THE LOOSE DEFINITION...
"It's a sport in which a bunch of adults (loosely defined) go out in the woods and relive our childhood by playing capture the flag. Only, in this game each player has a gun that fires gelatin capsules filled with a water-soluble marking dye. If you're shot and marked, you're out of the game and have to wait until the next one starts. The most common variation is two teams at opposite ends of a 5+ acre section of terrain, each with a flag hung at 'home base.' The object is to go get the other team's flag and bring it back to your base. When you encounter people on the other team, you try to tag them out before they get you. Pretty simple and lots of fun.
WHY IS EVERYONE TALKING ABOUT IT?...
Paintball is played in over 30 countries by men and women of all ages and life-styles. From school teachers, or high school & college students, professionals, technicians, all paintball players share a love for adventure and a strong competitive team spirit. Paintball is similar to the childhood games of "tag" and "hide and seek", but much more challenging and sophisticated. There are various game formats. Usually, a group of players will divide into two teams to play "capture the flag". The number of players on a team varies from four or five players, to as many as 100 players on each side, limited only by the size of the playing field.
HOW DO I PLAY?
The object of the game is to capture the other team's flag while defending your own flag station. Players compete to eliminate opposing players by tagging them with a paintball expelled from an airgun. Games usually have a time limit of 15 to 20 minutes. Between 5 - 8 games are played during 2,5 hours. Between games, players may check their equipment, reload paintballs or have a snack and share stories about the thrills of victory and the usually funny agonies of defeat. Win or lose, everyone has a great time!
WHAT ARE THE BALLS?
A paintball is a round, dime-sized gelatin capsule with colored liquid inside. Paintballs are similar to large round vitamin capsules or bath oil beads. The liquid is non-toxic, non-caustic, water-soluble and biodegradable. It rinses out of clothing and off skin with mild soap and water. Paintballs come in a rainbow of colors. When a paintball tags a player, the gelatin ball opens and the liquid leaves a "paint" mark. A player who is marked is eliminated from the game.
DOES IT HURT WHEN YOU GET HIT?
Paintballs won't hit hard enough to cause an injury as long as proper safety procedures are followed. Protective covering with multiple layers of clothing is recommended. To protect their eyes, all players must always wear "approved-for-paintball" goggles in every area where shooting is allowed, even at the target range. Barrel plugs are required anywhere off the playing field. Paintball is a safe sport as long as rules are followed.
REFEREES?
Professional referees on the playing field control the games, enforce the rules of fair play, and monitor safety rules.
WHO CAN PLAY?
Paintball is a sport where women and men compete equally and where age is not dominated by youth. Size and strength are not as important as intelligence and determination. Being able to think quickly and decisively are what makes a great player.
PAINTBALL BUILDS CHARACTER
Paintball is a character-building sport where every decision, every move counts. Players learn the importance of teamwork and strategy and can gain self-esteem while developing quick-thinking leadership abilities. Paintball is an exciting way to shake off day-to-day responsibilities and take a chance on a new adventure! When the game begins, the adrenaline starts pumping, and all players, from the meek and mild, to the bold and brave, strive for the irresistible thrill of victory!
