UKAPUWe’ve had a few of our members contact us to ask for advice regarding the latest set of advice and guidance issued by the UK Government to help deal with the Coronavirus pandemic, and how this relates to any possible resumption of airsoft games.
Despite the campaign somewhat (but not wholly) changing from “stay at home” to “stay alert”, the basic premise of the Government’s advice is still one of “stay at home”.
For example, the previous advice given out by HMG placing restrictions on the amount of exercise were, within England, essentially verbiage as the legislation in place didn’t cover this – and therefore was basically already unlimited exercise anyhow.
So, the advice really hasn’t changed.
Airsoft is a particularly physical game and it would be an almost impossible challenge to keep 2 metres apart in indoor venues, especially as most indoor venues are designed for close quarters combat.
Outdoor environments are in theory less of a transmission risk as skirmishers are more likely to be spread out, however due to the risk of injury to a skirmisher that may be present (and therefore what is really avoidable contact with first aiders) – we’d like our members to think of outdoors and indoor venues as one and the same.
I’d likely expect things to get back up and running once other shared indoor spaces such as badminton courts are open back up to the public, however this is wholly the opinion of the committee, and not one of site operators – who ultimately are the people who are responsible for choosing when to restart.
~ David, UKAPU Chairman
I’ve just seen another post online which is suggesting that a couple of people seem to be *continuing* playing Airsoft – at sites that are closed for business, no less.
I don’t have any interest in confirming what might have happened but what I’ll do, for the benefit of those in our community who don’t know, is explain the two reasons why this is a bad thing.
Firstly, almost all airsoft replicas fit into either the classification of “imitation firearm” or “realistic imitation firearm”. If one is on land without permission, with any of those things with you – this is called Armed Trespass and if caught, could lead to a criminal record.
Secondly, you need a good reason to have RIFs in your car – and I don’t particularly think going to unlawfully play airsoft would count as a good reason to have kit in your car. Even more so as the police are practicing rather a heavy handed approach to vehicles that are already on the road.
~ David
The European Airsoft Association is seeking a new chairman – if you are interested in this position, please read on.
UKAPU will still be a member of the European Airsoft Association after the transition period is over – or rather, if it ever does manage to reach that point.
However due to the nature of the organisation – one that for all intents and purposes exists to lobby EU public bodies for the future success and growth of Airsoft within the EU, any candidates would realistically need to be EU citizens or nationals.
~ David
I’d like to remind our members about a campaign that our friends at Popular Airsoft have been running, asking for skirmishers to donate unused eye protection to their local hospital to help with treating patients with COVID-19.
Although the campaign was started only a couple of weeks ago, their campaign has already been successful in providing hospitals with adequate eye protection.
I’ve been keeping tabs over that last couple of weeks regarding site closures due to the Coronavirus pandemic and although I’ve been ever so slightly saddened by the delay it’s taken some sites to realise that now is not particularly the best time to have our skirmishes, I’m glad that most sites, hopefully tending to all, are seeing just how serious this business has turned out to be – and are calling a temporary ceasefire on proceedings.
But, as someone who is taking part in responsible social distancing – actions which sadly includes not going skirmishing, it is ever present to me that this will mess with our heads. Not being with family, not being with friends, you get the idea.
Basically what I’m trying to say is keep in touch with folk. Give them a text or whatever. Airsoft is an escape for some people and now it’s your turn to do your part.
~ David
UKAPU chairman
We’re currently in the process of getting all the post-AGM documentation sorted out and ready for publication – along with an updated biography page featuring our new committee members – we’ll let you know when those are ready.
Therefore I thought it’d probably be a good idea to announce who won our raffle prize.
A delightful chap called Tom.
I found it a bit awkward when Tom was announced as the winner of our 10th Birthday prize – particularly as I drove him (and his prize) to the AGM and then promptly drove both of them back, much to my disappointment.
But, I guess it’s kinda fitting really – partly because he was telling me the night before that he hadn’t won anything (apart from the usual £50 single shot springer shotgun), but more because if it wasn’t for him and his brother – I probably wouldn’t be playing Airsoft today.
~ David
UKAPU Chairman (and informal taxi driver)
So yesterday was our 10th Annual General Meeting, I look forward to many more!
Thank you to everyone who attended, it was a wonderful day with amazing game play and sportsmanship
All minutes and other documentation will make its way onto the website in the next few days, and some updates for this page too.
~ David
UKAPU chairman
