All About Paintball

The following is a reprint of an article written by Jessica J. Sparks for Action Pursuit Games magazine, December 1996.

What is Paintball? -  In 15 short years, the sport of paintball has become recognized as one of the world's most exciting outdoor participation sports.

Paintball is played in over 40 countries by millions of men and women of all ages and lifestyles. Whether homemakers or high-school students, professionals or retirees, all paintball players share in common a love for adventure and a strong competitive spirit.

The sport of Paintball - Paintball is a combination of the childhood games "tag" and "hide & seek," but is much more challenging and sophisticated. Although there are many different game formats.  Here at Suffolk Paintball we have constructed a tournament arena which contains a ‘Millenium Sup-Air field’. The term ‘Sup-Air’ relates to the type of obstacles (bunkers) within the arena. Our bunkers are made of heavy duty inflated canvas which come in all sorts of shapes and sizes – the perfect barriers to hide behind. The arena is about the size of a five-a-side football pitch with high netting all around. Because the arena is contained inside the netting it allows spectators to watch the action safely outside.

The number of players on each team side varies from 4 to 10. 8 players  in total is the smallest group we accept at Suffolk Paintball, but we can cope with groups of 40 (larger groups will need to call and discuss special arrangements).

The object of the game is to gain control of the flag that is located in the centre of the arena. Once in control of the flag you must try to deliver it to the opposing teams end of the arena, eliminating as many of the opposition as possible along the way.

Unlike may woodland sites the rules on what counts as a ‘kill’ are very exact in tournament paintball. A ‘Hit’ on any part of the body or equipment counts as a kill, so you need to make yourself as small a target as possible.

Between games, players take a break to check their equipment, get more paintballs and have a snack or soda while they share stories about the thrills of victory and the usually funny agonies of defeat. Win or lose, everyone has a good time and there's usually the next game waiting for you.
 
Paintballs - A paintball is a round, thin-skinned gelatin capsule with colored liquid inside it. Paintballs are similar to large round vitamin capsules or bath oil beads. The fill inside paintballs is non-toxic, non-caustic, water-soluable and biodegradable. It rinses out of clothing and off skin with mild soap and water.

Paintballs come in a rainbow of bright colors: blue, pink, white, orange, yellow and more. When a paintball tags a player, the thin gelatin skin splits open, and the liquid inside leaves a bright "paint" mark. A player who is marked is eliminated from the game.  Unlike may woodland sites the rules on what counts as a ‘kill’ are very exact in tournament paintball. A ‘Hit’ on any part of the body or equipment counts as a kill, so you need to make yourself as small a target as possible.

Paintguns  - Paintguns, also called "markers," come in a variety of shapes and styles.  Ours are powered by compressed air which is contained in a 7 litre cylinder called a "tank" or "bottle" that gives hundresd of shots before refilling is required.

The 'Tippman 98 Custom' markers we use are semi-automatic.  The first time you want to shoot you must cock the paintgun (usually by pulling back a cocking knob or handle), but after you shoot the first paintball the paintgun's action will recock the paintgun for you; you simply squeeze the trigger each time you want to shoot a paintball.

Paintguns range from simple to sophisticated, but what they all share in common is a limitation on their power and range. The international safety limit on the speed (measured in feet per second, "FPS") at which a paintgun shoots a paintball is 300 fps. A chronograph is used to test for speed limits, and all paintguns can be adjusted to shoot under the speed limit. A paintgun's range is limited, too; even shooting 300 fps, at maximum elevation with barrel pointed up into the air, a paintgun can lob a paintball only about 50 metres.

Safety  - For safety, paintball players always must wear goggles specifically designed for paintball to protect their eyes. Goggles must be worn during a game and at all times when a person is in an area where shooting is permitted, such as the target range or chronograph area. A protective facemask is mandatory nearly everywhere, and should be worn regardless. Paintball is a very safe sport as long as safety rules are followed. Insurance statistics have shown that paintball is safer than golf, jogging, tennis, swimming and many other sports.

Referees on the field enforce safety and game rules. No physical contact is permitted in the game, and players are ejected from games or the playsite for breaking safety or playing rules.

The Game  - Paintball is a sport played by people from all professions and lifestyles. It is a sport where women and men compete equally, and where age is not dominated by youth. Like a game of chess, being able to think quickly and decisively is what makes you a star in paintball. Intelligence and determination, not merely strength, speed or agility, are key to success in the sport.

Paintball is a character-building sport. Players learn about teamwork, gain self-confidence and develop leadership abilities while having fun and getting welcome stress-relief. Increasingly, corporations are finding the benefits of having their staff and management participate in paintball games.
 
Paintball is an exciting sport, and above all paintball is fun! It's a chance to shake off your day-to-day responsibilities and rekindle your spirit of adventure. When the adrenaline starts pumping, you can't help but love the thrill of the game!
This is not a video game….you are the action!