Common Rules of Play in Paintball Southampton

When playing in a new field, find out the particular "field rules" and make sure you follow them. The following are usually assumed to be common knowledge while at a paintball field.

Barrel Plugs/Covers/Condoms/Socks

These are to be used whenever you are not on a field. They prevent an accidentially discharged paintball from leaving the barrel, and ensure that no injury is caused by an un-intentional discharge. Forgetting to replace it after leaving a game and entering a safe zone will usually get you a warning followed by removal from the field for repeat offenders.

Barrel socks (formerly condoms, but the name has changed for the sake of younger players) are usually preferred because of the reduced possibility of discharging the safety equipment from the marker.

Picking Targets

Do not shoot at people who have already been tagged, referees, or anyone who is not wearing a paintball mask. Avoid friendly fire in team games by knowing who is on your team, usually distinguished by a coloured armband in less-organised games.

How to Know if you are Marked/Hit/Tagged

Generally if you are marked (hit) anywhere on your body or on anything you are carrying (marker, hopper, pods) and the paintball broke upon impact, you have been marked. If you believe the paintball broke before impact, or if you cannot see the area to confirm a hit, then you should call for a paint check (by yelling "paint check"). A referee will come over and make a judgment call. You can still be a target while you are calling for a paint check, so stay alert.

Announcing That You Have Been Hit

If you have been legally hit, you announce it (by yelling "Hit", "Dead", or "Out" - confirm which is appropriate at the venue at which you are playing) and raise your hand or marker above your head. You then proceed to a specified location (known as the "dead box") for the marked (hit) players, with your marker still above your head. If you bring your marker down or take too long getting off the field, players may think you are still in the game and may fire at you. Do remember however, that once you declare yourself hit, you are out, even if you discover afterward that you were not hit (for example, if the paintball didn't break).

The X Foot/Metre Surrender Rule

Some fields require that if you are within X feet (or metres) of an unaware opponent, you must demand their surrender (by yelling "Surrender!") before you may open fire. If your opponent complies (verbally, or by raising their hand or marker), they are considered marked and are out of the match. However, if they attempt any hostile action (such as turning to fire at you) then you may fire at will.

Dead Man Walking

While this is a legal move on most fields, it is a move that can gain many enemies for the day. The act of "dead man walking" mean that a person that has not been shot stands up from their bun...