8. Clothing

Some fields and most tournaments do not allow short pants or short-sleeved shirts. There's a very good reason for this rule: paint balls sting and leave welts that can last for several days!

Tournaments will usually specify kind of material a player's clothes can be made of (not a slippery material that can easily be wiped clean of paint) and style of clothing (not oversized or baggy). They will usually forbid wearing of camouflage patterns and ghillie suits as paint doesn't show up easily on these.

9. Goggle Systems

While games are in progress, it is mandatory for anyone near or on shooting range or playing field to wear goggles that meet ASTM F1776 standards. This includes judges, referees, players and spectators.

Goggle systems must include a full face mask and ear protection made for that model. No component of goggle system may be altered from manufacturer's specifications.

Goggles must be worn at all times in chronograph/shooting range and on playing field. Any player removing their goggles FOR ANY REASON will be eliminated from game immediately.

If you are having problems with your goggles fogging up, or you need to adjust your goggles for any reason signal to a referee. They will supervise you while you remove or lift your goggles. This rule even applies to wiping sweat from under your goggles. Tournaments will apply a penalty to any player lifting their mask and eliminate them from game.

10. Paint Balls

Only field paint is allowed in tournaments and on most commercial paintball fields. This eliminates problem of old, brittle paint balls (or frozen paint balls!) being brought to field. Check rules at your field. BYOP = Bring Your Own Paint; FPO = Field Paint Only. Tournaments are very particular about paint and most won't even allow "blood red" colored paint on field.

11. Foul Language

Using foul language is an infraction of rules in tournaments and will be cause for elimination. Recball fields and scenario games may have more lenient rules, but to be safe, DON'T SWEAR!

12. Age Limit

All commercial paintball fields will have an age limit as paintball is not a game for young children. Paint balls travel at high speed and can cause bruises and welts even through clothing. A paint ball accidentally hitting someone in eye can cause permanent damage. Players must accept risk of serious injury and sign a waiver to that effect.

Knowing Rules Will Keep You in Game

Of course, these are not all rules for playing paintball and rules differ from field to field. However, these basic rules will ensure that you're allowed to play paintball anywhere.

All other rules you may encounter apply to things that will be within your control on particular field you're playing on. For instance some fields allow head shots (called "goggling") and some do not. This rule is one you learn on spot as you read rules for field before you start game. Reading rules is important and will prevent you from being eliminated from game unecessarily. "I didn't know," isn't an excuse any referee will accept!

6. Goggle Systems

Goggle systems are getting more and more sophisticated every day. Some goggle systems have built in fans to prevent fogging. Some even have built in communication systems! These are especially useful for recball and scenario games.

The most important thing to remember when buying goggles is that they must meet or exceed ASTM standards. This is for your safety and should never be compromised. If you have to spend a few more dollars to get ASTM certified goggles, it will be money well spent!

Another important thing to remember when buying goggles is to be sure they fit well and feel comfortable. Your goggles have to become part of you because you CANNOT take them off or even lift them even for a second during a game. You have to WANT to wear your goggles.

Never make any modifications to factory specifications of your goggle system. The mask and goggles must be made to work together. Do not try to combine parts from different systems!

7. Vests

Vests are generally only used for scenario paintball games where they're used to carry a pistol, grenades, tubes (to carry extra paintballs), etc. They come in many colors and patterns, and are often theme-based in style, including police, CIA, military, offbeat, etc. You can even get one custom made! You can find some here: http://www.ablewebs.com/rap4.htm, http://www.cops911.com/category.asp?id=114.

8. Patches

Police and S.W.A.T. patches are popular with paintball players. These are patches you iron on to your combat or police-style jacket or vest. You can find some here: http://www.ablewebs.com/rap4.htm

9. Tattoos

While not technically considered clothing, tattoos among paintball players are quite popular. The rule is: If you see a tattoo you like, wait 12 months before you get it. If you still like it and still like idea of getting a tattoo after year is up, then go for it... always assuming your family is supportive, of course!

Most paintball players don't have tattoos specific to paintball, but some do, of course.You can do a search in Google or Yahoo for "paintball tatoos" to see if you can find some examples of paintball tattos you might like. Or, get an artist friend of yours to design one for you.

By way, as we mentioned in article on paintball safety, paintball sometimes hurts. And so does getting tattooed. Neither are for faint of heart!

Develop Your Own Style... Within Rules of Paintball

What you wear to play paintball doesn't matter once you've followed basic rules and recommendations. Just develop your own style over time as you observe others and shop around to add to your paintball wardrobe. Don't forget to shop online, too. There are enough paintball supply stores online to keep you busy for quite awhile. You can start here: http://www.ablewebs.com/rap4.htm.