Originating in the 1980s as the Japanese equivalent of the American sport of Paintball, Airsoft has gone through many changes over the decades in both methodologies and equipment used. It is an activity in which people participate in combat with the aim being to remove the opponents from the game by shooting them with a piece of equipment known as an Airsoft gun. It is a simulated high-performance and realistic shooting sport. The sport has been adopted by the United States Coast Guard for combat training.
Generally, most countries often make it a rule to prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from playing Airsoft. But there are some states in the United States that allow kids as young as 10-year-olds to play the game. This means that you have to check out the rules in your state or county to find out if there is a minimum age for playing Airsoft. However, you will find that most counties and states allow you to play the game without any legal repercussions. And while it is true that most of the states in the US do not have an age requirement for the game, Airsoft fields around the country and sports events will provide their own regulations in terms of preferred age for players.
Regulations for Players on Airsoft Field
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While there are some states and counties that have no rules for Airsoft, most fields often set some rules and regulations for players. One of the most common rules is the age requirement to ensure players’ safety all around. Most Airsoft fields often allow young kids to play but with proper parent or adult guardians’ supervision while playing the game. Also, some fields may also have other rules for specific age groups like a different dress code for young kids. Some fields require players younger than 16 years old to have full face protection before playing the game.
Different Airsoft fields may have different minimum age requirements, so it is best to check out the rules and regulations of the field you want to use for your game or events. Various Airsoft sports events may also include minimum age requirements in their rules and regulations so you should watch out for that as well.
In the United States, most Airsoft fields will allow kids as young as 12 years to play the game. And in some cases, kids younger than that may be allowed to play the sport if there is proper adult supervision by parents or guardians. This means that the adults may have to play the game with the kids.
For Airsoft events, the age requirement usually falls around 15 years old. But huge events may raise it to 18. There are also some rare instances where events set the age to 21, but these are often invite-only events. So typically, the minimum age required to play Airsoft in these fields will be 12 to 14 years of age, but some fields can have their preferred age set lower.
It should also be noted that some states or counties may have some regulations on the purchase of Airsoft guns and some of its other accessories. For example, some might require the buyer to be at least 18 years old.
While the federal law of the United States does not regard Airsoft guns as firearms, some states and counties do. This is another reason it is important you know the laws of your state and county if you are planning to let your kid play the game.
Airsoft Checklist
When you are planning your Airsoft game, there are some preparations to be made before the game begins. This means that you need to get the proper gear for the sport. In order to help you prepare for your Airsoft game, we have made a list of some of the most important gear you need for the game;
- Eye and Face Protective gear to prevent the face from being harmed by fast BBs.
- An Airsoft gun and some rounds of BB’s.
- Correct wears such as long-sleeved shirts and pants that allow easy movements. The clothes should ensure the player’s comfort and be durable enough to withstand vigorous physical activities.
- Proper footwear to provide stability and proper foot support. Some of the best footwear options include hiking boots, tennis shoes, and tactical boots.
- Use holsters and slings for carrying your weapons. This enables easier movements with non-powder firearms.
- Bring a water bottle to provide a way to stay hydrated during the sport.
- Backpacks or other storage equipment to help you carry your stuff around.
- Knee Pads, shoulder pads, gloves, and headbands to provide proper protection and make movements easier.
- Food is another important item to keep in your backpack when playing Airsoft. It is essential for skirmishes and can be packed for an ordinary game day but will not be carried on the field.
Benefits of Airsoft For Kids
Some common benefits of Airsoft for kids include the following aspects.
Introduction to Gun Safety
Airsoft provides a great opportunity to introduce your kids to gun safety in a controlled environment. You can use this sport to teach them proper gun safety and handling.
Some common lessons include; how to treat a loaded weapon, aiming in a safe direction, the benefits of using protective gears, and best techniques for handling a gun.
Physical Activity
Airsoft is a great way to get your kid to do some exercise. This is especially a good idea if your kid is the type that can stay indoors for 6 to 8 hours playing video games without engaging in any proper physical activity.
Mental Development
Airsoft is also a great way to help improve your kids’ mental development. It is a great way to teach discipline, the importance of teamwork, patience, obedience, and strategy formation.
Conclusion
Airsoft is a great sport. But if you want your kid to play the game, you have to make sure that your kids meet the minimum age requirement of the sport. This minimum age requirement could be set by the state, counties, fields, or events.
