How to Play Paintball Safely

Some people have a hard time believing that paint filled balls flying towards you at speeds of 200 miles per hour can be safe. In fact, paintball has gotten a bad reputation for safety that stems from a few isolated accidents and a lack of understanding. When played correctly and safely, there is a very small chance of injury.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Protective clothing
• Goggles
• Barrel sock

1. Listen to the pre-game briefing. Regardless of your experience level, it is important to listen to the briefing. Different fields have different policies, so you must know and observe the safety rules for the field where you are playing.

2. Wear protective clothes. While it is not necessary to purchase special paintball clothing, it is important to cover up your arms and legs. Many players choose camouflage outfits for protection. This adds an extra layer of protection when you slide, run to bunkers or get hit by paintballs.

3. Play only with paintball goggles. Paintball lenses are specially designed to withstand the powerful hits delivered during a game. Goggles that are not made specifically for paintball are unsafe because they do not provide enough eye coverage or strength. A regular lens could break causing eye injury.

4. Keep your goggles on at all times while on the field and in the elimination zone. The paintballs move at a speed of up to 200 miles per hour. Wear your goggles even when just working on your marker to prevent accidental injuries due to an unexpected discharge.

5. Maintain a safe distance between the opposing side. The closer you are to the marker that eliminates you, the greater the impact of the paintball. Many fields have a surrender rule that requires a mandatory distance between players to encourage safe play.

6. Use a barrel sock. A barrel sock prevents balls from accidentally flying out of the barrel. An elastic band keeps the sock from slipping off the marker. Barrel plugs are unsafe because they could slip out and allow accidental discharge.

7. Switch your marker to the safe position when not playing. Make sure that the only time your marker is on fire mode is when you are playing. The safe mode prevents you from firing paintballs unintentionally.

8. Chronograph your marker several times. Chronograph at different times during the day because air pressure causes variations in your marker's speed. The higher the velocity, the more your chances of getting hurt.

Tips & Warnings

• If your goggles fall off while playing, lay on the ground, cover your eyes and yell "blind man." When players near you hear this they will begin to yell "blind man," until all fire stops.

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