Paintball, a Sport for Everyone

Ever dream of shooting your boss or coworkers? Perhaps you will get the chance if you offer to organize a company paintball event. It is a great way to promote teamwork and relieve aggression. Even if the coworker from hell is on the same team as you, keep in mind there is such a thing as “friendly fire” (“accidentally” shooting someone on your team).

The first step is to check out local fields. Some things to look for are, the ratio of referees to players, goggle signs, barrel plugs and personality of the staff. Typically, playing fields are crowded on the weekend. Most fields will open during the week for a group of twenty or more, but do ask. Price is also a consideration; this is an expensive hobby. Expect to pay at least $85 for a case of paint, goggle rental and a paintball marker (gun) rental for a four-hour session. Preferably, try to plan the outing when the weather is comfortable. Playing in the 100 degree Texas heat would be rough on most corporate types.

On the day of the event, it is best to dress in layers. Being hit with a paintball does sting. I recommend wearing gloves and a hat as handshots and headshots seem to hurt the most. Wear comfortable shoes, cleats if possible, if not tennis shoes with good tread. Most often, the playing fields are on grass or dirt surfaces. Usually fields have food and drinks for sale but to be on the safe side bring water, as dehydration is common for rookie players.

The first stop after arriving at the field is the “Staging Area”. This area typically has tables to set your equipment on. After picking up the equipment from the staff, the referee will discuss how the markers (guns) work, how to fill the hoppers (what holds the paintballs) and most importantly safety issues. The first is, everyone chronographs their guns to be certain no one is shooting “hot” over 300 fps (feet per second). Secondly, always wear goggles. Eye injuries are the biggest injury risk of playing paintball and wearing goggles faithfully will prevent it. Thirdly, keep the barrel plug in the gun until the game begins. That way if your finger accidentally pulls the trigger the barrel plug slows down the velocity of the paintball and likely will not cause an injury.

The playing fields have different themes. Most common are speedball courses with tires or tubes for bunkers. Fort and western city themes are also common. After walking to the playing field, everyone is given armbands to wear, a different color for each team. Divide into the appropriate teams and each team head to opposite ends of the playing field. Organization is key. Be certain everyone on the team knows which bunker they are going to. Most of the time, it is not a good idea for several people to crowd into a single bunker. The referee gives additional instructions, for instance if “bunkering” is allowed, that is a shot of closer than 10 feet. Usually in recreational play, fields do not allow this, whereas it is commonplace at paintball tournaments. Typically, the referee will count down, “one, two, three, go, go, go” then run to a bunker. Try to observe what bunkers the other team runs to and relay this to your team. One word of caution, look but do not expose any body part. Look for players on the other team hanging out of their bunkers, and focus on shooting first these people. If there is not anyone to shoot at and no one is shooting at you; consider moving to an empty bunker further up the playing field, again look for a shot. The referees are there to help. If you feel a paintball hit but are not sure if it broke, call for a “paintcheck”. If shot, put your hand on your head, gun in the air and quickly get off the playing field or you may be shot again. Typically, the games are elimination, that is, whichever team eliminates the other wins.

After the game is over the teams go back to the staging area. While there, be sure to wipe off any hits so a referee does not pull you the next game for an old hit. Secondly, fill the hopper with paint and the marker with air, if needed. After everyone is ready, the next game will start. Expect to play six to eight games in a four-hour session.

Back at the office, no doubt there will countless stories of heroics displayed on the playing field. Try to smile sweetly and offer to play again knowing he who brags the most usually is shot the most.