by Rynaldo Stoltz

Created on: July 06, 2009

The basic rules of paintball

The key to a fun game of paintball starts with the players adhering to the rules of paintball.

Before stepping out onto the field, here are a few basic rules to take into consideration.

A: General Rules

1. Each paintball game will have one designated Referee. The Referee will start the game and stop the game at any given time.

2. When a player is hit by a paintball, he or she is to call themselves "OUT" ot "DEADMAN" immediately.

3. If a player is hit by a paintball and the paintball doesn't break, he or she will still remain in the game.

4. If two or more players simultaneously mark each other, everyone has to be eliminated. A Referee will decide.

5. A Referee may call a "Paint Check" at any time during a game.

6. The game time can be predetermined by the Referee. Rest intervals are allowed.

7. In the case of a flag game, only one player is allowed to guard the flag.

8. No barricades are allowed. Player may not move with barricades.

9. DMS (Dead Man Silent), is when a player is hit and he walks off the field. He is not allowed to communicate with any other players.

10. Paintballs used in tournaments must be purchased from the Referee. No carry on paintball are allowed.

11. No paintballs may be reimbursed.

12. Every team needs to have a captain.

13. Team captains have to waive to the Referee when the game is about to begin.

14. Set boundaries on the playing field.

15. Teams may be disqualified when a player attempts to enter the field without signing a waiver form.

B: Safety Rules

1. No short or t-shirt may be worn during a game.

2. Goggles are to be worn at all times throughout the game.

3. No physical interaction is allowed between players.

4. Shots may not be fired in a distance under 5 meters.

5. If a player has both hands and gun above his or her head, no one is to shoot at this player.

6. Eliminated players may not shoot when walking off the field.

7. Referees may not be hit.

8. No bringing or consuming alcohol before, during or after the game.

9. Protective gear needs to be worn at all times.

10. All paintball guns must have a barrel locking device.

11. Guns are not allowed to be carried from the CO2 hose as this may cause a malfunction in your gun.

12. Clean your equipment after the game.

`13. Don't leave your equipment unattended during a game.

14. Last but not least, make sure to practice respectful sportmanship. Paintball is just a game and if you cannot handle being hit or you cannot adhere to the basic rules of the game, paintball isn't the game for you.

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