Twisted Paintball

As reported by Chris Justus of WJCL/FOX 2 News in Georgia:

A viewer contacted The Coastal Source, emphasizing their concern about the dangers of a popular extreme sport: paintball. Consumer Reporter Chris Justus contacted Billy Smith, owner of Low Country Paintball in Ludowici, and spoke with him about the precautions one should take when participating in the fast-paced sport.

These following points show that paintball, although seen by many as dangerous, unsafe and reckless, can actually be a safe and exciting sport when played with proper protective gear and adequate supervision.

-The sport is safer than many popular sports: “American Sports Data” has researched American sport participation and fitness since 1983; it states that sports such as basketball, soccer, jogging, and cheerleading claim more injuries. Paintball was not even on the “Top 25” list of “U.S. Sports Injuries.”

-Only 0.2 injuries for every 1,000 exposures—one of the least harmful sports in the world.

-No physical contact involved.

-Protective gear prevents injuries.

-Confined to enclosed, supervised fields.

-Referees control game, preventing reckless actions.

-Great exercise during long summer games.

-Gets kids out of house during summer—not playing video games/meet new friends.

-The average person will suffer a paintball injury only once every 500 years.

-Protective Gear: full coverage head mask, elbow/arm shielding pads, barrel cover, long sleeves and long pants, Closed-toed shoes

Billy Smith notes that most injuries people hear about involve paintball players who participate with little or no protective gear, and who play in their own backyards, usually with no adult supervision.

For more information about Paintball or paintball sports injuries visit: americansportsdata.com

Copyright 2009 The Coastal Source

The actual on-camera news report can be viewed at:

http://www.thecoastalsource.com/news/local/story/Paintball-To-Play-or-Not-to-Play/6dVGRjPuSUGVJy7NU-2gxg.cspx

Thanks Fox 2 for airing a positive report about paintball!