Paintball players generally have a high standard of sportsmanship. Everyone has the same goal: an action-packed day of friendly competition. Respect the players, respect the game, and you’ll have a great time. Here are some general paintball etiquette rules to abide by:

1.  Safety first

Set your marker to shoot at a maximum velocity of 300 fps as required by law (At ACP we have a strict limit of 280 fps and we use pre-game velocity check technology). Anything higher can cause welts and broken skin. It’s a good idea to double check your marker’s velocity is at a safe limit before each game, even if you recently adjusted it.

2. Keep your mask on

Never remove your mask on the field for any reason. If you see that someone has lost their mask on the field, don’t shoot. Yell “blind man” so other players are aware. Always use barrel plugs after play and keep your mask on until all barrel plugs are in place.

3. Don’t be a jerk

Always respect your teammates and opponents. No pushing, shoving, or any physical contact at all. Don’t bonus ball just for amusement. It only takes one solid hit for a player to be out. Shooting players multiple times unnecessarily is an easy way to discourage beginners from coming back.

4. Remember paintball is a team sport

Don’t act like you own the field; give everyone a chance to get in on the action. Solid teamwork will win you more games than a focus on individual glory.

5. Mind your fire

Never blind fire. If you can’t see what you’re shooting at, don’t shoot. You could accidentally hit the refs or local wildlife.

6. Never shoot point blank

Paintballs can hurt at close range, even with protective gear! Allow opponents the opportunity to surrender if you have a clear shot within a range of 10 ft. If the player doesn’t surrender, aim for a shoe, gear, or padded area.

7. Don’t cheat

When you’re hit, you’re hit. Don’t wipe paint off and keep playing; this is considered cheating. Hits a quarter size or bigger on anything you carry (gear, mask, marker, hopper, etc.) count. If you’re unsure if you’re hit, signal for a ref or yell “paint check.”

8. Clear the field when you’re hit

Raise your arms and marker so other players know you’ve been hit. Quickly make your way to a safe zone to avoid being caught in crossfire. Never fire after you’ve been hit.

9. Respect the ref

The referee’s ruling is the final word. Signal for the ref to judge if there are any disputes during play. The ref can eject you from the game for breaking any rules of the field.

10. Be a good sport

We know it’s a competition and you want to win. Strategize the heck out of the game, but don’t get too aggressive to the point that you risk injury. Congratulate the winners with a “good game” even if you’re unhappy you lost.