I don't mean for them to seriously injure themselves, but isn't fist fighting better than spraying bullets at each other?
Testosterone.
Because they’re boys...and things get out of control. The venues are unsupervised and often inappropriate - such as locker rooms where kids can get slammed up against the lockers, benches, etc. At least that’s what I’ve seen happen with the high schoolers I work with. If they’re interested in fighting, I refer them to the local boxing association.