pacman wrote:Beavercreek field is out of the question, they are out of there.
I think of more people took a minute to help someone new at an event rather than ignoring or yelling at them would go just as far. I think the Airsoft training academy (ATA) idea is on the right track and goes with a lot of what your thinking. Some people will never learn because they know everything already but new players who throw out that they value the mentorship should be given a chance. I enjoy passing on my learning to players who are receptive to it but that comes with my main job of raising three children.
As far a garnering more female players it is my belief that a good majority of women/girls are never going to get used to the idea of being pegged by an AEG no matter what the event is.
A governing body is a waste of time IMHO, you can't even get a group of players to agree on what time to have lunch let alone a set of standards and carry them out without hangups, ego's and the like affecting the end product. A good field owner will try to foster a learning environment when needed as it's their bottom line that is affected, Warpaint and Splat are definitely not actively courting the favor of airsofters. Being's the Farm is close to me I've been able to play it often and is one of it's biggest fans. Airsofters are running the place and don't mind helping new guys by pairing them veteran players who don't mind doing a little extra by helping them out like X at ABT once did.
Pacman nailed it. I can personally attest to the fact that the best way to learn, is to pair with a more experienced player of ability who is receptive to being a mentor. It's more efficient to spend a little up front time to help someone learn, than it is to yell at them when they screw up, then ignore them, then flame them on the forums when they ask for help.
I've been fortunate to be able to join a team made up of some of the most experienced players in our community. They have taken the time to help me learn what I need to know re: gear, weapons, tactics...if not for them, I'd still be running around in my Tigerstripes yelling WTF, WTF?!? Lol!
An event that promotes introductory training and mentoring would be a great idea.