Airsoft: Towards Official Recognition of the Discipline: Discover in this article how France and the world are striving for airsoft to transition from a mere hobby to a recognized sport.
Airsoft: Towards Official Recognition of the Discipline: Discover in this article how France and the world are striving for airsoft to transition from a mere hobby to a recognized sport.
Airsoft is a recreational activity where participants use replica weapons (Air Soft Gun) that shoot pellets to simulate combat in immersive scenarios, using various accessories. This discipline, characterized by its realism and strategic spirit, attracts a growing number of enthusiasts worldwide. However, airsoft is often perceived as a mere recreational pastime due to its lack of institutional recognition.
Nevertheless, some nations are beginning to structure this practice by establishing official federations and developing regulated tournaments. These initiatives pave the way for possible recognition of airsoft as a full-fledged sport.
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In France, the debate is still open, and the community is actively working to give airsoft a more official status. This article explores the developments in the discipline, existing competitions, and the prospects for the evolution of the hobby.
2.1 Origins and EvolutionBorn in Japan in the 1970s, airsoft quickly spread globally, attracting enthusiasts of military simulation and role-playing games. It gradually became structured with the emergence of various rules and game formats, ranging from Milsim (military simulation) to Speedsoft (fast and dynamic play), including IPSC (target shooting).
2.2 Practice in FranceIn France, airsoft is primarily regulated by non-profit associations under the 1901 Law, allowing it to benefit from a legal status and be practiced safely. Players gather to organize games and events, thus strengthening the community and structuring the discipline. While airsoft remains a hobby, more and more players and organizers are seeking to professionalize the practice and gain institutional recognition.
However, not all countries adopt the same approach, each structuring the practice in its own way.
Airsoft does not have the same status everywhere. While some countries grant it the status of a "sport," others still consider it merely a hobby. Yet, this sporting hobby is becoming increasingly structured and is gaining more popularity among players.
3.1 Belgium: A Structured ModelIn Flanders, airsoft obtained the status of an "amateur sport" as early as 2008 thanks to the recognition of the Airsoft Alliancie Belgïe VZW by BLOSO (the equivalent of ADEPS in Wallonia). On its part, Wallonia followed suit in 2012 with the Alliance Airsoft Wallonie Bruxelles ASBL, recognized by the Ligue Francophone Belge des Sports d'Entreprises et de Loisirs.
3.2 And elsewhere?Airsoft is organizing beyond borders, driven by committed national federations:
In Spain, the Asociación Española de Airsoft (AEA) actively advocates for official accreditation and the establishment of national competitions.
In the United States, airsoft is a true testing ground, with IPSC Airsoft and numerous local leagues offering varied game formats.
In Japan, the birthplace of airsoft, they don't do things halfway! IPSC events, highly regulated official events... Airsoft is practiced there with rigor and passion.
Thus, airsoft continues to structure itself, and national initiatives could pave the way for global recognition. Will we one day see airsoft at the Olympic Games? The future will tell...
4.1 International TournamentsMajor events highlight the international scope of airsoft:
NSL (National Sport League): A variant of Speedsoft from the Netherlands, focusing on speed and precision.
G&G World Cup: International IPSC Airsoft meeting, showcasing target shooting in dynamic conditions.
4.2 French CompetitionsFrance hosts an increasing number of events:
Airsoft League, Realty Game: This new generation Airsoft competition offers a unique immersive experience, blending digital technology, team spirit, and dynamic scenarios on a 50,000 m² field, where strategy and speed are essential.
Sniper Golf Challenge: More than just a confrontation, it's a true test of nerves and precision. Every replica shot must be perfect, every decision calculated. But beware, the real challenge here is not only in the accuracy of your aim: you are responsible for placing the targets for yourself and your opponents.
Battleground FC: An ultra-immersive airsoft championship where strategy and technology meet! Four factions of five players compete around two objectives, with enhanced connectivity through a dedicated mobile app. Each player is equipped with their replica and an onboard camera, ensuring precise arbitration and an even more intense gaming experience.
FCC (Fast Close Combat): Put on your glasses, magazines, and handgun replica! There's no time to think here: speed, reflexes, and precision are your only weapons to triumph! In this ultra-tense 1v1 Speedsoft-style tournament, participants must demonstrate lightning-fast tactical reactivity and flawless precision to win.
5.1 Towards Institutional RecognitionAirsoft reached a key milestone in 2010 when the French Airsoft Federation (FFA) was recognized by the National Assembly during the Bruno Leroux parliamentary committee, which at the time considered classifying airsoft gun replicas as weapons. Since then, the FFA has become a regular interlocutor with the Ministry of the Interior, providing its expertise on legislative developments in the sector.
5.2 A Status Still PendingDespite these advances, airsoft has still not obtained official sport status in France. A major obstacle? The need to define recognized sports disciplines, an essential step to hope for official sports accreditation. A significant challenge, but far from insurmountable!
5.3 Initiatives UnderwayThe FFA is not letting up! Structuring the practice, developing official competitions, raising awareness among authorities and the general public about the products... Each initiative aims to professionalize and regulate the discipline. The goal is clear: to make airsoft a recognized, respected, and structured discipline, akin to what already exists in other countries. It is the best we can wish for it!
Airsoft is gradually evolving from a simple hobby into a structured discipline, with official competitions and a growing community.
The approval of airsoft as a sport in France would represent a major step, offering better visibility and enhanced support for participants.
While there is still a long way to go, current initiatives show that airsoft is on the right path toward official recognition. It is now essential that all members of the community get involved and support ongoing efforts.
Join the movement, participate in discussions, and support the associations and shops working for the future of airsoft in France!
Whether you are a fan of Milsim or Speedsoft, find your replica and quality equipment at DG Airsoft: electric AEG replicas, Gas, Co2, Spring, with a wide range of brands, to maximize your performance in competition!
Author Audrey on 06 April 2023
Sports and Leisure : Creative leisure activities
Author Audrey on 25 July 2024
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