Play Paintball How Old

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How Old to Play Paintball?

Paintball is an exhilarating sport liberating untold reserves of creativity. It typically involves two competing teams. During each match, these opponents shoot propelled capsules of paint at one another. These capsules erupt in mesmerizing fashion against a target. The squad with the least number of players knocked out or eliminated by a hit perceived to be a successful target is declared the winner. A sport that originated from the 1970s [1], it has truly redefined the definition of outdoor entertainment.

In the late 1970s, two friends played an innocently similar sport involving cowboys, Indians, and pellets propelled out of Nelspot air guns. Later the use of paintball markers, Starguns, to play similar sketches of cowboys and robbers, was adopted by a group of friends in 1981 in New Hampshire. It was around this time that James C. Hale, a journalist with the National Survival Game was first exposed to the game and then wrote an article on the sport which inspired the formation of the National Survival Game Association in 1982 [2]. In 1984 the Splatmaster was introduced, the first paintball marker designed for the average player.

In the United States, regulations governing the age for participation in paintball differs from state to state. The minimum age for most states varies between 10 and 12 years of age. In addition to the age component, some states have additional requirements for participation in paintball. Those include the need for permission if the participant is a minor or below the minimum age requirement as determined by the state, and a no or low mass aiming system to be used [3].

Even though many states place the minimum legal age for paintball at 10 years old, experts usually recommend a minimum age of 12 to 14 [4,5]. At these ages players can properly protect themselves from large paintball impacts. They also recommend that children under the age of 12 be allowed to experience paintball in an environment that is more suitable for younger players. This includes lower velocity or speed of play, specific play formats designed for younger players, and more supervision from trained referees at all times.

Safety is a cornerstone when it comes to the play of paintball. Following safety rules and practices are a must at any age and it's the responsibility of every player, adult or child, to ensure they're following the necessary protocols [6]. These protocols include the use of safety equipment that is designed to prevent or reduce the risk of injury, such as paintball masks, safety goggles, and neck and body padding [7]. Also, ensuring experienced referees that look out for the safety of all players, are around during the play.

Anyone wishing to enter the world of paintball should understand the background of the game, minimum age requirements for each state, and the relevant safety guidelines. Consult local authorities, such as the parks department, or local paintball suppliers to find out more about age requirements in your state. Most importantly, it is essential to remain vigilant to the safety risks, as they should be top of mind for all participants.

[1] https://www.wired.com/2010/04/0426origins-paintball/

[2] http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1989-07-15/entertainment/89030206061paintball-survival-game-marker

[3] http://www.paintball-adelaide.com.au/age-requirements-for-paintball/

[4] http://www.sportsrec.com/558996-age-requirements-to-play-paintball.html

[5] https://swiftpaintball.com/blog/paintball-age-limit/

[6] https://www.usa-paintball.com/paintballsafety.html

[7] http://www.actionquest.com/activity/paintball/paintball-safety-measures/

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