An Idea for the newbies/vets

[omega1]

I was just talking about this on the general forums in a topic, but I thought I would pitch it here.

All participants, are required to take a mandatory class before their waiver is accepted for AP, just like hot weapons aren't allowed unless certified. This class teaches them how to safely handle their airsoft guns, call themselves out, as well as basics in airsofting, such as marksmanship and basic movement skills. Kinda a basic training/safety class for newbies. The class wouldn't be restricted only to newbs, so those that want to learn what is being taught can come out as well. But the main purpose would be education on the hobby. I know that a lot of people hate it when a couple of twelve year olds that have loud mouths or are unsafe, or whatenot. I just thought this might be able to alleviate this problem somewhat. Please give feedback.

[Eyes On]

This idea has been bounced around for a while. It's too much overhead to insist that every player take the class, and track who is and isn't certified. It's much easier to read the rules at the beginning of the game and review safe game play. Then all you have to do is enforce the rules on the field and get rid of the people who don't follow the rules.

[Osmo]

Personally, I've been considering the effects of airsoft's ever-growing popularity. As more and more low-end "softair guns" are sold at Walmarts across the country, people are becoming increasingly aware of the hobby. Was once a very small community is now being flooded with newcomers. As a result, some situations have arisen: very young players attending games, players not calling hits, thefts at games, hot weapons, rude and unsportsmanlike behavior at games.

The members of Airsoft Pacific have done an outstanding job so far of assisting and advising new players so far. However, it seems that the main problem that the community will have to deal with is how to deal with these offenders. Given, airsoft guns represent a significant investment to most, which means that the majority of players will not violate the community standards. However, there will be players who will for one reason or another continuously act like assholes on the field. As the community grows, what will AP's response be to this situation? Would it even be viable to identify and "blacklist" those who repeatedly violate the AP code of conduct?

While I would argue that a "Noob certification course" is unnecessary, the idea is not without its merits. Ultimately, I believe it will be left up to the event hosts to decide who is welcome at their games. It remains to be seen if a more organized system will develop.

[Beran]

Would it even be viable to identify and "blacklist" those who repeatedly violate the AP code of conduct?

sure it is, who here remembers sweatpants? and sharp?

[Nightshade]

Hahahahaha, sweatpants. The guy with $4000+ worth of guns, but wouldn't go buy a pair of BDUs...

And Sharp with his "I was sitting in an ant hill" excuses about why he was covered in red welts after a game.

[Osmo]

With the number of new players that have been showing up to games, it seems like it could become a chore to try and keep track of who's been naughty or nice.

[Matt]

Exactly what Casca said, too much overhead. The day that Airsoft can actually sustain a career for someone MIGHT be the day that required classes like that become viable.

Not only is there time involved with teaching the class itself; you've also got to develop curriculum, get the backing of other organizations and teams, find a meeting place and figure out how you're going to pay for it, answer phone calls from concerned parents who want to know more, issue certificates or come up with some way of tracking those who've taken the class... At some point it might be doable, but right now it would just be ghetto-rific.

It's funny, at the Crackhouse game I overheard somebody saying, "We had problems with people not calling hits at AP games in the past and we figured since this ISN'T hosted by AP that it would be ok.... But NO." DUH! This type of thing happens at every POPULAR game regardless of the host. Yes, nobody is going to cheat if you and your 20 buddies are playing a nice little game, but throw in 50 people you don't even know and see what happens. Doesn't matter what state you live in (or country), popular events attract lots of people and you have that possibility that people are going to be dishonest. You just gotta try your best to enjoy the game, enjoy being with your friends and your team, and give it your all. Cheaters and dickheads will eventually alienate themselves. They'll never make it on a reputable team.

[Pope_Alex_Kaeda_I]

It's funny, at the Crackhouse game I overheard somebody saying, "We had problems with people not calling hits at AP games in the past and we figured since this ISN'T hosted by AP that it would be ok.... But NO." DUH! This type of thing happens at every POPULAR game regardless of the host. Yes, nobody is going to cheat if you and your 20 buddies are playing a nice little game, but throw in 50 people you don't even know and see what happens. Doesn't matter what state you live in (or country), popular events attract lots of people and you have that possibility that people are going to be dishonest. You just gotta try your best to enjoy the game, enjoy being with your friends and your team, and give it your all. Cheaters and dickheads will eventually alienate themselves. They'll never make it on a reputable team.

+1

We had no problem with cheaters when it was 6 people in the ruins. As the hobby grew, people like Sharp, Sweatpants, and other meatballs came into it. You'll find those meatballs everywhere, in every hobby.

I say we kick everyone who has ever been accused of not calling a hit out of the hobby. Nobodys going to be left playing, because of course, we're all super-snipers who never miss, and if they didnt call themselves out, they must be a cheater.

[Ginocide]

Even some pro paintballers try to wipe the paint with rags before a ref. can see the hit. This code of ethics can't really be instilled with a class but with peers interested in the same sport (mostly their friends) sort of shaming them if they don't (not neccesarily in a malicious or attacking way). The class would be alot of trouble and many seasoned players from other areas would not want to take the class just because it's their first time with AP. Like others said, too much trouble.

[vamps]

Like Casca and Dante said its too much to keep up with. Maybe if the players that join teams get certified by whatever team they join, but thats still a lot to keep a tab on.

[Matt]

More Airsoft Pacific events in the future are going to be VERY team-centric, much like the CQC Competition. If you aren't part of a team, you won't be playing. I like that system beacuse a) it's easier to keep track of signups and such and b) you always have a team leader or somebody in charge to go to when an incident happens.

[vamps]

So why don't the teams run their own training/certifications? Seems like it would be easier for the team leader to keep up with who on their team is trained for what instead of AP having to try and keep up with it.

[Niall]

So why don't the teams run their own training/certifications?

Some do.

[omega1]

It also allows for more side specific games. Teams like the Marine Raiders, 5RAC, and the Russians all represent a very clear military unit, so it is easy for them to be put onto teams that are discerned by team "nationality". Other teams like APST and EATF can kind of mold to the event, and wear what is needed. Personally, I would like to see more games where you have a NATO type force against a former Soviet, or ME force, where gun types are more enforced for sides, which I think would make a much better identifier than uniform in many cases, but matched with uniform, it would be near perfect. I also like the idea of different headgear for sides. One team runs boonies and skullcaps, the other runs helmets and patrol caps, etc. Things that make it more identifiable by your silloette as to what team you are on.

[Eclipzed]

More Airsoft Pacific events in the future are going to be VERY team-centric, much like the CQC Competition. If you aren't part of a team, you won't be playing. I like that system beacuse a) it's easier to keep track of signups and such and b) you always have a team leader or somebody in charge to go to when an incident happens.

Agreed. I think it would work better in that sense. The team will work some sort of reputation. After a while, if we realize that one team is full of cheaters we can tell them to stop coming. Where as a team that has a much better reputation, will still be allowed to come to games. Therefor removing all this "distrust" or atleast most of it.