So what can I expect if I decide to be
a “Four
Horsemen”
If you are selected you can expect to experience
excellent competition, fun, and participation with one of the most
tactically structured groups in the region. What we do in practice
becomes what we execute during competition. We also offer a unique
opportunity to participate in a multitude of paintball environments
as we feel that we can compete (and enjoy doing so!) in all kinds
of variations of the sport. We participate in Scenarios as well as
speedball tournaments, big games, local, regional, and national events.
The key to our success and growth has been working hard in practice
to accomplish the objective on the field and working individually
to contribute to the group as a whole. All of us joined together
for a common love of the sport and a desire to be challenged. We
encourage individuals who share our passion to join us. Back
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You guys seem pretty experienced. Do
I have to be in or been in the military and/or law enforcement to
be a
member?
No. some of our members have some previous experience, but that just makes us
a better team on the field discipline-wise, and they share their experience
to make us better. We work on fundamentals on our own or in small groups and
practice team-tactics when we get together. Back
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How old do I have to be be to join?
Currently, you have to be at least 18 to be a full member.
We aren’t trying
to reject people based on their age, but as a traveling team for legal reasons
we need people who can sign their own forms and be responsible for themselves.
As we get more candidates that are under that age we might consider forming a “young
guns” unit or something which is closely monitored by the main group and
is a feeder system into the main team. Back
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But what if my family is willing to sign a waiver so that I can
play with you guys?
Unfortunately, unless your parents are members they can’t age waive
you and 99.9% of the time even this wouldn’t be acceptable. It isn’t
that we don’t want you to join, we just legally can’t be responsible
for you and an age-waiver is really only worth the paper it is printed on in
the eyes of the court. Back to top
What costs are involved in joining?
Each member is responsible for purchasing their own uniform, jersey, and equipment.
We work with several companies to get you the best deal possible if you need
to get started. Also a membership fee for maintenance cost and the general
team fund will be required. Back to top
So can I just show up at practice and join you guys?
No, you may contact a current active member and ask to be sponsored in, OR
you may be approached by a current active member and asked about joining
the team. Neither is an obligation for you to automatically become a full
member. You will get a chance to practice with the team or “free
play” with
them and your petition to join will be considered once you have spent some
time with the team. A minimum of 5 current members (including at least ONE
founder) will vote to make you a full-member or reject your petition. If your
petition is approved you will be a “Probie” member and eventually
be granted full membership privileges at the appropriate time. Back
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Who or what is a “founder?”
Founders are the core players who helped create the team as it exists today.
A founder (also refered to as “One of The Four”) is not an elected
position, and a member is a founder until they remove themselves from the team
permanently. Founders are four people recognized by the group as molding the
team and have certain executive powers when it comes to voting and organization.
These individuals invested in the team out-of-pocket, recruited members, and
created what is today the The Four Horsemen Paintball team. The Founders are “Doc,” “Porkchop,” “Fox,” and “Rhino.” Back
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Why would my petition for membership be rejected?
Under normal circumstances, it would be very hard to reject a petition except
if you didn’t meet the age requirement or didn’t have your own
equipment. BUT if someone can introduce a reason why they would advise the
rest of the group not to accept the request, or the team as decided by the
board of officers is not accepting new members at the current time you would
not be allowed to join but could re-apply at a later date. Also if the issue
is discussed and voted on by the membership and you fail to get the necessary
votes your petition would be denied. Back to top
Isn’t it kind of elitist to have a system in place that doesn’t
allow whoever wants to play to spend their own money and join you?
We feel that a BIG part of our success is team unity. If someone feels strongly
enough that you aren’t going to be a good teammate and can convince the
membership of this, it is better for all involved to not allow you to join
at that time. We also have an obligation to our sponsors and to the relationships
we have built in the paintball community to only accept individuals who will
be a good fit for our team image. Back to top
So all of the members have gone through this process
then?
Some older members have been “grandfathered” in and were
discussed and approved by the founders. In RARE cases individuals could
be extended an invitation to join immediately but this would most likely
include a prior history with the team. Back to top
Ok, so if I make the team what do I have to do?
Your membership fee will be paid within a reasonable time and you will be allowed at any practice and any event. If you use equipment that is not in compliance with any of our sponsorship contracts you will be asked to replace it with something appropriate.
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Am I expected to be at every scheduled event and practice?
No, reasonable attendance is expected at practice and events but we understand
that things come up in life that will not permit you to be at every team scheduled
event. As a member, you will be included in discussions of what events to attend
and scheduling matters. A rule of thumb is that at a minimum you should attend
70% of the schedule before it becomes an issue. Some of our members drive over
an hour away JUST to make a practice so we encourage you to manage your time
wisely. Back to top
I notice you guys wear the same style of clothes from
head to toe. Is that required too?
Some articles of clothing we wear to satisfy sponsor contracts and other
things we wear for team unity. On a given day, there may be a “uniform
of the day” which
could be the full ACU or just the same T-shirt being worn. Again, this
increases visibility and enforces team unity. No variation of the clothing
is accepted without prior approval (ie. Sleeve cutting, worn backward,
etc). Back to top
If I know someone that will sponsor us can I ask them to?
No, sponsors are not approached by anyone except the Executive officer (who has
authorization to sign contracts) or they can contact the Executive board through
the web site to be considered. There are many considerations to choosing sponsors,
and if you are aware of a company that would be a good candidate you may pass
along the contact information or give them the website link, but under no circumstances
are you allowed to guarantee or promise acceptance. You may not accept any
gifts or items on behalf of the team, as well. Back to top
Can I belong to other paintball teams and belong to the Four Horsemen as well?
If you can handle the scheduling and costs, you can belong to as many paintball
teams as you want. Some of our members casually belong to other groups and participate
with us as well. However, missing practice with us to attend other practice is
frowned upon. Also, if both of your teams attend the same function, this group
would expect to be consulted. Back to top
This all sounds exactly like what I want to be a part of. How do I get started?
Just drop us a line at info@fourhorsemenpaintball.com Let us know your name,
age, phone number or e-mail address and feel free to let us know anything
else you feel we would be interested in. Back
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I am a crashed alien and/or a dispossesed sasquatch. Is there room on the team for me too?
Your advanced travel and weapons may be a definite plus to the team (NO DISINTEGRATION). For forest denizens, your mastery of disguise and stealth (well, maybe not yours) could definitely be a boon to the team. Please see Aaron Feit at his home. Lexington, IL has no good Alien or Bigfoot encounter stories to date. Get them on TV.
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