An open letter to Airsoft players and the IAA, I resign.

Boru. · 04-05-2008 03:24PM #1

An open letter to Airsoft players and the IAA, my resignation

It is with deep regret and some sadness that I issue the following statement.

A copy of this letter will be posted on both the IAA and boards i.e. forum’s. A copy will also be emailed to info@irishairsoft.ie, and to clo@irishairsoft.ie

My brother first introduced me to Airsoft, through his friends and of course like of all of us I instantly fell in love with the sport. I spent thousands amassing the proper equipment, supporting our Irish retailers as they developed, and even becoming the field commander and trainer of the Hawks Airsoft team.

I watched with excitement as my friends and I grew closer and met new people, with similar interests to my own, and a shared passion for all things Airsoft. I was pleased when my friends took a more active role in promoting the sport with the formation of a representative body in the IAA, and was happy to contribute and provide input where needed.

Unfortunately I have seen what was once a bright future and well intentioned people descend into petty rivalry, dishonor, bullying and political manipulation. Ego has superseded the original good intentions, and replaced the benefit for all with the satisfaction of I.
In the last few months I have seen an ever increasing build up of political infighting, groundless accusation, and manipulation designed to promote individual agenda over the community well being. I previously left the sport, frustrated that poor site management and appalling safety protocols were causing needless injury, an unfriendly and nasty atmosphere and were ruining the good nature and fun aspect of the sport.

However, I was encouraged to return by my friends saying that things were different. They weren’t but rather than simply complain and bemoan I tried to become an active participant in the solution. I volunteered to marshal events and days, train members, and I applied and was selected to become a member of the IAA Marshaling and Safety Subcommittee. And in this way I hoped that I could help direct the standards, safety protocols and regulation of the sport, helping to negate the growing tide of dissatisfaction and anger.

I failed.

But not through like of trying. It has become apparent to me in the last 4 weeks or so, that the IAA committee is not interested in the betterment of the sport, or in improving the safety and standards. In fact, it has been directly responsible for undermining and dismissing reasonable motions and suggestions, for editing and covering up important facts that need to be made public and have pushed for a personal agenda based on their own interests, rather than on the consensus reached for the community.

Furthermore, I have since learned through my direct involvement with the IAA committee the extent of manipulation by some members, and worse the manner in which some members have conducted themselves has represented not only the worse aspects of this sport, but of society. In recent weeks I have heard complaints and personal statements, as well as witnessed personally several instances where members of the IAA committee have taken deliberate unsafe and dishonorable action that was designed to punish and hurt other players which could have lead to serious injury. These actions were based on a petty need for vengeance and driven by ego. It disgusts me.

I have seen deliberate actions taken by members of the IAA committee to subvert opinion, and no official recourse can be taken. No oversight committee is present and there is no viable method for complaint or regulation. Posts are edited and legitimate points and grievances are ignored, edited or removed.

As a result of the actions of the IAA committee and its members, as well as through the actions of independent players who consistently cheat, use over the limit AEG’s and cause deliberate and unnecessary harm, I have lost all faith and enjoyment in the sport.

I have not played since I was shot in the face by an alleged over the limit AEG, which left me bruised, with broken skin and a heavily bleeding nose. This was a direct result of failure to take the most basic of safety measures which are mandatory at an international level. No apology was ever issued. Furthermore records of this incident were edited and the details removed when it was discussed in an IAA forum, because it was viewed as “unfavorable” to the sport and concerns that the DoJ would read it. Denial of such incidents undermines the credibility and honesty of the sport, and those said to “govern” it. It is not acceptable.

The truth is that since having taken an active role in attempting to secure better safety and standards for the sport, I have seen petty and personal, emotionally negative behavior cloud rational judgment. I have seen single ego trample collective reasoned opinion, and more than anything I have seen that those allegedly striving for the betterment of the sport suppress any opinion that differs from theirs.

I have lost faith in the IAA. I have lost faith in the players. I have lost faith in the sport.
As such I hereby resign from the IAA Marshaling subcommittee.

I herby resign my membership from the IAA, and furthermore request a full refund of membership fees paid – as I have received neither confirmation or correspondence of my membership, I have received nothing of benefit from the IAA and I certainly feel they no longer have my or the interests of the sport at heart. You don’t represent me, you’ve done nothing for me, and I want my money back.

I herby resign from the Hawks Airsoft team.

And I no longer wish to be an active participant in this sport.

I wish you, those that are still passionate about the sport of Airsoft the very best. You are among some the nicest, most genuine people I have ever met, and it has been a privilege and honor to meet you and call your friend. I hope one day you have the sport you deserve, and the leaders and organization you deserve, and I am sorry that I could not be a part of that.

But I don’t care anymore. Worse than that, I resent the sport. It has cost me time, money, health. It has caused me injury, and it has cost me what I thought were close friends.

That’s what I have gotten from Airsoft. I urge you all to make sure you don’t get the same.

Yours,

Boru.

Former Hawks Team Trainer, Field Commander, IAA Marshaling Subcommittee member, and airsofter.

Boston · 04-05-2008 03:35PM

Thats a shame Paul.

I have not played since I was shot in the face by an alleged over the limit AEG, which left me bruised, with broken skin and a heavily bleeding nose. This was a direct result of failure to take the most basic of safety measures which are mandatory at an international level. No apology was ever issued. Furthermore records of this incident were edited and the details removed when it was discussed in an IAA forum, because it was viewed as “unfavorable” to the sport and concerns that the DoJ would read it. Denial of such incidents undermines the credibility and honesty of the sport, and those said to “govern” it. It is not acceptable.

This is far too common.

SniperSight · 04-05-2008 04:12PM

WOW, thats harsh man.

Luckily I havent experienced the same hardships you discuss, and hopefully I never will.

Good luck and so long with whatever you do mate, I dont think I've met you but from the sounds of it your pretty sincere.:(
So Long.

Gyle · 04-05-2008 04:25PM

Paul i am really sorry to hear of your departure i hope some day you will find your way back to airsoft.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the sterling job and all the hard work you have put into the marshal committee and i am sorry you will not be around to see any of it implemented. Being on the marshal sub-committee i empathise with your heart felt statement and hope that we can take some serious points from it and use them to help towards the betterment of the sport as a whole.

Gyle

weeder · 04-05-2008 04:30PM

this is the second player weve lost due to the politicts of the sport (somthing i avoid as much as possible)

Lads theres no point in being afraid of the DoJ reading whats being done wrong if the players are tearing the sport apart from the inside ,

although this thread isnt mine I think it should be locked to avoid any arguments(or at least be monitored closely) as it has served its purpose and probabaly will start an argument

and to boru,although ive never met you i feel sorry that the community has lost yet another member

JohnReisman · 04-05-2008 04:32PM

Gyle wrote: »

Paul i am really sorry to hear of your departure i hope some day you will find your way back to airsoft.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the sterling job and all the hard work you have put into the marshal committee and i am sorry you will not be around to see any of it implemented. Being on the marshal sub-committee i empitises with your heart felt statement and hope that we can take some serious points from it and use them to help towards the betterment of the sport as a whole.
Gyle

+1

JohnReisman · 04-05-2008 04:34PM

Weeder, 2 points.

1 You are right, its not your thread.

2 This thread has been extremely civilized and will remain so if the posters remember what this thread is about. So there is little reason to lock it.

weeder · 04-05-2008 04:49PM

thats a fair point alright i suppose im just pissed off with thing at this point

JohnReisman · 04-05-2008 04:58PM

I am a strong believer of the idea that people should never have to apologise for how they feel. There are of course provisos to that statement. People should express themselves respectfully and in the right manner. I think Paul has done that here. I think you should do the same Weeder. But you have to be very careful how you word your feelings. Because if its done wrong then face being locked pretty quickly.

JonAnderton · 04-05-2008 05:02PM

Firstly Boru, it's a shame it has all come to you making this heavy decision.

I find some of the things you mentioned quite shocking. I recently started a thread on safety which resulted in me being told to 'stop taking it too seriously as they are only toys'.

While I whole hearted support the stand you are making as it's for a serious and worthy reason, I find it sad that it's made you resign from the sport altogether but can sympathise with you whole heartedly.

I hope things improve and you decide to come back into the fold...

Cheeky monkey · 04-05-2008 05:10PM

Paul I'll be very sad to see you leave your a good commander, a good trainer and an even better friend I do hope you'll come back to the game sometime

:(:(:(

Spetzcong · 04-05-2008 05:11PM

Wow, ton of bricks.

I've only played with you a couple of times, but you were a good player and it's a real loss to the community that you feel you have to leave.

kaizersoze1980 · 04-05-2008 05:12PM

Boru. wrote: »

An open letter to Airsoft players and the IAA, my resignation

It is with deep regret and some sadness that I issue the following statement.

A copy of this letter will be posted on both the IAA and boards i.e. forum’s. A copy will also be emailed to info@irishairsoft.ie, and to clo@irishairsoft.ie

My brother first introduced me to Airsoft, through his friends and of course like of all of us I instantly fell in love with the sport. I spent thousands amassing the proper equipment, supporting our Irish retailers as they developed, and even becoming the field commander and trainer of the Hawks Airsoft team.

I watched with excitement as my friends and I grew closer and met new people, with similar interests to my own, and a shared passion for all things Airsoft. I was pleased when my friends took a more active role in promoting the sport with the formation of a representative body in the IAA, and was happy to contribute and provide input where needed.

Unfortunately I have seen what was once a bright future and well intentioned people descend into petty rivalry, dishonor, bullying and political manipulation. Ego has superseded the original good intentions, and replaced the benefit for all with the satisfaction of I.
In the last few months I have seen an ever increasing build up of political infighting, groundless accusation, and manipulation designed to promote individual agenda over the community well being. I previously left the sport, frustrated that poor site management and appalling safety protocols were causing needless injury, an unfriendly and nasty atmosphere and were ruining the good nature and fun aspect of the sport.

However, I was encouraged to return by my friends saying that things were different. They weren’t but rather than simply complain and bemoan I tried to become an active participant in the solution. I volunteered to marshal events and days, train members, and I applied and was selected to become a member of the IAA Marshaling and Safety Subcommittee. And in this way I hoped that I could help direct the standards, safety protocols and regulation of the sport, helping to negate the growing tide of dissatisfaction and anger.

I failed.

But not through like of trying. It has become apparent to me in the last 4 weeks or so, that the IAA committee is not interested in the betterment of the sport, or in improving the safety and standards. In fact, it has been directly responsible for undermining and dismissing reasonable motions and suggestions, for editing and covering up important facts that need to be made public and have pushed for a personal agenda based on their own interests, rather than on the consensus reached for the community.

Furthermore, I have since learned through my direct involvement with the IAA committee the extent of manipulation by some members, and worse the manner in which some members have conducted themselves has represented not only the worse aspects of this sport, but of society. In recent weeks I have heard complaints and personal statements, as well as witnessed personally several instances where members of the IAA committee have taken deliberate unsafe and dishonorable action that was designed to punish and hurt other players which could have lead to serious injury. These actions were based on a petty need for vengeance and driven by ego. It disgusts me.

I have seen deliberate actions taken by members of the IAA committee to subvert opinion, and no official recourse can be taken. No oversight committee is present and there is no viable method for complaint or regulation. Posts are edited and legitimate points and grievances are ignored, edited or removed.

As a result of the actions of the IAA committee and its members, as well as through the actions of independent players who consistently cheat, use over the limit AEG’s and cause deliberate and unnecessary harm, I have lost all faith and enjoyment in the sport.

I have not played since I was shot in the face by an alleged over the limit AEG, which left me bruised, with broken skin and a heavily bleeding nose. This was a direct result of failure to take the most basic of safety measures which are mandatory at an international level. No apology was ever issued. Furthermore records of this incident were edited and the details removed when it was discussed in an IAA forum, because it was viewed as “unfavorable” to the sport and concerns that the DoJ would read it. Denial of such incidents undermines the credibility and honesty of the sport, and those said to “govern” it. It is not acceptable.

The truth is that since having taken an active role in attempting to secure better safety and standards for the sport, I have seen petty and personal, emotionally negative behavior cloud rational judgment. I have seen single ego trample collective reasoned opinion, and more than anything I have seen that those allegedly striving for the betterment of the sport suppress any opinion that differs from theirs.

I have lost faith in the IAA. I have lost faith in the players. I have lost faith in the sport.
As such I hereby resign from the IAA Marshaling subcommittee.

I herby resign my membership from the IAA, and furthermore request a full refund of membership fees paid – as I have received neither confirmation or correspondence of my membership, I have received nothing of benefit from the IAA and I certainly feel they no longer have my or the interests of the sport at heart. You don’t represent me, you’ve done nothing for me, and I want my money back.

I herby resign from the Hawks Airsoft team.

And I no longer wish to be an active participant in this sport.

I wish you, those that are still passionate about the sport of Airsoft the very best. You are among some the nicest, most genuine people I have ever met, and it has been a privilege and honor to meet you and call your friend. I hope one day you have the sport you deserve, and the leaders and organization you deserve, and I am sorry that I could not be a part of that.

But I don’t care anymore. Worse than that, I resent the sport. It has cost me time, money, health. It has caused me injury, and it has cost me what I thought were close friends.

That’s what I have gotten from Airsoft. I urge you all to make sure you don’t get the same.

Yours,

Boru.

Former Hawks Team Trainer, Field Commander, IAA Marshaling Subcommittee member, and airsofter.

Talk about a drama queen. Get over yourself will you :rolleyes:

JohnReisman · 04-05-2008 05:19PM

kaizersoze1980 wrote: »

Talk about a drama queen. Get over yourself will you :rolleyes:

While there may be a chance you have a valid opinion I feel there are other web pages you should visit. I think I speak for the airsofting community when I say trolls are particularly unwelcome on this thread.

:cool:

Boston · 04-05-2008 05:27PM

weeder wrote: »

although this thread isnt mine I think it should be locked to avoid any arguments(or at least be monitored closely) as it has served its purpose and probabaly will start an argument

If only avoiding argument was the same as avoiding discontent. Locking threads and closing down discussion should be a last resort.

I should add that I'm extremely disheartened to see you go Paul. We weren't friends or team mates, but its people like yourself that made Airsoft fun for me.

Witcher · 04-05-2008 05:31PM

kaizersoze1980 wrote: »

Talk about a drama queen. Get over yourself will you :rolleyes:

shouldn't you be under a bridge somewhere? :rolleyes:

sorry to be off topic, sorry to see you go boru, think i only met you the once

:cool::cool::cool:

kaizersoze1980 · 04-05-2008 05:34PM

blay1 wrote: »

shouldn't you be under a bridge somewhere? :rolleyes:

hes carrying on like an attention whore. If you want to "resign" then do it, dont post an "open letter" . Good riddance

JohnReisman · 04-05-2008 05:35PM

Kaizer, have you ever played airsoft??

kaizersoze1980 · 04-05-2008 05:38PM

JohnReisman wrote: »

Kaizer, have you ever played airsoft??

No

Boston · 04-05-2008 05:39PM

Ignore him.

kaizersoze1980 · 04-05-2008 05:45PM

Boston wrote: »

Ignore him.

??:rolleyes:

weeder · 04-05-2008 05:46PM

just a troll frolm after hours trying to be funny

Witcher · 04-05-2008 05:51PM

kaizersoze1980 wrote: »

hes carrying on like an attention whore. If you want to "resign" then do it, dont post an "open letter" . Good riddance

if you dont like it p1ss off :mad:

:cool::cool::cool:

Sod'o swords · 04-05-2008 06:19PM

Sorry to hear your leaving.
A fair bit of what you said is an eye opener for myself.
Now i regret coming onto this forum because it just shows a whole different side to the airsoft that i play with great lads on weekends....
Also, what do trolls want, attention, so leave him, he will be dealt with by greater powers.

o1s1n · 04-05-2008 06:37PM

Sod'o swords wrote: »

Now i regret coming onto this forum because it just shows a whole different side to the airsoft that i play with great lads on weekends....

The problem is not with this forum but with the sport itself. Which ends up making its way on here. Boards allows people to say things they wouldn't be willing to say in person with a certain amount of anonymity. Rumours spread, accusations are thrown (Many of which are either blown out of proportion or had no basis in reality in the first place) - Keyboard warriors
I'm very much of the belief that if you feel strongly enough about something, say it in person. Don't bitch and moan on forums. It'll get you nowhere.

We have tried lately to keep it out of the forum as it's really causing the place to become painful to read.

Boru, you've more or less made your point in your opening post. Sad to see someone go, but if that's how you feel then so be it.
Any further discussion is just going to turn into the usual petty arguments as you're probably fully aware.

For the sake of all the people who enjoy reading this forum, most of whom aren't interesting in this infighting, I'm going to close this thread. Please take it somewhere else.

An open letter to Airsoft players and the IAA, I resign.

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