by Christopher Gryniewicz

Created on: July 03, 2009   Last Updated: July 07, 2009

As children we play games - cowboys and Indians, cops and robbers, alien invasion. The roles change but the concept remains the same. Two opposing sides are vying for control over the other's territory. Both armed - kill or be killed - the battle begins. As we grow older we put aside our toys; we leave childish games to memory and to our own children. We move on to the seriousness of life. It's a world of structure and form. On the paintball field all this changes. We throw off our suits and don a warrior's apparel. We allow the child buried deep within ourselves the opportunity to arise and we play our games again.

This time though we've got rules. After all we have remain adult about the whole thing. Want to know what they are? Here's a quick Q & A of paintball.

Setting the scene

Where can my team go while playing? Define and clearly mark the boundaries of the playing field. Consider how many people you have playing when deciding how large to make the field. Make certain everyone knows their limits.

Who's on my side? Teams should be divided as evenly as possible, in terms of number, experience, and equipment. Five on one wouldn't be much fun for the lone man, nor would beat up the new guys. Use common sense when dividing teams. Don't put all the experienced players on one team or all the automatic weapons.

Where will the teams start? Pick two spots on opposite sides of the field preferably outside the other team's view as starting points.

Where do you go when you die? This is not metaphoric. Clearly define a dead zone outside the playing field where the dead can go. Players should not shoot at or near this area.

Who calls the shots? One person should be the designated referee. This person calls the start time (and end time if the game is timed) as well as who's out.

What time is it? Decide if you want a time limit or not. Some games can go on forever with no one advancing if you do not set a limit.

What's the point? Some games, such as, "capture the flag" or "protect the president" have special rules, but most are elimination games. In other words kill all your enemies.

Dead means dead

How do you know when you're out? Often the referee will call it. In general, the most common rule is if a ball leaves a mark anywhere on you, your gun, the pod hanging off your belt, or anything else attached to you, you are out. If a ball bounces off you, you're safe. Some people consider splattered

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