I came across a pretty good paintball pamphlet that I thought I would
share with my fellow netters.  It is a little bit dated and has a few
minor errors, but for the most part it is pretty good.  I have included
a copy of it uncut and unedited.

                                        Adrian Higginbotham
                                        alh7396@utarlg.uta.edu
                                        Zero Boys, Dallas
                                        Automag


                            MOST COMMONLY ASKED
                         QUESTIONS ABOUT PAINTBALL
                                    by
                              David P. Allen

1. WHAT IS PAINTBALL?
   Answer:  It is a series of strategy games much like a combination of
   hide & seek and tag but more sophisticated and challenging.  The most
   commonly played is a variation of "Capture the Flag", with two teams
   attempting to capture the flag of their opponents and return it to
   their own base.  The difference is that opponents can be eliminated
   from play by tagging them with paintballs expelled from a special
   paintball gun.

2. WHAT IS A PAINTBALL GUN?
   Answer:  A CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) powered gun of either .68 or .62 caliber
   using either 12 gm CO2 cartridges as used in BB guns or larger CO2
   cylinders of 3 oz to 10 oz. size (called Constant Air or C/A tanks).
   These are pump, semi automatic or automatic operated guns which fire
   soft paintballs at a pre-set safe velocity.

3. WHAT IS A PAINTBALL
   Answer:  A Paintball is a ball shaped .68 or .62 caliber projectile.
   It consists of a non-toxic, non-caustic, water-soluble, bio-degradable
   paint in a gelatin cover, much like that used to make cold capsules.

4. DO THEY HURT?
   Answer:  This is usually the first question asked.  The answer is a very
   definite no and yes.  No, because the equipment worn i.e. goggles, face
   masks, camouflage clothing protect the wearer from anything more serious
   than a minor welt and stinging.  The impact of a paintball at close
   range isn't as bad as being hit by a thrown tennis ball.  Yes, because
   people tend to do dumb things like wear "T"-shirts because it is warm
   out, or wear only goggles, because a particular field doesn't have or
   require face masks.  I have taken a lot of hits all over and have never
   had any which could be called painful, but having been hit on the goggles
   and on my mask around my ears, I can say that proper equipment has saved
   me not only pain but damage.

5. HOW SAFE IS IT?
   Answer:  Paintball games are safer than most other sports except perhaps
   tiddlywinks.  When played properly, Paintball is very safe.  The
   following are statistics comparing various sports:  NOTE:  The stats for
   tiddlywinks were not available at the time of printing.

                            SPORTS ACCIDENTS (1)

                        YEARLY           !                 YEARLY
                        INJURIES         !                 INJURIES
                        PER 1000         !                 PER 1000
   SPORT                PARTICIPANTS (2) ! SPORT           PARTICIPANTS (2)
   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
   PAINTBALL GAMES (3)  0.31             ! snow skiing     3.44  
   bowling              0.50             ! volleyball      4.43
   archery              0.66             ! gymnastics      7.13
   boating              0.92             ! soccer         10.54
   tennis               1.09             ! bicycle riding 11.30
   golf                 1.13             ! boxing         11.34
   swimming             1.30             ! hockey         12.46
   fishing              1.37             ! basketball     22.04
   water skiing         1.90             ! rugby          23.14
   handball             2.42             ! wrestling      27.37
   racquetball          2.53             ! football       27.50
   ice skating          2.79             ! baseball       27.67
   snowmobiling         2.86             ! lacrosse      223.79

                            OTHER ACCIDENTS (1)

   RUNNING MILES        
   PER WEEK              INJURIES PER 1000 PERSONS  
   -----------------------------------------------
   0-19                  294.00
   20-29                 384.00
   30-39                 461.00

   LOCATION              INJURIES PER 1000 PERSONS
   -----------------------------------------------
   moving motor vehicles 26.00
   street                33.00
   work place            61.00
   home                  93.00

6. WHO PLAYS PAINTBALL?
   Answer:  Contrary to popular belief, Paintball players are not a bunch
   of survivalists and war mongers.  The U.S. Military Academies have
   teams, as do numerous colleges around the U.S.  Major corporations
   send their executives to play.  It is great for teaching quick thinking,
   strategy planning, team work, and as stress relief.  I have played with
   and against people from all walks of life, male and female, young and
   not so young.  Anyone who likes fresh air, a challenge, and a novel
   way to get exercise should try it.  Who knows, you may get the paintball
   bug like so many of us before you.

7. WHERE CAN I PLAY?
   Answer:  There are organized Paintball Fields scattered nationwide.  Ask
   in local sporting goods stores.  Most fields do not advertise locally,
   so you will have to look.  If you can find a copy of the magazines
   ACTION PURSUIT GAMES (4) or PAINTBALL SPORTS MAGAZINE (5) they contain
   listings for many fields.

8. IS IT EXPENSIVE
   Answer:  Paintball is not expensive.  The average field charges $12-$30
   per day including rental of a gun, goggles, and a mask.  Most include
   some paintballs and CO2 but figure on spending another $20 or so for
   extras.  You will also need some old clothes and boots.  Pick something
   that blends into the bushes.  Red, yellow, or white are not very good
   camouflage.  Old army fatigues or camouflage uniforms work very well and
   often can be bought cheaply at yard sales.  A flop hat or baseball cap
   protect the head from sun bugs and paintballs.  Most fields have sodas
   and snacks for sale or you can bring your own.
   After you've tried Paintball, you may decide that you want your own
   equipment.  Prices range from $100 to ridiculous for paintball guns.  A
   good mid-price gun will cost $250-$300.  When you include mask, goggles,
   camouflage uniforms, good boots, web belt, carrying cases for paint,
   CO2 etc., a good basic set up will cost about $400-$500.  This sounds
   like a lot of money and it is.  Only go this route if you have decided
   that Paintball is for you.  Remember:  the $5-$15 per day rental fees
   for field equipment saved by owning your own as well as using the same
   equipment each time that you play can more than make up for the
   investment.

9. HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PAINTBALL?
   Answer:  The easiest and best way to find out more is ask around and
   find people who play.  The next is to talk to the people who run your
   local Paintball Field.  The last is to get a local store to carry the
   magazines ACTION PURSUIT GAMES (4) and PAINTBALL SPORTS MAGAZINE (5).
   These are the leading Paintball magazines and list equipment suppliers,
   fields and have articles dealing with everything from new products to
   tactics to listings of people looking for fellow players.

10.I'M INTERESTED, BUT I LIKE TO DO THINGS WITH MY FRIENDS.
   Answer:  First of all, fields like groups to come out together.  Most
   fields will support and even give discounts to teams for practice time
   so if you find that you and your friends enjoy playing, you might
   consider forming a team.  Fields nationwide sponsor team competition
   with substantial cash and equipment prizes.

-------------------------------

(1)  Source:  National Safety Council.
(2)  Injury is defined as one which results in some degree of permanent
     impairment, or renders the injured person unable to effectively
     perform his regular duties or activities for at least one full day
     beyond the day of the injury.
(3)  Source:  Control systems Inc., administrator of paintball game
     accident insurance plan for air gun game operators.
(4)  Action Pursuit Games, Subscriptions 1-800-435-0715 Published monthly.
(5)  Paintball Sports Magazine, 295 Main St., Mount Kisco, N.Y., 10549
     Tel:914-241-0020.

****************
Originally distributed by:
D. Allen Marketing
P.O. Box 5270
Longview, TX
75608-5270
903-297-2075