It involves two teams, of varying number, equipped with paintball markers. These are basically low powered air-guns, which fire a gelatin coated ball of paint. The rules of the game may depend on what is decided on the day, or may vary from field to field, but the general concensus is that one team is trying to capture the flag of another. Social game fields can be anything from forested areas, to a barricaded arena. Tournament Games Tournament Paintball is a very different animal, and many members of the public may be currently unfamiliar with how this works.
Teams play to strict international rules under the supervision of several on-field referees.
There are many tournament teams in New Zealand. The overall concept is similar to social paintball. For example, the New Zealand Nationals are 7-man events, whereas regional tournaments may be 3 man or 5 man events. The equipment used by tournament paintballers is usually self-owned rather than hired from a field, and can vary considerably in performance and price. Centre Flag - A flag is placed in the centre of the field.