The ruleset

The book.

One Australian paintball tournament ruleset. Maintained by Refs Inc, used at every event we run, and free for anyone else who wants to run by it.

Current version

Version 0.1 — April 2026

This is the first publicly-versioned release of the Refs Inc ruleset. It's derived from the NXL tournament ruleset with Australian-specific modifications — .68 calibre only, Race-To-2 / 5 / 7 formats, replay and appeals with Commissioner authority. Full document below.

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What's in it

  • Match formats. Race-To-2, Race-To-5, Race-To-7 — and when each applies.
  • Equipment. .68 calibre only, marker specs, chronograph limits, protective requirements.
  • Field of play. Dimensions, bunker specifications, start positions, flag stations.
  • On-field calls. Eliminations, hits, overshoots, paint checks, penalties.
  • Replay and appeals. When replay applies, how appeals are lodged, Commissioner authority.
  • Conduct. Player, coach, and team conduct expectations. Sanctions.

Change log

v0.1 — April 2026. Initial public release. NXL-derived core, Australian format adaptations, Commissioner-authority appeals process.

Ruleset in the software

Every rule in the document is encoded in the platform we use to run events — the same reference is available to refs, players, and appeals officers on the day. The document is the source of truth; the software is how we apply it consistently.

Use it

If you run events and want to use the Refs Inc ruleset, you can. We don't charge for the document, and we don't gate it. If you want help running events by it, get in touch.

Report an issue

Found something ambiguous, broken, or missing? Tell us. We maintain this book openly and we want it to be right.

rules@refsinc.com.au