Skip to content
Paintball guide

Is paintball safe? How the park keeps every game safe

The rules, the kit and the people who make it work.

Is paintball safe? How Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park runs every game: compulsory masks, the 20-foot rule, three marshals per group, age limits and the safety briefing.

£30 per person 2 to 4 hrs Year 7+ Groups of 10 or more online

Updated 2 October 2026 · Written by the Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park team · 2 min read

Is paintball safe? How the park keeps every game safe

The short answer.

Yes. Paintball is run here under strict, well-practised rules, by marshals who have run games on these zones for decades. Every player gets a safety briefing, a fitted full-face mask and coveralls, and every game is supervised.

Masks stay on until you’re back in the safe area, nobody fires from closer than 20 feet, and three marshals look after every game group.

Standard paintball is for ages 12 and over. Junior Paintball, from Year 5, uses lower-powered markers.

The safety rules.

  • Masks stay onFull-face masks are compulsory, fitted and checked, and stay on until you’re back in the safe area.
  • The 20-foot ruleNever fire at someone closer than 20 feet. At close range, use the surrender option.
  • No head shotsHead hits don’t count, and deliberately aiming at someone’s head isn’t allowed.
  • No blind firingYou must be able to see what you’re shooting at.
  • When you’re outStop shooting, raise your hand and follow the respawn instructions.
  • No alcoholBefore or during any activity.

The people and the kit.

A marshal explaining the paintball rules
  • Three marshals per game groupTwo field marshals and a gun-room marshal.
  • A safety briefingRules, kit and hits explained before you play.
  • Fitted masks and coverallsBody protectors are available too.
  • A safe areaCovered group bays, away from live games.

Age and supervision.

  • Ages 12+ for standard paintballSchool Year 7 and above.
  • Junior Paintball from Year 5Markers at about a third of adult speed, with UKPSF-trained marshals.
  • Under-18sA parent or guardian e-signs the form, and at least one responsible adult must stay with the group.

Weather and postponements.

Paintball normally continues in rain, cold and light snow. If high winds, lightning or other conditions make it unsafe and the park postpones, you’re offered another date or booking credit.

Your questions, answered.

Is paintball safe for beginners?

Yes. Every player gets a safety briefing, and marshals run every game. No experience is needed.

Can paintball damage your eyes?

Full-face masks are compulsory and stay on until you’re back in the safe area, which protects your eyes and face throughout.

Does paintball hurt?

A hit can sting briefly. Read does paintball hurt? for how to keep it to a minimum.

Is paintball safe for children?

Standard paintball is for ages 12+. Junior Paintball, from School Year 5, uses lower-powered markers at about a third of adult speed.

In summary.

  • Masks always onOn the field.
  • 20-foot minimumNo close-range shots.
  • Three marshalsPer game group.
  • Ages 12+Junior from Year 5.

Ready to play, safely?

Marshal-led paintball from £30 per person, 10 minutes from York.

  • 4.9 stars from 480+ Google reviews
  • Running since 1988
  • Free parking

Keep reading.

About this guide. Written by the team at Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park, who have run games here since 1988. Prices and session details are checked against our activity pages. Updated 2 October 2026.

Book a Game