1.What is paintball? 

   We all remember the game of "Capture The Flag," for some of us 
that wasn't too long ago.  Well the concept is the same except in 
this game players carry air powered guns that shoot a gelatin 
capsule filled with a water-soluble marking dye, also called 
PAINT!  The rules are simple if you're shot and marked, you're 
out of the game and have to wait until the next one starts. Now 
this all depends on the game you are playing.  There are several 
variations.  (NOTE: See the GAMES Page) The most common variation 
is two teams at opposite ends of piece of land. Each team has a 
flag that is kept at a specified place, either a fort, bunker, or 
some type of small structure. The object is to go get the other 
team's flag and bring it back to your base. Now as you play you 
want to shoot the other team members before they get you.  Kind 
of a kill or be killed thing. But it's a ton of fun! 




     2.Is it safe?

     Like any physical activity, paintball is very dangerous 
unless the proper precautions are taken, the proper equipment is 
worn, and safety rules understood and followed. 
     Most paintball guns shoot a .68 caliber paint pellet. The 
pellet is a thin gelatin shell filled with a water-based paint. 
Guns shoot the pellets at about 300 feet per second. Since the 
paint pellets are fairly light (about 3 grams each), they have 
very little momentum, and are not lethal like the heavy lead 
projectiles fired from conventional guns. 
     In addition to using a non-lethal projectile, paintball players 
*always* wear protective goggles to protect their eyes 
and usually wear masks covering the rest of their face as well. 
     Safety is highly stressed at most fields. Many fields 
require goggles be worn at all times unless in designated areas. 
Many fields also require that barrel plugs (plastic inserts that 
prevent projectiles from leaving your gun's barrel) be used while 
players are in certain areas. Ignoring safety is a good way to 
get yourself kicked off a field. 




   3.Does it hurt when you get shot? 


     The paint pellets break open upon impact, and generally 
cause very little pain. What pain is experienced is more of a 
stinging sensation from the pellet's impact against the skin or 
through clothing. In my experience, the stinging pain goes away 
after a few seconds. Of course, the closer you are to the muzzle 
of the gun, the higher the velocity of the pellet when it hits 
you. Thus, more pain may be experienced when shot at close range 
rather than farther away. 
     In general, one can count on coming off the field with a few 
welts from paintball impacts, but your most annoying injuries are 
more likely to be scrapes and bruises from the local terrain. 




   4.Do I have to be on a team? 


     You don't have to have an organized team or go to an 
organized field in order to play. If you have some paintball 
guns, paintball goggles, and a few friends, you can simply get 
together and shoot at each other.  Most commercial fields allow
walk-on games, where anybody can show up and play.  However 
teams are always looking for good members.  But better yet...If 
you can't find a team.....MAKE ONE!




   5.How can I play? 


     Almost all paintball 'fields' rent guns and welcome new 
players. Fields can be found using yellow pages, local 
newspapers, ads in a number of the paintball magazines, or on 
pages like this one. (See Links)




   6.What kind of Paintball Field should I look for? 

     For the first few games you should play on a well organized 
field. Size is not the best way to judge the field. The things to 
for are the number of referees on the field for each game and the 
explanation of the rules. The rules of safety and specific rules 
for the field/game should be clearly stated by a referee before 
anyone steps foot on the field to play. There should also be a 
sufficient number of referees for the number of players, one 
referee can not handle a field with fifty people on it. If these 
conditions are not met, you should seriously consider waiting for 
your first day until you find a field better suited to a 
beginner. 




   7.How much does it cost to play? 


     The average field in North America will cost approximately 
$15-25+ for 1 day rental of goggles, gun and some, usually 30, 
paintballs. Extra paintballs are usually 10 cents or less each. 
Better guns and facemasks are usually available at an additional 
cost. 
     A beginner should plan on using 100-200 paintballs for the 
first few days with rental guns. A day of play is usually 9:00am 
to 3:30pm. If you start playing regularly and would like to have 
your own equipment, you have several options open to you. Buying 
a used pump action gun and a new pair of goggles is a good start. 
You can buy a used pump for $50 to $150. You can buy an entry 
level semi-automatic for $100 to $300. A new pair of goggles 
might cost $20 to $40. Buying yourself a new pair of goggles 
designed specifically for paintball is a must. Paint costs about 
$.03 to $.04 per pellet. You may go through several hundred 
pellets of paint over the course of a single day, so this cost 
should be a long term consideration. Depending on the type of gun 
you're using, the cost of CO2 should also be a long term 
consideration. If you're using a 12-gram gun (see list of terms, 
below) you can buy disposable 12-gram CO2 tanks at your local 
sporting goods store for a few dollars a pack. If you're using a 
constant air tank, you should be able to get it refilled at your 
local paintball shop or field for about $3-$5, depending on its 
size. 




   8.What do I need to bring? 


Here is a list of things to consider bringing:

	Food/Snacks (if not available at field)
	Water
	Water
	Water
	Water (get the idea)
	Dark/Camouflage Clothing
	Good Hiking/Combat Boots
	Extra Socks...You laugh now but wait!
	Sense of Adventure - cause it's gonna be FUN!
	Goggles (If Not available at field)
	Mask (Again if not available)
	****Guys, BRING A CUP!!!!!**** (What's a Cup?)




  10.How can I play safe? 


      a. Do not shoot animals or wildlife. 
b. Do not fire your paintgun anywhere except on the field during the game.
c. Check your goggles for cracks or signs of weakness. 
d. Make sure your mask fits properly and won't come off during the game.
e. Make sure the velocity of your paintgun is below 300 feet per second.
         There are devices called chronographs at most paintball ranges that can
         measure this. 
      f. Always assume the gun is loaded even if you think you know otherwise.
g. Always assume safety devices won't work.
h. Unload the gun when not in use.
i. Upon receiving or retrieving a gun check if it's loaded.
j. Anytime you are carrying a paintgun in a 'safe zone' such as the
parking lot or staging area where people are not wearing goggles, be
sure you have a barrel plug in your barrel. 
k. Know the rules of the game you are playing and follow them. 
l. Never remove facemasks or goggles while on the field. 
m. If you're tired, hungry, or sick DON'T PLAY! Most injuries occur 
    because players get overexerted and/or don't eat.
n. NEVER look down the barrel. Not even with protection. 
o. Notify the field owner or manager of any medical conditions. 




  11.Do I need to be physically fit to play? 


     Not really, but it will help. As with all strenuous exercise participants 
     should stretch and warm up before playing. Since typical games require 
     quick sprints followed by a rest having good an-aerobic fitness is 
     beneficial. Players should gauge their play to their level of fitness. 
     As with any physical activity players in poor physical condition or with
     physically limiting conditions should consult a physician before playing. 
     Proper footwear is very important. Some players find that lightweight 
     canvas topped army boots or leather workboots protect feet and ankles in 
     the woods. Other players prefer the support that sneakers give as paintball 
     does involve running. Personal preferences vary, but footwear should not be 
     overlooked. 




  12.Can I get the paint out of my clothes? 


     Paint is a water-base and should wash out as normal. 




  13.How can I find out more about paintball? 


     PLAY!!!.  Paintballers are the best source of information, and usually are 
     eager to give advice.