Paintball is a sport that requires you to prepare for play, unlike inviting someone over for a quick game of basketball or football,  you can’t just play a quick game of paintball.  We would all like to have the convince of a field in our own back yard, but maybe that isn’t such a bad idea. When you finally decide that you can’t wait any more this is the time to plan your own recreational paintball event.

Where do we play?

        The first thing you have to ask yourself after you make the decision to host an event is where are you going to host it?  For some people it is easy since they have large areas of land that they either own or are near their homes.  Now, unless you own the land you should not play paintball there without the owner's consent.  This holds especially true for city woodland.  Such areas as wilderness conservation areas and state hunting grounds should not be used without explicit permission.  Some of these state’s hunting areas maybe used in the off season.
        Call up your local conservation department and explain to the game warden the nature of the game of paintball.  Explain how the balls are made of soft liquid gels that biodegrade in moisture and the paint is vegetable based.  Invite the game warden out for a game at the local field and show him the action.  You could also allow the conservation department to attend and hand out flyers on firearm safety and safe hunting.  These woodland areas can be great places to play.
        If you are looking at speedball play you can always try to organize an event at a local sports park, one that includes a soccer or football field.  These parks are usually city or county owned and operated.  All you need to do is find out who to contact, (usually the city parks administration) and talk to someone in charge.  Again discuss the finer points of the game and offer a play date for them to experience the game.  If these actions do not yield you a place to play another great option (that has proved very effective for me), is find a friend or relative that owns a plot of private land large enough to play on.  This is the best option since you usually don’t have to fill out permits or call multiple offices and people.

What about people and gear?

        For a first time event, the best thing to do is only invite friends and other people you know.  Also try to keep the amount of people to a minimum since the more there are the more complicated and expensive things get.  A good amount is about 14-20 people this way you can evenly divide up the teams.  If you are going to play at a location that is not an established paintball field, you also need to think of the following; where do we get the paint, where do we get the air and fill station, what about a chrono?
        If you belong to a team or are well known at the local field/proshop, ask them if they can help you out.  See if a local field/store will donate the use of their equipment in exchange for promotion of the store.  To find CO2 cylinders look up “gas/air supplies” in the phonebook, then call and ask if they supply 15lb cylinders. Usually they will require you to put a safety deposit on the tank as well as pay for the air. The average price of air is $25 a cylinder and the deposits run around $200. Paintballs are best purchased from a field or store in bulk because if you order them mail order the shipping is tremendous. Most fields or stores will cut you a deal if you tell them you are hosting a small rec event and order about 10 or more cases.

“Player, your out!”

To make sure that your event runs smooth you need to make sure that you have a small group of experienced players to be refs.  These people can be teammates who show up just to reff or people who decided not to play for a game and trade out being refs.  All and all you need to make sure you have at least 2 refs for a game that has 14-20 people and 3 refs are preferable.

No matter how many people you have, or how long your event lasts (one day or even a weekend), make sure you play safe and have fun.  Do your best to promote the sport in the most positive way.  Keep the game alive.

Tony Sasso
MPN Columnist