Editing Paintball marker (section)

== Safety and regulation ==

Paintball markers operate at projectile velocities capable of causing injury without appropriate protective equipment.

Marker use is therefore subject to field rules, competition regulations and applicable safety standards.

ASTM International publishes ASTM F2272, ''Standard Specification for Paintball Markers'', covering performance requirements and testing procedures for recreational paintball markers.[8]

Markers are commonly checked with a chronograph before play to ensure that their projectile velocity complies with the applicable limits.

In NXL tournament competition, marker velocity is limited to 300 feet per second, with electronic rate-of-fire limits also applying.

The maximum electronic rate of fire in the 2026 NXL rules is 10.5 paintballs per second.[9]

Recreational fields and other tournament organisations may establish different or more restrictive limits.

Barrel-blocking devices, marker safeties and designated safe areas are important components of field safety procedures.

Players must also use paintball protective equipment appropriate to the playing environment.

ASTM F1776 establishes specifications for eye, face and head protective devices used in paintball.[10]