Water Balloon Battle Rules
Rules of Play
Field Capture the Flag: The most common game is Capture The Flag, though we will be playing a variety of games throughout the day.
Object:
Team members attempt to find and infiltrate the opponents Flag Station, capture the flag and return it to their station without being marked by a paintball.
Starting the Game:
Teams will be taken to their Flag Station and shown where the flag of the opponent is located.
The Station Judge will announce the time limit for each game and the signal to begin and end your game. Pay attention!
Players must stay within boundaries at all times.
Capture the Flag:
When a player takes their opponents flag, it must be carried openly. The flag bearer may not hide the flag in any way, it must be clearly visible. A violation of this rule will result in the flag being returned. The flag may be passed from one player to another as long as both are still in the game.
When a flag bearer is marked out, he must call himself out and then call loudly for a judge to assist him by saying “JUDGE-FLAG”. The judge will then prop the flag on the nearest object.
Players may never touch their own flag.
Being Marked Out:
A player is marked out when a water balloon hits and breaks on them or any part of their equipment.
If a player is holding an object as a shield and it is hit and marked, he will be out.
Splatter from a water balloon bursting on a nearby object will NOT count unless the clothing is visibly damp.
Any player attempting to conceal wet clothing during a game will be out.
When a player is marked out, he will call out loudly “I’M OUT” or “I’M HIT”, immediately raise an arm, and exit the playing field as quickly as possible. An eliminated player is out of that game and therefore may not speak or motion, or give any supplies or equipment to players still in the game.
Unsportsmanlike acts that will classify you as eliminated include but are not limited to “The Walking Dead” trick and lying about what side you are on.
Hit-check:
When a player has been hit in a location that he cannot see or feel, he or she may call for a check. The player must call “CHECK ME” and continue to play. A judge will come over to check the player for a hit, do not stop playing. If the judge feels it necessary to move the player to check him, he will call the player neutral by shouting out “THIS PLAYER IS NEUTRAL”, and will place a hand on the player. If you see a judge with his hand on a player, that player is neutral. Neutral players may not be targeted, and they may not engage in play until released. Neutral players may not move, and no player may move to improve their position on this player. Once the hit-check has been resolved, the judge will call the player in or out, and the game will resume.
A player may call a hit-check on another player if he is reasonably sure the player has been hit. To do this the player calling the hit-check must say “HIT-CHECK” FOLLOWED BY THE LOCATION AND IF POSSIBLE THE DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAYER TO BE CHECKED. (ie: “hit-check the guy in the black sweatshirt behind the blue barrier to my right”). The more exact the location and description are given, the faster your hit-check will be executed. Judges will not respond to a player simply calling “hit-check” . If hit-checks are called excessively or needlessly the judge may eliminate the player calling the checks. When calling a hit-check on another player you may not move on that player, but you should continue play. You should encourage players who you believe you have eliminated to check themselves by calling out “CHECK YOURSELF PLEASE”. Again, be as specific as possible by telling the player exactly where to check. When a player checks themself, you must stop firing at them.
Surrender Option:
Whenever you get a player in a hopeless situation, (ie.: you are 5 ft. or less from a player who has no idea you are there), you should offer the player a chance to surrender rather than throw at close range. Call out “SURRENDER”. If he or she does not respond in a non-aggressive manner fast enough for you, you may throw. Absolutely NO head shots or multiple “shooting” will be tolerated. To surrender, a player may call “OUT”, “HIT”, “I SURRENDER”, “I GIVE”. “OK”, “UNCLE”, or any other statement that will convey a positive response. Players not making any response, or those who try to bluff will probably be shot.
SAFETY RULES
Any Violation of the Safety Rules will Result in the Offending Player being Ejected from game play.
Safety goggles or safety glasses must be worn at all times. Players must wear goggles or glasses whenever on the field area.
No climbing of objects, structures, or on barriers.
No physical contact. Players may never touch another player or their equipment at any place on the field.
Unauthorized equipment is not allowed on the playing field. Players are not allowed to bring onto the playing field any equipment deemed to be unsafe or not appropriate by the field operator. Players are never allowed to bring onto the field knives of any size, tools of any kind, launchers, pyrotechnics, smoke grenades, or any type of explosives.
Avoid field hazards. Players should avoid all hazards such as fences, ruts, etc. Players should report any field hazard to the field operator.
Players may never construct anything that may hinder the movement of other players. Players are not allowed to construct any sort of barricades or bunkers, nor move the barriers. Only event staff are permitted to move barriers.
Smoking is NOT allowed in the registration area, or on the playing field.
Drugs are not allowed on the premises and will be reported to law enforcement if present.
Alcohol is allowed in the spectator stands and concession areas, but players are prohibited from being under the influence.
Verbal abuse and unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. Profanity, name calling, fighting, or anything else management deems to be inappropriate can be grounds for expulsion. Players ejected for violations will not be given a refund.
Referees decisions on the field are final. Players are not allowed to argue with any referees. Our referees will be happy to discuss any call after the game if you need clarification on a rule.
Teams can register here: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/splash-the-stigma--2025
We are in need of volunteers, sponsors, and donations!
Please contact us if you would like to help out during the event.
Please contact us to become an event sponsor.
Donations can be made here.