Safety is the primary issue in paintball, as far as I am concerned. They should enforce chronographing, mask and barrel plug use. And I mean ENFORCE it.

QUESTION # 2. IS THE STAFF KNOWLEDGABLE, FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL?

What good are they if they're not? I mean, it's a part of their job to help players out, to be friendly and courteous and to have some knowledge of this sport. Otherwise they're just players in blaze orange clothing with no markers.

QUESTION # 3. DOES THE FIELD HAVE DECENT PRICES?

Let's face it, you've already shelled out big bucks for all your gear, do you want to go through the gross national income of a large industrialized nation in order to play? Playing fees, paint prices, rental fees and other costs should be reasonable. They also should help the owner make some money, too. Let's Face it, it is a BUSINESS, you know.

QUESTION # 4. DOES THE FIELD SERVE AN ADEQUATE LUNCH?

When I say adequate I mean can you EAT it? It doesn't have to be fancy. I've had lunches that ranged from barbecued hot dogs to steak dinners complete with baked potato!

QUESTION # 5. DOES THE FIELD HAVE VARIED PLAYING AREAS?

They don't have to be fancy, but you should have some variety. I mean a speedball field is an open pasture with barrels and pallettes. If they have the area, it's easily set up. Other playing areas could vary by terrain, thickness of the woods, and what have you.

QUESTION # 6. IS THE RENTAL EQUIPMENT WELL MAINTAINED?

I've seen rental equipment that first-time players (who don't know anything about the game) refuse to use. The goggle lenses should be clean and in good condition, the markers should work well.

QUESTION # 7. DO THEY GIVE A THOROUGH ORIENTATION BRIEFING?

Remember this briefing is for players who never been to the field and those playing for the first time. They have to cover everything. They should also make the briefing mandatory for ALL players to attend.

QUESTION # 8. DO THEY SEPARATE GROUPS BY EXPERIENCE LEVEL?

If they don't, they're condoning newbie bashing. It's okay to let a few experienced players in, as walk-ons, but they should be split up between he two teams and made to drop to a lower level of technology and told to "take it easy" on the customers.

QUESTION # 9. DO THEY SELL QUALITY PAINTBALLS?

I've been to fields who sell crappy paint. I didn't have fun.

QUESTION # 10. IS THE STAGING AREA/CAMP CLEAN?

This is a good indication of how professional the operation is. It doesn't have to be spotless, but there shouldn't be big piles of old wood and trash lying around.

SCORING:

One point for every "yes" answer. If the answer for Question # 1 was "no" the total score is zero.

THE FIELD'S SCORE:

0-1, no use playing there. 2-4, this field is safe, so at least you'll go home with all the blood and body parts you came with. It's better than nothing. 5-7, the majority of North American fields fall into this category. 8-10, Congratulations! Can I come and play at your field too?