On the thumbnail I couldn't tell if it was bird droppings or something else. Blown up it is quite evident a paintball splat. The look on the face? the combination of humiliation and pain from taking a paintball to the side of the dome (commonly termed a 'headshot'). I must agree all the paintball gear in the background was distracting, but for me it helped tell the story.
Thanks for explaining it to me. Not having engaged in paintball, it never crossed my mind that that stuff was paint, and the items in the background were paintball accessories, so this is a case where a caption, or few words from the photographer about the picture would have helped a great deal. I always feel the contest entrants should say a little something about their photo, what it's about or to give it context - if necessary. Just because we discourage comments from others during the pre-judging period, doesn't mean the original photographers should remain silent about their pics. It helps to judge them better, makes them communicate an idea better.