by LettuceHead » Mon Jul 04, 2011 8:40 pm
To elaborate a bit more on paintball's ID card system...
There is a national organization, the APPA or American Paintball Player's Association, that is used by several of the nationwide tournament series. The one major national league that doesn't use it has their own system. Both organizations issue player ID cards with the player's photo, name, APPA serial number and other pertinent codes and info. Players MUST be registered with the APPA or NPPL to play in these events. Part of the reason for the system is that the APPA database tracks a player's career. For example, if you have played X number of events in Division 3 (typically a 4-6 year advanced player) you can't guest for a Division 1 rookie team. APPA is on site at major events to monitor all participants. It also tracks your major suspensions and ejections if these carry over into next events or seasons. Your APPA card also serves as an ID for access to player restricted areas such as team staging areas and MUST be carried at all times.
Other events, particualarly big games or scenario games (the pb equivalent of an Op) issue ID cards for each event (most event cards do not have a photo). Your state photo ID is used in card creation and your card is used to track your accomplishments or infractions throughout the day. Refs punch your card for violations, with three strikes you're out. If a player is caught cheating and tries the "I lost my card" excuse, they have to A) go back to registration, show their state ID and have the infraction noted there, and then B) pay for a replacement card (often $20) or no more play time.
Both systems have worked smoothly at well run, organized events.