Competitive Paintball Rules

1. Game Format & Objective

• The Breakout: Teams start at opposite ends of the field in or touching their starting box. On the horn/buzzer, players sprint or slide to bunkers.
• The Objective: In standard Xball or tournament formats, the goal is to hang your team's color flag at the opponent's starting station, or eliminate all opposing players within the time limit.
• Match Duration: Matches are typically played over a set time period (e.g., 5 to 10 minutes) or until a team reaches a target score.

2. Equipment & Safety Regulations

• Approved Goggles: Full-face paintball masks that meet ASTM safety standards must be worn securely at all times while on the field or in the chrono/shooting areas. Removing a mask during active play results in severe penalties.
• Barrel Socks/Plugs: A certified barrel plug or safety cover must be placed over the marker's muzzle whenever a player is off the playing field or in the designated tech/staging areas.
• Velocity Limits: Markers must be chronographed before play to ensure they shoot below the strict field velocity limit—typically 300 feet per second (FPS) or lower depending on local league rules.
• Tournament Legal Paint: Only approved, water-soluble, biodegradable fill paintballs supplied or authorized by the event promoter may be used.

3. Gameplay & Elimination Rules

• Hits and Breaks: A player is eliminated ("out") if a paintball strikes them or their equipment anywhere on their body and breaks, leaving a mark of paint.
• Splats vs. Breaks: A paintball that hits a player or their gear but does not break (e.g., hitting a dry mud patch or bouncing off a soft pouch) does not eliminate the player.
• Paint Checks: If a player suspects an opponent is hit, they can call for a "paint check" where a referee inspects the player.
• Self-Calling: Players who know they have been hit and broken must immediately raise their hand or marker, yell "Out," and walk off the field promptly without coaching.

4. Penalties & Officiating

• Referee Authority: Referees have absolute final authority on the field. Arguing judgment calls can result in escalating penalties.
• Minor Penalties: Minor infractions (such as minor boundary violations or minor safety lapses) may result in pulling the offending player plus a corresponding player from the field.
• Major Penalties: Flagrant fouls, aggressive physical contact, unsportsmanlike conduct, or playing on after being eliminated result in major penalties and point losses.