Youth Gun licence?

[Omega]

Hey all,

Heard from my teacher from schools son that he has a youth gun licence.

Just wondering if anyone has heard about them as he is the same age as me. He said it is the exact same course you take to get your gun licence when your 16, but your not allowed to keep a hold on live ammunition. Would such a licence (if this is indeed true) able me to play in a game?

Any feedback would be great!

Cheers,
Omega - Sam.

[Bladerunner]

Well I havn't heard of it but then again I have never checked. Find out

[kow_patt]

Best bet would be to ring the christchurch arms office and speak to an arms officer, they tend to know all about this sort of thing and can steer you in the right direction

[daddio]

About 1-2 years ago we (TAG) went to arms office and enquired about under 16 years olds.

The arms officers said that it would be ok as long as the player was in a controlled environment - much like paint ball (as they have 10+ year olds playing).

However, I remember the club decided that TAG should obey the letter of the law (not the verbal word), even though airsoft wasn't around when the laws were passed. Also, there was concern over player maturity and club liability if a under 16 year old got injured (imagine irate mum/dad going off at the club committee becuase little johnny took of his mask and got an eye shot out)
And i've seen new players take off their safety googles during a game due to fogging -

So in short, the 'voice of the law' might allow it, but the risk to TAG (back then) didn't warrant it.

Perhaps the new committee could revist the arms officer and recheck - so long as new committee happy for under 16 year olds to play?

[Omega]

In no way am I meaning to disregard any rules set by the committee but just wanted to know out of curiosity. I think that if this is real (there is such a license) it would open doors as I think that if you don't pass the test, you don't get your license.

I'll keep you posted on the police's reply.

Cheers,
Omega - Sam.

[kow_patt]

Also, there was concern over player maturity and club liability if a under 16 year old got injured (imagine irate mum/dad going off at the club committee becuase little johnny took of his mask and got an eye shot out)

How about our TAG disclaimer? Furthermore, a disclaimer for the parent(s) too? Just my 2c worth on the topic - young people love guns and wars

[Nematode]

And the press love bad stories about them

This is an area that has been getting a bit of discussion at an ASNZ level lately so I will be interested to hear what you find out Omega.

[daddio]

How about our TAG disclaimer? Furthermore, a disclaimer for the parent(s) too? Just my 2c worth on the topic - young people love guns and wars

Contracts (Disclaimers) can only be signed by adults, so to be binding then the parent(s) would need to sign - this would also educate them about the risks to their precious young 'johnny'. However the other problem is the maturity. Numbers for numbers sake wasn't what TAG was about. The driving forces for TAG was always about democracy and playing airsoft on the day (not mostly talking about it between games). Social nights were for the talking stuff.

[kow_patt]

yeah, fair call, last thing you want is kids throwing hissy fits because they dont get to win... wait we already have that! Could have a filtering process, where people under 18 are by member (over 18) referral only?

[Lazyboy]

There are alot of 16-17 year olds who are mature enought to play airsoft.

There is a lot of adults that are not mature enought to play airsoft safely

The trick is weeding out bad ones

[kow_patt]

ok lazy, you're gone... Never fear, the committee will find a way for more people to play

[Omega]

Thought it was a little too good to be true.

He has his license because his step dad is good mates with a police officer and he only goes shooting with his step dad.

So unfortunately for the time being, 16 and a gun license is the thing for me.

Hope that the committee finds a resolve to this new issue.

Cheers,
Omega - Sam.