Airsoft in Michigan.

[Bigmack]

alright, guys.  gone are the earlier days of MiA.  the boards are rapidly approaching 100 members (yeah, yeah...around 80...but close enough) ...with about 40-50 of them actively posting or viewing the boards.

MiA is maturing as an organization, and we need to implement some sort of age restrictions.  i'm sorry, guys...but 12-13 is way too young in any case.  we're going to havto require signed releases from everyone under 18.

i'm sorry, guys...i'm going to havto remain steadfast on this.

people who host games are going to havto start sending information to Hadoken for him to post on the boards...
signed permission by property owners will need to become the norm.

full information before the event will be needed...not coming up with info as the date draws near.

we need to make the events more formal...we just can't risk one accident...as it would mean the death blow of airsofting in Michigan.

[SickPointe]

Heres an idea: Make a waver and scan it on the the main page. Then the youngens can just print it off and get it signed by their parents.

[ammo990]

I think that having people under 18 years of age sign a waver wouldn't be a bad idea, and having it posted on the site would be good too, a parent can hand the signed sheet in when they drop there the kid off at the skirmish.
I'm shure that my mom/dad wouldn't have a problem with signing a sheet, but I know there are some kids out there who tell there parents that airsoft guns are harmless and "can't even pierce through paper" just to get a gun and go to a game. Having a release form or somthing like that would keep the kids who can't handle holding a gun out of the game.

[Ed]

I agree that there should be some sort of age limit and waiver form.  In the future it looks like a lot of issues are coming up.  BUT I would like large policy changes to be put toward some type of vote.  I would hate to have the most vocal people be the policy makers in Michigan Airsoft.

[JackStraw]

Warning, lengthy messge..........

Welcome to change and the metamorphosis than only age can provide.  Easy for the old guy to say huh!?  This crossroads was inevitable, but we should welcome it because it means we're ALL creating something more permanent.  That's the nature of change - painful in the short term, but creates solid places to stand on in the long run.

I've stayed away from this topic for awhile as I read posts from the younger, and majority of players on this forum.  As the "old guy" (thank you Newman for the title) it would be easy for me to put on my "father hat" and be a pain, but to what end?  I coach soccer, have a family and manage employees and have learned that some of the best lessons in life are learned the hard way.  That direction & guidance can help keep folks on the path, and that swift, fair and appropriate punishment are necessary when folks veer off the path and start affecting others.  Enough of the soapbox, now to the meat of the matter.  I'm speaking my mind now and I'm sorry if it is painful to some of you.  I meant no offense whatsoever.

If you are under 18 you are a minor in this state and adults are responsible for you and many of your actions, as well as your safety.  How many times have I (or your parents) signed releases so my kids (or you) could do things?  I'm with BigMack on this one, but I would put an "Under 14" rule in effect rather than a hard & fast age.  In my mind if you are not 14 on or before 6/30 of any year then I'm afraid you can't play.  This opens the age bracket up and gives a 6 month "grace period" in which to evaluate the maturity of some of the younger players.  This age bracketing method is common in sports like soccer, I didn't make it up.

"Hold harmless" waivers are a necessity on private property, regardless of age.  Not my idea folks, these are requirements of many landowners with very astute attorneys with good track records.  If you intend to play at OP: Northern BLAST, you will be siging one that protects the landowner, as well as the organizers of this event.  Neither the landowner nor event organizers should be mortally, financially wounded because you took off your goggles and got a BB in the eye, or you tripped and skewered yourself on a stick, or any number of "dumbass" or "act of God" things.  Learn to be responsible for yourself if you are an adult and face the consequences of your actions.

If you are not an adult, then you will need to sign a waiver, and so should your parents (after all they're responsible for your actions and safety).  IMO your home ph. no. should be provided for verification of signature as well.  I was your age once and I know what I did to enable myself to do things (hehehe).  I'm older and responsible for myself & others now and can't afford to be taken to court (and neither can landowners) because you forged your mommy's signature on a document and decide to go lawsuit happy on my meal ticket.  Sorry, I like you folks, but not that much.  Love my family and my lifestyle more.

So what's the benefit you ask.  On private property you can do just about what you want, as long as its not illegal (and even then some LEO's might look the other way as long as you are not threatening the rest of society by your actions).  No need to get govt. approvals for the event.  No tickets for silly things like littering (with BB's) or not having a "hunting permit".  You can keep news media and "sheeple" away since they would be trespassing if they do not have the landowners permission.  No clashes with others for use of "state" property (like paintballers or hunters).  Oh heck, I could go on forever.

I contacted Hadoken before posting anything regarding OP: Northern BLAST or the 1st Michigan Airsoft Raffle.  It was easy, took very little time, and he's been a pleasure to work with.  This is a public site, he runs it and maintains it, and promotion is usually not free mind you.  We owe it to him.  As well, we owe it to each other to not step on one anothers toes, or give the appearance that we are.  A single point of contact can go a long way towards keeping things nice & tidy around here and attitudes from getting ahead of themselves.

Lastly, policy makers are always the most vocal.  Sorry that's life, as well as one of our innate freedoms.  I beg of you, state your opinions, let them be heard by all.  For gawd sake VOTE with your voice and with your ballot.  Just don't sit there quietly and let decisions be made without putting in your $.02 and then bitching cuz you don't like what others that did speak up arrived at.  Progress is not acquired quietly - it is a noisy, disruptive and occasionally annoying process.  Be part of change, or be affected by it.

[Ed]

Wow, that was long!

What I meant by not having the most vocal people make policy was because I didn't want 3 or 4 people making rules for 20+.  

This is very important: I don't want too many rules.  I think that the organization should put down the ground rules and let each field have their freedom and (most importantly) their responcibility.  

[Gypsy - King of the Gypsies]

NIcely put to all who have taken time to voice. One of my biggest problems with Airsoft is the age thing and who will be paying for the legal bills. I might be a day (or months) late on this but I look forward to a set of "offical" rules or guidelines for events and play.