Paintball is a team-based sport played on a field in the open or in an indoor arena with air guns called markers. The game combines elements of childhood games like capture the flag with elimination style game play and involves tagging opponents, or eliminating them, by shooting them with paintballs that are expelled from the marker. This game of skill and strategy has grown into a global community and professional leagues.
While a player’s success is largely dependent on skill, effective communication is an important factor in determining the final outcome of a game. Communication can range from discreet hand signals to agreed upon verbal codes that signal different actions or dangers. Players who communicate well are able to adapt to changing game conditions and reassess their strategies quickly.
Another important factor in paintball is the understanding of the rules and etiquette of the game. For example, the game is considered a “sport” only when players follow certain stipulations. These stipulations include wearing protective masks and using barrel-blocking safety equipment, as well as respect for the game’s ethical standards, which promote fair play and sportsmanship. These guidelines are generally interpreted and enforced by a referee or other designated official who is not playing in the game at that time.
While the duration of a game varies according to the type being played, most games last between 20 and 45 minutes. Between games, players usually take a break to check their equipment and get more paintballs. In most regulated games, players are eliminated when they are marked by a paintball that breaks on them and leaves a visible stain; however, some variations of the game do not count hits to the gun or pod pack or require significant splatter. Regardless, players should always call “out” and raise their hands in the elimination zone when they are eliminated, to ensure that all players know who is out of the game.