The study finding that there are more paintball injuries leaves out some crucial information (“Study finds more paintball injuries, including loss of vision,” Metro, Jan. 5).
First of all, paintball has become much more mainstream and accepted than in years past. When I started playing and working in the industry in 1990, you had to purchase your gear at a specialty store and now the paintball markers, goggles and other assorted gear can be purchased at a local sporting-goods store. This is good for the sport because it has been opened up to a much larger audience; the problem I see, however, is that there is less control to keep play safe.
Playing at an accredited paintball field offers the consumer a knowledgeable staff that can safely repair marker problems, along with referees who ensure that the game is running smoothly and that the required goggles are being used. Playing at an established field also offers an opportunity for those who enjoy the sport to come together with all types of people for a day of fun.
More people are playing paintball, which will automatically raise the number of injuries that may occur. The question I have is how many of these children under 15 are being supervised by a parent? The responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of parents. Parents need to supervise their children, play the game with them on private property (it is illegal to play on forest preserve grounds) or take them to an established field. Parents are their children’s first defense to injury. Please use common sense and play safe.
