Paintball Safety

Paintball is one of, if not the safest sport in history or the current day. But, that being said, certain standards must be kept and certain rules followed for this to remain true. Here are a few of the basic safety procautions that need to be taken to heart if your paintball experience is to be a safe one.

Goggles:
With hundreds of paintballs traveling 200 miles per hour across the field, there is only one thing that will protect you eyes from severe injury--your goggles system. The statistics bear it out, more than 99% of all serious paintball injuries occur when players use the wrong type of goggles, or no goggles at all. Here's the most important thing you need to know,

Never wear anything but goggle/mask systems made specifically for paintball. Never wear shop goggles, ski goggles, military goggles, motocross goggles, or any other goggles that are not designed for paintball. They simply will not have the impact resistance or total eye coverage necessary to stop 13 balls per second coming at you.

Also, make sure that your goggle system is in good condition. Keep it clean, and make sure you lenses is not damaged before using it. When you're on the field, make sure it's a nice, snug fit up against your face.

Gun:
There are a few basic rules to paintgun safety. First and foremost, never fire your paintgun when there are people anywhere near you (this includes yourself) that are not wearing the proper paintball approved goggles. When you are in the designated safe zone, or anwhere that is not the playing fields, make sure to have your barrel bag on your barrel as well.

An important thing to note here is that many paintguns will fire a paintball even after the C02 or high pressure system is removed from the gun. Whenever possible, keep your paintgun uncocked--note: some paintguns such as the Automag, are cocked whenever air is connected.

It is critical to chronograph your paintgun several times each day during play. Velocities have a tendency to fluctuate during the day.

Lastly, alway keep the safety in the "safe" position and if your gun has a power feed, keep it in the "off" mode when not playing the game.

General:
Never remove your goggles on the field or in the elimination zone. Newer players tend to want to remove their goggles as soon as they're eliminated from the game or just to clear the goggles. This is extremely dangerous.

When you are eliminated--or if you are eliminated(!)--call "out" as loud as possible, raise your hand and walk off the field. Do not remove your goggles until you are back at the safe zone or in the staging area.

Don't argue with the referees or judges. If a referee calls you out, simply leave the playing field. The refs are there to help you have fun and to keep it safe. Listen to them at all time.

Never play with anyone that is not wearing the proper goggles.

Always use a barrel bag when you are not playing.