Will my child be playing with adults?

We want every “young gun” at our Newcastle centre to have a world-class experience. Here is how we manage player groupings at Freemans Waterhole:

• Balanced Matchmaking: Our standard practice is to separate children and adult groups to ensure a fair and competitive environment. We make every effort to match your group with other players of a similar age and ability.

• Legal Age Requirements: Under NSW law, children under 12 cannot participate in standard paintball. To bridge this gap, MiniBall (Ages 8–11) is launching at Newcastle on 31st January 2026! These sessions are conducted in a separate environment with specialized gear, ensuring younger kids play only with their peers.

• Mixed-Age Exceptions: You may see adults on the field during a youth session if they are parents or guardians participating as part of the same booking. We find that many Newcastle parents love getting in on the action and sharing the adventure with their kids!

• Professional Marshalling: All games are overseen by our highly trained marshals. They act as active referees to ensure all players—regardless of age—follow safety protocols and that the missions remain fair, safe, and exciting.

Newcastle Organiser Tip: With MiniBall for ages 8–11 officially live from January 31st, these sessions are specifically tailored for younger recruits. It’s the perfect way to ensure your child plays with their friends in a safe, controlled setting using kid-friendly equipment.