It has yet to occur to some people that paintballs aren't water balloons. Even a water balloon can hurt someone if dropped on him from a sufficient height, but on the whole all you get is wet. Paintballs are projectiles.

I agree with the remarks made at the end of the article: users and their parents need to use recreational equipment responsibly. The people who enjoy the sport also have a responsibility to get that safety message out there. I bet those kids thought that it was just a little balloon filled with paint, just like egging a car, only with a cool little gun to throw with instead of just your hand. Mean, yes, but not meant to be violent.

Paintball enthusiasts have every reason to be afraid. Unless they want to attract unwanted legal and governmental attention, they'll need to get proactive on the safety issue in a hurry. They can take a page from skateboarders: you can wear gear and stick to designated areas, and still be cool.

Is there a team paintball event as part of the X Games yet?

Regards--
Mary Anne