U.S. patent application number 10/164391 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-11 for paintball game rules and scoring system.
Invention is credited to Italia, Richmond.
Application Number | 20030228940 10/164391 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29710193 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030228940 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Italia, Richmond |
December 11, 2003 |
Paintball game rules and scoring system
Abstract
A method and playing field for a competitive paintball game that
increases the amount of action occurring during the game period,
and the enjoyment of the spectators. The playing surface for the
paintball competition includes a pair of opposite end lines of the
playing surface, each of which is defended by an opposing team. The
playing surface includes a series of field bunkers positioned along
the playing surface. The paintball competition is played for a
predetermined match time divided into separate periods. During each
period, each of the opposing teams attempts to obtain the flag
located in the center of the playing surfaces and carry the flag
past the opposing team's end line before being shot by a paintball.
When one of the paintball teams scores, a point is awarded to the
scoring team and a new game begins, a match consisting of a
plurality of games. The flag may be passed between members of each
team during the game play. A series of different penalties are
assessed to each of the teams during game play based upon
violations of the rules under which the paintball competition is
run. Upon receiving a penalty, the penalized player must leave the
playing surface and remain within a penalty box for the penalty
period.
Inventors: |
Italia, Richmond; (Quebec,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RICHMOND ITALIA
1805 BORD DU LAC
ILE BIZARD
QC
H9E 1A2
CA
|
Family ID: |
29710193 |
Appl. No.: |
10/164391 |
Filed: |
June 10, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/415 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 67/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/415 |
International
Class: |
A63B 067/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A method of playing a paintball game between a first team of
players and a second team of players, wherein each player has a
paintball gun for discharging paintballs, the method comprising the
steps of: providing a playing surface having a first end line and a
second, opposing end line, with a flag placed in the exact center
of the playing surface; positioning the first team of players near
the first end line, the first team having the objective to score
points by obtaining the flag and carrying said flag past the second
end line before being shot by one of the second team players;
positioning the second team of players near the second end line,
the second team having the objective to score points by obtaining
the flag and carrying said flag past the first end line before
being shot by one of the first team players; awarding a point to
the first team to carry the flag past the other teams end line,
whereupon a new game begins with the same objective, a match
consisting of a plurality of games contained in the time period of
the match; and determining a winning team based on which of the
first team and the second team accumulates the largest point total
over a predetermined match time.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of
distributing a plurality of bunkers on the playing surface, the
bunkers being placed on the playing surface.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the bunkers are generally equally
distributed throughout the plurality of zones.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: dividing
the game time into a plurality of individual periods, each period
having a predetermined time limit; and repositioning each of the
first and second teams near the end lines at the completion of each
period.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of
repositioning both the first team and the second team near the
respective end lines each time a player from one of the teams
scores by crossing the goal carrying the team flag.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of removing a
player from the playing surface when the player is shot by a
paintball.
7. The method of claim 6 further comprising the step of
repositioning the players from the first team and the second team
near the respective end lines after a player from one of the teams
scores by crossing the goal carrying the team flag, including
repositioning the players previously eliminated by being shot.
8. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: removing
a player from the playing field for a penalty period when the
player commits a penalty infraction, the penalty period being less
than the game time; and returning the penalized player to the
playing field only upon expiration of the penalty period.
9. A method of playing a paintball game between a first team of
players and a second team of players, wherein each player has a
paintball gun for discharging paintballs, the method comprising the
steps of: providing a playing surface having a first end line and a
second, opposing end line, with a flag placed in the exact center
of the playing surface; positioning the first team of players near
the first end line, the first team having the objective to score
points by obtaining the flag and carrying said flag past the second
end line before being shot by one of the second team players;
positioning the second team of players near the second end line,
the second team having the objective to score points by obtaining
the flag and carrying said flag past the first end line before
being shot by one of the first team players; removing the players
from the playing surface when the player is hit by a paintball;
removing the players from the playing field for a penalty period
when the player commits a penalty infraction; repositioning the
players from both the first team and the second team near the
respective end lines after a player from either the first team or
the second team scores by crossing the goal carrying the respective
team flag; resuming the paintball game after the players have been
repositioned near the respective end lines; awarding a point to the
first team to carry the flag past the other teams end line,
whereupon a new game begins with the same objective, a match
consisting of a plurality of games contained in the time period of
the match; and determining a winning team based on which of the
first team and the second team accumulates the largest point total
over a predetermined match time.
10. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of
distributing a plurality of bunkers on the playing surface, the
bunkers being placed in each of the zones on the playing
surface.
11. The method of claim 9 further comprising the steps of: dividing
the game time into a plurality of individual periods, each period
having a predetermined time limit; repositioning each of the first
and second teams near their respective end lines at the completion
of each period; and resuming the paintball game after the players
have been repositioned near their respective end lines.
12. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of returning
the players hit by a paintball to the paintball game upon the
resumption of the paintball game after a score and after the
completion of each period.
13. The method of claim 11 further comprising the placement of a
command tower on the side line of the playing surface, said command
tower having an attached scoreboard to display the game scores,
time remaining in the game, time remaining in a play stoppage,
penalty times, and speed of paintballs when measured by judges by
use of a chronograph which transmits its recorded speed to a
display on the scoreboard.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a method of playing
competitive paintball, and a scoring system for such matches.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Paintball games have been played in various forms for many
years, and generally include two opposing teams of players of
varying numbers, each with a paintball marker. The paintball
markers use compressed gas to propel paint-filled gelatin capsules
at players on the opposing team. A player hit by such a missile is
marked by the paint and immediately eliminated.
[0003] Currently, paintball competitions are played using one of
two basic formats--"center flag" or "dual flag". In a center flag
competition, a single flag is hung at the middle of the playing
field. Two competing teams start from different ends of the playing
field and attempt to capture the flag and carry it to their
opponent's flag station on the opposite end of the field. In the
dual flag system, each of the opposing teams begins the game at
opposite ends of the field with their team's flag hanging at their
own flag station. The object of the game for each team is to
capture the opposing team's flag and return it to their team's
station while at the same time protecting their team's flag from
capture from the opposing team. In each of these games, a team
player is eliminated by being shot by a paintball.
[0004] In the conventional paintball games described above, points
are typically awarded for the number of opponents eliminated during
the game and for the first team to grab the opponent's flag, with
additional points being given to the first team to hang their
opponent's flag in the proper station. Each paintball match is
played until one of the teams captures their opponent's flag and
returns it to the proper flag station, or until the game time
expires. Since points are awarded to both teams based on the number
of opponents eliminated, a premium is placed on avoiding
elimination. One disadvantage of this method of play is that it
encourages conservative play, since if a player gets eliminated,
the player is giving points to the opposing team, regardless of
which team is successful in capturing the flag. Therefore,
paintball games typically evolve into a series of long-range
shooting duels, frequently with little or no action for long
periods of time, making the game of little interest to
spectators.
[0005] However, the main disadvantage of this method of play is
that the scoring system is often difficult for spectators to
follow, and such parties often have little or no idea what is going
on in the game while it is proceeding. These disadvantages have
kept the sport of paintball from attracting large numbers of
spectators or television broadcasts of competitive tournaments.
[0006] There exists one recently developed game system that
addresses the first disadvantage listed above, but which fails to
adequately address the second. It provides for various penalties
for improper game play and removes a player from the game for
committing one of specified penalties. It places a time limit on
the paintball game that is divided into several individual timed
periods. Further, it provides for a paintball game that returns
each team to full strength after each score and upon completion of
each period, and provides for a set time limit as opposed to prior
games having a varying time limit. These are all improvements over
the prior art, but fail to go far enough to resolve many of the
other disadvantages present in competitive paintball to date. Two
main disadvantages remain in this system.
[0007] Firstly, it provides for a complex scoring system that
rewards the scoring team for scoring a goal, while determining the
number of points awarded based upon the position of the opponent's
flag when the scoring team scores. Secondly, it also fails to make
the details of game play, such as scoring, time remaining and
penalties, easily accessible to spectators.
[0008] It is desirable to have a paintball game including a set of
rules that encourages a fast-paced, high-scoring competition that
allows viewers to follow the action and be entertained by risky and
daring playing strategies. It is also desirable to have a scoring
system and game play system that is simple, easy to follow and
allows spectators to become involved in the game.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention consists of a set of rules for playing
competitive paintball, with a unique associated playing surface and
simple scoring system. The playing surface extending between two
end lines and defined by a pair of spaced, parallel sidelines, and
a flag is placed at the exact center of the field. The playing
surface includes a plurality of obstructions known as field bunkers
providing cover for the players. Each end of the playing surface
includes a team staging area, which must be reached to score a
point, an area which serves as the exit and entry point for players
from each team, a penalty box, and an area for a coach and
assistant coaches, players not currently on the field, and the pit
crew. The pit crew consists of individuals who clean the player's
equipment and prepare them for each game during the match. Seating
is provided for spectators on one side of the field, while on the
other side is placed the command tower. This is where the top judge
oversees the action on the field and coordinates the field judges.
The scoreboard is also mounted on the command tower, in plain view
of the teams and all spectators.
[0010] The scoreboard digitally displays the current score, time
remaining in any time outs (for example, between games), time
remaining in the game, penalty times and muzzle velocities recorded
by field judges on the playing field by use of their hand-held
radar chronograph.
[0011] During game play, each of the opposing teams attempts to
obtain the flag and to carry it across the playing surface to the
other teams staging area while attempting to shoot opposing players
and avoid being struck by a paintball. Any player stuck by a
paintball is eliminated and must leave the playing surface.
[0012] The game play continues until each player from one of the
two teams is eliminated or until a player from either team scores
by carrying the flag through the plane formed by the opposing
team's end line, scoring one point for that team. After either team
scores, all players return to their start zone and the eliminated
players re-enter the game. Thus, each time a goal is scored, both
teams return to full strength before the game resumes. There is a
short time out for cleaning and equipment servicing, strategy
discussions, and possibly the choosing of new players from the pool
in the staging area to play in the next game.
[0013] The paintball competition has a specified game time limit,
which is divided into a plurality of equal time periods. In the
embodiment of the invention disclosed, the game time is divided
into four separate quarters. At the termination of each quarter,
the teams switch sides and are returned to full strength.
[0014] During the game play, penalties are assessed to players from
each team if the players violate the rules set out for running the
paintball game. Upon incurring a penalty, the penalized player must
leave the playing surface and remain within his team's penalty box
until the penalty period has expired.
[0015] Various other features, objects and advantages of the
invention will be made apparent from the following description
taken together with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The invention, as exemplified by a preferred embodiment, is
described with reference to drawings in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a top view of a suggested playing surface in one
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Referring to the drawings, the embodiment of the invention
shown, FIG. 1 illustrates a paintball game field 10 comprises a
playing surface 12, generally defined by a pair of spaced, parallel
end lines 14 and a pair of spaced, parallel sidelines 16 that
connect the tow end lines.
[0019] A staging area 18 for each team is placed behind each of the
end lines, which is used by players not currently on the field and
pit crews. The staging area is also used to provide a location for
game players to store equipment and rest when they have been
eliminated from the game action or between breaks in play. Between
the staging area and the playing surface is a penalty area 20 for
members of that team that receive penalties from the judges, a gate
area 22 by which players enter and exit the playing area, and a
coaching area 24 from which the coaches can follow the game and
plan strategy. The playing area contains a plurality of bunkers 26
to provide cover for the player during the match. These bunkers
serve to shield the players from being shot by paintballs during
the match.
[0020] A command tower 28 is placed on one sideline, to which is
attached the scoreboard 30. The spectators sit in stands 32 placed
on the opposite sideline, with full view of the playing surface and
the scoreboard. The chief (or ultimate) judge sits in the command
tower, from which he can oversee and organize the match and the
field judges.
[0021] The scoreboard contains digital displays of the team names,
the overall game timer, another timer which records time remaining
in any time outs, a plurality of timers for penalties, the scores
for each team, and a display for on-field chronograph readings. The
displays allow the spectators, and the players, to follow closely
the action on the playing field. The chronograph readings allow the
judges to monitor the speed of paintballs fired from player
markers, which for safety reasons are not allowed to exceed 300
feet per second by more than 10 feet per second. The spectators can
use the display to keep track of these readings.
[0022] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, each match
consists of four quarters lasting an equal length of time. Teams
switch ends after each quarter. A flag is positioned at the exact
center of the playing surface. Each game consists of each team with
a plurality of players attempting to obtain the flag and carry it
forward past the far end of the field. Once this occurs, a single
point is scored and that game ends. The game does not end before a
point is scored unless the quarter ends. The clock is stopped for a
small period of time while players are cleaned up, have their
equipment serviced, and perhaps allowing for new players to take
the field. Then the next game begins. A game automatically ends
once a quarter expires, whether a point has been scored or not. The
period between games is three minutes in this embodiment of the
invention.
[0023] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, although each
team has ten players available, a maximum of five may be on the
playing surface at any one time, less if penalties have been
called. A different number of players could be used while still
operating within the scope of the invention.
[0024] Each game begins once all the players from each team are
positioned in their respective start zones 22, and a judge
indicates the beginning of play in some fashion. Each of the
players is required to wear appropriate protection, including eye
protection. The game clock, which is used to determine the official
time of the game, starts upon the beginning of play and continues
to run until a penalty is called or until a team scores. After the
start of the game, the players from each team begin to advance
along the length of the playing surface while hiding behind the
field bunkers to avoid being shot by a paintball from the opposing
team, with the sole objective of seizing the flag. At the same
time, each player is also attempting to eliminate players from the
opposing team by shooting the opposing players with paintballs from
their paintball guns. Once a player has obtained the flag, he must
try to carry it past the plane of the other team's end line. As the
game is being played, the players on each team may carry or throw
the flag to any other player on the same team, but the flag cannot
be hidden and must always be visible to the other team.
[0025] During a paintball game, if the player on either team
carrying the flag is eliminated by being shot, the player carrying
the flag must drop the flag in the location where the player was
shot. The team flag remains on the playing surface 12 until another
player can obtain it, or until a judge picks it up and carries it
back to the center of the field. Any player may take the flag from
the judge at any point during this process.
[0026] During a paintball match organized and run in accordance
with the rules of the present invention, penalties are assessed to
players from each team for violating the rules of the game. When a
penalty has been incurred, the player committing the infraction is
placed in his team's the penalty area for a variable length of
time, depending on the infraction. A plurality of referees are
positioned around the playing surface to monitor the game action
and call penalties when a rule is violated. The referees are
allowed to move around the playing surface to monitor for penalties
and help determine when a player has been eliminated.
[0027] Listed below is a description of the type of penalties that
can be incurred during a paintball competition organized within the
scope of the present invention:
1 INFRACTION PENALTY Re-entering field after elimination 10 minute
misconduct Wiping paint off 10 minute misconduct 10 minute
misconduct (could result in match Fighting or hostile contact
misconduct at judge's discretion) 10 minute misconduct + Illegal
Marker match misconduct 10 minute misconduct + Marker tools on the
field match misconduct 10 minute misconduct + Playing on non-roster
team suspension Acting in a manner similar to being out Elimination
Failure to obey judge's directions Elimination Foot outside flag
station at start of game Elimination Missing armband Elimination
Moving on a neutral player Elimination Out-of-bounds Elimination
Separated from clothing or equipment by more Elimination than 5
feet Forfeited Match Lose Match Marker velocity over field limit in
excess of 10 Major feet per second Playing-on: advancing
(continuing to play more Major than 3 seconds after elimination)
Playing-on: obvious hit Major Shooting at judges Major Unauthorized
clothing Major Deliberate avoidance of judge Minor Excessive
shooting Minor False paint checks Minor Marker velocity over field
limit by less than or Minor equal to 10 feet per second Playing-on:
unobvious hit Minor Playing-on: spinning (continuing to play less
Minor than 3 seconds after elimination) Verbal abuse Minor Altering
field before or during tournament Suspension
[0028] The scoring system of the present invention encourages each
of the teams to take risks to obtain the flag and advance it as
down the playing surface, and yet is simple enough to avoid
confusion in the spectators, unlike the prior art.
[0029] Although only a single embodiment of the present invention
has been described and illustrated, the present invention is not
limited to the features of this embodiment, but includes all
variations and modifications with the scope of the claims. Various
alternatives and embodiments are contemplated as being within the
scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and
distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the
invention.
* * * * *