Paintball Field Referees
Fields usually provide a paintball field referee. The referee may be an experienced paintball enthusiast who is familiar with the rules of game play, someone who was trained on site for the job, or a professionally trained referee who is working between competitions. No matter the background, there are two things to remember when dealing with referees:
- Referees are human and they will probably make mistakes.
- Even when competing, it is a GAME, you are suppose to be having fun!
To avoid problems on the field familiarize yourself with the rules of the paintball field you are playing on, know the rules of the game you are playing, and then follow the rules! Keep things in perspective, it is a game and enjoy yourself. The referees are just trying to do their job.
Common sense will reduce bad calls from a referee. The main call that can cause trouble is being told to leave the field when a referee can’t tell the difference between an old hit and a fresh one. In between games, paintball shooters can make sure their old hits won’t be confused with new ones. Simply wipe off old paintball hits, wet them down to lighten them, or rub the hits to make it easier on the referee to tell the difference. Teammates should inspect each other’s backs for hits and help teammates to make sure there aren’t old hits that may appear fresh on the field.
Every once in awhile there will be the rare problem referee. In a calm and mature manner, try to approach the referee and see if the problem can be worked out. If it can’t be resolved, do your best to figure the paintball field referee out and stay out of his or her way. Don’t let it ruin your fun. Everyone wants to win, but a sour, angry, and pouting teammate can ruin the day faster than loosing because of a bad calling referee.
Do what you can by being prepared to play on the paintball field, know the game rules, and show good sportsmanship so the paintball field referee won’t have reason to make a call against you. If you make a mistake or forget the rules, be accountable, take your consequences, and move on to play the next game. Have fun on the field shooting no matter what the outcome.