subject._entries.values()
 	assert_eq(1, entries.size())
 	var tested_entry : Scoreboard.ScoreboardEntry = entries[0]
 	assert_eq("test_nickname", tested_entry.nickname)
 	assert_eq(0, tested_entry.kills)
 	assert_eq(0, tested_entry.score)
-	player.free()
+	participant.free()
 
 func test_that_scores_are_added_correctly() -> void:
-	var player : Player = PLAYER.instantiate()
-	_subject.add_player(player)
-	_subject.add_score_to_player(player, 10)
+	var participant : MatchParticipantComponent = MatchParticipantComponent.new()
+	_subject.add_participant(participant)
+	_subject.add_score_to_player(participant, 10)
 	var tested_entry : Scoreboard.ScoreboardEntry = _subject._entries.values()[0]
 	assert_eq(10, tested_entry.score)
-	player.free()
+	participant.free()
 
 func test_that_kill_counts_are_incremented_correctly() -> void:
-	var player : Player = PLAYER.instantiate()
-	_subject.add_player(player)
-	_subject.increment_kill_count(player)
+	var participant : MatchParticipantComponent = MatchParticipantComponent.new()
+	_subject.add_participant(participant)
+	_subject.increment_kill_count(participant)
 	var tested_entry : Scoreboard.ScoreboardEntry = _subject._entries.values()[0]
 	assert_eq(1, tested_entry.kills)
-	player.free()
+	participant.free()