Paintball
A sport shooting and team sport in which two teams compete among bunkers with paint-firing markers, combining strategy, speed and teamwork.
- 22news and announcements
- 3rule and regulation documents
- 3categories and disciplines
What is Paintball?
Sport paintball is a team sport in which two teams use markers powered by compressed air or CO2 to try to mark opposing players with paint-filled capsules. Matches are played on symmetrical fields containing inflatable bunkers designed in various geometric shapes. A player bearing a paint mark is eliminated from that point. A team wins the point when a clean, that is unmarked, player reaches the button at the opponent's starting position and stops the clock. The game is most commonly played in a 5-versus-5 or 7-versus-7 format.
Paintball is a branch that requires quick decision-making, agility, communication and team tactics. The use of protective masks and barrel covers is mandatory in competitions; the velocity and rate of fire of markers are measured before matches and kept within legal limits. When played with compliant equipment and under referee supervision, it stands out as a safe sport. Matches are officiated by referees. In our country, sport and recreational paintball activities are carried out at more than 300 fields.
History
Paintball originated with the first game played on 27 June 1981 in Henniker, New Hampshire, USA. The first games used paint guns produced for marking trees and cattle. Over time, alongside games played in natural terrain, fast-paced, tournament-based formats played on symmetrical fields with inflatable bunkers developed, and the branch acquired a sporting structure. Today, at international level, the United Paintball Federation (UPBF) brings national federations together by organising world championships.
In Türkiye, sport paintball operates under the Turkish Federation of Developing Sports Branches. The Federation works within an accredited and integrated structure with the European Paintball Federation (EPBF) and the World Paintball Organisation-United Paintball Federation (WPBO-UPBF). A National Paintball Workshop was held in Ankara in March 2025 so that the branch could be managed more effectively and inclusively together with clubs, licensed athletes, industry representatives and field operators.
Basic Rules
For general information only; competitions are governed by the federation's current rulebook and regulations.
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01
Winning a point
The team's objective is to stop the clock by pressing the button at the opponent's starting position. If, under the referee's inspection, the player who pressed the button is found to be completely clean and unmarked, the team wins the point.
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02
Being marked
A player bearing a paint mark is eliminated from that point. Hits are checked by the referees.
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03
Time and score target
The match format is the same at all levels; as the level rises, the time and the required margin increase. At Div5 level the net playing time is 8 minutes, and at Div1 level the net playing time is 15 minutes with a 5-point margin required; if the target margin is not reached, the team ahead at the end of time wins.
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04
Draw
Group matches may end in a draw. There are no draws in knockout matches; in the event of a tie, 3–5 minutes of overtime are played, and the tie-break rules are announced at the captains' meeting.
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05
Equipment check
Markers are measured before the match; the legal limit is 300 feet/second and 10.5 balls/second. Markers exceeding the limit are not allowed into play until adjusted, and no extra time is given for adjustment.
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06
Discipline
Unauthorised modification of markers results in confiscation of the marker, expulsion from the tournament and referral to the disciplinary board. For in-game violations, depending on the severity of the violation, the player concerned and additional players from their team may be eliminated from the point.
Field and Equipment
- FieldMatches are played on areas measuring 45 × 48 m outside to outside, with 45–50 inflatable bunkers (triangular prisms, rectangular cubes, etc.) arranged in a different layout at each tournament.
- Marker and paintballsAthletes use a marker, a loader and a CO2 or compressed air tank rated at 220–300 bar. Paintballs consist of non-toxic, water-soluble capsules.
- Protective mask and barrel coverA paintball mask protecting the eyes and face must be worn at all times on the field; off the field, fitting a cover over the marker's barrel is mandatory.
- ClothingA jersey in team colours, protective trousers, spare paint containers (pods) and a harness to carry them are used.
Categories and Disciplines
- Seniors Clubs Turkish Championship
- Div1 – Div5 levels
- 5-versus-5 sport paintball
Age groups and weight classes may change with seasonal regulations; see the sport documents for current information.
Paintball in Türkiye
In paintball, our Federation organises the Seniors Clubs Turkish Championship in legs; for the 2026 season, Aksu (Antalya), Zorkun (Osmaniye), Çamlıhemşin (Rize) and Termal (Yalova) have been designated as hosts of the championship events. The Turkish League consists of at least 4 legs, usually 5 together with the Turkish Cup, and the champion is determined by the points accumulated in the legs and the end-of-season final. To bring new referees and coaches into the branch, Paintball Candidate Referee Courses have been held in Antalya, İzmir and Mersin, and Level 1 Assistant Coach Training Courses in Ankara. In addition, a National Paintball Workshop was held in March 2025 with the participation of stakeholders.
- Championships and leaguesNational championships and events across age categories
- Referee and coach coursesCandidate referee, promotion and coaching courses
- National team workPreparation camps for international events
Frequently Asked Questions
Key information on getting started in Paintball, licences, refereeing and coaching.
Who can play paintball?
The Federation's general information sets the minimum player age at 12. To take part in licensed competitions, you must be registered with a sports club.
How is a licence obtained?
The athlete licence is obtained through the club with which you are registered, via the Ministry of Youth and Sports Sports Information System (SBS) (sbs.gsb.gov.tr).
How do I become a paintball referee?
Our Federation holds Paintball Candidate Referee Courses in various provinces. Course dates, application requirements and fees are published in the Federation's announcements.
What is required to become a paintball coach?
Coaching begins with the Level 1 Assistant Coach Training Course. In line with the coach training regulations, applications require a criminal record certificate and a Basic Training examination result or exemption certificate; the course is completed with practical sessions and a written and practical examination.
Latest News
Announcements
Paintball Senior Club Turkish Championship 3rd Leg Competitions 12–13 September 2026 / Yalova Termal
Coaching Courses
Paintball Level 1 Assistant Coach Training Course List of Participants / Ankara, 21-26 July 2026
Coaching Courses
21–26 July 2026 Paintball Level 1 Assistant Coach Training Course / Ankara
Announcements
Paintball Men’s Clubs Turkish Championship 2nd Leg Match Results/Rankings 13-14 June 2026
