Play safely is the number one rule to have a great day of paintball. Nothing can ruin a good day of paintball like the loss of an eye. Of course that is an extreme.. and I don't know even one person who has lost an eye during the game, but, everyone I know practices safe paintball.
Here's some interesting facts about paintball safety, and some links as well.
Safety Links:
Paintball Safety Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Paintball Safety Goggles Article
INJURY STATISTICS AT HOME, AT WORK, AT PLAY
SPORTS ACCIDENTS Yearly Injuries Per 1,000 Sport Participants
| Archery 0.66 | PAINTBALL GAMES 0.31 | Baseball 27.67 |
| Basketball 22.04 | Bicycle Riding 11.30 | Boating 0.92 |
| Bowling 0.50 | Boxing 11.34 | Fishing 1.37 |
| Football 27.50 | Golf 1.13 | Gymnastics 7.13 |
| Hockey 12.46 | Ice Skating 2.79 | Racquetball 2.53 |
| Rugby 23.14 | Soccer 10.54 | Snow Skiing 3.44 |
| Snowmobiling 2.86 | Swimming 1.30 | Tennis 1.09 |
| Volleyball 4.43 | Water Skiing 1.90 | Wrestling 27.37 |
| Handball 2.42 | Lacrosse 223.79 |
Running(NSC '87) Injuries Per 1,000 Sport Participants
| Miles per week: | 0-19 | 294 |
| 20-29 | 384 | |
| 30-39 | 461. |
OTHER ACCIDENTS INJURIES PER 1,000 PERSONS PER YEAR
| Home 93 | Street 33 | Moving Motor Vehicles 26 | Work Place 61 |
Source: National Safety Council 1988 . Injury is defined as one which results in some degree of permanent impairment, or renders the injured person unable to effectively perform his or her regular duties or activities for at least one full day beyond the date of the injury
Source: Control Systems Inc., administrator of paintball game accident insurance plan for air gun game operators.
Safety Rules
All players must follow all safety rules without exception for the safety of all players. Whether you are a first-time player, or an experienced veteran, safety rules have been established for your protection. That's why there is so relatively few injuries in the sport. EVERYONE follows the safety rules. Heres a few of the basics. This is a typical field's safety rules ( I copied this from a field's website.) You can see they mean business when it comes to safety.
Any violation will can result in that player being ejected from the game. Any explanations to the player will be discussed after that game is over. If a player violates a rule a second time, he will be ejected from the site. This is often standard policy at most fields.
1.Safety goggles must be worn at all times. Safety goggles may be removed only in the registration area. There is absolutely no exceptions to this rule. Goggles must be worn at the target range.
2.No shooting at the neck or head. Any player intentionally shooting at another player's head will be ejected from the field.
3.No shooting into or out of the registration/neutral zones or parking areas. All guns must have safeties on and barrel plugs in when in the registration area. Rental guns may not be taken to the parking area. Guns may only be discharged on the playing field or at the target range. Do Not Shoot the Wildlife.
4.No climbing of trees or structures. Players are not allowed to climb on or over any structures. Players may never climb trees. Do not rearrange the forts.
5.No physical contact. Players may not touch another player or his equipment at any time during the game.
6.No potentially dangerous gear. Players may not bring onto the playing field items such as tools, knives, rope, explosives, or any other equipment not supplied or approved by the gamesite operators.
7.Avoid field hazards, such as holes, embankments, ruts, fences, and any other declared by the field judges.
8.No booby traps. Players may not construct any types of booby traps or objects that may hinder another player's movement. Do not block any entrances to any fort or structure.
9.No alcohol or illegal drugs. Players must check out before consuming any alcohol.
10.Smoking in designated areas only. Smoking allowed in registration area only.
11.No verbal abuse. Profanity, name calling, or slurs against anyone's race, color, religion, national origin, or parents will not be tolerated.
12.Do not attempt to remove CO2 bottles from rental guns.
13.Do not leave the guns in direct sunlight.
14.Judges decisions are final. Any player arguing with judges during a game will be ejected from the field. Judges will be happy to discuss calls after the game is over.