Since 2012
Our story
What SANPA has done, in order. Each entry is backed by a document we hold.
2012
SANPA starts looking after paintball and airsoft
SANPA begins work on safety, field regulations and national play for paintball. Airsoft is part of the association from its inception.
Paintball and airsoft · Source: SANPA announcement, 21 June 2020
2013
ASTM International committee application
SANPA's chairman applies to join ASTM International committee F08 on sporting goods, which writes the paintball and airsoft safety standards used around the world. South Africa also plays at its first UPBF Paintball World Championship in this record, finishing 13th in Men.
Paintball and airsoft · Source: ASTM committee membership application, 2013; UPBF results
2016
Registered as a non-profit company
SANPA is registered as a non-profit company (2016/369235/08) and non-profit organisation (182-078 NPO).
Paintball and airsoft · Source: CIPC and NPO registration
28 April 2017
ASTM paintball subcommittee
SANPA is a member of ASTM subcommittee F08.24 (paintball), which meets in Toronto on 10 May 2017 with remote participation offered to members.
Paintball · Source: ASTM F08.24 members notice, 28 April 2017
3 November 2017
ASTM airsoft subcommittee
SANPA is a member of ASTM subcommittee F08.27 (airsoft), which meets during F08 committee week in Atlanta from 14 to 17 November 2017.
Airsoft · Source: ASTM F08.27 members notice, 3 November 2017
2018
First in Women 3-Player
South Africa places first in Women 3-Player at the UPBF Paintball World Championship, and fourth in Under 19. SANPA's chairman is elected General Secretary of the United Paintball Federation (UPBF).
Paintball · Source: UPBF results record; SANPA letter, 11 October 2022
2019
Six teams at the world championship
South Africa sends six teams to the UPBF Paintball World Championship, with third place in Under 16 and in Women 3-Player.
Paintball · Source: UPBF results record
April 2020
Working with government through lockdown
As COVID-19 closes venues, SANPA starts engaging the government to get the industry open again safely, and works with Youth Tourism South Africa and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology on protocols, a pledge and a survey.
Paintball and airsoft · Source: SANPA announcement, 21 June 2020
19 June 2020
Paintball and airsoft given equal weight
SANPA decides to update its long name to include airsoft, so that both sporting codes carry equal weight with government and stakeholders. The short name SANPA stays.
Paintball and airsoft · Source: SANPA announcement, 21 June 2020
22 June 2020
Safety protocols submitted to DSAC
SANPA submits its protocol and related documents to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture so that the industry can resume.
Paintball and airsoft · Source: SANPA announcement, 21 June 2020
24 June 2020
SABS standards committee
SANPA is nominated as a participating member of SABS technical committee TC 0228 (working group 15, Tourism Standards: Sport and Other Recreational Facilities).
Paintball and airsoft · Source: SABS reply form, 24 June 2020
25 June 2020
SABS confirms committee membership
SABS confirms that SANPA's representative has been added as a member of SABS/TC 228 Tourism Standards, including its Adventure tourism working group (ISO/TC 228 WG 7), and given access to its committee portal.
Paintball and airsoft · Source: SABS email, 25 June 2020
15 July 2020
Ministry grants permission to resume
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture grants SANPA permission to resume sporting activities under Level 3 lockdown, subject to compliance officers, operational plans and screening at every venue.
Paintball and airsoft · Source: Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture letter, 15 July 2020
2025
Back on the world stage in France
South Africa's men's team travels to Dreux, France, for the UPBF Paintball World Championship and finishes 14th.
Paintball · Source: UPBF results record
2026
Ninth at the UPBF Paintball World Championship
The men's team finishes 9th, winning two of four games in the verified record.
Paintball · Source: UPBF results record (verified)