18+ age restrictions Reasons

[Jimski]

well okay but I don't think a 18+ rule needs a lot of explanation.

[Eeyore]

We all want to play with mature players who show respect and good judgment, but being eighteen does not magically make a person mature or posess the ability to make good choices. Being eighteen does however make you responsible for the choices you make for good or for bad. This is the prime reason for that rule, being accountable. Another major factor is the environment of airsoft. Players smoke, drink, swear, this rule protects the adults as much as minors.

[Hairu]

Originally Posted by Eeyore

. Another major factor is the environment of airsoft. Players smoke, drink, swear, this rule protects the adults as much as minors.

We can drink at matches !?
*note to self add flask to future airsoft kit*

[CimmShark]

Originally Posted by Hairu

We can drink at matches !?

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh no we can't.

I don't know where you got that crazy idea from.

No one ever does that because it could lead to a dangerous situation

lol.....

[Eeyore]

Originally Posted by CimmShark

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh no we can't.

I don't know where you got that crazy idea from.

No one ever does that because it could lead to a dangerous situation

lol.....

And that Hairu is one of the reasons why you need to be an adult. Because stupid things do happen. People do drink a few after, and sometimes during breaks.

[Rugger_can]

Maturity means nothing, unfortunately Canada and its provinces has decided that 18 is the benchmark year for being able to make ones own decisions and be held responsible for the outcomes of those decisions. Unfortunately this is not up to discussion. If your not happy with this answer try to remember that it is perfectly legal to discriminate on the basis of age (for ontario anyway) until you turn 18, thus this community and any fields that do so are well within their rights to deny you service based on your age. If your unwilling to wait until you are of age then this community is not the right place for you sadly.

[Danke]

Originally Posted by Jimski

well okay but I don't think a 18+ rule needs a lot of explanation.

It sure seems confusing to people under 18, but then on the day of your 18th birthday it's suddenly clear as a bell.

[Eeyore]

Originally Posted by Danke

It sure seems confusing to people under 18, but then on the day of your 18th birthday it's suddenly clear as a bell.

No, on their 18th birthday they get included in the "adult" club and just don't give a shit any more.

[Con Murder]

The one reason for all to consider is the exposure of airsoft. Yes we want people to know and play our beloved sport. Yet on the other side is the fact that its so crazy intense that you have to tell everyone! So a seventeen year old telling all his friends is more likely to create a wave of other under-agers than an eighteen year old simply due to the whole grouping of ages in our school systems. Yes the average eighteen year old has younger friends but they also will be eighteen soon enough.

[Brian McIlmoyle]

What I always tell people complaining about age restrictions

you will be too young for x years ... and too old for the rest of you life.. Wait.. go do stuff that people x years old do.... X activity will still be here when you are old enough.

[shaharov]

Originally Posted by L473ncy

.... It's up to the field owner in the end of whether or not they can play or not.

ie. You can't buy guns till you're 18+ here on the forums but you can always rent or otherwise when you're 16+. Hell I know that places like Laser Trek in Calgary have a 14+ rule (same as paintball IIRC and I believe that's because of safety concerns from the parent insurance company that stipulates things like this).

Other places might be 16+, and even others may be 18+ no exceptions and others 18+ unless with a reputable 18+ player taking care of you (ie. uncle/brother/dad/cousin playing alongside you).

ALSO NOTE that paintball fields aren't really supposed to be letting people play airsoft because it's not really stipulated in their insurance policy.

I realize that it's field based decision. Actually this is for our field and we're inforcing a 18+ rule or 16+ with parental permisson (we need to talk to them first). I just get asked a lot by some kids (and parents for that matter). We have our own reasons for age restrictions but I want to see if they line up with everyone elses across Canada, as well as see if there's anything I missed. I'll post results when I compile everything.

<Disclaimer> I'm not a lawyer but I play one in Airsoft </Disclaimer>

Originally Posted by kullwarrior

I like to think of it as Firearm
Technically were pushing airsoft into uncontrolled firearms, we should self-regulate because these item will cause damage. Just the pellet it shoot, not the reprecussion from police and media.

The Firearm Law state you need to be 18 to get your own license. (Dont goto Minors, we dont use airsoft for a living)

Funny thing but I just read on CBC that the Canada Safety Council is pushing for replica firearms to be regulated much like regular firearms (Guess they feel banning them outright isn't really working well). Personally I really dont see a problem with this as yet but I'll wait and see... I'll post another thread for that discussion here http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=103123

Originally Posted by Amos

The 18+ rule is entirely about the copious amount of pornography that is found out in the airsoft filed. (It is my understanding that most clubs play on Porno farms)

Nice.. I havn't seen it at our field... maybe I'm not looking in the right direction

Originally Posted by Jimski

mature means you understand community rules and are willing to abide,without the need for someone to give you a lengthy explanation of the reasons why.
+18=being legally an adult : this should be enough.

anything sounding like "yes but *whinewhinewhine*" is a clear demonstration of immaturity.

I completely agree.. I've been ready to hit people... there are 5 admins and to allow a minor we need to come to a concencis (Krap.. can't spell today). One 12 year old has approched 4 of us and says he's mature.. when we say he's to young he says he understands then goes to the next admin.... since he ran out of admin's there's a player now petitioning for him... I'm ready to smack someone... no means no... don't keep asking different people!!!

*Rant stopped.... .ahhh ... that feels better*

Originally Posted by Rock 'N' Roll Outlaw

I dont think this argument is valid. The person claiming to be mature has every right to question why things are the way they are. He he seeking reasoning of a system that he does not clearly see the purpose of at first glance, as far as I know hes not trying to get around the rules or to bend them in order to fulfill his wants and needs. You say being mature means to understand and respect the rules that are in place, how is asking for reasons behind them a "clear demonstration of immaturity"?

I agree, in fact, this is just as much for our admins as well as those that ask, so that we know why were are pushing and enforcing this instead of just saying "well, everyone else is doing this". However, I've found that there is definatly different maturity levels at which (and how) this questions can be asked. But I think everyone has the right to know why these rules. But when you repeatedly push someone, that's a sign of immaturity

*edit I think I contradicted myself there.. I agree that constantly pushing and whining is a sign of immaturity but asking the reason isnt

[L473ncy]

Dude... No need to quintuple post... Please merge and delete other posts man...

Anyways I see it as being a good idea for both the field and parents.

PS: If that minor is that pushy then no until 18 or he smartens up. Seriously.... I wasn't even that pushy at that age (ok well maybe for things like pokemon and related "school yard" things) but this kid probably won't mesh well with other players (especially with that kind of attitude he'll probably get on a lot of players and admins nerves).

[shaharov]

Originally Posted by L473ncy

Dude... No need to quintuple post... Please merge and delete other posts man...

Anyways I see it as being a good idea for both the field and parents.

PS: If that minor is that pushy then no until 18 or he smartens up. Seriously.... I wasn't even that pushy at that age (ok well maybe for things like pokemon and related "school yard" things) but this kid probably won't mesh well with other players (especially with that kind of attitude he'll probably get on a lot of players and admins nerves).

Yea.. he's been told.. and it's whats pushing us to solidify our policies.. Also sorry bout the quad post... I'll clean it up.

[canadauni]

Hey I wasn't approached by this 12 yr old, but anyways I am really not a fan of all the younguns wanting to play

[shaharov]

Originally Posted by canadauni

Hey I wasn't approached by this 12 yr old, but anyways I am really not a fan of all the younguns wanting to play

Was Me with Barking Thunder, Dave with ASW, Nate recently, and I thought that he was getting A. Kennedy to ask for him (wasn't the case... another 12yo). So 3 guys. You wern't approched, but you definatily saw in the PM's about it, I think it even came up in our regular board.