The staging area or safe zone is actually the most likely place for an accident to happen. No matter what the field's rules are a player should always try to be extra safe in this area because no one is wearing goggles.

All paintguns should have chambers cleared, safeties on, AND barrel plugs in place. Never fire or even "dry fire" your 'gun in the safe zone and never point it at someone no matter how safe you think it is.

With the introduction of electro guns barrel condoms are now the standard blocking device. Since a barrel plug will only stop the first shot. (Jan 20/03)

Never work on your 'gun in the staging area without first removing all paintballs and disconnecting the air source. If you need to test fire your paintgun put on your goggles and take it to the target range.

Make sure other players follow these rules as well and if necessary politely explain why they are important. Remember, it's your safety as well and someone else's mistake could cost YOU an eye.

(Originally printed in The Excellent News June 8th, 1995)