I punched a kid

[FSU_Paintball]

If nothing else, you can get in trouble for punching a minor.

So pay off another minor to punch him

[SCpoloRicker]

Well, perhaps you can explain how I'm wrong and immature.

Personally, I care if some kid comes over and looks at my gun, or wants to hold it or play with it. Hell, I've let people I didn't know go out and play with my gun. But actually rifling through my things when I've told you not to?! Not going to happen.

If you are concerned about your equipment, secure it; either in a car or a locked gear box.

Grab him by the hair at the top back of his head and pull down. Get a nice firm grip close to the skin and pull down. There's no need to yank, you're not looking to pull hair out or worse, you're just looking to tilt his head up and he'll probably bend at the waist (backward) and start flailing at your arm.
--
If you're the same size / age, just crack him in the face and tell him you told him to leave your stuff alone.

That's assault. As in; he calls the cops (or tells mom, who calls the cops) and files charges. As in; you go in the back of the car with cuffs on. You most likely were saying this in passing, but what you advised is assault. Internet bravado is one thing, but in the U.S. we live in, lawsuits and criminal prosecution is quite easy to get yourself mixed up with.

That's why you're immature.

Now, as other members have stated, you can try and lead by example. I know the kid has been told several times. I assume hes of that million questions, constant fidgeting, few years younger type.

AO, imo, is great because we try and be positive ambassadors of the sport. Even when kids are being irritating, mainly because its fairly likely we were once an annoying kid. I know I was when I first got into it. But, your job as an experienced player is to teach newer players how to act. Not to carry on like a spoiled, self-important jerk.

That's why you're wrong.

/"I'll shank you" was another brilliant piece of reparte, whomever that was

[FallNAngel]

If you are concerned about your equipment, secure it; either in a car or a locked gear box.

I mistyped when I posted that. I meant to type "I don't care", which is also supported by the fact that I later say "Hell, I've let people I didn't know go out and play with my gun."

That's assault. As in; he calls the cops (or tells mom, who calls the cops) and files charges. As in; you go in the back of the car with cuffs on. You most likely were saying this in passing, but what you advised is assault. Internet bravado is one thing, but in the U.S. we live in, lawsuits and criminal prosecution is quite easy to get yourself mixed up with.

Technically, so would pushing him and he's probably more likely to get hurt from it too. If someone's parents are going to file assault charges because someone pulled their kids hair because he couldn't keep his hands to himself, there are other things to worry about. Is what I said a bit extreme? Yeah, perhaps. I also said I liked the idea of just telling the owner of the field and the kids parents. The kid needs to learn some manners... plain and simple. I (and apparently several others) was raised that you don't touch things that don't belong to you... they aren't yours to touch. Too many parents have this laissez-faire approproach to raising their kids "oh, he's just being a kid" ... no, he's that way because parents *let* him be that way.

That's why you're immature.

What I said may not be the best thing, but that doesn't make me immature.

Now, as other members have stated, you can try and lead by example. I know the kid has been told several times. I assume hes of that million questions, constant fidgeting, few years younger type.

Uhh, no.
A) As previously stated, he's already been told several times and what example of gc8200's is he following when he goes through his stuff?
B) Properly raised, a child should know their limits and be out of the "million question, constant fideting" stage around 5 years old. ... This kid is probably around 13 (7th grade), this kid needs discipline (in one form or another)

AO, imo, is great because we try and be positive ambassadors of the sport. Even when kids are being irritating, mainly because its fairly likely we were once an annoying kid. I know I was when I first got into it. But, your job as an experienced player is to teach newer players how to act. Not to carry on like a spoiled, self-important jerk.

Answering questions? Sure I can do that no problem. Even the "stupid" questions such as "if you get hit in the mouth are you still out?" When asked as a serious question (ie not trying to be stupid and annoying), there are no stupid questions. Now when you come over and just start going through my bag, that's something else entirely. Not everyone can just leave things in the car or under constant lock and key. Why should anyone *have* to keep things put away just because some kid can't keep his hands to himself and stop touching things that aren't his after been told not to several times? As previously stated, talk to the field owner and the kids parents ... if they're even around.

[p8ntball365]

id be worried about him stealing my stuff. but dont punch him that won't solve anything. Just talk to the kid, and check for missing stuff.

[SCpoloRicker]

FallNAngel

I may have come across too harsh.

You're correct in that the kid is out of line. He shouldn't be rooting in other peoples gear. You are also right that contacting the field owner and/or the kids parents about the situation.

But thats where I have to say you should stop. Its not your responsibility to teach this kid manners. Maybe to a degree it is, as in pb etiquette, etc, but not to "teach him respect." Thats his parents responsibility, and I'm sorry to say he won't be the first idiot you will have to deal with.

Personal security is something I would recommend looking into. Sometimes, unfortunately, stuff has the habit of "walking away."

Same point here, basically, is being raised. Just warning not to take to far, and not to let it drive you nuts.



Ricker

[FallNAngel]

It's not a problem, I'm sure I came off as an idiot (wouldn't be the first time ). You're right, it's not my responsibility to teach him manners, but if the parents haven't taugh him manners by the time he's 13, I have to question if they ever will.

[matt-o]

the first day i had my old 03 shocker a guy i played with would say it was his and whenever i was out just hanging around or doing anything that didnt include my gun he would lend it to people and let them try it out. that really really pissed me off, and on many occasions i thought my gun had been stolen, i just quit playing with the kid. he wasnt raised to respect other peoples stuff at all, i had payed for my whole gun setup (tank, shocker and loader) and he just had to ask his mom and he instantly got the best equipment money could buy. this made me value my stuff alot more than he valued his. he was hypocritical though cause he wouldnt ever let me use any of his stuff when i wanted to try out a dragon timmy for a while. bottom line is that people like this just need to be excluded till they get the idea.

*edit* sorry, that was a big rant but the fact that it was okay for him to lend out my gun without asking but never let me try his cause my gun cost less than his (even though he didnt pay for it) really pissed me off more than any other experience in paintball.

[Conversekidz]

hey conversekid.....i dont think any one...especially an adult should tell a kid hes going to shank him with a knife....maybe just cut of his hands for a trophie....or not

You never met me then

[Conversekidz]

/"I'll shank you" was another brilliant piece of reparte, whomever that was

Thanks.... At least it isn't assault or will land you in legal trouble. You gave the kid several warnings about not touching your stuff and he if contiues then there will be an action. Sort of like "No Tresspassing, Tresspassers will be shot".

[FallNAngel]

Thanks.... At least it isn't assault or will land you in legal trouble. You gave the kid several warnings about not touching your stuff and he if contiues then there will be an action. Sort of like "No Tresspassing, Tresspassers will be shot".

No, it's not physical assault, but I do believe that would qualify as verbal assault and *is* illegal.

[Conversekidz]

Since you are not threating his life, there is nothing legal that they can do. The parents could try, but I don't know of a single law they would be able to get him on (I worked for the santa clara district attorneys office for 3 years and would constantly ask the DA's stupid questions like this to see what I legally could get away with)

Now if you said I am going to shank you with a knife until you bleed to death, and actual threat to his life, then yes that would be illegal, and that would only be illegal if some sort of physical assault happened. If that was the case the charges would be moved from assault to attempted murder.

But at the same time you do have someone going through your personal effects with out them asking, you are defending your own private property.


Here is a scenario for you, Lady is walking on the street and someone runs up and snatches her purse. While the robber is trying to pull the purse from her, she punchs him in the face and breaks his nose. The robber never came in contact with the womens body, he only pulled on the purse. He drops to the ground because of the pain, right at the same time a cop runs up on the scene.

The question is would the cop arrest the woman for assault?

[SocialD]

I hate kids that don't have any respect for other people's stuff.

Right or wrong, here is what I'd do. First, get really good and pissed off. I generally like to get to the point where I start shaking from the anger that has built up inside. The good part is that it sounds like you are almost to this point. However, if you are incapable of getting this pissed of, just fake it. He won't know the difference. Grab his wrist as he just about to touch your stuff. Now, don't grab his wrist to hard. Do it just hard enough so that you are sure that you have his attention. It is very important that you get the nuance of the next step just right. You make it so that you are face to face with him (hopefully you are taller than he is) and looking down at him. Then, through gritted teeth say what ever nonspecific threating phrase fits the moment. Maybe something like, "Some people get very irrational when you touch their stuff without premission!" Now, kind of throw his wrist away in a manner that states, "I'm done with you. It would suit you best to remove yourself from my presence."

If he continues to proceed with his rude behavior, either repeat the above steps with a more specific threat. However this time start with, "I told you...." Or, you could talk with his team mates, or have a little chat with his folks.

Good luck.
D-

[chairman_mao]

Thanks.... At least it isn't assault or will land you in legal trouble. You gave the kid several warnings about not touching your stuff and he if contiues then there will be an action. Sort of like "No Tresspassing, Tresspassers will be shot".

Actual it is illegal and can land you inserious trouble. Just because you didn't touch him doesn't mean you can say anything you want. By saying "Touch my stuff and I'll shank you" you are stating your intention to physically assault him.

[Lohman446]

Since you are not threating his life, there is nothing legal that they can do. The parents could try, but I don't know of a single law they would be able to get him on

Aside from arrest you for criminal assault. Assault is the threat of attack - battery is the actual attack. At least in Michigan

[AGDlover]

report the ***** to the local field owner also get witneses that can back you up if you get him proven that he was stealing and going though your stuff without permishion then hes screwed