Does the sport encourage violence? No, it doesn’t encourage viciousness more than any other competitive sport, like football or soccer. Some paintball leagues wear athletic clothing and consider it to be a tournament sport. Some people prefer to compete in wooded settings with camouflaged clothing and tactical battle strategies, but the sport itself does not have to be malicious. You can steer clear of the few players that misrepresent the sport.

How much pain does a paintball cause? One person has more pain tolerance than the next. For most players, the fun of the game far outweighs any pain. Most people feel a twinge upon getting hit, but any acute aching subsides soon after. The pain level felt on the face is another story, which is why masks are crucial. And a direct hit to the eyes can result in blindness, so eye goggles are the most important safety measure that you can take. At the end of a day of play, you will likely go home with some bruises on your body, but millions of paintballing players have decided that it’s all worth it.

What are some of the biggest mistakes? One of the worst mistakes is allowing kids to play without supervision or safety education. Another big blunder is taking off your mask and goggles during play; you can buy lightweight or fog-resistant lenses so that discomfort is not an issue. One common slip-up is not using barrel plugs off the field or after a game. Also, be sure to stay hydrated – this sport is exhausting, and most games go for hours, so food and water are imperative.

As you familiarize yourself with the sport and equipment, safety will become second nature to you.