FAQ

What is airsoft practical shooting?
There is a description of airsoft and practical shooting on the AAPS Web site. In a nutshell, airsoft practical shooting, as practiced by AAPS, is timed-action target shooting using gas blow-back airsoft pistols. You move through a course (called a stage) shooting at stationary, moving, and reactive targets while a timer records the total time it takes you to complete the stage. Your final score (called a hit factor) is determined by dividing your target scores by your stage time. AAPS competitions incorporate all four elements of our motto “Safety, Action, Speed, Accuracy”. Airsoft practical shooting is safe, challenging, and fun.

Are there age limits for AAPS membership and competition?
The minimum age for becoming a member of AAPS and for competing in AAPS events is 18 (this is the minimum age for purchasing an airsoft gun in the USA). Local AAPS leagues may establish lower age limits for locally sponsored events (see section on leagues). There is no upper age limit for AAPS membership or competition.

Are there age and gender categories for AAPS competition?
There are no age or gender categories for AAPS competition. The nature of airsoft practical shooting creates a reasonably level playing field for competitors of all ages, men and women. There are not many sports that can make this claim, but it is one of the many things that make airsoft practical shooting so appealing. There are only two categories of AAPS membership; General and Competing.

What is the difference between a Probationary member and a Full member?
Any US citizen or permanent resident who is 18 years of age or older may join AAPS by completing the online application and paying the annual membership fee. Membership categories are also available for non-U.S. citizens. To be eligible to compete in AAPS sanctioned events, members must successfully complete a written testing covering AAPS rules and safety guidelines. Once the qualification test has been passed, Probationary member status is changed to Full status.

What are leagues?
Leagues are local or regional affiliates of AAPS that host practical shooting events. A league hosting an AAPS sanctioned event agrees to submit stage designs to AAPS for approval and to conduct the event according to AAPS rules and regulations. Leagues may also host non-sanctioned events, which may differ somewhat from sanctioned AAPS events (e.g. different categories, age requirements, etc.). A league may charge its members dues as well as entry fees for events. Most AAPS sanctioned events are conducted by local leagues.

How do I start a league in my area?
If you are interested in starting an AAPS league in your area, contact AAPS through the link shown under the Regional Leagues section of the AAPS Web site. AAPS maintains a Web site for each league where we advertise league programs, post pictures of league activities, and post the results of sanctioned practical shooting events.