Paintball Safety - How Safe is the Sport of Paintball

Let me just start by making what some may considerGoggles are the number one priority. Playing on a
a bold statement about the sport of paintball. Though itregulated field, the sport of Paintball is extremely safe.
has been categorized as an "extreme" sport, paintballOn legitimate fields, the wearing of goggles is
is one the safest sports currently played today.mandatory at all times while on the field. The use of
According to PSP (Paintball Sports Promotions), thebarrel plugs or barrel socks are also employed by field
world of paintball has a huge injury taboo. This tabooowners to block accidental discharge of paintballs from
only exists in the minds of general public and not in theguns (markers) in staging areas.
statistical data. The industry has hard lined that the rareOverall, when proper education and use of the gear in
but highly publicized "eye injury" almost always occursthe sport, Paintball is safer than most sports out there.
when the proper protective gear in not worn and onThis includes soccer, tennis, and even bowling. Might I
fields that are unsupervised and often illegal.mention as well that this game is played mostly by girls
The latest statistical data shows that only .2 injuriesand guys ages 12 -24. I am 35 and can't tell you how
per 1,000 exposures giving Paintball the lowest injurymuch fun I have when I have the chance to get out
rate of any Extreme Sport. According to Sportingthere. Age is not so much a factor; it all depends on
Goods Manufacturers Association, the average playerhow active you are. I've seen guys as old as 45
will suffer an injury about once every 500 years.enjoying the game thoroughly.
Out of all the gear that is involved the sport of Paintball;