Queensland gel blaster advocates say they are working with police to ensure the sport remains legal following a rapid rise in popularity.

Key points: Sales are rising and participation in regional Queensland gel ball leagues is doubling

Sales are rising and participation in regional Queensland gel ball leagues is doubling While it is legal to possess a gel blaster in Queensland, using it in a public place can result in a public nuisance charge or offences under the Weapons Act

While it is legal to possess a gel blaster in Queensland, using it in a public place can result in a public nuisance charge or offences under the Weapons Act Gamers and activists are working closely with police to ensure the future of the sport in Queensland

The toys, which look like real guns and shoot water-filled gel balls, are banned in most Australian states and territories except Queensland and South Australia.

But with sales in regional Queensland surging and participation rates in local gel ball leagues doubling in some areas, the newly formed Gel Blaster Association has launched a campaign to ensure newcomers to the sport participate safely.

President Nathan Kirby said there were many positive aspects to the sport that were being overshadowed by negative media reports about gel blasters.

"There are a lot of (military) veterans that play and a lot of people who still serve who play gel ball, and they scream about how good this is for their mental health. They absolutely love it," he said.

He said the sport also encouraged physical activity among people who might normally be quite sedentary.

"We would love to see the laws changed so that every other state becomes legal," he said.

Retailer Daniel Hennessy holds gel balls used in blasters for skirmish-style games at this Brisbane shop. ( ABC News: Dea Clark )

One of the sports newest recruits is 10-year-old Rebecca Reid.

Born prematurely at 23 weeks gestation, she has always been a fighter, according to her mother Sandra.

Rebecca lives with cerebral palsy, learning difficulties, and has trouble communicating and connecting with her family and friends.

But Ms Reid says since her daughter first picked up a gel blaster about a month ago, she has become a different child.

"She used to just sit at home on her tablet and wouldn't come outside," Ms Reid said.

"She wouldn't associate with other people and now she's become a little social butterfly [so] it means a lot."

Gel ball gets gamer Rebecca Reid out of the house. ( ABC Capricornia: Megan Hendry )

Rebecca and her family now spend every weekend playing gel ball in a specially-made arena on a rural property in central Queensland.

She is the smallest player in the growing local league and sometimes goes up against big, burly men up to six times her age.

"She's got the biggest smile every weekend. We get out here and she is just rapt," Ms Reid said.

"She has a bit of a cry in the afternoon because she doesn't want to go home."

Gel ball gamers Sandra Reid with her children and partner Jason Wilson. ( ABC Capricornia: Megan Hendry )

Keeping gel blasting legal

Mr Kirby said the Gel Blaster Association was now working closely with the Queensland Police Service in an effort to ensure the future of the sport in Queensland.

He said the group had launched a campaign to encourage participants and players to act within the law.

"We are concerned with the public perception and the poor choices of some users, and we know that they may impact the legality of the of the sport," Mr Kirby said.

While it is legal to possess a gel blaster in Queensland, using it in a public place can result in a public nuisance charge or offences under the Weapons Act.

If a user points a gel blaster at someone who believes it is a real weapon, it can also result in a common assault charge.

A gel ball game in central Queensland on a specially constructed field. ( ABC Capricornia: Megan Hendry )

"We had [an incident] at the Gold Coast where a couple of people had them out in the street playing with each other; they were being silly, they shouldn't have been doing that," he said.

"The police acted as they should have and those people will be charged."

The association became incorporated under Queensland legislation earlier this year and Mr Kirby said it aimed to become a registered national body in the future.

Gel blaster storefront shut down after complaints

Damien Geyer was forced to close up after shoppers complained (file photo). ( Supplied: Damien Geyer )

In June, central Queensland gel blaster retailer Damien Geyer's store in a Rockhampton shopping complex was shut down just days after opening following complaints from shoppers who were unaware the blasters were not real guns.

The lease was cancelled and he was forced to find a new location for his store.

"It was a huge shock and disappointment after only been open for a couple of days and yeah, we had to go back to the drawing board and get back online, back on track as quick as we could," he said.

He said participation in the local league doubled in the few weeks following the closure and there are now more than 100 people playing in the Rockhampton and Gladstone competitions each week.

Shooting gel blasters as a 'family thing'

Mr Geyer said sales at his new, independent store had also increased.

"We're getting a lot more people involved, lots of kids coming out all the time, and parents playing with them as well doing it as a family thing," he said.

"It's been really good to see, it just continues to grow and get bigger and bigger."

Gel ball player Daniel Morris participates in the specially-made arena. ( ABC Capricornia: Megan Hendry )

In June, two men were arrested and charged after they allegedly shot gel blasters outside a Townsville school.

In a statement at the time, Queensland Police Minister Mark Ryan said he had: "raised the issue with the Police Commissioner and understands that the Queensland Police Service is considering whether any regulations can be changed following the court decision that these items are toys".

Mr Geyer said he was not too concerned about a ban coming into force in Queensland.

"Regardless of what you do, there are always going to be people that do the wrong thing unfortunately," he said.

"The media does generally focus a lot on that, but they do that with everything in life. It's not just these."

Gel ball player Matt Collins referees in a match. ( ABC Capricornia: Megan Hendry )

Queensland Police said it was working with suppliers and retailers of gel ball blasters to develop strategies to encourage safe and responsible use of the items.

"There have been a number of recent incidents in which people have been charged with a variety of offences under the provisions of the Criminal Code, Weapons Act and other legislation when misusing gel ball blasters," a QPS spokesperson said.

"The QPS strongly encourages any person who possesses an item which may be mistaken for a weapon to carefully consider the manner in which it is used to ensure that no public alarm is caused."