Federations

Paintball is a sport that thrives on international collaboration, structured competition, and community growth. To maintain high standards, ensure fair play, and grow the sport across the globe, a number of paintball federations operate at global, continental, and national levels.

International Governing Body

 

United Paintball Federation (UPBF)

 

The United Paintball Federation (UPBF) is the global governing body for paintball. Headquartered in Dreux, France, it brings together member federations from across the continents and is responsible for:

 

  • Overseeing international competitions (e.g., the Paintball World Cup)

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  • Establishing and maintaining standardized rules

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  • Supporting the development of referees, coaches, and athletes

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  • Representing paintball in dialogues with international sporting authorities

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President: Laurent Hamet


Website: www.upbf.net

Continental Federations

 

To efficiently manage regional competitions and represent local interests, the UPBF coordinates with six continental paintball federations:

 

1. European Paintball Federation (EPBF)

 

  • Represents 15+ national federations

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  • Organize events like NXL Europe , EPBF Championships , and youth leagues

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  • Key role in rule development and referee training
    Website: www.epbf.info

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2. Asian and Pacific Paintball Federation (APPBF)

 

  • Covers East Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and Pacific Islands

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  • Promotes paintball through regional leagues and workshops

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  • Works on raising international awareness for Asian teams

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3. North and Central American Paintball Federation (NACPBF)

 

  • Includes countries like the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Central America

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  • Closely linked to NXL USA and various national leagues

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  • Focuses on grassroots programs and elite tournament play

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4. South American Paintball Federation (SAPBF)

 

  • Unites South American countries under one banner

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  • Aims to increase tournament frequency and athlete development

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  • Hosts regional championships to boost local exposure

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5. Middle Eastern Paintball Federation (MEPBF)

 

  • Rapidly growing paintball scene with events hosted in the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia

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  • Supports international collaboration and infrastructure development

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  • Partners with new clubs and facilities in the Gulf region

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6. African Paintball Federation (AFPBF)

 

  • Paintball supports growth in Northern, Western, Eastern, and Southern Africa

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  • Builds educational systems for coaching and refereeing

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  • Focuses on accessibility, safety, and youth inclusion

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