Host a Game

How can you host a game?

When you first got into paintball, you probably fantasized what paintball could be like even before your very first game. You probably imagined a scenario of you rescuing a hostage, being part of a guerrilla group against an evil government, a lone sniper in enemy territory, or any other variation of any possible scenario.

You may have attended scenarios, speedball, indoor, or outdoor fields in the meantime. Your fantasy game may or may not have been realized. But chances are that you still have that 'great idea' of a paintball game that you have yet to play out.

Tunka can help you in realizing this game. Tunka is a social group of paintballers who enjoy diverse paintball adventures and we'd like you to host that game of yours with our help.

How can Tunka help you host your game?

The hardest part of any game is getting a number of players to a physical location at the same point in time. This is the 'big thing' Tunka can do for you. Simply post your game on our event calendar and members will sign up for your game. Every time you post a game, an email with be sent out to all members (presuming you request this). You can also use the forum to discuss details, ask for advice, and even get help.

Who can host?

Any individual or group of individuals, such as a team, 18 years old or older may host.

How do I start?

Presuming you are all ready to go and you got your master game plan, start by posting your game on the calendar. Check the calendar page for instructions.

What are the rules for this sort of thing on national forest?

For details on the legality of paintball on national forest, please check the national forest pages at the left menu.

Other rules you should be aware of is the 74 person rule and no commercial activity without a permit. More than 74 people at one gathering on NF land will require a permit. We aren't sure what will happen if you have 75 or more and a ranger comes by, therefore, don't let it happen. It is possible that the ranger will let you thin the numbers or they may just shut it down and issue citations.

Furthermore, your game cannot be commercial.

What if I need some help in running the game?

If you ask for help in running a game you are likely to get it. Try the forum first. Keep in mind that your success is proportional to your request. Asking for help on short notice probably won't get too far.

The 3 Tunka requirements

There's only 3 reasonable requirements to using Tunka.com's event calendar, email, and other services.

1. Show up to the game you are hosting on time
2. Read the game rules (under the 'game rules' link on the left menu) out loud to everyone who shows up. You can add or subtract to the rules provided that the safety and national forest guidelines remain. You can add other safety rules so long as they don't conflict to the existing ones.
3. Your game isn't commercial in any way

Fees

There are no fees to host a game using Tunka. Bring your own everything or borrow it. There are no forest fees at the time of this writing (permits, if you require, probably do have fees however).

Tips and suggestions

1. Practice makes hosting much easier. The more you host, the easier it gets.
2. A host is most of all a timekeeper. Keep things flowing and your game will be a success. Often, giving players time announcements will get things synchronized. Such as: We will read the rules in 2 minutes. We will read the rules in 30 seconds
3. Plan ahead. If you are doing a scenario, come up with it before it's 'show time'.
4. Divide teams equally. And if the first couple of games aren't even, rearrange.
5. Plan for armbands. You will get new players who have never played with Tunka. A roll of colored tape will usually do. Or have extra armbands.
6. Read the rules out loud. Be sure that everyone heard them and that there's no questions or confusion. Be sure that this applies to your own game rules. A scenario where there's confusion will likely end in disappointment.
7. Common equipment can be borrowed for games. A chrono is quite common these days. Ask on the forum ahead of time.
8. Scenarios are quite popular. Your scenario doesn't need to be elaborate to be effective.
9. Check the field before you host. Never host a game at a field you haven't seen.
10. Forest ranger stations are helpful in your planning for a location. They have maps available and the rangers are usually friendly.
11. Participate in a few games before you host your own.
12. Ask a seasoned host for suggestions and advice when in doubt
13. Establish game rules up front. It is much easier to disagree with a player when you cite previously read rules. Raising your voice and reasons such as 'because i said so' will do you no good. Be factual and pertinent.
14. Arguments among players are often the result of poor rules.
15. If you have helpers, be sure that they know your game plan inside out and are capable of making fair decisions.
16. Don't develop a very complex game plan until you've gained hosting experience.
17. Have fun and relax... sometimes the surprises are the best part.
18. Be sure that your game is on forest land. There are specialized maps available at your local forest ranger station. If your game is on private land, provide proof that you have permission to play there.
19. And when all else fails, send your questions to the admin at admin@tunka.com