There are 29 in total, ranging in three categories from game play, safety precautions and safety rules.

In this first category of game play, there are 18 rules.

Among these rules are rules for the referee, the player, and how to handle specific situations. In each game of paintball, there must always be one referee per game.

The referee's job is to do Paint Checks, which is when someone is unsure they have been marked. They also whistle for the start, stops, continuations and finally end of game. Decisions made by the referee's are final, and should not be questioned until after the game.

For each player, there are several basic paintball rules that must be stick to.

For example, If you are marked by a paintball that explodes, you must call yourself as "OUT" or "DEADMAN". When you do this, you are required to hold your gun over your head and leave the playing field as quickly and safely as possible. If you are hit with a paintball and the ball does not explode, you may remain in play.

If you are hit with splatter, and are uncertain if it hit you directly, call yourself as "OUT" so you are not considered a cheater. If you are positive that it is splatter, you may remain in play.

If you are playing a capture the flag game, only one player is permitted to guard the flag at any given time. These basic paintball rules are in place to prevent an entire team from going on the defensive and beating their opponent by the sheer number of players on the defense.

There are many other rules, but these are the very basic ones for game play. For safety, there are 8 basic paintball rules that should be enforced at all times.

First, you must wear long sleeved shirts and full length pants.

This is for your own protection and there is no room for compromise. Also, during a game, goggles must be worn at all times on the playing field. Do not take these off until you are well out of the way of the playing field.

There is also to be no physical interactions between players at anytime.

It is forbidden to shoot from a distance of under five meters. The paintball leaves the barrel at an astonishing speed, and your opponent may be injured if you do not adhere to this rule.

If you hold your gun over your head, no one is allowed to shoot at you. Do NOT do this unless you are a "DEADMAN" or in case of an emergency.

A "DEADMAN" is not to shoot, or be shot at while leaving the field.

Under no circumstances whatsoever, you are not to hit a referee. With fist, or paintball

Finally, there is to be no consumption of alcohol before, after or during the game.

The next set of basic paintball rules are basic precautions. These rules are common sense, and regard the care and handling of your gun.

For a few examples, you are to keep a plug in your paintball gun's barrel at all times unless in game play, as well as cleaning your equipment after play. If you do not know how to care for your gun properly, ask a teammate or referee. They will help you after the game if you ask them politely.

In conclusion, though while this set of basic paintball rules are incomplete, you should be able to obtain a basic idea for the rules of paintball.