Teams, associations and federations
From the group of friends to the federation: what each structure brings, what it asks, and how to choose the one that suits you.
Contents(7)
Levels
The world of airsoft is organized in several levels, from isolated players to organizations that represent practice. Each one responds to a different need, and one can play very well all his life without exceeding the first.
| Structure | Who composes it | What it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Team | Players | Play together, practice, share the material |
| Association | Members, with legal status | Organize parties, manage land, ensure its members |
| National Federation | Associations | Represent practice, coordinate, train, advise |
| European Federation | National federations | Linking federations, bringing a common voice |
Teams
A team is usually a group of players who agree well and share the same way of playing. It does not need legal existence: a name, a leader, a few internal rules are enough.
Chief
He coordinates exits, accepts new members and represents the team with the organizers.
Roles
Everyone has a position in play (fire, support, support...): the team is more efficient than a sum of isolated players.
An identity
Common outfit, logo, atmosphere: that's what makes you want to come back.
Associations
An association provides a legal framework for a group: it can sign a contract, rent or manage a land, take out insurance and organize games open to outside players.
What she brings
- Insurance generally covering organised activities
- An identified contact (definition) for a landowner
- Collective management: decisions, budget, common equipment
- A framework to welcome and mentor new players, including minors
What she asks
- Creation formalities and regular administrative management
- A contribution, often annual
- Responsibilities for its leaders
- Respect for internal rules and a charter
Federations
A federation brings together associations around the same practice. It does not replace the field or the team: it works in the background so that practice is better organized and recognized.
Represent
She speaks on behalf of her members to the authorities, landowners or other organizations.
Frame
It offers charters, good security practices and sometimes standard documents for land.
Train
It can train mentors and arbitrators, and raise awareness of first aid or the reception of minors.
Ensuring
Some federations offer or negotiate an insurance contract for their members.
Europe
The EAF (European Airsoft Federation) brings together national airsoft federations from several European countries. It is the result of European cooperation between national organisations, which has existed since 2009, and now operates as a federation formed under Dutch law. Its mission: to strengthen the status, practice and recognition of airsoft in Europe, both as a sport and as a responsible leisure.
A Congress and Office
The member federations meet in congresses. An Executive Office provides direction and day-to-day management, with working groups.
One federation per country
Only one national body per country can be a full member: a non-profit organization, democratically run and independent of political power.
Associate members
Companies and organizations that support its mission can become associate members: without the right to vote, they participate in the activities and observe the congress.
Joint projects
Standards and good safety practices, supervised competitions, training of referees, legal recognition of the airsoft: these are its axes of work.
On the site, certain parties are reserved for members of an association whose federation is a member of the EAF. The list of member federations is evolving: visit the official EAF website (airsofteurope.info) rather than a frozen list.
Choose
Joining a structure is a commitment: take the time to meet with it before paying a contribution. The questions below help to compare.
Check as you go: the list is kept in this browser.
Create
Many structures arise from a small group of friends. Step by step, passing the next one only when it becomes useful.
Play Together
Meet regularly, share the material, find your game style.
Form a team
Choose a name, a leader, simple rules and a way to recruit.
Organize
As soon as you have to welcome outside players or rent land, a legal framework becomes useful.
Create the association
Write articles of association, appoint officials, take appropriate insurance.
Getting closer to a federation
If a federation exists in your country, meet it: it can help on security, formalities and recognition.
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