| Paintball is a high energy sport that attracts over ten | | | | safety rules. All paintball markers must maintain a |
| million players per year. The use of paintballs first | | | | speed of less than 200 mph, although some facilities |
| started in the 1950's when the forest service used | | | | require an even slower velocity. If a person is in close |
| them to mark trees. They were also used as a | | | | range, typically the rules permit you to simply tap them |
| temporary alternative to branding cows. It wasn't until | | | | with the barrel of your gun because paintballs can be |
| the mid 70's that two friends, who were trying to | | | | painful when shot at close range. When players are |
| recreate the rush of hunting buffalo, came up with the | | | | not active in the game, their paintball markers must |
| idea of using paintballs to simulate a game of survival. | | | | have a barrel blocking device which will catch any |
| They invented the rules and in 1980, a writer for Sports | | | | paintballs that are accidentally fired. |
| Illustrated played their game and wrote about the sport | | | | The rules of play vary depending on the particular |
| in the magazine. It was the start of a phenomenon that | | | | game, but the general objective is to eliminate players |
| has increased in popularity year after year. | | | | on the other team. To eliminate a player, you must hit |
| Getting started in paintball is simple. To play, you must | | | | them with a paintball which leaves a visible mark of |
| first have the proper equipment. The fundamental | | | | paint. If a player is hit by paint that hit another object |
| concern of any paintball player should be safety. All | | | | first, they are not eliminated. In some games, a player is |
| players are required to wear a helmet called a mask. | | | | eliminated if paint hits any part of their gear or anything |
| This protects the eyes and ears which could be | | | | they are carrying as well. If there is a question of |
| injured during the game. In addition to a mask, each | | | | whether a player should be eliminated, they can call for |
| player must also have a paintball marker and paintballs. | | | | a referee who does a "paint check" to see whether |
| Paintball markers are simply guns which are designed | | | | the player should exit the game. |
| to shoot paintballs. Many paintball facilities have paintball | | | | Paintball can be an enjoyable one time activity, but |
| guns for sale. You can also purchase them through an | | | | many people enjoy participating in paintball leagues or |
| online paintball store. Beginning players will typically rent | | | | competitions. There are even paid professional paintball |
| their equipment first. | | | | players. Paintball is slowly gaining acceptance as a |
| Paintball is actually one of the safest sports there is, | | | | legitimate sport. |
| and that is largely due to the presence of very specific | | | | |