Paintball is an expensive sport. Most sports are. However, money isn't the only thing you spend playing paintball. There is another valuable commodity: time. Unlike money (because you can always try to make more) you only have a finite amount of time to deal with. You can't make the day longer.

GET FAMILY MEMBERS TO PLAY

The family that plays together stays together. Even if some family members don't play, they can always come out and watch. If they don't want to come out and watch, don't pressure them into doing so.

SCHEDULE

Allot time, at the first of the season for paintball. Mark your playing days on the calendar. This way everyone in the household knows when you will be playing. Also they can tell at a glance when the best time to visit grandma will be.

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

Don't play during special family times like birthdays and anniversaries. This will just lead to animosity. You know when these dates are coming up, if it means missing a day of paintball, so be it. You can always get another game day, you can't get another family that easily.

ASK

If you are going to play outside of your schedule (it happens) ask first. It isn't "getting permission" it is finding out if there is anything planned for the weekend you want to go play.

NON-TEAM ACTIVITIES

Okay, so you are out playing. How about scheduling a day at the beach for all the team's families. A picnics, museum tours, local bus tours, or whatever is available in your area.

SPOUSE AND PARENT NIGHTS

Have at least one of these a year where all the families of the team members can socialize. At the very least they will have someone to talk to that can identify with what they are going through. You'd be surprised how many team wives don't know the other team wives. Parents of younger players will realize that their team members are hard working "normal" people, just like they are.

BE CONSIDERATE

Spend less time talking about paintball when you're not playing. Your family already knows more than they care to about paintball, believe me. Give them a break, okay?

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Meramec Challenge Paintball is based in St. Louis, Missouri and offers the gateway area competitive prices, great xtreme playing fields for the wacky weekend warrior, and unsurpassed customer service.