Paintball safety tips.

Newer players tend to want to remove their goggles as soon as they're eliminated from the game or just to clear the goggles. Some fogging does occur with some players and you will not be able to prevent it. Try using a "Thermal Lens" or getting a "FAN" for your goggles. Pulling the goggles away from the face will not clear or "fix" the issue and you could loose an eye. If it gets too bad call yourself out and remove yourself from the play area a safe distance, then remove and clean your goggles.

When you are eliminated--or if you are eliminated(!)--call "HIT" as loud as possible, raise your hand and PUT YOUR BARREL PLUG or BAG INTO THE END OF YOUR MARKER. Walk off the field. Do not remove your goggles until you have exited to a safe area away from the play action.

If you have referees, Don't argue with them If a referee calls you out, simply leave the playing field. The refs are there to help you have fun and to keep it safe. Listen to them at all times. Referees are human and sometime a mistake is made, remember it is only a game. Always use a barrel blocking device when you are not playing and have your markers' safety on.

What to Wear

A suggestion is hiking boots or tennis shoes, NO open toed footwear. If you have a medical condition such as Asthma, Epilepsy, allergic to Bee stings, etc. it is recommend that you bring along the necessary kits etc.

If your goggles or marker get messy from paint do not remove them in the play area. It is a good thing to bring along a towel or cloth to clean up with after a session ( a change of clothes is good to for the ride home).

What to Expect

Most people that have not played Paintball before have no idea what to expect. The most common questions is "does it hurt when you get hit?" If you get hit by a paintball fired from close range (20 feet or less) it does sting a bit that is why we have the surrender rule of 20 feet. Most people tell you that after the first time you've been hit, it no longer is an issue

Once you're on the field, watch what other players are doing, where they are going, and how they play the game. More often than not, regular players will be more than friendly and are willing to help new players. Start out slow and don't expect too much in the first game or two. Once you are comfortable (and have been shot a few times) the game will probably come naturally

Playing Tips

Don't stand in the open for too long.

Don't stay in one place too long.

It is wise to re-load your paintballs or just catch your breath from behind a tree or bunker. You'll be shocked at how many times you can be eliminated from a long way off.

Parents always know who your kids are playing with and be familiar with the games safety rules and make sure the kids play by YOUR rules. Always inspect goggles make sure they are not cracked, lens should be replaced every 6 months. Make sure all players understand that goggles are not to be lifted while the game is being played

Wear masks at all times

When a game is being played, wear your mask at all times. Do not remove your mask in the dead zone if the dead zone is within range of the field. There are no exceptions to this rule. Keep masks on until barrel plugs have been placed back on all loaded guns. Remember that most severe paintball injuries occur because someone removed their mask at an inappropriate time.

Do Not Drink and Play

If you are under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medicine, DO NOT PLAY PAINTBALL. Keep things safe and only play if you are fully coherent.

No Blind Firing

Do not fire if you can't see what you are firing at. Many players are tempted to stick their guns out and fire without looking, but avoid this. Blind firing can lead to accidentally shooting players who are leaving the field, referees, or other things you shouldn't shoot.

Surrenders

Close-range shots are considerably more painful than shots from a distance and it is customary to offer a surrender to any opposing player within twenty feet. Many fields require players to accept surrender if another player has come within twenty feet and has a shot on them.

Shoot Less Than 300 FPS

Keep paintball velocities under 300 (and generally under 280) feet per second (FPS). Gun speeds can be timed with a paintball chronograph (available to use at most pro shops), and should be carefully monitored. A paintball that travels at 280 FPS can cause small bruises, while a paintball that travels faster can cause significantly more damage including severe welts and broken skin.

Use Barrel Blocking Devices

Whenever masks are not being worn, all markers/guns should be blocked with a barrel plug or barrel sock. Safeties are good and should be used, but they often fail or are not properly used, and a physical protection from wayward paintballs is a must. Unless everyone has a mask on, do not take out your barrel plugs.

Common Sense

Most problems can be avoided if you just use common sense. Don't shoot private property. Don't shoot out of a moving vehicle. Don't look down the barrel of a loaded gun. Don't shoot yourself, etc. If you ever wonder if something might be a good idea, it's not.