Paintball is a team sport in which participants shoot round, paint-filled pellets at each other on a painted playing field. Players may be wearing protective gear, including a mask that covers the head and face. The goal of the game is to eliminate players on the other team or capture their flag, which is placed at a specific location on the field.

A player’s equipment includes a marker, also called a “gun,” that uses compressed air to fire a stream of paintballs. The balls split open, releasing paint that splats on opponents and marks them with a “splash mark.”

The paintballs are made of nontoxic, biodegradable, water-soluable, brightly colored liquid fill that rinses out of clothing and skin after a hit. A player’s paintballs are typically assigned a color to make them easy to identify.

Rules and Regulations:

A basic knowledge of the rules and regulations is important for all types of games. These include boundaries, where the “dead zone” is for people who have been shot, out of bounds lines and time limits.

Safety:

Most regulated paintball fields require players to wear masks, which cover their faces and eyes. This helps protect them from paintballs that can cause serious eye injuries. Some fields will eject or ban players who violate the rule.

Limitations:

A paintball field will have a limited number of players on each team, often around six or seven, to keep the game as safe as possible. If the field has more than that, it will assign players to teams based on age, gender and experience.

Minimum Age:

Depending on the insurance rules of the field, you might have to be 18 or older to play. If you’re under 18, you’ll have to have your parent or guardian sign a waiver before you can participate.

Registration:

When you first arrive at the field, you’ll need to register with the staff. Usually, the staff will give you a brief overview of the rules and regulations for the game. They will also show you where to find the equipment station and provide you with your equipment.

Waiver:

The next step is to fill out a waiver, which is a form that states you understand the risks and agree to them. This waiver should be signed by both parents if a child is under 18.

Equipment:

Once you’ve registered, you’ll be directed to the equipment station. The equipment station will probably be a long desk in front of shelves of equipment. Several different kinds of paintball markers will be available to rent, and you can purchase paintballs at this station as well.

You should expect to get a good workout at paintball, as you’ll be crawling, kneeling, running and jumping. The best way to prepare for this is by getting plenty of sleep the night before and drinking lots of fluids.

Safety:

The most common type of eye injury from paintball is caused by improper use of protective gear. Most regulated paintball fields enforce a’masks-on’ policy, and will eject or ban players who consistently violate it.