What is Paintball?

Following is a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that will hopefully familiarize you with the sport of paintball. If you have any further questions or comments please e-mail us or call the store at the above telephone number.

#1 What is Paintball? || BACK to the questions

Paintball is a sport played by two teams ranging in size from 2 players to as many as 200+ players on each team. The object of the game varies, but basically revolves around the concept of capturing a flag. During the game, each player carries a paintball marker and wears eye protection. The marker propels paintballs that mark other players on contact. When a player is marked, he or she is out of the game. Each game can last between 1 minute to an hour (most average 10-15 minutes). The sport of paintball is fun, exciting, strategically challenging, and aerobically exhilarating.Tournament paintball is now becoming more prevalent with the advent of various leagues. ESPN II featured competition paintball last season and is planning on running another televised series this year. As the sport grows, the number of organized teams has also multiplied.

#2 How are the games played? || BACK to the questions

The game of Paintball is played in a variety of ways, some of which include:

• Double Flag Hang - This game is the most common in 10-man tournament play. One flag is placed at each team's starting point, usually a fort or flag station. The object of Double Hang is to successfully capture the opposing team's flag (at their starting point) and bring it back to your team's starting point. Usually both flags must be in possession at the starting point for either team to win.
• Center Flag Hang - This variation is prevalent in 5-man tournaments. One flag is placed in the center of the field, equidistant from either team's starting point. The object of a center hang is to capture the flag and bring it to the opposing teams starting point.
• Elimination - Elimination is always incorporated into the other game variations, but may be played as the primary objective. As the title implies, the sole objective is to eliminate the opposing team.
• Attack & Defend - This is a variation of either Center or Double Hang. The object is for one team to defend some type of structure while the other team attempts to overtake it. The attacking team can either win by eliminating all of the defenders, capturing the defender's flag, or reaching a certain point within the defended structure.
• Speedball - Often associated with indoor play, this game is much different from the above mentioned. The field is usually the size of a tennis court. Objects, such as 55 gallon oil drums, are positioned over the field for cover. Both teams begin at opposite ends of the field. The object is to either get to the middle, get to the opposite side, or eliminate the opposing team. These games are quick and usually have a 3-10 minute time limit. Flags may be used in speedball.
• Scenario - This type of game is played with masses of players, sometimes as many as 300 - 500. These games can last multiple hours, or sometimes even an entire day. Role-playing is involved, requiring players to act out different battles or missions.
• There are many other game variations. Above are just a few of the more widely used versions.

Time is also a critical factor when playing paintball. Games generally run anywhere from 5 minutes (for a quick speedball game) to 1 or more hours (for a 20+ man double hang game or Scenario). It is possible to deviate from usual time restraints, but once a time limit has been established, it is crucial to the outcome of the game to adhere to it.Points can be calculated in the event that neither team reaches their objective, and are the basis for ranking in tournaments.

# 3 What are some rules that govern paintball? || BACK to the questions

Since there are too many rules, and these rules often change among fields, it is impossible to include an accurate list. However, there are a few rules that are commonly adhered to in Paintball.

• If the ball hits, breaks and marks any player's body, marker, or equipment in a complete splat the size of a dime, that player is eliminated.
• Points are accumulated for eliminations, flag possession, flag hangs, and sometimes for time remaining in the game.
• Once a player is marked, he or she must call themselves "out" and leave the field or ask a referee to assist in determining if the paint mark is large enough to warrant elimination.
• For safety reasons, goggles must never be removed while playing. Goggle removal usually results in penalty points or the automatic elimination of the player.

#4 What equipment is used to play paintball? || BACK to the questions

Special goggles, designed to withstand the impact of the paintball, are used in conjunction with a mask for facial protection.

There are three basic types of markers used to play paintball, which include:

• Stock Class - Holds 10-15 balls and is powered by CO2 capsules (which can propel 20-30 balls).
• Pump Action - Holds 50-200 balls and is powered by a CO2 cylinder (which propels 350-400 balls)
• Semi-Automatic - Holds 100-300 balls and is powered by a CO2 Cylinder or Nitrogen (which propels 200-1100 balls).

Players carry extra tubes of paintballs in special backpacks. These "packs" range in size from 40 to 1400 round capacity.

#5 What does it cost to play paintball? || BACK to the questions

The cost of rental equipment varies between fields, and the sale of equipment is equally as different. Cost can range anywhere from $35-70, depending on the field and the amount of paintballs each person uses.

#6 Is Paintball Safe? || BACK to the questions

Yes. Paintball goggles are designed to withstand the impact of the paintballs. It is recommended that players wear long sleeve pants & shirts while playing, since a direct hit to the skin may leave a welt. All of the guns are periodically checked to ensure that they do not exceed the safe velocity.

#7 What age restrictions apply to paintball? || BACK to the questions

Paintball is played by both adults and children. Players under the age of 18 are required to obtain their parent's signature. Players under 16 are usually grouped with players of their own age, and players under 10 are excluded from play altogether unless accompanied by an adult.

#8 What size is the average paintball field? || BACK to the questions

Fields vary in size, depending on the game being played. Tournament and indoor fields are usually between 50'x100' and 300'x800.' Scenario game fields can be as large as 100 acres

#9 Does the paint stain? || BACK to the questions

No. The paintballs that are used today are water soluble, non toxic, and totally bio-degradable. When paintball was first played, lead based, permanently marking paintballs were used.

#10 Is Paintball Popular? || BACK to the questions

Yes. Paintball is played all over the United States and in many other countries. There are a few national leagues that have been formed, including the American Paintball League (APL), the National Professional Paintball League (NPPL), and National Amateur Paintball Association (NAAPSA). There are many tournament teams that play in these competitions. Prizes can be as simple as trophies or as costly as thousands of dollars in equipment and cash. There are several major publications that support paintball, including Paintball News, Action Pursuit Games, Paintball Consumer Reports International, and about 1/2 dozen others. Also, paintball has been recently featured on television.

#11 What type of people play Paintball? || BACK to the questions

Contrary to a popular misconception, not only people involved with the military play paintball. People from all walks of life such as teachers, doctors, lawyers, and auto mechanics enjoy playing paintball on a regular basis.

#12 Is Paintball Played Locally? || BACK to the questions

Yes! Paintball is played in Charlton, 15 minutes from Worcester. R & R Paintball Games runs games on Saturdays and Sundays. Private games are available by appointment. R & R offer the best quality rental equipment at the lowest prices.