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