Paint Check
Overview
A paint check is a referee inspection used to determine whether a paintball has legally broken on a player, resolving ambiguous hits, splatter, or bounce situations.
Key Points
- Triggered by player request or referee observation.
- Determines whether a hit is a break or a bounce.
- Referees may declare the player neutral during inspection.
- Decisions are final and immediately affect live gameplay.
- Critical for fairness in high pressure engagements.
Details
A paint check is the official process used by referees to confirm whether a player has sustained a valid elimination. During a paint check, referees examine paint marks, shell residue, fill consistency, and splatter direction. Because hit clarity varies especially in close quarters battles, crossfield shots, or ricochet scenarios paint checks preserve integrity by resolving disputes objectively.
Players often request paint checks when they feel a hit but cannot see the impact zone, or when splatter from bunkers creates ambiguous markings. While the check occurs, referees may declare the player neutral, preventing either team from exploiting the situation.
Paint check rulings significantly impact gameplay, determining whether a player returns to action, is eliminated, or in rare cases, receives a penalty for wiping.
Video References
Related Topics
Linked From
- Calling a Hit
- Elimination
- Hit Zone
- Impact Check
- Paintball Fill Characteristics
- Ref Check
- Surrender Rule
- Wipe (Wiping)
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