Engagement Distance & Surrender Policies

Overview

Distance-based engagement and surrender rules define minimum allowable distances for firing in close-range encounters and procedures for safe interaction when players face each other at short distance.

Key Points

• Surrender rules vary by facility but follow defined safety logic
• Some formats enforce minimum firing distances for specific equipment types
• Procedures outline how close-range encounters must be handled
• Officials enforce compliance to reduce unnecessary close-range impacts

Details

Engagement distance rules exist to reduce the risk of injury when players encounter one another at close range. Although specific policies differ between facilities and leagues, they generally define minimum safe distances for firing markers or outline surrender procedures designed to avoid direct close-range impacts.

A surrender policy, where required, instructs players to verbally offer an opponent the option to concede when at close range. Acceptance or refusal is handled based on the rule set published by the facility or event. If surrender is declined, players must follow the designated safety procedure for disengaging or re-engaging.

Some rule sets specify minimum firing distances for certain equipment types, such as pump markers or markers with higher-impact characteristics. These limits are designed around safety vulnerability, field size, and insurance requirements.

Officials monitor close-range interactions and assess penalties for firing at distances below the mandated threshold or for intentionally exploiting proximity to force unsafe eliminations. Officials may call neutral checks, reposition players, or issue penalties depending on circumstances.

These rules focus solely on regulating the safety aspects of close-range player interaction without providing tactical guidance.

Related Topics

• Rules, Safety & Player Conduct
• Penalties & Infractions in 1v1 Paintball
• Equipment Rules & Legality in 1v1 Paintball
• Refereeing & Officiating Standards