Airsofters, I read something recently on the Lion Claws site forums that really struck home with me. I thought I'd share the basics with all of you, as it can go a long way in bringing airsoft into a higher level of play.
There was a discussion about cheating, not calling the hits, etc., and one player had the guts to tell the other posters to let it drop, shut up, and worry about themselves instead. It was his goal at the event to do nothing but worry about his own honesty, and because he did so, he was pleased with the honesty that was shown. Basically, NOTHING can stop a player from cheating but the player him/herself. When people ask me how I can play a sport where cheating is almost unavoidable (in their minds) I tell them that our core of AZ players simply decided not to cheat, and it doesn't happen. We can police ourselves here, but at big games where time and money are involved it becomes a tougher issue. If every player that attended would ONLY focus on his or her own level of play, the entire event would benefit. Gladly, that is the case most of the time.
It's my hope that we Arizonans will take a page from this player's thoughts and concern ourselves with two things ONLY: The level of play we individually exhibit, and the growth of the sport in our great state.
I don't want to hear any more about "his cheating" and how it ruined the game for the rest of us... I want us all to play at our personal best, and be satisfied with it. Others will either follow suit, or leave. It's a self-correcting plan and much more positive than the alternative.
I include myself in this goal first and foremost.
Thanks to all of you for fostering the good reputation AZ airosfters have across the country, and I'll see you on the field!
