Next time you take out your AEG to prepare for a skirmish or clean it, take a long, hard look at it. Realistic, isn't it ? 

If you didn't know better, you might even think it was real. I've used and handled real pistols and and assault rifles, and I sometimes find it hard to tell the difference between an airsoft gun and the real thing, unless I pick it up and examine it. I daresay when you first saw an airsoft gun yourself, you were pretty blown away by how realistic it looks. 

Imagine you didn't know airsoft existed, and you saw a group of guys engaging in tactical maneuvers in an out of the way place, using what looks to your untrained eye to be a weapon.

Thats how we, as airsofters, look to the general public. Joe Public doesnt care that airsoft is a safe, fun, and invigorating sport played by a wide range of people from different backgrounds, with different interests and personalities. They dont care that we are generally a responsible bunch of people who happen to use toy guns in a sport that provides (much needed, in my case !) exercise, fun and camaraderie. 

They see guns. They see people with guns.

And that scares them.

And when someone is scared, their first reaction is defend themselves from whatever it is that is making them feel scared. 

Last year, some off-hand remarks by Minister for Justice Dermot Ahearn in Dail Eireann, in which he said he would be banning airsoft guns, caused consternation amongst the airsoft community. Since the humble beginnings of our sport in this country in 2006, we have occasionally been subjected to unwelcome and biased media attention, but this was the first time that someone in the corridors of power, who actually had the power to outlaw our sport, had made such comments. Those of you who are new to airsoft may not realise just how close we came to being banned earlier this year. 

But for a concerted campaign of education and public relations work conducted by the Irish Airsoft Association, it's almost certain that AEG I asked you to take a long hard look at would be an illegally held item by now.

The IAA, since its inception, has been the most vocal defender of airsoft in this country. They have participated in radio and newspaper interviews, they have lobbied local and national government representatives, and they have ensured that you, the average skirmisher, can continue to partake in the sport we love, whether you are a member or not.

As a result of their information campaign, airsoft has been recognised as a legitimate sport, and we are no longer facing the threat of an outright ban. Make no mistake - without the IAA, you would not, today, be legally allowed to skirmish, or own an airsoft gun. Forget about all the political BS you read. Forget that certain figures in the airsoft commercial sector are rabidly pro- or anti- IAA. Just remember that the IAA work for YOU, the airsofter, whether you are a member or not, and that they cannot function without your support. 

If you arent already a member, join up NOW. It'll cost you €10. The price of a bottle of BBs. 
If you dont agree with some of their policies, join anyway, and vote to change them.
If you dont want to join because you've been told they hold a particular stance that you dont agree with, get in touch with them and ask what the real story is.

Inform yourself.
Take part.
Don't sit back and assume someone else will do your part for you.

Without the support of you, the grassroots player, the IAA cannot continue to defend and evangelise and promote our sport. It'll cost you ten measly euro, and you owe it to every other skirmisher, site owner and airsoft retailer to make your voice heard, and help them grow our sport and maintain our legality.

If you're already a member, congratulations - you've made a difference. Now get off your ass and make sure you renew your membership so you can continue to make a difference.

Sign up at http://signup.irishairsoft.ie/index.php5 , and if you're already a member, renew athttp://www.signup.irishairsoft.ie/login

- Tony.