andy..
08-09-2003, 08:48
I can't believe how angry I am.
I went to an off road landrover show yesterday (7th Sept) and was walking by on of the stalls when a girl asked me if I had ever thought about playing paintball.
I smiled politley and said I had played a couple of times. She then asked, "What about your kids".
Aren't they a bit young for paintball I said (they are 8 and 5), "how old are they she asked" I told her that the oldest was 8 which she said was a bit young. Great I thought (because I had heard bad things about this company) at least the company recognises age limits, then she said, "He will have to wait until he is 9, although he does look big enough to hold a gun"
This company is prepared to take kids as young as 8, goggles don't even fit him correctly, he is so small.
This from a company that does not even have public liability insurance. (how do I know, because the UKPSF told me)
When we talk about how paintball can improve and become more acceptable to the public, just remember no matter what positive things are done by us, there is a company out there who is wiling to jepordise everything by allowing uninsured people as young as 8 to play.
This company has around 8 sites up and down the country. It's not Skirmish or NPG (you will probably guess who they are).
So what can we do about it. NOTHING, what can the UKPSF do about it, NOTHING.
Even when the UKPSF eventually brings in site visits they will not be able to do anything about these cowboys. And why I hear you ask.
Because "Public Liability insurance" is not a legal requirement.
I think it is time for Fat Bob's to put up a country wide list of recommended sites.
There are other web sites that do it, but guess what, to be included all you have to do is pay. That is just not good enough.
So over the next couple of weeks, watch out for Fat Bob's site guide. If you know anyone who wants to play, send them in the direction of the list. This way you will guarentee your friends will have a great day out at a safe, insured, professional paintball centre.
Comments would be appreciated and recommendations for the list.
I will post up the minnimum requirements for inclusion onto the list as I compile it, also any comments on requirements would help me out.
Thoughts so far
Public liability insurance
minimum age of at least 14 for mixed groups or absolute minimum age of 12 for junior days
Inferno or Tippmann 98 guns (any others are just no reliable enough)
Site must have a chrono and chrono guns EVERY morning
Anti fog goggles
Camo suits (that you don't have to pay extra for)
To have been inspected by HSE and environmental health within the last 2 years and be on a regular visit list
Gun free, undercover safety area (undercover for at least the number of people playing)
Full planning permission (28 day rule is simply not good enough for a professional company)
Written safety policy and risk assesment
Boby armour for under 16's and women
Thanks
Andy
I went to an off road landrover show yesterday (7th Sept) and was walking by on of the stalls when a girl asked me if I had ever thought about playing paintball.
I smiled politley and said I had played a couple of times. She then asked, "What about your kids".
Aren't they a bit young for paintball I said (they are 8 and 5), "how old are they she asked" I told her that the oldest was 8 which she said was a bit young. Great I thought (because I had heard bad things about this company) at least the company recognises age limits, then she said, "He will have to wait until he is 9, although he does look big enough to hold a gun"
This company is prepared to take kids as young as 8, goggles don't even fit him correctly, he is so small.
This from a company that does not even have public liability insurance. (how do I know, because the UKPSF told me)
When we talk about how paintball can improve and become more acceptable to the public, just remember no matter what positive things are done by us, there is a company out there who is wiling to jepordise everything by allowing uninsured people as young as 8 to play.
This company has around 8 sites up and down the country. It's not Skirmish or NPG (you will probably guess who they are).
So what can we do about it. NOTHING, what can the UKPSF do about it, NOTHING.
Even when the UKPSF eventually brings in site visits they will not be able to do anything about these cowboys. And why I hear you ask.
Because "Public Liability insurance" is not a legal requirement.
I think it is time for Fat Bob's to put up a country wide list of recommended sites.
There are other web sites that do it, but guess what, to be included all you have to do is pay. That is just not good enough.
So over the next couple of weeks, watch out for Fat Bob's site guide. If you know anyone who wants to play, send them in the direction of the list. This way you will guarentee your friends will have a great day out at a safe, insured, professional paintball centre.
Comments would be appreciated and recommendations for the list.
I will post up the minnimum requirements for inclusion onto the list as I compile it, also any comments on requirements would help me out.
Thoughts so far
Public liability insurance
minimum age of at least 14 for mixed groups or absolute minimum age of 12 for junior days
Inferno or Tippmann 98 guns (any others are just no reliable enough)
Site must have a chrono and chrono guns EVERY morning
Anti fog goggles
Camo suits (that you don't have to pay extra for)
To have been inspected by HSE and environmental health within the last 2 years and be on a regular visit list
Gun free, undercover safety area (undercover for at least the number of people playing)
Full planning permission (28 day rule is simply not good enough for a professional company)
Written safety policy and risk assesment
Boby armour for under 16's and women
Thanks
Andy