| Safety is paramount in the game of paintball. Although | | | | Whenever masks are off and games are not in |
| the balls hitting the skin can sting and cause some | | | | session use the barrel plugs on your guns. This is an |
| marks there are parts of the body that must be | | | | apparatus that goes over the opening at the top of |
| protected. Players must also adhere to common | | | | the barrel of the gun. Safeties should also be used but |
| sense items to make the game safe and fun for all. | | | | sometimes they do go off and barrel plugs give you |
| Paintball injuries are mostly non-life threatening. Some | | | | physical protection from flying paintballs. If someone in |
| people will get paintball marks where they hit the skin | | | | your group doesn't have their mask on, don't remove |
| and they may bruise, but nothing more should come | | | | that barrel plug. |
| with it. Paintball related injuries include ankle sprains | | | | Don't shoot at things you shouldn't shoot at, like the |
| from running, scratches from falling in the woods and | | | | side of your neighbor's house, a bird in the tree, a stray |
| such. If hit in the eye with a paintball an injury could be | | | | dog or moving vehicle. Take responsibility for that gun. |
| severe, but statistics show that this rarely happens. | | | | It doesn't shoot bullets but you have the same |
| The first safety precaution is to ware a mask, also | | | | responsibility that you would if it did. |
| called goggles) at all times. It isn't a good idea to even | | | | Make sure your gun's velocity is under 300 feet per |
| take it off in the dead zone when the zone is within | | | | second (FPS). Time guns at pro shops or if you are |
| the range of a field. Someone may not be even aiming | | | | playing at an organized field, they will usually have a |
| at you but can hit you anyway. Not wearing a mask | | | | chronograph to be used. Paintballs going under 280 |
| can cause injuries to the eye and the face. Keep | | | | FPS usually do no harm. |
| masks on until the barrel plugs have been placed on all | | | | Should you get sprayed with paint in the eyes, do not |
| loaded guns. | | | | rub your eyes. This will just make things worse. Wash |
| Never shoot anyone at close range. This can be | | | | eyes with clean water or you can use saline solution. |
| painful. It is customary to offer a surrender to the | | | | Make sure to go to the doctor to make sure |
| opposition when within 20 feet so take that opportunity | | | | everything is OK. |
| to give it. If you are playing in an organized field and | | | | The most important rule is never load your gun when |
| are seen you could be thrown out. | | | | you are super angry or under the influence of alcohol |
| Make sure you can see what you are firing at. Don't | | | | and drugs. You are just asking for trouble if you do. |
| just put your head behind a tree and stick your gun out | | | | If you follow safety rules for paintball you will have a |
| and start firing. This could hurt another player or a | | | | great game with just a few bruises from paintballs |
| referee and if you are outside you could damage | | | | hitting you where they are supposed to hit. |
| property or nature. | | | | |