Field Owner Tips 1
 

 

Last Updated Feb. 16, 2008

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George Lewko's Field Owner Tips 1 (1998)

  1. Have the referees step on paintballs as they walk around, this way players can't put used paintballs in their paintguns to make a mess.  (I've seen too many golf ball sized paintballs & other debris in loaders).
  2. Have the refs carry a cutter to remove branches from trails.  This will prevent goggle lenses from being scratched.
  3. Try to make improvements weekly to the field.  It doesn't have to big: some gravel here, fixed up a bunker there, a new sand bag, etc., This lets player know that you care, and gives them a reason to come back, because there's always something new.
  4. Make sure the refs carry a whistle, squeegee and towel, while wearing a bright orange vest & refs goggles.
  5. Attach the refs whistle & squeegee to the refs vest by a slinky key chain holder (cost >$1 each).  It springs back in to place after each use and can't be lost or dropped.
  6. Buy Fox 40 whistles for the refs (no pea inside and are very loud).  Plus they come in bright colors (yellow, orange & red).  DON'T blow one under your full face mask, as it will deafen you for 20-30 seconds.  Use a 1/2 mask or a cut out mask.
  7. As a ref walks around a corner or blind spot announce you are coming, "Referee coming around (through) (in)!"  You would be surprised at how accurate a spooked player can be with a paintball gun!  This is especially true for structures being entered.
  8. Purchase T-shirts or Staff shirts.  Even if the refs are working for paintballs, a staff shirt looks good when players arrive and makes the refs feel like they belong.  This is a professional touch.
  9. Give the refs name tags.  This is a friendly service, instead of yell "Hey ref!" all day.  Players now days like to know your name.
  10. Contrary to popular believe, I like to ref in camo pants, along with yellow goggle, a bright orange vest & staff shirt.  It make the players feel that you play and know what they are going through.  plus you don't need staff pants and don't mind getting they dirty.
  11. Ref wearing at least a 1/2 mask, as pellets could come up under the foam on just goggles.  The goggles were never designed to be used without a face shield.
  12. Use ear armor on the refs masks.  It really helps to know that you don't have to worry about protecting yourself from paintball hits.
  13. Have refs trained to jump in front of a player to protect them from multiple hits.  The refs should use there bodies to protect new players.
  14. The goggle CALL.  Every ref will have to make this call.  What do you do when a players takes his goggles off on the field. This is an item covered at least 6 times in the safety orientation.  The players are mature and must assume complete responsibility.  In a stern voice I yell, "Put your goggles on! Now!", if they don't hear I repeat louder until they do hear.  I run to the player also, and physically replace them if possible.  Now they apologize, and say they will never to it again.  My insurance company now makes me make a call.  "You sit out the next game.  If you do this again, you are done for the day.  Do you understand?"  Straight forward.
  15. Look for players about to take their goggles off at certain points, and remind them to "Keep you goggles on!".
    1. Walking onto the field (do a visual check of all players each game, as they file past leaving the safe area).
    2. After they are eliminated.
    3. After the game ends.
    4. As the walk off the field but not at the safe area yet.
  16. Use No Fog lens inserts, this will get rid of 90% of your goggle problem.  The main reason players remove their goggles is because they can't see from the fogging.  I use Combat Vision lens inserts, they work great and don't scratch like thermal lenses.  Also for clean-up, I can dunk them in wash water.
  17. After the game is over, have the refs yell or remind players to: "Keep your goggles on!  Put your barrel plugs in!  Stop all shooting!  Games over!  Keep your goggles on!  Put your barrel plugs in!  Games over!..."
  18. Remove dead fall from trails as soon as possible, otherwise players will hurt themselves or refs.
  19. Have a chart made with full and empty weights of CO2 tanks posted by the fill station.
  20. Chain the CO2 tanks to the wall or tree.
  21. Have extra CO2 tanks available (bulk and players).
  22. Train as many people to fill tanks as possible, there are never enough fill station operators around.
  23. NEVER RUN OUT OF PAINTBALLS.  Field owners worst nightmare.
  24. Always have 2 spare paintball guns ready as back-ups.  Players will chop paint, breaks in barrel, etc.
  25. Use a hard paintball for renters, even a premium brand.  Players can live with a bounce, because they can still shoot again.  If the paintball gun is "gooped up" and can't shoot anything but spray, they are not happy.
  26. Don't let players bring their own paint to use in your rental paintball guns.   You never know how it is stored, and you must clean up the mess they make.
  27. Make sure the First Aid Kit has extra bandages and a set of twisters.  Cold packs are necessary, I like the instant ones.
  28. Make an Emergency Response Plan (for injuries & fires) which should include:
    1. Phone #'s
      1. Field Location phone
      2. Manager/ Owner
      3. Ambulance
      4. Fire Dept.
      5. Police
      6. Hospital
      7. Minor Emergency Clinic
    2. Directions to field including Address.
    3. Map to Field.
    4. This plan should be left with: Ambulance, Fire Dept., Police, Emergency Response Team members.
  29. Pay for refs to get their CPR & First Aid.
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