Scissors.

1. Cut or tear strips 4 1/2" wide by fabric width eg. 45". 2. Fold fabric in half, right sides together, on long edge sew long seam.

3. Turn over and iron.

4.Mark centre and stitch along it. Now you have a tube about 2" wide and 42" - 45" long.

5. Drop in 1/8 tsp of crystals on each side of seam. You can roll up a piece of paper to use as a funnel to make it easier.

IMPORTANT: At first only make a test tie with brand of polymers you're using to make sure its correct amount after it's soaked.

6. Mark 4 1/2" from centre and seam again.

Now you have 2 pockets with crystals.

7. Add another 1/8 tsp of in both sides and seam 4 1/2 inches from first set of seams again. You will now have 4 pockets. Hopefully!! 8. Fold in raw edges and sew across to finish. If you prefer you can make ends diagonal.

Care instructions:

* Place in cold water approx 30 min, until crystals become gel.

* Tie around head or neck. Tie will be more effective if placed in refrigerator before use or soaked in ice cold water.

* Regenerate by soaking 1-3 minutes.

* Do not freeze

* Dehydrate to store

* Hand wash only with a mild soap

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!