| Paintball sometimes has a public image problem. This is | | | | safety standards. The velocity of the Paintball markers, |
| because of the bellicose nature of the game and the | | | | for example, is limited to 300 feet per second and |
| fact that it seems dangerous. In truth, paintball injuries | | | | most manufacturers stay a bit under that to remain on |
| are usually very minor. | | | | the safe side. Safety gear is tested and certified to be |
| Paintball is never going to be able to totally shake its | | | | able to withstand the maximum velocity. Every |
| negative public image as regards its bellicose nature. | | | | Paintball venue insists that complete and proper |
| Statistics show that the number of females involved in | | | | protective gear be worn by every participant every |
| the sport is not growing at the same rate as the total | | | | time. The sport has regulated itself to insure the safety |
| number of players. From its conception, Paintball has | | | | of its players. |
| been a sport that simulates the thrill of the hunt and the | | | | The majority of injuries caused by Paintball equipment |
| sting of combat. It is a game for hunters and warriors | | | | take place when players are using the equipment in |
| and they can talk about fun all they want, but there will | | | | their own backyards without supervision or common |
| always be a portion of the population who will think it is | | | | sense. This is something that can not be blamed on |
| just awful. But, what about Paintball being a dangerous | | | | the Sport anymore than accidents caused by drunk or |
| sport? Do the statistics on Paintball injuries support this | | | | reckless driving can be blamed on the Automobile |
| idea? | | | | injury. As the comedian said, there is no cure for stupid. |
| The truth is that the stats show Paintball to be safer | | | | It is true that there are many Paintball injuries that |
| than basketball and baseball. The total number of | | | | consist of bruises or sprained ankles that are caused |
| Paintball related injuries compared to player | | | | by falls while running and jumping during the game. This |
| participation is very, very low. There are a number of | | | | is like the torn knees in basketballs, the concussions of |
| reasons for this, but the most important is the fact that | | | | baseball, or really even the cut knees of children |
| Paintball has put a premium on safety from the very | | | | running in the playground. The only way to completely |
| start. Even as the sport was being developed, the | | | | avoid injury is to lay in your bed for your entire life. |
| players were taking steps to protect themselves from | | | | Sprained ankles can not be held against the sport of |
| injury. The whole idea of the game was to simulate | | | | Paintball. It is one of the safest activities in the world of |
| hunting and fighting without actual injury. | | | | sport and recreation because those that play it have |
| Today, the sport of Paintball has some incredibly rigid | | | | insisted on making it so. |