First Visit To the Field

The number one thing to remember is marker = paintball gun. I know this confused me to no end. So if anyone says marker they mean paintball gun.  Though you will find people using both names...which can be even more confusing for the new player.

Selecting a Field

Look for child friendly field, just like you would look for a child friendly anything. We called the field and had a quick chat to see what's involved in playing our first game. You can tell very quickly how patient the staff will be for new players.

If possible, pop by for a quick visit. See if the atmosphere feels right. Look for things like:

• rules being clearly posted
• do they let people walk off the field without their markers being protected with a barrel sock. I would never let my child be on any field that didnt make this a firm rule.
• are they giving new players safety speeches before they go on for the first time.
• do they "chrono" the non-rental markers...meaning the regular players who shows up with their own markers. Chrono means they are testing to see how fast their markers fire the paintball. I will not go on any field that does not chrono each owners marker. 
• do they let people fire their guns off field around people not wearing masks. Thats a huge no, no.

I have only been to one field that let people fire markers randomly 'off field' and didnt demand marker's barrels be covered with a barrel sock.

On a personal opinion, and please remember this is my personal opinion so take it or leave it, your choice, but I will not go on a field that does not make me sign a waiver.

If you go to this blogs "About Section", you can read my educational and professional background. From my experience, I have come to learn that a waiver usually means that the field is insured. So if someone is negligent and my child is harmed, there will be financial assistance available.

It also means that there is another level of oversight by the insurance company. Don't get me wrong, paintball is one of the safest sports out there, but I'm just a safety nut.

Game Day

Get this in your head now...You are going on the field with your child for at least the first game! 

I know, it might not be your thing at all. But hey, us parents have to do things for our kids all the time that we dont like to do. Its a huge help to your child and the staff.

You never know, you might become like me and find a new passion!
 
Before leaving the house, a couple of things to think about:

• What to wear. Dress for weather and the ability to move and squat.
• Paintballs can sting, but some parts, like your head or your hands can sting more so bring gloves (soccer, baseball, not ski) and a toque (caps don’t always work because you have to wear a mask).
• Bring food or money for food (you're going to burn 490 cals an hour) and water! 

When you arrive, don’t be intimidated by all the regulars or their fancy markers. You’ll be amazed how friendly paintballers are…and hey…if you find the people at that particular field are not nice, then go find another field. Its not the sport, it’s the field.


Once all the paper works is completed. The staff will give your child a very clear safety speech. In their speech they will cover:

• The Number 1 Rule, "Masks on at all times." What to do when your mask comes off.
• What to do when you're hit by a paintball – yell hit, raise your hand up really high and keep it up until you are off the field.
• What to do with your marker when you are out, this can vary from field to field. Some fields will make you leave the marker on the field behind the screen, others will let you come off the field but you have to use a barrel sock.
• The rules about where getting hit counts – some fields a hit anywhere counts, at others marker hits don’t count or some say only hits to the torso and head count.

If you have a question … ask it. You need to be 100% clear. Make sure you kids understand.

On a personal note, I will always ask for a safety speech. I'm always surprised how some fields have different rules….but as a parent, I don’t mind as long as the rules have safety as #1.

On field.

Dont’t even touch your mask. If the referee seems like they are going over the top in getting you or your child to keep your mask on, that’s because they don’t want to be responsible for you being blind for the rest of your life.

Right on, here you go. Before each game the referee will go over that game’s rules…example of games can be capture the flag, straight team elimination, 2 fort and lots more. Again, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure your child understands the rules.

Make friends. Paintball is a team sport. So go say 'hi' to your team, even the “regulars”. They want to win, so they will gladly give you tips.

All that yelling and shouting. I remember my first game…I was thinking how serious some of the players were…but it’s a fast moving game and that yelling is about communicating. So jump in and call out what you see. Just be clear about it.

I would love to hear about your first game with your child. Please do post your stories below.