 Experienced refs wear very thick head protection, like this Hundredth Monkey padded cap. Photos by Skirmish.com  The original JT USA enhanced head protection system, over the top and behind the head plus a chin strap.  Standard head protection does not cover the top or back of the head. |
Remember Sgt. Splatter? He's the man with all the paintballs. He's also a little goofy from too many head shots. He can't remember his own name, or where the flag is.
Paintballs can thump your head pretty hard. The result can be a lump, bruise, and even a concussion. Multiple head shots can hospitalize a player (it has happened). Look closely at the pros. Nearly all wear a thick head covering, for good reason. They take hard, punishing, deliberately aimed head shots. Right or wrong, it's how they play the game. The experienced national-level refs wear plenty of head protection, often Hundredth Monkey padded caps (players wear those, too). Going in to pull a player or make a paintcheck turns a ref into a tasty target needing good protection.
Paintball stores carry enhanced head-protection systems. They cover the top and back of the head, and have a chin strap along with a headband to help keep goggles firmly on. Parents like them because they offer extended head protection.
JT USA is into its next-generation systems. Extreme Rage and VForce have their models out. Other brands are on the way.
Safety advocates welcome these options.
Objectors say the fuller protection systems make you a bigger target, so you get hit easier and out of the game sooner. But, if everyone wore them, it's the same for all, and designers can create lower-profile models.
Some say a chin strap's not comfortable. Neither is a concussion or eye injury.
Others complain they won't recognize players without seeing their hair. You can hardly tell now because players wear thick head coverings. Besides, the fuller systems have more plastic surface for a player number and team name or logo. Getting to be famous is easier when fans and sportscasters can tell who you are.
We all know there's no way to prevent head shots. These new head-protection systems can, however, make head shots far less painful. With all the other benefits of enhanced protection, no wonder the whispers ask, "When will these become mandatory?"
