The problem isn't bouncing paintballs hitting you.........that's going to happen no matter what (unless you roof the fields) but bouncers have already lost most of their energy......a bouncing paintball has hit something then high-arced and isn't going to hurt much or do any damage. It's balls that go through netting that are the problem they are still going at 300 fps. I've said this on a number of threads.........we have been lucky for years now........we are one accident away from major problems. Look at it this way.............. how many "nearly" incidents did you see last tournament? incidents where only luck prevented an injury?
If it's one then it's too many. Every one of those balls that got through a gap in a net is a blinding...... the only reason it has happened yet is that no-one has been unfortunate enough to catch it in the eye.
Our sport is growing, that means more spectators and more chance of an accident.
Time for zero-tolerance.
How about designated spectator areas? double net them and have a netted walkway to them..........the rest of the fields can be conventionaly netted.......insist on masks for players on their way in.
If we want to get recognition for our sport then I'm afraid running around in a muddy field surrounded by poor quality builders netting has to end.
My kit costs thousands, the barricades cost a fortune. So why the hell is the most important safety feature so often sub-standard?
Look at the PA cup...... Full height reliable netting, well fixed and looked after.......it made the whole tournament look proffesional....... as a player, I know what goes into running a tourney........the general public, press etc.... just see the cosmetics.
"Balls will always find holes in netting" marvellous....... 'cos one day they will find someones eye. If paintball isn't safe to bring your kids to.....then it's not safe for anyone is it?
