[Renko]

So recently I and a friend of mine have gotten jobs at a local field that never used to have refs but is now getting bigger and better. The only problem is we need a good first time player speech that doesn't bore the hell out of people. The one we currently use is about 10-15 minutes long and you can really tell on peoples faces that it's just boring, basic info that is as common as 'dont point the gun at your face ~_~' So boring and basic, they stop listening.

So in short; my fields intro speech is too long and way way too boring. Can anyone help me out here and give me a rundown of what NEEDS to be talked about and possibly how they do it to keep interest?

[tvise]

I have a 2 sided piece of paper.

How long is yours?

We go over where/how to start the game, Mask rules, marker rules, blind man(other safety hazards), blind firing, surrender, as well as staging area rules, and then we show them how to fill the marker and what safety is as well as a few things they may miss like clicking the lid in.

I try to add to it so people get a kick out of it...

Personally as being a ref for almost a year and a half you have to take acertive action*... if people are not listening you should tell them to listen without being rude.

When I have this problem I just ask them to pay attention.

In short you need to have them written down so you do not miss one and you don't skip around as much. This will also help get it done faster in the long run because you will have it rehearsed if you will.

[Marmaduke]

I reffed for two years, and our initial brief took about 6-8 minutes to get through. Basic safety issues were covered, as well as basic marker operation. Tried to throw in a few jokes as well to keep people's attention.

Are you trying to include game rules as well? We would always go over those quickly at each field rather than include them in the initial brief.

[Renko]

Thanks for the tips guys, the real problem here is that the field owner hasn't had anyone on the fields; it's just been him handing out rentals and giving a speech and sending groups off by themselves... if you can kind of understand that...

[Snpr13]

That's how every feild around here always has been like. But our local fields our usually experienced local players

[Absently (Banned)]

Have you ever been on an airplane? And how when they give their safety briefing they act it out, or show you examples? You should do that but make it funny!

[Wubzy]

Be serious, make a joke or two, maybe even let them shoot you once. Be silly, yell, at the end yell NOW WHO'S READY TO PLAY PAINTBALL! Then start to run, pretend to trip and say, "Now that's how not to play paintball" they will laugh /missionacomplished.

[Shiner777]

I always throw in jokes all the time

[p8ntballer4life189]

My personal quote, "I have a huge responsibility to make sure everyone leaves with just as many eyeballs as they showed up with." Gets a laugh most of the time and gets and important point across. Also, "The people on the other team are technically your enemies during the game but we're all friends here so look out for eachother out there." This lightens the mood between strangers who are about to shoot the crap out of eachother. Feel free to use them both! =D