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'''South Auckland Paintball Club Incorporated''' ('''SAPC''') was a [[paintball]] club and tournament organiser based in [[Auckland]], [[New Zealand]]. Founded by [[Michael Earley]], the club was formally incorporated on 10 September 2013 and organised competitive five-player paintball events, including the South Auckland Paintball Club Race Series.
'''South Auckland Paintball Club Incorporated''' ('''SAPC''') was a [[paintball]] club and tournament organiser based in [[Auckland]], [[New Zealand]]. Founded in 2011 by [[Michael Earley]] and formally incorporated in September 2013, the organisation promoted recreational and competitive paintball through club days, introductory competitions and the South Auckland Paintball Club Race Series.


The club's competition activities originated at [[Lock N Load Paintball]] in Auckland before becoming associated with [[Asylum Paintball]] at the former Kingseat Hospital in Karaka.
The club initially operated at [[Lock N Load Paintball]] near Auckland Airport, where it established a five-player hopperball league. Its later Race Series was held at [[Asylum Paintball]] at the former Kingseat Hospital in South Auckland.


SAPC operated independently of the [[New Zealand Paintball Players League]] (NZPPL) and organised separate seasonal competitions for tournament teams. Its surviving [[PBLeagues]] records document eight events across 2014 and 2015, including Open X-Ball and mechanical-pump divisions.
SAPC organised Open Race-to-4 and mechanical-pump competitions, adopted international playing rules and introduced the APPA player and team registration system to its events. The club also arranged sponsorship opportunities for successful New Zealand teams to compete internationally.
 
[[Vitaly Miheev]] was president of the club during the 2014 season.
 
SAPC operated independently of the [[New Zealand Paintball Players League]] (NZPPL), although both organisations were active in the Auckland competitive paintball community.


== History ==
== History ==


=== Establishment ===
=== Foundation in 2011 ===
 
South Auckland Paintball Club was founded in 2011 by New Zealand paintball player and organiser [[Michael Earley]].
 
The organisation was established to provide opportunities for regular participation in organised paintball, including social games, club training and accessible competitive events.
 
Earley was professionally involved in commercial paintball facilities and did not serve on SAPC's governing committee, choosing to separate the club's governance from his professional responsibilities to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
 
SAPC operated informally before registering as an incorporated society in 2013.
 
The club maintained an online blog from at least August 2011, publishing information about playing opportunities, legislation, competitive paintball and tournament organisation. [1]
 
=== Lock N Load Paintball ===
 
SAPC's earliest documented playing activities took place at [[Lock N Load Paintball]], a commercial paintball venue located on Nixon Road near Auckland Airport.
 
Lock N Load opened in 2011 and included facilities for competitive speedball. [2]
 
On 10 October 2011, the club announced its first organised club day at the venue.
 
The announcement encouraged existing paintball players and prospective members to attend.
 
Participants were expected to provide their own equipment.
 
The club advertised a NZ$20 playing fee, discounted paintballs and compressed-air fills to 3,000 psi.
 
The club day was intended to provide opportunities for players to meet, practise and participate in organised games. [1]
 
=== SAPC Five-Man League ===
 
In October 2011, the club announced the establishment of the SAPC Five-Man League.
 
The competition was designed to provide affordable tournament-style paintball for established teams and individual players.
 
It used a hopperball format in which players were restricted to the paintballs carried in their loaders.
 
The restriction reduced equipment requirements and helped limit playing costs.
 
Players without an existing team were encouraged to attend, with the organisers proposing to assemble temporary teams where sufficient individuals were available.
 
The competition was based at Lock N Load Paintball and generally scheduled for Sundays that did not conflict with NZPPL tournaments.
 
The published arrangements included:
 
* Five-player hopperball competition
* NZ$20 entry fee per player
* Discounted field paintballs
* Free compressed-air fills to 3,000 psi
* Rules based on the NZPPL's 2011 and 2012 regulations
* Refereeing responsibilities shared between participating teams
* Registration beginning at 9:00 am
* Games scheduled from 10:00 am
 
The original provisional calendar listed two events in 2011 and nine in 2012. [1]
 
==== Provisional 2011 calendar ====
 
* 13 November 2011
* 11 December 2011
 
==== Provisional 2012 calendar ====
 
* 15 January 2012
* 12 February 2012
* 11 March 2012
* 13 May 2012
* 8 July 2012
* 12 August 2012
* 9 September 2012
* 11 November 2012
* 9 December 2012
 
These dates were published as a proposed schedule. The surviving announcement does not independently confirm that every event took place.
 
=== Influence of the Auckland Super Five-Man League ===
 
SAPC's early competition programme drew inspiration from an earlier Auckland Super Five-Man League.
 
In his 2014 season review, club president [[Vitaly Miheev]] acknowledged Gavin of Red Alert Paintball Games for his involvement in establishing the earlier competition.
 
Miheev described the Auckland Super Five-Man League as an important influence on SAPC's subsequent league programme. [3]
 
The earlier competition had reportedly operated approximately a decade before the 2014 review.
 
The precise founding date and complete results of the Auckland Super Five-Man League have not been established.
 
=== Paintball legislation ===
 
SAPC also published information about regulatory developments affecting paintball in New Zealand.
 
On 8 August 2011, the club's blog discussed proposed changes to firearms legislation and their potential implications for paintball markers.
 
The article addressed issues concerning restricted airguns, electronic markers and firing modes used in competitive paintball.
 
It also encouraged participation in organised clubs and promoted awareness of the proposed legislation.


South Auckland Paintball Club was founded by New Zealand paintball player and organiser [[Michael Earley]] to support organised competitive paintball in the Auckland region.
At the time, SAPC advertised free social membership and free membership for players under 18. [4]


The club developed from five-player tournament activities initially organised at [[Lock N Load Paintball]], a commercial paintball venue near Auckland Airport.
The material documents the club's involvement in communicating regulatory issues to players, although it does not establish that SAPC made a formal parliamentary submission.


These events provided opportunities for local teams to compete regularly in a structured tournament format.
=== Incorporation in 2013 ===


The independent competition programme subsequently developed into the South Auckland Paintball Club Race Series.
South Auckland Paintball Club Incorporated was registered as a New Zealand incorporated society on '''10 September 2013'''.


South Auckland Paintball Club Incorporated was registered as a New Zealand incorporated society on '''10 September 2013''', under registration number '''2587862'''. Its registered address was 19 Harper Street, Papakura, Auckland. [1]
The organisation was assigned society number '''2587862'''.


The incorporated club operated separately from the commercial paintball facilities that hosted its events.
Its registered address was 19 Harper Street, Papakura, Auckland. [5]


=== Lock N Load Paintball ===
The registration formalised an organisation that had already conducted paintball activities since 2011.


The club's early competition programme was associated with [[Lock N Load Paintball]], a venue established near Auckland Airport.
SAPC maintained its own organisational identity and competition programme, separate from the commercial playing fields used for its events.


The venue was developed on airport land at Nixon Road and included facilities for recreational paintball and competitive speedball. [2]
== SAPC Race Series ==


Michael Earley, who was involved in the operation of Lock N Load, established an independent five-player tournament programme at the venue.
=== Establishment ===


The early events preceded the club's later documented seasons at Asylum Paintball.
The SAPC Race Series developed from the club's earlier five-player competition programme.


Lock N Load was a commercial playing facility rather than the legal entity responsible for the subsequently incorporated South Auckland Paintball Club.
By 2013, the club was organising competitive paintball events at [[Asylum Paintball]], a venue at the former Kingseat Hospital in Karaka.


=== Asylum Paintball ===
The Race Series used timed, multi-point competition formats and provided teams with opportunities to compete for event and season championships.


South Auckland Paintball Club subsequently became associated with [[Asylum Paintball]], a paintball venue established at the former Kingseat Hospital in Karaka, South Auckland.
The club subsequently offered separate Open and mechanical-pump divisions.


Asylum Paintball began developing its facilities at Kingseat in 2012 and opened for tournament paintball activities in 2013. [3]
The series operated independently of the NZPPL, with its own calendar, registration arrangements and rankings.


The venue included an outdoor inflatable-bunker tournament field, alongside recreational and indoor playing areas.
=== 2013 season ===


South Auckland Paintball Club used Asylum Paintball to host its Race Series.
South Auckland Paintball Club organised a Race Series during 2013.


A March 2014 press release issued by Blacksheep Communications independently identified Asylum Paintball as hosting the South Auckland Paintball Club Race Series. [4]
The competition was held at Asylum Paintball in South Auckland.


The same release described Asylum as a venue for the New Zealand Paintball Players League, demonstrating that SAPC and the NZPPL operated separate tournament programmes at the facility.
A surviving Asylum Paintball announcement advertised the December 2013 series final.


== South Auckland Paintball Club Race Series ==
On 19 December 2013, Asylum Paintball published a report covering the season results. [6]


The South Auckland Paintball Club Race Series was a competitive paintball tournament programme organised by the club.
The competition included Open Division teams competing in Division 1 and Division 2.


The series used five-player tournament formats and was open to established and developing teams.
Contemporary reporting identified [[ADHD (paintball team)|ADHD]] as the 2013 SAPC Race Series champion.


Surviving records maintained by [[PBLeagues]] document eight events during the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
The complete event-by-event standings have not yet been recovered.


The competition included Open X-Ball and mechanical-pump divisions, with season rankings determined from individual event results. [5]
The 2013 season predates the earliest SAPC competition results preserved in PBLeagues.


=== 2014 season ===
=== 2014 season ===


The 2014 SAPC Race Series consisted of four events:
The 2014 SAPC Race Series consisted of four events.
 
The competition adopted the playing rules of the Asia Pacific Paintball Federation (APPBF) and included an Open Race-to-4 division and a mechanical-pump Division 4 category.
 
The club's official season review described the Open division as encompassing the equivalent of APPBF Divisions 1 to 3. [3]
 
The recorded calendar was:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 69: Line 173:
| 1
| 1
| SAPC February Race
| SAPC February Race
| 8–9 February 2014
| 8 and 9 February 2014
|-
|-
| 2
| 2
| SAPC May Race
| SAPC May Race
| 3–4 May 2014
| 3 and 4 May 2014
|-
|-
| 3
| 3
| SAPC July Race
| SAPC July Race
| 12–13 July 2014
| 12 and 13 July 2014
|-
|-
| 4
| 4
| SAPC September Race
| SAPC September Race
| 27–28 September 2014
| 27 and 28 September 2014
|}
|}


The series was contested by teams from the Auckland tournament paintball community and other parts of New Zealand.
The series attracted experienced tournament teams and developing squads.
 
==== Open Race-to-4 ====
 
The Open division used a Race-to-4 format.
 
The club's 2014 season review described the competition as operating under unmodified APPBF rules.


==== Open X-Ball ====
SAPC reported that the format produced faster games and more competitive tournament play.


[[ADHD (paintball team)|ADHD]] dominated the 2014 Open X-Ball division, winning all four events.
The Open division is identified as Open X-Ball in the surviving PBLeagues registration. [7]


The team's results produced a maximum season total of 400 ranking points.
[[ADHD (paintball team)|ADHD]] won the 2014 Open championship.


Disposal Unit finished second overall, followed by Tempest.
The team won all four events, accumulating the maximum possible 400 ranking points.


The final Open X-Ball standings were:
The complete season standings were:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 134: Line 244:
|}
|}


ADHD's four consecutive victories established the team as the inaugural documented Open X-Ball season champion in the surviving PBLeagues records. [6]
ADHD's four victories secured the season championship ahead of Disposal Unit and Tempest. [7]


==== Mechanical Pump Division 4 ====
==== Mechanical Pump Division 4 ====


The 2014 series also included a Mechanical Pump Division 4 competition.
SAPC introduced a regular Mechanical Pump Division 4 competition during the 2014 season.
 
The division used mechanically operated pump-action markers and followed the club's adopted APPBF competition standards.


Three rounds contributed to the season standings, beginning with the May event.
The club described the division as a developing entry-level pathway for tournament paintball.


ADHD Red won the first two rounds, while OFF won the September event.
Its September 2014 review reported participation by eight different teams across the mechanical programme and anticipated that some players would progress to the Open division during the following season. [3]
 
The PBLeagues season rankings record seven teams in the three-round Mechanical Pump Division 4 championship.


The final standings were:
The final standings were:
Line 180: Line 294:
|}
|}


ADHD Red won the division after finishing first in May and July and second in September. [6]
ADHD Red won the first two rounds and finished second in the final round, securing the championship with 270 points. [7]
 
The opening event in February 2014 also included a separate Mechanical Pump Beginner division.
 
=== Adoption of international standards ===
 
A major organisational development during 2014 was SAPC's adoption of APPBF competition rules and the APPA registration system.
 
In its September 2014 season review, the club claimed to have been the first New Zealand tournament organisation to adopt APPBF playing rules without modification across its events. [3]
 
The club also reported introducing APPA team and player registration software.
 
The system provided individual player records, team registrations and tournament rankings.
 
SAPC described these registrations as compatible with competition systems used internationally, including by the [[Paintball Asia League Series]] (PALS), Paintball Sports Promotions (PSP) and the National Collegiate Paintball Association (NCPA).
 
The club regarded the adoption of international registration and rules standards as a means of improving consistency between New Zealand competitions and overseas tournaments.
 
The claims that SAPC was the first New Zealand organisation to adopt these systems are based on the club's contemporary account and have not been independently verified against all earlier New Zealand competitions.
 
=== Tournament operations and support ===
 
SAPC's 2014 programme was supported by referees, media contributors and local paintball businesses.
 
In the club's end-of-season review, president Vitaly Miheev emphasised the importance of referees in maintaining safe and fair competition. [3]
 
The review acknowledged the contribution of '''Tony Dickson''' of [[Black Sheep Media]], who had provided tournament photography and other media coverage from the club's early years.
 
Miheev credited Dickson with regularly attending events, documenting competition and helping promote the club's activities.
 
The review also acknowledged '''Gavin of Red Alert Paintball Games''' for supplying a spare compressor to support club events.
 
Gavin was additionally credited for his role in establishing the earlier Auckland Super Five-Man League, which had influenced the development of SAPC's competition programme.
 
These contributions supported the club's ability to organise regular competitive events while keeping participation costs comparatively low.
 
=== World Cup Asia 2014 initiative ===
 
In January 2014, SAPC announced an initiative intended to support successful New Zealand players travelling to [[Paintball World Cup Asia]] in Langkawi, Malaysia.
 
The original announcement promoted prizes associated with the PALS World Cup Asia event. [8]
 
The club's September 2014 season review provided further details of the arrangement.
 
It stated that the SAPC season winners would compete in the Division 2 tournament at World Cup Asia.


The February event separately included a Mechanical Pump Beginner division.
The announced support included:
 
* Tournament entry fees sponsored by the Paintball Asia League Series
* Accommodation sponsored by Asylum Paintball
 
The review also stated that SAPC's president would serve as an official tournament coordinator at the event. [3]
 
The announcement indicates that SAPC had developed relationships with international tournament organisers and sponsors.
 
The available club report documents the planned participation and sponsorship arrangements, but does not independently confirm the final travelling roster or the team's tournament results.
 
=== 2014 season review ===
 
The club published its end-of-season review on '''30 September 2014'''.
 
The report was signed by '''Vitaly V. Miheev, SAPC President''', and dated 27 September 2014. [3]
 
Miheev identified several achievements from the season, including adoption of international playing rules, implementation of APPA registration, expansion of mechanical-pump competition and overseas tournament opportunities.
 
The report also recognised support from referees, participating teams, Black Sheep Media and Red Alert Paintball Games.
 
SAPC stated that it had maintained its tournament entry fees and paintball prices while expanding the programme.
 
The review identified grassroots participation, development of Division 4 teams and increasing public recognition of competitive paintball as priorities for the following season.


=== 2015 season ===
=== 2015 season ===


South Auckland Paintball Club continued the Race Series in 2015, with four events registered through PBLeagues.
SAPC continued its Race Series during 2015.


The competition calendar was:
The surviving PBLeagues registration documents four events:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 197: Line 378:
| 1
| 1
| SAPC Division 4 and Open Event 1
| SAPC Division 4 and Open Event 1
| 31 January–1 February 2015
| 31 January and 1 February 2015
|-
|-
| 2
| 2
| SAPC Division 4 and Open Event 2
| SAPC Division 4 and Open Event 2
| 11–12 April 2015
| 11 and 12 April 2015
|-
|-
| 3
| 3
| SAPC Division 4 and Open Event 3
| SAPC Division 4 and Open Event 3
| 13–14 June 2015
| 13 and 14 June 2015
|-
|-
| 4
| 4
| SAPC Division 4 and Open Event 4
| SAPC Division 4 and Open Event 4
| 1–2 August 2015
| 1 and 2 August 2015
|}
|}


The series retained separate Open X-Ball and Mechanical Pump Division 4 rankings. [5]
The series maintained separate Open and Mechanical Pump Division 4 championships.


==== Open X-Ball ====
==== Open division ====


Auckland Faction won the 2015 SAPC Open X-Ball season championship.
Auckland Faction won the 2015 SAPC Open championship.


ADHD won the opening round, but Auckland Faction won each of the remaining three events.
ADHD won the first event, while Auckland Faction won each of the remaining three rounds.


The final standings were:
The final season standings were:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 260: Line 441:
|}
|}


Auckland Faction's championship interrupted ADHD's winning run from the previous season. [7]
Auckland Faction finished first with 387.14 points. [9]


==== Mechanical Pump Division 4 ====
==== Mechanical Pump Division 4 ====


The 2015 Mechanical Pump Division 4 championship was contested across all four rounds.
Detachment won the 2015 Mechanical Pump Division 4 championship.
 
Detachment won the overall title with 317.5 ranking points.
 
Kaos Theory finished second with 310 points, followed by Mind Mechanics.


The final standings were:
The final standings were:
Line 302: Line 479:
|}
|}


The championship was decided by a narrow margin of 7.5 points between Detachment and Kaos Theory. [7]
Detachment secured the championship by 7.5 points over Kaos Theory. [9]


== Competition formats ==
== Organisation and governance ==


=== Open X-Ball ===
=== Founder ===


The SAPC Open division used an X-Ball-style competitive format involving five-player teams.
[[Michael Earley]] founded South Auckland Paintball Club in 2011.


Teams competed for individual tournament placings and accumulated ranking points across the season.
Earley was involved in developing organised tournament paintball activities in Auckland and had professional responsibilities at commercial paintball venues.


The division attracted established teams including ADHD, Disposal Unit, Tempest, Auckland Faction, Addicted and CamoMeat.
He did not serve on the club's governing committee, deliberately avoiding a formal governance position because of potential conflicts of interest with his commercial field roles.


=== Mechanical Pump ===
The club operated as a separate sporting organisation and subsequently became an incorporated society in September 2013.


South Auckland Paintball Club also organised competitions for players using mechanically operated pump-action paintball markers.
=== President ===


The inclusion of a Mechanical Pump Division 4 provided a distinct competition category alongside the Open X-Ball series.
[[Vitaly Miheev]] was president of South Auckland Paintball Club during the 2014 season.


The surviving records document separate pump standings in both 2014 and 2015.
Miheev's position is directly confirmed by the club's September 2014 end-of-season report, which he signed in his capacity as president. [3]


The 2014 opening round also featured a Mechanical Pump Beginner category.
The report describes the club's tournament operations, competitive development programme, international relationships and priorities for the 2015 season.


== Relationship with other competitions ==
Miheev was also associated with the New Zealand competitive paintball team [[ADHD (paintball team)|ADHD]].


South Auckland Paintball Club operated a tournament programme distinct from the [[New Zealand Paintball Players League]].
The available documents do not establish the precise beginning or end of his presidential term.


Both organisations held events at Asylum Paintball during 2014, but maintained separate competition calendars and rankings.
=== Volunteers and contributors ===


Blacksheep Communications' March 2014 press release identified the SAPC Race Series and the NZPPL as separate programmes hosted at Asylum. [4]
The club relied on volunteer support to operate its events.


The club's historical PBLeagues registration also maintains its own league records, separate from the NZPPL and subsequent New Zealand tournament series.
The 2014 president's report specifically acknowledged:


The available documentation does not establish that South Auckland Paintball Club was a division or successor of the NZPPL.
* '''Tony Dickson''', Black Sheep Media, for tournament photography and media coverage
* '''Gavin''', Red Alert Paintball Games, for lending a compressor and contributing to the earlier Auckland Super Five-Man League
* '''Tournament referees''', for maintaining safe and consistent competition
* '''Participating teams and players''', for supporting the club's regular events
* '''Asylum Paintball''', for supporting the club's events and providing accommodation sponsorship for World Cup Asia


== Online presence ==
These acknowledgements document contributions to the club without implying formal committee positions.


During its active tournament period, South Auckland Paintball Club maintained its own website at southaucklandpaintballclub.com.
== Playing venues ==


The domain is identified in the historical PBLeagues league registration. [5]
=== Lock N Load Paintball ===


The club also maintained a Facebook page under the name SAPCInc and a Facebook discussion group.
[[Lock N Load Paintball]] was the first documented regular playing venue used by SAPC.


These resources were publicly identified in a June 2014 discussion of New Zealand paintball clubs on the Geekzone forum. [8]
The commercial facility was located on Nixon Road near Auckland Airport.


The club's official website is no longer available as an active site, although historical references and archived material remain useful for documenting its activities.
It hosted the club's early membership activities and proposed Five-Man League.
 
=== Asylum Paintball ===
 
[[Asylum Paintball]] was the principal documented venue for the SAPC Race Series.
 
The facility operated at the former Kingseat Hospital in Karaka, South Auckland.
 
The venue included a tournament speedball playing field and hosted organised competitions.
 
Asylum Paintball's historical website documented SAPC event announcements, competition results and the development of the Race Series.
 
The venue also hosted events operated by other organisations, including the NZPPL.
 
== Relationship with the NZPPL ==
 
South Auckland Paintball Club was independent of the [[New Zealand Paintball Players League]].
 
The clubs and leagues participated in the same wider competitive paintball community but maintained separate event programmes.
 
SAPC's early Five-Man League used rules based on those of the NZPPL and deliberately avoided scheduling clashes with major NZPPL events.
 
By 2014, SAPC was using APPBF regulations for its Race Series.
 
A March 2014 media release identified SAPC and NZPPL as separate tournament programmes operating at Asylum Paintball. [10]
 
The SAPC Race Series maintained its own season rankings through PBLeagues.
 
== Media and promotion ==
 
South Auckland Paintball Club maintained an independent website and blog during its years of operation.
 
The original domain, southaucklandpaintballclub.com, was linked from the club's historical PBLeagues registration.
 
The club also published material through a Tumblr blog under the name SAPC Inc.
 
Its articles documented tournament announcements, results, rule changes, club activities and international competition opportunities.
 
The club's September 2014 review identified Black Sheep Media and Tony Dickson as longstanding contributors to its media coverage.
 
The review also reported that the club had received attention from paintball communities overseas and coverage in New Zealand media.
 
The surviving blog provides a historical record of the club's activities before and after formal incorporation.


== Later history ==
== Later history ==


The final events listed in South Auckland Paintball Club's historical PBLeagues competition records were held in August 2015.
The final SAPC Race Series tournament currently documented in PBLeagues took place on 1 and 2 August 2015.
 
No later SAPC season has been recovered from the accessible tournament records.


The incorporated society was subsequently dissolved in 2019.
The incorporated society was subsequently dissolved.


The surviving tournament records do not establish any later SAPC Race Series seasons.
The precise dissolution date and the date on which the club ceased organising activities have not yet been independently established.


The end of the incorporated society should be distinguished from the continued operation of Asylum Paintball, which was a separate commercial venue.
== Historical significance ==
 
South Auckland Paintball Club contributed to competitive paintball development in Auckland during the early 2010s.
 
Its original Five-Man League provided an accessible entry point into organised tournament paintball.
 
The subsequent Race Series introduced regular Open Race-to-4 and mechanical-pump competitions.
 
SAPC's 2014 programme was notable for its documented adoption of APPBF competition rules and APPA player registration, which aligned its domestic tournaments with systems used internationally.
 
The club also developed relationships with the Paintball Asia League Series and arranged sponsorship intended to support New Zealand tournament players travelling to World Cup Asia.
 
Its surviving blog, contemporary tournament reports and PBLeagues records provide documentation of New Zealand competitive paintball during the transition from locally organised competitions to wider international tournament formats.


== See also ==
== See also ==


* [[Michael Earley]]
* [[Vitaly Miheev]]
* [[Lock N Load Paintball]]
* [[Lock N Load Paintball]]
* [[Asylum Paintball]]
* [[Asylum Paintball]]
* [[Michael Earley]]
* [[Red Alert Paintball Games]]
* [[New Zealand Paintball Players League]]
* [[New Zealand Paintball Players League]]
* [[ADHD (paintball team)]]
* [[Paintball Asia League Series]]
* [[Paintball World Cup Asia]]
* [[Paintball in New Zealand]]
* [[Paintball in New Zealand]]


== References ==
== References ==


# [https://www.infoproff.com/en/open-data/new-zealand/companies-list/founded-2013/september/10 InfoProff. "New Zealand organisations registered on 10 September 2013."] Historical registration listing for South Auckland Paintball Club Incorporated, registration number 2587862, with its Papakura registered address.
# [https://southaucklandpaintballclub.tumblr.com/ South Auckland Paintball Club. "SAPC Inc." Historical club blog.] Contains announcements dating from 2011, including the October club day and proposed Five-Man League.
# [https://corporate.aucklandairport.co.nz/news/latest-media/2011/paintball-is-coming-to-the-airport Auckland Airport. "Paintball is coming to the airport!" 28 April 2011.] Contemporary announcement describing the Lock N Load paintball facility near Auckland Airport, including its speedball facilities.
# [https://corporate.aucklandairport.co.nz/news/latest-media/2011/paintball-is-coming-to-the-airport Auckland Airport. "Paintball is coming to the airport!" 28 April 2011.] Contemporary announcement concerning Lock N Load Paintball.
# [https://new.grabone.co.nz/activities-events-outdoors/paintball/p/asylum-paintball-27 GrabOne. "Asylum Paintball."] Historical commercial listing describing the establishment and tournament facilities at the former Kingseat Hospital.
# [https://southaucklandpaintballclub.tumblr.com/post/98832929027/2014-end-of-season-round-up South Auckland Paintball Club. "2014 End of Season Round Up." 30 September 2014.] Statement signed by Vitaly V. Miheev, SAPC President, dated 27 September 2014. Documents club governance, APPBF rules, APPA registration, competition development, contributors and World Cup Asia sponsorship arrangements.
# [https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1403/S00280/blacksheep-media-release-2013-nzppl-video.htm Blacksheep Communications. "Blacksheep Media Release 2013 NZPPL Video." Scoop, 16 March 2014.] Contemporary press release explicitly identifying the South Auckland Paintball Club Race Series and New Zealand Paintball Players League as separate competitions hosted at Asylum Paintball.
# [https://southaucklandpaintballclub.tumblr.com/page/2 South Auckland Paintball Club. Historical blog posts, August 2011.] Includes discussion of proposed changes to New Zealand firearms legislation and paintball club membership.
# [https://pbleagues.com/leagues/262 PBLeagues. "South Auckland Paintball Club."] Historical league registration and event calendar documenting eight events across the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
# [https://www.infoproff.com/en/open-data/new-zealand/companies-list/founded-2013/september/10 InfoProff. "New Zealand organisations registered on 10 September 2013."] Historical registration details for South Auckland Paintball Club Incorporated, society number 2587862.
# [https://pbleagues.com/league/262/seasonRankings/2014 PBLeagues. "2014 Season Rankings: South Auckland Paintball Club."] Official Open X-Ball and Mechanical Pump division standings.
# [https://asylumpaintball.co.nz/sapcrace-results-2013/ Asylum Paintball. "South Auckland Paintball Club Inc Race Series Results." 19 December 2013.] Contemporary report on the 2013 SAPC Race Series.
# [https://pbleagues.com/league/262/seasonRankings/2015 PBLeagues. "2015 Season Rankings: South Auckland Paintball Club."] Official Open X-Ball and Mechanical Pump Division 4 standings.
# [https://pbleagues.com/league/262/seasonRankings/2014 PBLeagues. "2014 Season Rankings: South Auckland Paintball Club."] Original Open X-Ball and Mechanical Pump Division 4 standings.
# [https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=48&topicid=146852 Geekzone. "Paintball club in Wellington?" 2 June 2014.] Contemporary discussion identifying South Auckland Paintball Club's website, Facebook page and discussion group.
# [https://southaucklandpaintballclub.tumblr.com/post/74594111841/sapc-inc-sending-kiwis-to-paintball-world-cup South Auckland Paintball Club. "SAPC Inc - Sending Kiwis to Paintball World Cup Asia 2014." 26 January 2014.] Original announcement concerning international tournament prizes.
# [https://pbleagues.com/league/262/seasonRankings/2015 PBLeagues. "2015 Season Rankings: South Auckland Paintball Club."] Original Open X-Ball and Mechanical Pump Division 4 standings.
# [https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1403/S00280/blacksheep-media-release-2013-nzppl-video.htm Blacksheep Communications. "Blacksheep Media Release 2013 NZPPL Video." Scoop, 16 March 2014.] Contemporary report identifying SAPC and NZPPL as separate competition organisers.
# [https://pbleagues.com/leagues/262 PBLeagues. "South Auckland Paintball Club."] Historical league registration and event calendar.


== External links ==
== External links ==


* [https://pbleagues.com/leagues/262 South Auckland Paintball Club on PBLeagues]
* [https://pbleagues.com/leagues/262 South Auckland Paintball Club on PBLeagues]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/*/http://southaucklandpaintballclub.com/ Archived South Auckland Paintball Club website]
* [https://southaucklandpaintballclub.tumblr.com/ SAPC historical blog]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/*/http://southaucklandpaintballclub.com/ Original club website on the Internet Archive]
* [https://www.facebook.com/SAPCInc South Auckland Paintball Club on Facebook]
* [https://www.facebook.com/SAPCInc South Auckland Paintball Club on Facebook]
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/171469466342335/ South Auckland Paintball Club Facebook group]
* [https://pbleagues.com/league/262/seasonRankings/2014 SAPC 2014 season rankings]
* [https://pbleagues.com/league/262/seasonRankings/2014 SAPC 2014 season rankings]
* [https://pbleagues.com/league/262/seasonRankings/2015 SAPC 2015 season rankings]
* [https://pbleagues.com/league/262/seasonRankings/2015 SAPC 2015 season rankings]

Revision as of 18:21, 14 October 2026

South Auckland Paintball Club Incorporated (SAPC) was a paintball club and tournament organiser based in Auckland, New Zealand. Founded in 2011 by Michael Earley and formally incorporated in September 2013, the organisation promoted recreational and competitive paintball through club days, introductory competitions and the South Auckland Paintball Club Race Series.

The club initially operated at Lock N Load Paintball near Auckland Airport, where it established a five-player hopperball league. Its later Race Series was held at Asylum Paintball at the former Kingseat Hospital in South Auckland.

SAPC organised Open Race-to-4 and mechanical-pump competitions, adopted international playing rules and introduced the APPA player and team registration system to its events. The club also arranged sponsorship opportunities for successful New Zealand teams to compete internationally.

Vitaly Miheev was president of the club during the 2014 season.

SAPC operated independently of the New Zealand Paintball Players League (NZPPL), although both organisations were active in the Auckland competitive paintball community.

History

Foundation in 2011

South Auckland Paintball Club was founded in 2011 by New Zealand paintball player and organiser Michael Earley.

The organisation was established to provide opportunities for regular participation in organised paintball, including social games, club training and accessible competitive events.

Earley was professionally involved in commercial paintball facilities and did not serve on SAPC's governing committee, choosing to separate the club's governance from his professional responsibilities to avoid potential conflicts of interest.

SAPC operated informally before registering as an incorporated society in 2013.

The club maintained an online blog from at least August 2011, publishing information about playing opportunities, legislation, competitive paintball and tournament organisation. [1]

Lock N Load Paintball

SAPC's earliest documented playing activities took place at Lock N Load Paintball, a commercial paintball venue located on Nixon Road near Auckland Airport.

Lock N Load opened in 2011 and included facilities for competitive speedball. [2]

On 10 October 2011, the club announced its first organised club day at the venue.

The announcement encouraged existing paintball players and prospective members to attend.

Participants were expected to provide their own equipment.

The club advertised a NZ$20 playing fee, discounted paintballs and compressed-air fills to 3,000 psi.

The club day was intended to provide opportunities for players to meet, practise and participate in organised games. [1]

SAPC Five-Man League

In October 2011, the club announced the establishment of the SAPC Five-Man League.

The competition was designed to provide affordable tournament-style paintball for established teams and individual players.

It used a hopperball format in which players were restricted to the paintballs carried in their loaders.

The restriction reduced equipment requirements and helped limit playing costs.

Players without an existing team were encouraged to attend, with the organisers proposing to assemble temporary teams where sufficient individuals were available.

The competition was based at Lock N Load Paintball and generally scheduled for Sundays that did not conflict with NZPPL tournaments.

The published arrangements included:

  • Five-player hopperball competition
  • NZ$20 entry fee per player
  • Discounted field paintballs
  • Free compressed-air fills to 3,000 psi
  • Rules based on the NZPPL's 2011 and 2012 regulations
  • Refereeing responsibilities shared between participating teams
  • Registration beginning at 9:00 am
  • Games scheduled from 10:00 am

The original provisional calendar listed two events in 2011 and nine in 2012. [1]

Provisional 2011 calendar

  • 13 November 2011
  • 11 December 2011

Provisional 2012 calendar

  • 15 January 2012
  • 12 February 2012
  • 11 March 2012
  • 13 May 2012
  • 8 July 2012
  • 12 August 2012
  • 9 September 2012
  • 11 November 2012
  • 9 December 2012

These dates were published as a proposed schedule. The surviving announcement does not independently confirm that every event took place.

Influence of the Auckland Super Five-Man League

SAPC's early competition programme drew inspiration from an earlier Auckland Super Five-Man League.

In his 2014 season review, club president Vitaly Miheev acknowledged Gavin of Red Alert Paintball Games for his involvement in establishing the earlier competition.

Miheev described the Auckland Super Five-Man League as an important influence on SAPC's subsequent league programme. [3]

The earlier competition had reportedly operated approximately a decade before the 2014 review.

The precise founding date and complete results of the Auckland Super Five-Man League have not been established.

Paintball legislation

SAPC also published information about regulatory developments affecting paintball in New Zealand.

On 8 August 2011, the club's blog discussed proposed changes to firearms legislation and their potential implications for paintball markers.

The article addressed issues concerning restricted airguns, electronic markers and firing modes used in competitive paintball.

It also encouraged participation in organised clubs and promoted awareness of the proposed legislation.

At the time, SAPC advertised free social membership and free membership for players under 18. [4]

The material documents the club's involvement in communicating regulatory issues to players, although it does not establish that SAPC made a formal parliamentary submission.

Incorporation in 2013

South Auckland Paintball Club Incorporated was registered as a New Zealand incorporated society on 10 September 2013.

The organisation was assigned society number 2587862.

Its registered address was 19 Harper Street, Papakura, Auckland. [5]

The registration formalised an organisation that had already conducted paintball activities since 2011.

SAPC maintained its own organisational identity and competition programme, separate from the commercial playing fields used for its events.

SAPC Race Series

Establishment

The SAPC Race Series developed from the club's earlier five-player competition programme.

By 2013, the club was organising competitive paintball events at Asylum Paintball, a venue at the former Kingseat Hospital in Karaka.

The Race Series used timed, multi-point competition formats and provided teams with opportunities to compete for event and season championships.

The club subsequently offered separate Open and mechanical-pump divisions.

The series operated independently of the NZPPL, with its own calendar, registration arrangements and rankings.

2013 season

South Auckland Paintball Club organised a Race Series during 2013.

The competition was held at Asylum Paintball in South Auckland.

A surviving Asylum Paintball announcement advertised the December 2013 series final.

On 19 December 2013, Asylum Paintball published a report covering the season results. [6]

The competition included Open Division teams competing in Division 1 and Division 2.

Contemporary reporting identified ADHD as the 2013 SAPC Race Series champion.

The complete event-by-event standings have not yet been recovered.

The 2013 season predates the earliest SAPC competition results preserved in PBLeagues.

2014 season

The 2014 SAPC Race Series consisted of four events.

The competition adopted the playing rules of the Asia Pacific Paintball Federation (APPBF) and included an Open Race-to-4 division and a mechanical-pump Division 4 category.

The club's official season review described the Open division as encompassing the equivalent of APPBF Divisions 1 to 3. [3]

The recorded calendar was:

Round Event Dates
1 SAPC February Race 8 and 9 February 2014
2 SAPC May Race 3 and 4 May 2014
3 SAPC July Race 12 and 13 July 2014
4 SAPC September Race 27 and 28 September 2014

The series attracted experienced tournament teams and developing squads.

Open Race-to-4

The Open division used a Race-to-4 format.

The club's 2014 season review described the competition as operating under unmodified APPBF rules.

SAPC reported that the format produced faster games and more competitive tournament play.

The Open division is identified as Open X-Ball in the surviving PBLeagues registration. [7]

ADHD won the 2014 Open championship.

The team won all four events, accumulating the maximum possible 400 ranking points.

The complete season standings were:

Position Team Points
1 ADHD 400
2 Disposal Unit 314.5
3 Tempest 229
4 CamoMeat 178
5 Shattered 173.5
6 Mischief Militia 30
7 Low Gear 25
8 ADHD Black 25

ADHD's four victories secured the season championship ahead of Disposal Unit and Tempest. [7]

Mechanical Pump Division 4

SAPC introduced a regular Mechanical Pump Division 4 competition during the 2014 season.

The division used mechanically operated pump-action markers and followed the club's adopted APPBF competition standards.

The club described the division as a developing entry-level pathway for tournament paintball.

Its September 2014 review reported participation by eight different teams across the mechanical programme and anticipated that some players would progress to the Open division during the following season. [3]

The PBLeagues season rankings record seven teams in the three-round Mechanical Pump Division 4 championship.

The final standings were:

Position Team Points
1 ADHD Red 270
2 OFF 177.5
3 One Shot Bro 135
4 Detachment 50
5 ADHD White 40
6 Flashback 32.5
7 Mixed Madness 10

ADHD Red won the first two rounds and finished second in the final round, securing the championship with 270 points. [7]

The opening event in February 2014 also included a separate Mechanical Pump Beginner division.

Adoption of international standards

A major organisational development during 2014 was SAPC's adoption of APPBF competition rules and the APPA registration system.

In its September 2014 season review, the club claimed to have been the first New Zealand tournament organisation to adopt APPBF playing rules without modification across its events. [3]

The club also reported introducing APPA team and player registration software.

The system provided individual player records, team registrations and tournament rankings.

SAPC described these registrations as compatible with competition systems used internationally, including by the Paintball Asia League Series (PALS), Paintball Sports Promotions (PSP) and the National Collegiate Paintball Association (NCPA).

The club regarded the adoption of international registration and rules standards as a means of improving consistency between New Zealand competitions and overseas tournaments.

The claims that SAPC was the first New Zealand organisation to adopt these systems are based on the club's contemporary account and have not been independently verified against all earlier New Zealand competitions.

Tournament operations and support

SAPC's 2014 programme was supported by referees, media contributors and local paintball businesses.

In the club's end-of-season review, president Vitaly Miheev emphasised the importance of referees in maintaining safe and fair competition. [3]

The review acknowledged the contribution of Tony Dickson of Black Sheep Media, who had provided tournament photography and other media coverage from the club's early years.

Miheev credited Dickson with regularly attending events, documenting competition and helping promote the club's activities.

The review also acknowledged Gavin of Red Alert Paintball Games for supplying a spare compressor to support club events.

Gavin was additionally credited for his role in establishing the earlier Auckland Super Five-Man League, which had influenced the development of SAPC's competition programme.

These contributions supported the club's ability to organise regular competitive events while keeping participation costs comparatively low.

World Cup Asia 2014 initiative

In January 2014, SAPC announced an initiative intended to support successful New Zealand players travelling to Paintball World Cup Asia in Langkawi, Malaysia.

The original announcement promoted prizes associated with the PALS World Cup Asia event. [8]

The club's September 2014 season review provided further details of the arrangement.

It stated that the SAPC season winners would compete in the Division 2 tournament at World Cup Asia.

The announced support included:

  • Tournament entry fees sponsored by the Paintball Asia League Series
  • Accommodation sponsored by Asylum Paintball

The review also stated that SAPC's president would serve as an official tournament coordinator at the event. [3]

The announcement indicates that SAPC had developed relationships with international tournament organisers and sponsors.

The available club report documents the planned participation and sponsorship arrangements, but does not independently confirm the final travelling roster or the team's tournament results.

2014 season review

The club published its end-of-season review on 30 September 2014.

The report was signed by Vitaly V. Miheev, SAPC President, and dated 27 September 2014. [3]

Miheev identified several achievements from the season, including adoption of international playing rules, implementation of APPA registration, expansion of mechanical-pump competition and overseas tournament opportunities.

The report also recognised support from referees, participating teams, Black Sheep Media and Red Alert Paintball Games.

SAPC stated that it had maintained its tournament entry fees and paintball prices while expanding the programme.

The review identified grassroots participation, development of Division 4 teams and increasing public recognition of competitive paintball as priorities for the following season.

2015 season

SAPC continued its Race Series during 2015.

The surviving PBLeagues registration documents four events:

Round Event Dates
1 SAPC Division 4 and Open Event 1 31 January and 1 February 2015
2 SAPC Division 4 and Open Event 2 11 and 12 April 2015
3 SAPC Division 4 and Open Event 3 13 and 14 June 2015
4 SAPC Division 4 and Open Event 4 1 and 2 August 2015

The series maintained separate Open and Mechanical Pump Division 4 championships.

Open division

Auckland Faction won the 2015 SAPC Open championship.

ADHD won the first event, while Auckland Faction won each of the remaining three rounds.

The final season standings were:

Position Team Points
1 Auckland Faction 387.14
2 Addicted 293.93
3 ADHD 242.5
4 CamoMeat 155.71
5 Wolves 84.29
6 Shattered 83.57
7 BOP Blast 62.86
8 Mischief Militia 10

Auckland Faction finished first with 387.14 points. [9]

Mechanical Pump Division 4

Detachment won the 2015 Mechanical Pump Division 4 championship.

The final standings were:

Position Team Points
1 Detachment 317.5
2 Kaos Theory 310
3 Mind Mechanics 212.5
4 OFF 65
5 Check Mate 20
6 ADHD Red 10

Detachment secured the championship by 7.5 points over Kaos Theory. [9]

Organisation and governance

Founder

Michael Earley founded South Auckland Paintball Club in 2011.

Earley was involved in developing organised tournament paintball activities in Auckland and had professional responsibilities at commercial paintball venues.

He did not serve on the club's governing committee, deliberately avoiding a formal governance position because of potential conflicts of interest with his commercial field roles.

The club operated as a separate sporting organisation and subsequently became an incorporated society in September 2013.

President

Vitaly Miheev was president of South Auckland Paintball Club during the 2014 season.

Miheev's position is directly confirmed by the club's September 2014 end-of-season report, which he signed in his capacity as president. [3]

The report describes the club's tournament operations, competitive development programme, international relationships and priorities for the 2015 season.

Miheev was also associated with the New Zealand competitive paintball team ADHD.

The available documents do not establish the precise beginning or end of his presidential term.

Volunteers and contributors

The club relied on volunteer support to operate its events.

The 2014 president's report specifically acknowledged:

  • Tony Dickson, Black Sheep Media, for tournament photography and media coverage
  • Gavin, Red Alert Paintball Games, for lending a compressor and contributing to the earlier Auckland Super Five-Man League
  • Tournament referees, for maintaining safe and consistent competition
  • Participating teams and players, for supporting the club's regular events
  • Asylum Paintball, for supporting the club's events and providing accommodation sponsorship for World Cup Asia

These acknowledgements document contributions to the club without implying formal committee positions.

Playing venues

Lock N Load Paintball

Lock N Load Paintball was the first documented regular playing venue used by SAPC.

The commercial facility was located on Nixon Road near Auckland Airport.

It hosted the club's early membership activities and proposed Five-Man League.

Asylum Paintball

Asylum Paintball was the principal documented venue for the SAPC Race Series.

The facility operated at the former Kingseat Hospital in Karaka, South Auckland.

The venue included a tournament speedball playing field and hosted organised competitions.

Asylum Paintball's historical website documented SAPC event announcements, competition results and the development of the Race Series.

The venue also hosted events operated by other organisations, including the NZPPL.

Relationship with the NZPPL

South Auckland Paintball Club was independent of the New Zealand Paintball Players League.

The clubs and leagues participated in the same wider competitive paintball community but maintained separate event programmes.

SAPC's early Five-Man League used rules based on those of the NZPPL and deliberately avoided scheduling clashes with major NZPPL events.

By 2014, SAPC was using APPBF regulations for its Race Series.

A March 2014 media release identified SAPC and NZPPL as separate tournament programmes operating at Asylum Paintball. [10]

The SAPC Race Series maintained its own season rankings through PBLeagues.

Media and promotion

South Auckland Paintball Club maintained an independent website and blog during its years of operation.

The original domain, southaucklandpaintballclub.com, was linked from the club's historical PBLeagues registration.

The club also published material through a Tumblr blog under the name SAPC Inc.

Its articles documented tournament announcements, results, rule changes, club activities and international competition opportunities.

The club's September 2014 review identified Black Sheep Media and Tony Dickson as longstanding contributors to its media coverage.

The review also reported that the club had received attention from paintball communities overseas and coverage in New Zealand media.

The surviving blog provides a historical record of the club's activities before and after formal incorporation.

Later history

The final SAPC Race Series tournament currently documented in PBLeagues took place on 1 and 2 August 2015.

No later SAPC season has been recovered from the accessible tournament records.

The incorporated society was subsequently dissolved.

The precise dissolution date and the date on which the club ceased organising activities have not yet been independently established.

Historical significance

South Auckland Paintball Club contributed to competitive paintball development in Auckland during the early 2010s.

Its original Five-Man League provided an accessible entry point into organised tournament paintball.

The subsequent Race Series introduced regular Open Race-to-4 and mechanical-pump competitions.

SAPC's 2014 programme was notable for its documented adoption of APPBF competition rules and APPA player registration, which aligned its domestic tournaments with systems used internationally.

The club also developed relationships with the Paintball Asia League Series and arranged sponsorship intended to support New Zealand tournament players travelling to World Cup Asia.

Its surviving blog, contemporary tournament reports and PBLeagues records provide documentation of New Zealand competitive paintball during the transition from locally organised competitions to wider international tournament formats.

See also

References

  1. South Auckland Paintball Club. "SAPC Inc." Historical club blog. Contains announcements dating from 2011, including the October club day and proposed Five-Man League.
  2. Auckland Airport. "Paintball is coming to the airport!" 28 April 2011. Contemporary announcement concerning Lock N Load Paintball.
  3. South Auckland Paintball Club. "2014 End of Season Round Up." 30 September 2014. Statement signed by Vitaly V. Miheev, SAPC President, dated 27 September 2014. Documents club governance, APPBF rules, APPA registration, competition development, contributors and World Cup Asia sponsorship arrangements.
  4. South Auckland Paintball Club. Historical blog posts, August 2011. Includes discussion of proposed changes to New Zealand firearms legislation and paintball club membership.
  5. InfoProff. "New Zealand organisations registered on 10 September 2013." Historical registration details for South Auckland Paintball Club Incorporated, society number 2587862.
  6. Asylum Paintball. "South Auckland Paintball Club Inc Race Series Results." 19 December 2013. Contemporary report on the 2013 SAPC Race Series.
  7. PBLeagues. "2014 Season Rankings: South Auckland Paintball Club." Original Open X-Ball and Mechanical Pump Division 4 standings.
  8. South Auckland Paintball Club. "SAPC Inc - Sending Kiwis to Paintball World Cup Asia 2014." 26 January 2014. Original announcement concerning international tournament prizes.
  9. PBLeagues. "2015 Season Rankings: South Auckland Paintball Club." Original Open X-Ball and Mechanical Pump Division 4 standings.
  10. Blacksheep Communications. "Blacksheep Media Release 2013 NZPPL Video." Scoop, 16 March 2014. Contemporary report identifying SAPC and NZPPL as separate competition organisers.
  11. PBLeagues. "South Auckland Paintball Club." Historical league registration and event calendar.
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