AIRSOFT in Chile

Even though basic rules of AIRSOFT are constant all over the world there are some slight differences all over the world. Obviously some values and rules are unchangeable: respect for your enemies, fairness or security matters. But if you go into detail you may find slight differences you wouldn't even think about. So let me ask you: do you know anything about AIRSOFT in Chile?

As you surely know Chile is a country that is pissing off Argentinians, because it blocks their access to the Pacific Ocean. It is not a very big state although not the smallest one as well. I think it is the most western country in South America. People are rather wealthy, government is stable so it looks like a perfect place for the game. And if fact it is: Chile was the first in the world to recognize AIRSOFT as a fully competitive sport. Therefore it is completely legal and wide spread but of course there are also some regulations: people under 18 are not allowed to join the game. 

When it comes to women in the game, AIRSOFT in Chile is not very unusual. Unfortunately there are very little ladies in love with guns so the sport is very paternalistic. Quite often the battlefield is a specific location, set for that kind of activities. Prepared scenarios are very popular, although they rarely link to real events (like ex. In the USA where players love dressing and acting like special forces). What is more common in Chile are basic games like take the base. It is connected with other interesting fact: as I have mentioned before AISROFT is a legal sport in Chile. But it is not only from the legal point of view but also from the players’ perspective. Many of them are not huge fans of military: this sport is just a way of spending a free time for them, like basketball for Americans or football for Europeans. They rarely name their teams similar to the real units. There are plenty of examples: ‘Expectros’ (spectra), ‘Team Húsares’ or ‘Airsoft Strike’.

What I'm really jealous about is the organization level. AIRSOFT is regulated (maybe it would be better to say coordinated) by the National Federation that organizes huge games, promotes sport within society and even cooperates with teams and players from other countries in order to provide possibility of international games. The plan is to develop the Federation to the level comparable with ex. BBVA, Spanish Football association.

Some people may grumble about missing the military passion part of the AIRSOFT in Chile. OK, but for me it doesn't matter: they're enjoying the game, having a really good fun and that’s the most important thing for me. I wish AIRSOFT around the world was organized in the way it is made in Chile and I think we should follow this path: because of that we will be able to create strong lobby that will protect our rights and avert the biggest risk: banning of AIRSOFT.