Every game has its own rudimentary rules and paintball is no different. The paintball game has some distinct regulations that you should know before starting the game. What are the rules in paintball by the way? 

Paintball rules comprise some dos and don’ts as well as some crucial safety measures. In paintball, you cannot shoot unarmed opponents, nor can you blind fire your enemies or the referee. You have to eliminate your opponent by shooting, and you have to leave the field once you get shot.

In the end, the most precise shooter wins the game. However, there are more rules to follow. I’ll unravel every ins and outs of the game here. Vamos!

What are the Basic Rules of Paintball Game? 

While playing a paintball game, players need to follow some rules and regulations, but some rules are there that need to be must follow- called basic rules. Before the game begins, let’s know the rules.

  1. First of all, you have to be allowed to play the game; kids under 10 years are restricted from playing this game. And if someone under 18 years wants to play this game, they must submit a permission form signed by their parents, and some games also require the presence of their parent or guardian.  
  2. Short clothes like short pants or t-shirts are not permitted during the game. Clothing should fully cover the arms and legs, so wear long sleeves and long pants.
  3. A game cannot begin until the team captains signal to the referee that they are ready to play. As soon as the referee’s is satisfied everything is okay and the players are ready, he will blow the whistle, and the game will begin.
  4. No player can use the referee as a cover and shoot him; if he comes between, tell him to move. All players must respect the referee and his decision. Whatever he decides is fixed and final; talking back or disobeying is not allowed in most gameplay.
  5. If you hit your opponent with the paintball, he is out of the game, and vice versa. But the paintball should break upon impact. Unbroken pellets won’t count as an elimination. 
  6. Once you’re eliminated from the game, you have to shout, “I’m hit or Out.” Waive your hands, or raise your gun to signal your elimination and then leave the battlefield asap. 
  7. When an opponent is really close and within 20 feet of distance, you can tell him to surrender. If he tries to shoot, you can shoot back. 
  8. When the distance is between 10 ft-15 ft, don’t shoot. The massive speed (300 feet per second) of the paintball and the close-counter shot can injure the player. 
  9. If a player is hit but confused or not admitting to getting shot, call paint check. You must cooperate during checking; no one can leave before the result is announced. 
  10. Players need to predetermine the exact length of the game. A break would be fine between two sessions. 
  11. They also should decide whether “Dead Man Walking or Dead Man Silent” is permitted or not. If the DMW and DMS are allowed, the eliminated player can shelter or communicate with his teammate. 
  12. If a player goes out of the boundaries even without knowing, he will still be eliminated and no longer can shoot at any player. So understanding the location is also important. The boundaries of the playing field are Approximately 10 feet inside the course netting.
  13. If another player sneaks up on you and aims at your point-blank range, it will count as a hit. This is known as barrel tag or tap-out.  
  14.  Decide game objectives before the game. For instance, capturing the flag or all enemy eliminations are the two most common objectives. 

Discuss with the referee if there are any different rules ongoing or not. Rules may be changed on request. 

What should you not do in paintball?

Paintball is more interesting when the game is fair and clean. To secure safety and maximum fun, you have to avoid doing some mistakes. The following things are either prohibited, or the players should avoid doing.  

  1. No blind firing is allowed. It will also deplete your paintball supply soon.  Plus, if a player is too near or too far and gets a random shot at speed ( 280 fps – 300 fps ) with electronic markers, they will get seriously injured. So you can’t shoot blindly without identifying your targets. 
  2. Never fire on opponents having no protective equipment. Remember, this game is only for enjoyment, not to hurt players generally. Shooting players without having any protective gear can cause them seriously injured. It’s unprofessional. 
  3. Don’t wipe out the splash. When paintball players don’t get shot with a paintball but have a mark on them from a paintball that broke a nearby surface, they can wipe it off. But first, they should get a paint check from the referee following paintball etiquette.  
  4. if you’ve been hit, but the paint didn’t break, you can hold your gun and continue. You are not eliminated from the game of paintball.
  5. If someone is out of the ground, surrounded, or eliminated, you can’t shoot them. It’s not fair; you can shoot only the players on the field. 
  6. The staging area or the dead area is considered a zone to avoid. It’s where the eliminated players rest without safety equipment. 
  7. Avoid taking any type of tool, including paintball repair tools. If the paintball equipment needs repair, you have to exit the game and then take it for repair.
  8. Never even think of playing paintball without safety equipment. It can be grave and lethal. 

What do I need to know before playing paintball?

Apart from the game rules, you need some basic knowledge and precautions. Always wear safety goggles, and keep your mask on. According to CDC, 30, 000 people get injured by air guns every year because of the insane 280 fps-360 fps velocity. You don’t wanna injure yourself, do you? 

Once you are ready with the protective gear, you must check whether your equipment is okay or not. The paintball marker, CO2 Tank, barrel cover, and hopper should be in good shape to produce the best firepower. 

Then you need to find a secret way to communicate with your mates. If you yell and expose your position, your opponents will be on alert. However, ask the referee if it is acceptable to talk and make sounds on the ground or not. And always remember, teamwork is the best strategy to win the game. Now let the game begins. 

How do you win paintball?

When you want to win a paintball game, it requires planning, strategy, and execution. When you strategize your action and execute it perfectly, there is a better chance of a good shot at one. These simple tips I have found to be gems for winning the game. I don’t guarantee victory, though. It depends on the execution of your plans. 

  • Make a good plan for the whole game. 
  • Divide teammates into attacking and defending players. 
  • Make traps for your opponent and avoid their traps. 
  • Create a mental map of the paintball field and camouflage your position.
  • Attack with the best of your strategy but be prepared for the worst outcome.
  • Don’t follow any pattern of movement. 
  • Don’t leave the bunker or camouflage position recklessly.  
  • Be unpredictable and surprise your enemies. 

Tips To Remember

  • Taking part in paintball is physically demanding. You’re not only running and hiding in humid weather and dusty fields but also wearing heavy equipment and fighting in the heat. So drink lots of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty. This will enable you to stay fully engaged in the game and enjoy it to the fullest. 
  • Paintball equipment should never be left unattended, and it should always be locked up when not in use. Especially full CO² tanks, Co2 leak can cause skin burns and sometimes local chills. If you notice co2 leak, immediately inform the referee.
  • To get the best performance, you should always keep your paintball equipment clean and lubricated. After every game, clean each paintball gear, including clothes, goggles, gun, and other accessories, to avoid malfunctions.
  • Carry your gun securely, not by the Co2 supply hose, or you may leak gas, and your gun may malfunction. Because no repairing tools are allowed on the paintball field, in case it happens, you can’t repair it and have to leave the game.

Download The White Paper of the Paintball Rule

FAQs

Are you out if a paintball hits your gun?

Yes, you are out if a paintball hits and breaks on your paintball gun. The rule is the bullet must hit and splash on either your body or equipment. 

Do Headshots count in Paintball? 

No, headshots don’t count in paintball. Head is the most sensitive place of the body. You cannot shoot there. A player may end up with an eye injury or a solid mark on their head. 

Bottom Line

Finally, we’ve come to the end of this article, and there is nothing more left for you but to play paintball. Now that you know about the basic rules of play, safety rules, what you should not do, and the strategies to win the gameplay, it’s time for you to get out there and test your skills on the field. Remember not to break any of these rules, as they can lead you into trouble, and follow the tips I have shared above. Don’t be afraid; if you use them wisely, then there is no chance that anyone will be able soon to stop your streak!