Sportsmanship & Behavior Standards

Overview

Behavioral standards define acceptable and unacceptable conduct before, during, and after regulated paintball matches, ensuring orderly gameplay and consistent officiating conditions.

Key Points

• Players must follow referee instructions at all times
• Unsportsmanlike behavior is subject to penalties
• Taunting, intimidation, or interference disrupts regulated play
• Behavior rules apply to players, staff, and associated personnel

Details

Sportsmanship standards establish expectations for player and team behavior throughout events. These expectations apply in staging areas, during matches, and while communicating with officials and opponents.

Behavior classified as unsportsmanlike includes verbal aggression, intimidation, deliberate interference with calls, manipulation of penalties, refusal to follow referee instructions, and any action that disrupts orderly match execution.

Referees may issue warnings, minor penalties, major penalties, or ejections depending on severity and recurrence. Tournament structures typically specify escalation paths and outline how ejections impact team rosters or match eligibility.

Team staff, coaches, and pit personnel are also bound by conduct rules. Unauthorized sideline coaching, interference with referees, or violation of pit-area access controls are treated as conduct violations and may be enforced against the team.

Sportsmanship requirements are not intended to shape strategy or communication style. They exist solely to maintain consistency, fairness, and safety in regulated environments.

Related Topics

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