Washington Times: The Boy Scouts of America has put out approved activities for its members, and water gun fights are strictly prohibited.
A blog for the organization's leaders said May 6 that pointing simulated firearms at people is not allowed.
"Why the rule? A Scouter once told me this explanation I liked quite a bit: A Scout is kind. What part of pointing a firearm [simulated or otherwise] at someone is kind?" said Bryan Wendell on the scouting website.
The rule is clarified in the Boy Scouts of America National Shooting Manual, which says "For water balloons, use small, biodegradable balloons, and fill them no larger than a ping pong ball. [...] Water guns and rubber band guns must only be used to shoot at targets, and eye protection must be worn."
Negative feedback flowed into the comments section of the blog. "This makes BSA look ridiculous and has little if any impact on safety," said Gary Holeiwnski.
" Sometimes I just have to laugh out loud at how idiotic some things in our society have become. We can't squirt each other with water guns because it is a 'simulated' gun. I can't believe BSA is so worried about the PC police that it has a policy like this," added commenter Gary USMC.
"Yes, let's carry every policy to the absurd extreme. That will certainly help scouts shed that geeky image," added another commenter.
The Boy Scouts of America National Shooting Manual guidelines are to be followed by anyone involved with Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Venturing, Sea Scouting, or shooting sports committees, the document adds.
DCG
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