My own suggestion of an airsoft manifesto got my mind to churning so at the risk of being presumptuous I wrote one. Again, I intend for this to be a starting point and not necessarily an end in itself. More people need to input and expand on or comment on or do another. To some it may seem pointless to declare such things in a statement like this but consider this, virtually all great endeavors have a written statement of purpose. It acts as a benchmark and helps those inside and outside the organization to understand what is expected. Let the suggestions begin!

Airsoft Declaration Of Purpose

Preamble
We, the players that make up the Airsoft community, are united by a common goal. A goal that inspires us to take a positive stand for the principles and ideals that makes Airsoft such a viable and worthwhile activity. As individuals, as well as a community we offer this document as a pledge to uphold certain standards, so that there will exist an image of honor and trust not only within the Airsoft community but also within the nation at large.

Philosophy
Airsoft is more than just a physical resemblance to military organizations and the use of replica weapons to enact military simulations. At its core are all the elements that make any sport or social gathering worthwhile and beneficial.

Key to the popularity of Airsoft is an underlying code of honor and fair play. Due to the nature of the game, cheating and unsportsmanlike conduct is very easy to get away with. It is a testament to the high quality of the typical Airsoft player that this sort of behavior is not a major problem at organized events.

Like any important sport Airsoft is more than just a physical exercise. Teamwork, cooperation, ingenuity, strategy, and planning are absolutely essential for the successful completion of an objective in an Airsoft event. So many factors have an effect on the outcome that it stretches the mental, emotional, and physical capabilities of participants. And just like more traditional sports, Airsoft has a multitude of 'positions' that players can plug into as talents and abilities allow. But unlike many sports, age, gender, race, creed, height or weight does not exclude anyone from excelling in the sport of Airsoft.

Aside from the mental benefits of Airsoft we cannot stress enough the physical benefits and the safety aspects of our sport. When the average player has spent all day walking, climbing, and running through rough terrain with up to 40 pounds of gear there is little doubt that he/she has gotten a good physical workout. Avid players will also spend extra time training and exercising in preparation for periodic events. A major advantage that Airsoft has over many other team sports is the inherent safety, as well as low bodily stress due to a non-contact environment . An occasional BB welt, twisted ankle, sun burn, or poison ivy rash is the extent of hazards that Airsoft players encounter.

Let us not forget the good feelings that spending the day with like-minded people can instill in us. People from all walks of life forget their differences and focus on the ideal that a friendly exchange of BBs in the woods is a good way to spend the day. Rarely will you find hard feelings and hurt pride after several hours worth of simulated combat. Also, the sharing of friendly stories, information, supplies, gear, and tactical suggestions are a hallmark of an Airsoft event. There truly is a fellowship that reaches across barriers and attitudes.

Pledge of Conduct
We of the Airsoft community, pledge to do all that we can to uphold a high standard of conduct and to help educate those who are new to the sport of Airsoft. This conduct standard includes the following basic rules and is intended as a guide for all Airsoft enthusiasts in order to exemplify the best qualities we all aspire to.

1. To follow the rules of play set forth by Airsoft event organizers and to choose honor before reward.
2. To always play with safety in mind, including appropriate eye protection, observing minimum engagement distances, and keeping anger at home.
3. Keeping all Airsoft weapons out of sight of the general public.
4. Never pointing Airsoft weapons at anyone, except when on the event field and only when everyone is wearing eye protection.
5. Never play Airsoft on a public street or in a populated neighborhood.
6. Comply immediately with Police orders if confronted for any reason.
7. Notify local authorities if there is even a small chance that an event might cause concern with people in the area.
8. Know and abide by the federal, state, and local laws associated with the use and ownership of Airsoft weapons

Conclusion
The sport of Airsoft adds value to the national good. It is in everyone’s best interest to do what we can to protect and support a positive and safe Airsoft image. Be above reproach. Make yourself a step above the norm. Let the good Airsoft image begin with each of us.

This post has been edited by BattlePriest: Apr 30 2007, 11:41 AM