I thought I would take a moment and share an article I wrote for X3 Paintball magazine which appeared in that magazines very first edition.A blast from the past but nevertheless safety being first in this game, important notes are found herein.
So many people play paintball at locations other than a licensed venue. Thats a fact that we can’t simply sweep under the rug or simply ignore so hey, if youre going to do it follow a few simple guidelines as mentioned below. The article appeared as follows:
Oh No…Did I just say the O word? I guess I did, but hey, for those of us who enjoy all that woodsball has to offer; this essentially is our roots even though it has become something that is frowned upon in certain circles.
From time to time I think it important to return to our roots by holding a smaller, more intimate private game here and there throughout the season. Unfortunately outlaw ball as it has become known, lacks the kind of regulation that should exist in any paintball game. The Mercenaries private plot of land played a part to our season. At this point I would like to encourage all you readers to implement the following and insist certain necessary steps be taken at every outlaw game you attend.
First and foremost establish a good, safe area to serve as the dead zone; such 
an area should for all intensive purposes be enclosed and well removed from the game area so as not to allow stray fire to enter. A minimum of at least a hand held chrony (personally I prefer the big red chrony such as the Mercenaries possess) should be used to insure all guns are firing at no more than 280 feet per second. Within the dead zone barrel sleeves should be on those barrels, the marker either turned off and safety on. Last but not least strict rules in place regarding the dead zone being the only location during the game where masks may be removed. Should any of the above rules be relaxed at any time? Absolutely NOT! On numerous occasions however we have attended Outlaw games and found them lacking with respect to the above criteria. What to do? in some cases we have managed to council the local players to introduce these standard rules with some success.
At the Home Opener for the Glen Morris Mercenaries private field Sunday February 15th, 2009, members were more than welcome to bring along guests and were responsible for their guests. 15 year old Will V. thoroughly enjoyed his first serious paintball game and was quoted as saying “this was seriously sick!” 30 year old Dave T, another first timer stated “that was a really good time; today’s game got me hooked!” hmmm much the same way as I personally got started 17 years ago. In the six years playing our location we can boast zero incidents. Today, three more people are likely to become a part of the community. For those of us in the scenario community, Outlaw ball is yet another great way of introducing people to paintball in a smaller, friendlier environment.a means of easing people into the game prior to that first big scenario game or tournament.
Lets remember, for those of us deep into the paintball scene a return back to our roots and enjoying the odd game of Outlaw ball is to leave behind the politics, the tournament competition and play paintball just for the rush of adrenaline and sheer enjoyment that this style of game represents and is supposed to be about. You heard me right Outlaw ball, its all good its our roots!
For those of us that already know all about these rules, let this be a reminder, keep it real and above all else. Stay safe!
By Tom Tomcat Cunningham
Team Captain
Glen Morris Mercenaries Paintball
The Glen Morris Mercenaries are a paintball Canadian Rep team located in Brantford, ON Canada. www.glenmorrismercenaries.com
