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Paintball supporters have combated these negative perceptions in several ways. Some attempt to de-emphasis military themes, for example referring to paintball guns as 'paintball markers' or by wearing colorful athletic uniforms instead of camouflage. Media coverage of tournaments, teams, and scenario events shows that mainstream paintball possesses the same general level of sportsmanship, professionalism, safety, camaraderie and constructive competition as many other sports and activities.<!-- General knowledge - shouldn't need a citation --> It includes diverse members consisting of many races, nationalities, ages, creeds, ideologies, and genders. As an organized sport, it bears no pattern of drawing criminals or inciting civil disturbance.<!-- Players are not usually known to violently assault each other, either during or after a game, as opposed to such traditionally acceptable sports as hockey, where fistfights during play are commonplace. ---- I'm commenting this out (again) as the 'source' does not compare incidence of violent confrontation in hockey with paintball. ~~~~ Citation needed here (to avoid potential POV complaints), as is provided --><ref>(2004): USATODAY.com [http://www.usatoday.com/sports/2004-09-02-pros-cons-fighting_x.htm] URL accessed on 21st October, 2006</ref> --> Since the sport's inception, its level of acceptance as a legitimate recreational activity among the general public has increased largely with greater exposure.<!-- General knowledge --> It is believed by paintball's supporters that greater coverage and education of the sport will settle the controversy and lead to greater overall public acceptance. <!-- Again, general knowledge -->
Due to recent insurance analysis, paintball has been shown to be one of the safest sports in terms of the chance of suffering a severe injury such as broken bones, deep cuts and concussion. Even golf has been proven to be more dangerous. There are no accurate figures for minor injuries, but one can suspect that they are fairly high.
Recently, professional players have started signing contracts and getting paid. Ex-Dynasty player, [[Oliver Lang]], widely regarded as the best player in the world, signed a 3-year contract with the Los Angeles Ironmen for $100,000. Many players see this as the next step to the acceptance of paintball as a legitimate sport.
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