Paintball is an immersive recreational sport where players are pitted against one another in a game of elimination. The players use markers (guns) that fire capsules of non-toxic, biodegradable, water-soluble paint with a gelatin outer shell. The paint bursts on impact, leaving a colored mark indicating that the player has been hit and eliminated from the game. The game can be structured in a variety of ways, from capture the flag or team deathmatch to scenario games that simulate military or tactical operations. Tournaments are held at many venues across the United States and offer a wide range of skill-based competitions with brackets based on team size.
The game is typically played over a field of wooded terrain and the participants wear protective gear that includes masks, chest protectors, and gloves. Players may also wear a hat or bandana to protect the head from direct paintball impacts and stop sweat from running down into their masks. Some players also wear body armor to increase their protection from shots and to allow them to run faster over rough ground.
To be considered a hit, the paintball must leave a mark on the player the size of a US quarter or more. If a player is not sure whether they have been hit, they must raise their hand and wait for a referee or teammate to check them and label them as either hit or safe. To conserve ammunition, it is recommended that players only shoot when they have a clear shot and are close enough to hit their target.