Sunday, April 5, 2009

Taking Care To Play Paintball Safely

By Tony Masters

Let me just start by saying that some may consider this a bold statement about the sport of paintball. Paintball is one of the safest sports as of today although it is classified as an "extreme" sport. It is safe because people are careful and at the same time extreme because of its intensity.

Players take it seriously which makes paintball one of the safest sports to play. A good game of paintball can only be played decently if accompanied by responsibility and accountability. You must keep in mind that caution is the word of the day because paintball has the potential of being dangerous.

Huge injury myths exists in the game of paintball about high injury rates. This fact has been kept by PSP (Paintball Sports Promotions). Statistical data lends no support to this myth but it only exists in the minds of the general public as such. Eye Injuries, which happens rarely but has been highly publicized almost always take place when the proper protective gear in not worn and game is played on fields that are not under supervision and often illegal.

Recently prepared statistical data clearly shows that only .2 injuries per 1,000 exposures occurs, giving paintball the lowest injury rate of any extreme sport. Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association has kept the point that an average player will suffer an injury about once every 500 years.

Goggles are the number one priority, out of all the gear that is involved in the sport of paintball. The sport of paintball is extremely safe if played on a regulated field. Wearing of goggles is mandatory at all times while playing on the legitimate field. To block accidental discharge of paintballs from guns (markers) in staging areas, use of barrel plugs or barrel socks are also employed by field owners.

Soccer, tennis, and even bowling are used in comparison to paintball. While paintball is safer than them, what is required is proper education and use of the gear in the sport. Mostly girls and guys ages 12 -24 play paintball, but still I can mention here that I am 35. And I can't tell you how much fun I have when I have the chance to get out there. Age is not that much a factor to play paintball, I've seen guys as old as 45 enjoying the game thoroughly. It all depends on how active you are.

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