Paintball is an expensive sport. Most sports are. However, money isn't the only thing you spend playing paintball. There is another valuable commodity: time. Unlike money (because you can always try to make more) you only have a finite amount of time to deal with. You can't make the day longer.
While it hasn't happened to me personally, or to those I routinely play with, I am quite positive that improper paintball time management has ruined relationships and friendships. Those in your life, who share your heart, must also share your heart with paintball. Realize too that there are worse things you could be doing away from your loved ones. Playing paintball is a harmless activity if you manage your time wisely. Here is how I have done it since 1984.
GET FAMILY MEMBERS TO PLAY
The family that plays together stays together. Even if some family members don't play, they can always come out and watch. If they don't want to come out and watch, don't pressure them into doing so.
SCHEDULE
Allot time, at the first of the season for paintball. Mark your playing days on the calendar. This way everyone in the household knows when you will be playing. Also they can tell at a glance when the best time to visit grandma will be.
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
Don't play during special family times like birthdays and anniversaries. This will just lead to animosity. You know when these dates are coming up, if it means missing a day of paintball, so be it. You can always get another game day, you can't get another family that easily.
ASK
If you are going to play outside of your schedule (it happens) ask first. It isn't "getting permission" it is finding out if there is anything planned for the weekend you want to go play.
NON-TEAM ACTIVITIES
Okay, so you are out playing. How about scheduling a day at the beach for all the team's families. A picnics, museum tours, local bus tours, or whatever is available in your area.
SPOUSE AND PARENT NIGHTS
Have at least one of these a year where all the families of the team members can socialize. At the very least they will have someone to talk to that can identify with what they are going through. You'd be surprised how many team wives don't know the other team wives. Parents of younger players will realize that their team members are hard working "normal" people, just like they are.
BE CONSIDERATE
Spend less time talking about paintball when you're not playing. Your family already knows more than they care to about paintball, believe me. Give them a break, okay?
CONCLUSION
I am extremely fortunate that I have a spouse that doesn't mind me playing paintball. (Even weekends away.) I still have to manage my time because for some unknown reason she likes having me around. (Go figure.) I try to be as fair as possible and I always schedule my paintball year as far in advance as I can.
Our paintball club (The Canadian Contingent Paintball Club) also has family days where we go watch the local minor league baseball team, our NHL home team, backyard barbecues, dining out and other events where everyone can come.
A little forethought and planning goes a long way to help maintain household harmony.
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