Rules - Americas Army: Operations Euro League Season IV Premier Division Groupstage

The rules, which are listed below, are to be followed at all times by ESL players. Anyone who registers on the ESL website accepts that they understand and will follow the rules.

As many changes happen within the ESL, the following rules are not finalised. Parts, or even all, may be changed, updated or altered at anytime, depending on the circumstances. For this reason, all players should regularly check the rules page for updates. Changes will be announced in the news by the administrators.

1.2. Team and Player Conduct

All players are asked to behave in a humane way towards other competitors, and to any member of the administration team; treat others as you would like to be treated! If a player is found guilty of misconduct by an administrator, he/ she may receive penalty points. Also, teams risk league kicks, bans and expulsions from ESL competitions.

1.3. Game Versions

Every league participant must own a legal copy of every game they play. If it is proven that a player is using a pirate or illegal copy, he/she will be immediately removed from the league and banned from the website. Unless otherwise stated in each ladder, the latest version of each game (update patch) should be used for matches.

1.4. Game Coverage

The ESL reserves exclusive right to the coverage of Electronic Sports League matches. This includes all forms of transmission, including IRC Bots, Shoutcast-streams, HLTV and ESL-TV Broadcasts. The Electronic Sports League can assign the coverage rights of a match or of several matches to a third party or to the actual players themselves. In this case, terms and conditions would have to be arranged with the ESL management before the match.

In general, the ESL will contact any player or team if they wish to broadcast one of their matches. If no contact is made, individual players are allowed to arrange their own broadcasts. Should the game take place on a server that ESL administrators have no direct access to, it must be made sure that enough slots are available for the according clients.

1.5. Amendment of Terms and Conditions or Rules

The ESL reserves the right to change any rule at any time according to the Terms and Conditions. Rule changes can take place during a seasonal event in which case it effective from the date it is introduced. As a general rule, any changes are posted on the main page in the news. If it is necessary, the players will be also informed by email.

1.6. ESL Timezone

By default all times given are in Central European Time (CET). In Autumn/Winter this is one hour ahead of UTC/GMT and in Spring/Summer this is two hours ahead of UTC/GMT.

Your current timezone is displayed in the top right hand corner of the page.

1.7. Suggestions

Should a clan or a player have any suggestions for improvement to the rules or to any ladder, it is possible to inform the administrators via either writing a support ticket or speaking with an admin in IRC.

1.8. Internal Texts

All texts written in either protest or support tickets, or written by the administrators to members of a certain league or tournament, cannot be published without the permission of the Electronic Sports League.

1.9. International language

The language to be used at all times in the European section of the ESL is English. This is to allow all of our users from different countries to take part. This includes all comments, protest tickets, support tickets, match communication, and IRC conversations.

Failure to comply with this rule can lead to bans from posting on the website or penalty points being added to your account.

2. Cheating

2.1. General

All forms of cheating in ESL matches are forbidden and will be penalized by the Electronic Sports League.

Players found cheating outside of the ESL may be barraged on the ESL depending on the evidence available. Note, we do not accept publicly submitted demo or screenshot evidence in these cases.

Should it become known to the ESL administrators that any form of cheating was used to the advantage of a player or a team during an ESL match, the ESL reserves the right to punish them to the full extent of the rules available (see 7.8. Cheating). By breaking any rule a player risks being barred or completely excluded from a specific league or from all leagues. This also includes his or her team.

2.1.1. Bypassing Wire Anti-Cheat

The use of programs (or "hacks") to circumvent, modify or in any way manipulate Wire Anti-Cheat is forbidden.

Any use of such programs will be penalized within the rule 7.8. Cheating. Even testing of such programs in a match not happening within the ESL will be prosecuted.

2.2. Game Modifications and Changes

In general, all programs which are not part of the original game, including custom-data and modifications, are not allowed in any ESL game. Exceptions will be outlined in each ladder’s own specific rules or below in 2.2.1. Legal programs and configuration modifications.

2.2.1. Legal programs and configuration modifications

All external voice programs are allowed (e.g. Battlecom, Gamevoice, Teamspeak, Ventrilo etc.). Script changes and changes to the game’s configuration are allowed, unless they are partly or completely forbidden by the game-specific rules.

2.2.2. Illegal programs and configuration modifications

Programs that provide an advantage during game play (e.g. drivers that allow the removing of walls such as ASUS or Wallhack) are forbidden. Any programs that change the game itself are forbidden.

2.2.3. New programs and/or modifications

New programs and/or modifications are forbidden, as long as they are not specifically listed as legal.

2.2.4. Compulsory programs

Additional programs have been developed for some games. These mostly serve the purpose of ensuring fair play. These additional compulsory programs are listed in the game-specific rules.

2.2.5. Server modifications

Server modifications that are neither explicitly mentioned as legal nor as illegal in the set of rules are only allowed if they do not affect the normal gameplay.

3. Teams and Players

3.1. Player Registration

To play in a ladder, a method of contact (an IRC channel or an ICQ number) must be available and visible to all users in your playersheet. Each player in the ESL must only have one account! If a player can not access his account and then creates a new one, then he/she must write a support ticket explaining in detail the reason for not being able to access the account.

Also, the permanent residence must be chosen according to the country he/she is currently living in. Should the country differ from his/her nationality, the player can add an additional flag in the setting.

3.1.1. Nicknames and URL Aliases

Turtle entertainment reserves the right to edit Nicknames and/or URL aliases, if the user
fails to comply with the following requirements.
Nicknames/aliases are forbidden if they:
* are protected by third-party rights as long as the user has no written authorisation
* resemble or if they are identical to a brand or trademark, no matter whether it has been
registered or not
* refer to personalities
* consist of names of Turtle Entertainment products
* resemble or if they are identical to the names of Turtle Entertainment employees
* are nothing but gibberish
Apart from that any nicknames/aliases that are purely commercial (e.g. product names),
defamatory, pejorative, offensive, vulgar, obscene, anti-Semitic, inciting hatred, or
offending against good manners are forbidden. Names of real persons must not be used
as nicknames as long as it is not the users own name proven by the trusted status.
Using alternative spelling, gibberish or wrong spelling in order to avoid the requirements
mentioned above is illegal. We reserve the right to extend, change, exchange or delete
these rules if necessary.
The requirements mentioned above also apply to team names.

3.1.2. Playerphoto

The photo must clearly show the face of the player, for adding anything else (graphics, other people, other parts of body, etc.) please use the logo function. The photo must always be up-to-date, manipulation of your appearance is prohibited. For anything else please use the gallery. Pictures with weapons are not allowed!

3.2. Teams

To play in any of the ESL’s leagues, a team must have the following details written in their teamsheet:
• a name
• a team shorthandle
• a contact method (IRC/ICQ)
• a team logo (180x180 pixels)

The name does not have to be unique, but the ESL reserves the right to refuse clans with the same or similar names as a well-known clan (e.g. If you named your team “Schroet Kommando" or “Schroet Commando” etc, that would not be allowed).

Names which are restricted by law will not be accepted and will be deleted and punished with penalty points if found. Also, names which go against all forms of etiquette and good manors will not be accepted.

If a team deletes its account because of a certain amount of active penalty points and registers a new account, the penalty points will be transferred to the new account if the team rejoins the same ladder. Furthermore 1 additional penalty will be added for the attempted deception.

As a method of contact, the player's ICQ or the team's IRC channel has to be entered in the teamsheet.

The logo must represent the team and have some reference to the team's name or to the team's shorthandle. Copyrighted logos, or logos which go against etiquette and good manors will not be accepted.

3.2.1. Team players

Each player can only play in one team per ladder, cup or tournament. A list of examples can be found here: http://www.esl.eu/faq/110/.

In tournaments with premium duty or trusted obligation, only players with this status are allowed to play.

Generally players who are entitled to the position "Inactive" or "Honorary member" are not allowed to play, therefore they are greyed out in the team sheet.

3.2.3. Changing team names

A team can change its name at any time. This also applies when a team is restructured. The team’s points and score are transferred.

Changing a team’s name in order to fool other teams is forbidden. The team’s former name must be mentioned on the team-sheet. Extremely long names, or consistent changing of team names is prohibited and can be punished with penalty points.

3.2.4. Team fusion

Should two teams fuse (merge), they are free to choose which of the two accounts they would prefer to keep on using. The other account(s) should then be deactivated. Scores and data can only be adopted by different leagues. If both teams played for the same league, the teams’ match data are erased.

3.2.5. Several squads (sub-teams) per team in one ladder

Any team may enter as many squads into any one ladder. However, only one squad can qualify for a premiership. A team is not allowed any more than one squad in a premiership.

During ladder play, no two squads from the same team are allowed to play each other.

3.2.6. 2on2 teams

2on2 teams are only allowed to have exactly two members. A 2on2 team is a fixed two-player-team, which means changing players is forbidden, unless the 2on2 team leaves the league, rearranges itself, and re-joins again.

3.2.7. Changing squads, sub-teams etc

A team-account is owned by the leader or, as the case may be, by the person who registered the account. However, should a squad have qualified for a premiership/cup/pro-series or a competition other than a regular ladder, the squad has qualified in the name of its team. This means that the team that qualified, even if the squad that played is no longer part of that team, will be eligible to play but not the squad which moved to a different team.

Example: The team “Big Clan” has a squad that has qualified for a premiership. However, the squad decides to change teams during the season and becomes part of “Another Big Clan”. In this case, the team “Big Clan” can appoint a new squad to take over from the old one, which continues playing for “Big Clan” during the premiership. “Another Big Clan” has no right to participate in the premiership.

3.3. Internet cafes

Internet cafes or similar locations that want to offer their clients the possibility of participating in the ESL have to contact the admin responsible. They have to register all SteamIDs they wish to use and they also have to inform the admin of their IP-range. All players and clans that want to play from the Internet cafe have to be listed on the homepage. Additionally, the players must be registered with the responsible admin. The Internetcafe is responsible for the correctness of the data and they also have to check the players and to make sure that no other player participates in an ESL Match using the same nickname.
In case of problems the ESL reserves the right to exclude the internet cafes involved.

Currently the admin responsible is stinger ([email protected])
Registered Internet cafes.

4. Ladders, Premierships and Cups

4.1. General Points

The Electronic Sports League offers many different game systems. You can find out which one is used in your particular game by visiting the "Info & Details" page of your specific game.

4.2. Ladders

4.2.1. General Terms and Conditions

Points:
The ladders in the Electronic Sports League are based upon the ELO points system. The points calculation of any match is calculated from the position of a player/team in the ladder, their opponents position, and the result of the match. For full details, please read the FAQ.

Challenges within a ladder:
Any participant may challenge any other, no matter if a team is ranked or still in the newcomer pool. The challenge may be refused by the other team/player if he/she wishes to do so. However, should the challenged team be within 20 places above the challenging team, the refusal will be punished with one penalty points. A challenging team from the newcomer pool would be ranked last within the ladder plus one, and therefore the 20 teams/players at the bottom would be punished for rejecting a challenge. Players or teams that have more than 5 outstanding challenges, no matter if the matches are confirmed or not, may not take on any further challenges. This is scripted into the ESL System and cannot be changed by individual players/teams.

Only one match is allowed between two participants within 7 days. After a team/player has been challenged, further challenges between the two teams/players are blocked for 7 days. After this, the team/player can be challenges once again.

4.2.1.1. Matches Between Players in the Top 10

The so-called "challenge spam protection" does not apply within ladders with more than 20 participants and 5 open matches if both teams / players are positioned within the ladder's Top 10. Usually, matches between two players in the Top 10 are obligatory.

4.2.2. Entries

Players or teams may enter or leave a ladder at any time during the season.

4.2.3. Exits

On leaving a ladder, the team’s/player’s score is automatically put on hold. After leaving a league, a team is normally not able to re-enter the same ladder for 5 days. If a team/player rejoins the same ladder, their score will be automatically reactivated.

4.3. Premierships

4.3.1. General terms and conditions

A premiership-league participant either qualifies by having performed very well within a ladder or by being nominated by the ESL-Admins to take part in the premiership.

4.3.2. Entries

The teams enter the premiership at the beginning of the premiership season. It is not possible to enter the premiership during a running season.

4.3.3. Exits

Teams can exit a premiership at any time. All the team’s matches are then deleted.

4.3.4. Team accounts

The team account that qualifies and plays for the Premiership will hereafter be called “account” .

1.The team owns the account
2.The team alone decides which players are chosen for the account, no matter if the original players have left the team in the meantime.
3.The team may not change the account’s name until the end of the season.
4.The account is not transferable.

These rules are guidelines. Special cases are treated and rated seperately.

4.4. Cups and other events

4.4.1. Entries

A team can enter a cup according to the established cup-rules.

4.4.2. Exits

A team can exit a cup according to the established cup-rules.

4.5. ESL Pro Series

The ESL Pro Series is a “Premiership” and is carried out according to the rules.

4.6. ESL Amateur Series

5. Matches

5.1. Game Preparations

In addition to challenging other teams via the ESL Page, it is also always a good idea to contact the challenged team per e-mail, irc, icq or other means a few days before the match.

5.1.1. Match Broadcasting

All forms of game broadcasting are allowed if both sides agree. If one side wants to broadcast a match, the details of the broadcast should be discussed before the match takes place.
Further details can be found in rule 1.4 Game Coverage.

5.1.2. Match Arrangements

Arrangements must be done before a match takes place.
See 8. Arrangements for further information.

5.2. Server

5.2.1. Choice of server

In case a game-server is needed for the game, the players must provide a server for the game themselves and come to an agreement on which server to use. In case no agreement can be reached, each team decides on a map which is then played on each of the two team’s servers. The teams can of course play on a completely neutral server, if they decide to do so.

5.2.2. Server settings

The server settings mentioned in the various game rules (e.g. config. values) must be used. All server settings must be checked before the match begins. As soon as the match begins, the players therewith accept the set configurations.

Should any changes in the server settings take place during a running game, the server administrator is to be informed immediately. In case of a protest, it must be proven using screenshots and /or demos.

5.2.3. Ping

5.3. Client settings

The client settings (e.g. config. values) that are listed in the game-specific rules are to be abided by.

5.4. Results

Both players / teams are responsible for entering the correct results. Both players / teams may enter a detailed report or statements on the game. The admins are also free to enter a report , either written by themselves or by third parties.

Should the opposing player / team be late to the game, follow rule 5.6.1.

In case of disagreements concerning the score, both players / teams should keep screenshots of the game that can be sent to the admins when requested.

5.5. Illegal actions

Should a team fail to turn up in time for a game, it receives penalty points which are due after 20 minutes, counting from the previously arranged time at which the game was to commence. Exiting a server during a game without a good reason is forbidden.

5.6. Trouble shooting / protest procedures

As a basic rule, every game is played through to the end. Should problems occur, these must be announced clearly by one of the players by calling “Protest”. As soon as the match is over, the protest form must be filled in on the website. The admins will then check the case with the help of the form and impose a penalty if necessary.

A protest must be handed in within 72 hours after the beginning of a match. A protest must be made using the protest form. It is not possible to use the support form. The opposing team then has 72 hours in which it may comment on the accusations made against it. An additional request by the admin is not necessary, as the notification occurs automatically.

If no response is received within the 72 hours period allowed, the team forfeits it’s right and the admin alone must decide according to the available data and facts.

Protest Rules

The codes of conduct must also be kept to in case of a protest. Verbal misconduct or abuse in any form can be punished with penalty points.

5.6.1. Failure to appear to a match

Should a player / team not appear to a match on time, and the other player / team waited for at least 20 minutes, an entry is made in the result sheet.

For ESL Instant Challenger matches the waiting time is 10 minutes.

For EAS match, generated through ESL Auto-Challenger, a player / team is allowed to ask for default win via protest, if the opposing player / team did not show up.

The incident has to be documented with screenshots. You need to hand them to the responsible admin in case of a protest. It is forbidden to enter a result by itself.

5.6.2. Not enough players in a team

Should a team have too few players at a match for any reason, they are nevertheless allowed to compete against the complete opposing team, providing they have the minimum amount of players necessary. Unless stated differently in the game’s specific rules, the minimum amount of players a team is allowed to compete with is the designated amount minus one. The opposing team may freely decide to take players off their team in order to make it a fairer match. The match may also be postponed, if both the teams are agreed.

5.6.3. Game offenses

Should a team ascertain a game offence, the best procedure is to write a support-mail via the ESL page. The match-ID and an exact description of the occurrences must be given in this mail. The accusations must be provable and the page on which the proof can be viewed by the admins must also be given.

The support-function should only be utilized when the problem that occurs is not during a match. Problems that apply to a match directly, must be dealt with using the protest-function.

5.6.4. Server problems

Should problems with a server occur, a different server must be found and used. Should no other server be found in a measurable amount of time and should the original game server not be functional for an indefinite time, the game can be resumed at a later time and date.

5.6.5. Player drops

Should a player drop during a game (e.g. disconnected due to technical problems), then the game is either paused or the map is restarted, if the still complete team wishes to do so. In the event of a drop, a registered substitute may enter the game in the dropped player’s place.

5.7. Fixed dates / appointments

Rules concerning the dates and times of a game, should any exist, are to be found in the specific game rules.

6. Data and records

6.1. Screenshots

A screenshot of the on-screen results must be made of every game that is played. The screenshots must be uploaded onto the page with the match details as soon as possible after the game has ended. One screenshot showing each result (e.g. per half or map) is needed and can be uploaded by either the winners or the losers.

Non-existent screenshots lead to the assumption of a so-called “fake match”, a match that never took place. The screenshots must be uploaded within 24 hours after the game ends. They are to be kept for at least 14 days and must be presented to a player, or an admin at request.

6.2. Demos and replays

If your game supports a demo- or replay-function, it is obligatory for all players to use it. The demos are to be kept for at least 14 days and must be presented to the admin at request. If it should come to a protest, the demos must be kept until 14 days after conclusion of the protest.

If a player or team suspects that another player or team is violating a regulation during a game, the demo can be demanded of the opposing team straight away. The admins are only to be called in, when suspicions continue to exist even after the demos have been viewed. In this case, the clan or player may proceed and send the admin the game demos. The admin will then take the appropriate action.

It is recommended to voluntarily make all demos available to the public in order to keep the ladders transparent and interesting. For specific rules, please read the respective game rules.

7. Penalties after offences

7.1. In General

If a player or team disregards or violates one or more of the legal rules of the league, this can have various consequences depending on the severity of the offence. The ESL possesses an official catalogue of penalty points according to which points are given for each offence.

If a punishment affects a player in a team match, the player and the team receive the same penalty points. Up to 6 penalty points may be given per team and player within a single match.

The responsible admin decides whether an offence has affected the game to such an extent that it can not be assessed and must be deleted. Offences committed by the losing team seldom lead to match deletion.

In addition to penalty points, players and teams may be barred (also known as frozen, locked and barraged) if they have accumulated a certain amount of penalty points:

- After obtaining 4 penalty points: 1 week barrage
- After obtaining 8 penalty points: 2 weeks barrage
- After obtaining 10 penalty points: 1 month barrage

Barred players and teams must finish playing their open matches. They cannot challenge nor be challenged. Barred players may not take part in team matches with exception of 2on2 teams.

As a rule, the penalty points are deleted after a certain period of time. There are different clearance periods depending on the amount of points:

- 1-2 penalty points: 2 months
- 3-6 penalty points: 3 months
- 7 penalty points: 6 months
- 12 penalty points: 2 years (see cheating, rule 7.8.)

A player or team can receive a maximum of 11 penalty points. A player or team account that goes above 12 or more penalty points is kicked from all leagues and may not re-enter any of them until the sum of their penalty points drops below 12 again.

Bans are independent of the time of day and expire overnight. A player is not allowed to play as long as the red warning box is still displayed at the team or player sheet.

In particular cases the penalties imposed by the admins may vary from the catalogue of penalty points and can be transfered to other plattforms. The admins can impose penalties or delete matches for offences that are not listed here. The same applies for Streak- and Award-Deletions or making pointless Support/Protest tickets.

Penalties (penalty points/barrages/bans) given on ESL subplatforms (e.g. ESL Europe, ESL America) are valid on all ESL subplatforms.

7.2. Breach of netiquette

Just as in other interpersonal areas in life it is also inevitable to preserve a certain degree of politeness within the ESL. Offences against this rule are penalized according to their severity and frequency. In particular cases, the penalties imposed by the admins may vary from the degree of penalization mentioned below.

7.2.1. Insults

All insults that occur in connection with the ESL will be punished. This mainly includes insults during a match but also insults within the ESL website (forums, match comments, player comments, support- and protest pages, etc.). Insults via IRC, ICQ, e-mail or other media may be penalized, providing a connection to the ESL is given and provable.

Extreme insults such as radical statements or threats to do someone bodily harm can lead to strong punishments including exclusion and account deletion.

Written warning for the first offence
1 Penalty point + 1 week barrage for the second offence, or first serious offence
2 Penalty points + 2 weeks barrage for the third offence, or second serious offence
3 Penalty points + 3 weeks barrage for subsequent offences

The deciding factor therefore is the amount of active penalties for insults, the extremeness of the insult(s) will also be taken into account.

Insults can only be reported by a support ticket, matches may not be protested to report insults.

7.2.2. Spamming

The excessive posting of futile, annoying or offensive contributions within the ESL is considered as spamming.
Spamming on the website (forums, match comments, player comments, support- and protest pages, etc) is penalized as follows:

1 penalty point + 1 week comment ban for the first spamming incident.
2 penalty points + 2 week comment ban for the second spamming incident.
3 penalty points + 3 week comment ban for the third and any further spamming incidents.

The decisive factor therefore is the amount of active penalties for spamming.

7.3. Unsportsmanlike behaviour

In order to secure a well-regulated and pleasant course of game, it is inevitable that all players act in a sportsmanlike and fair way. A breach of this rule will be penalized with 3 to 6 penalty points; the most important and most common offences are listed below. An admin may, however, impose a penalty for not explicitly listed offences that are unsporting (e.g. unnecessary harassment) on the basis of this rule.

7.3.1. Failure to appear

Team:
3 Penalty Points. If an opponent fails to appear to a match it is not necessary to file a protest. Simply enter that your opponent did not show up in the result sheet. When choosing this option, the remaining result panels should be left blank.

1on1:
2 Penalty Points, otherwise the same procedure as above.

If your opponent does not appear for an AutoChallenger match in an ESL Amateur Series, you may request a default win by opening a match protest. You may not enter a default win for yourself, this is considered a fake result and will be punished!

7.3.2. Game Abort

4 penalty points. If your opponent should deliberately leave during a match, you must make a protest. You must not enter a result yourself. This may be penalized as entering a fake result (rule 7.4.2.). Should the game have advanced to a point at which an evaluation of the result is possible, a win may be granted to the remaining team. The decision whether a match can be evaluated or not is in each case decided by the responsible admin.

7.3.3. Spamming during a game

Up to 2 penalty points for misusing the in-game chat function for excessive spamming in order to irritate the opponent or to disturb the course of the game. The chat function is solely meant for communicating with your opponent.

7.3.4. Player kicks during a match

4 penalty points. It is forbidden to kick opposing players from the server during a match.

7.3.5. Modified/wrong server settings

Both parties must check the server settings. Wrong server settings must be corrected before a match. Should the wrong settings be noticed after the game has already begun, they must immediately be corrected. If this is not possible because e.g. the server provider is not willing to make changes, the match may be interrupted in order to file a protest. If the settings concerned are relevant for the course of the game, the match must be restarted as soon as one of the parties wishes it to be.
Should wrong server settings be noticed at any later point in time then both teams are responsible. If possible, the wrong settings must be corrected. The match is, however, only repeated if both teams wish it to be. A completed game that had wrong server settings all along may only be repeated if both teams agree to do so.

Non-relevant server settings:
2 penalty points. Even deviations from the stipulated server settings that have no or near to no influence on the course of the game are penalized.

Game deciding server settings:
4 penalty points if server settings that have a large influence on the course of the game are wrong or have been modified.

7.3.6. Breaking engagements

Agreements concerning rule 8 that are not complied with are penalized as violations against the according ESL rule.

7.4. Deceptions

Attempts to deceive admins or other players with wrong or fake statements, information or data are penalized as follows:

7.4.1. Fake match

6 penalty points if a match or matches were created for the sole reason of not actually playing but of entering a fake result in order to receive illegitimate points within the ladder.

7.4.2. Faking results

4 penalty points for entering a fake game result, e.g. when the game was aborted by the opponent or when you do not wish to play the game. If problems should arise that you can not solve amongst yourselves, a protest must always be made.

Note: If you agree on not playing a match it is forbidden to enter 0:0 or similar as the game result. If no result is entered matches are deleted seven days after the date the game was scheduled at, excluding compulsory games (e.g. Auto challenger or Cup matches). It is also possible to delete matches yourself, providing both opponents agree to do so. The link for this option is to be found in the match setup of each match.

7.4.3. Fake match media

Match media includes all records e.g. demos, screenshots or logos that are generated within the scope of a match.
The faking of match media is forbidden and is penalized with 1-4 penalty points dependent on the severity of the case. For example: Uploading senseless screenshots, hoping the match will not be checked too closely, is not penalized as heavily as when screenshots are uploaded that are meant to cover up a fake match.

Intensification when cheating is suspected:
6 penalty points when fake match media is handed in and the player/team is strongly suspected of cheating.

7.4.4. Other deceptions

Other attempts of deceiving an admin or another player are penalized with 1-4 penalty points depending on the severity of the case and according to the judgement of the responsible admin.

7.5. Use of unauthorized players

7.5.1. Inactive player barrage

3 penalty points if a player whose status on the team was changed from inactive in the last five days takes part in a match. These players are clearly marked as "inactive" or "barrage" on the ESL team page.

It is, however, possible for these players to take part in a game if the opposing team agrees beforehand (see rule 8.).

This rule is ignored in 2on2 ladders.

7.5.2. Barred players

6 penalty points if a barred player participates in any gaming activity. It is not possible to make use of barred players by any form of agreement (rule 8.).

7.5.3. Unregistered players

3 penalty points if a player who is not listed on the ESL team page, but is known to have been a member of the team for some time, participates in a game.

7.5.4. Ringers/Fakers

6 penalty points if a player who is neither listed on the ESL team page nor a member of the team participates in a game. In special cases there may be barrages up to four weeks.

7.6. Missing records/match media

Match media includes all records e.g. demos, screenshots or logs that are generated within the scope of a match.

7.6.1. Compulsory Match media uploads

1 penalty point if the compulsory match media (e.g. screenshots of the results, replays) has not been uploaded within 24 hours after a match. If media of several matches is missing, up to 3 penalty points may be given as a collective penalty. If the match media is filed subsequently, the penalty points may be deleted or reduced on request.

7.6.2. Requested records/match media

1-3 penalty points if no or insufficient media is handed in on request of an admin. The responsible admin decides which records or match media is necessary depending on the circumstances (e.g. demos, server logs, chat recordings, etc.).

7.6.3. Requested match media after strong suspicion of cheating

6 penalty points if no or insufficient media is handed in on request of an admin in order to rebut a strong suspicion of cheating.

7.7. Missing/Wrong Gameaccounts

7.7.1. Without strong suspicion of faking

3 penalty points if a player’s compulsory game account entry is missing or wrong after a match.

7.7.2. With strong suspicion of faking

6 penalty points if the player’s compulsory game account entry is missing or wrong after a match and there is additionally a strong suspicion that a faker or ringer took part in the match.

7.8. Cheating

7.8.1. Programs / modifications / settings

These penalties are explained in the game specific rules.

7.8.2. Cheating

12 penalty points for the player and 6 penalty points for the team. The use of severe cheats (e.g. aimbot, wallhack, multihack) is penalized with a two year ban from the ESL. On top of that all the statistics for the player from the last 12 months will be removed. For the team in question the statistics from the last 3 months will be removed. The removal of the statistics will solely consist of the ladders of the game where the player was caught cheating in.

Rehabilitation is only available to players caught cheating in ESL matches. After at least six weeks the cheater receives the one-off opportunity of handing in an essay on the topic of cheating in multiplayer games. The exact subject of the essay is set by the ESL. The complete essay must be handed in within three month after the subject is decided upon. It will then be reviewed for a week. If it complies with the requirements (form and length) and if its content is convincing, the cheater may receive the chance of rehabilitation. (Further details concerning rehabilitation). The penalty points for the cheating offence are, in case of rehabilitation, reduced to 7 for the player and 5 for the team. The statistics will however not be reinstated.

7.9. Multi accounts

1-4 Penalty points depending on the severity of the offence. Additionally, all penalty points are transferred to one account and all other accounts are deleted.

Furthermore it is not permitted to delete an old account in order to open a new one. If you should forget your login password it is always possible to contact the admins via the support form or IRC in order to retrieve your account. It is helpful to enter non-public information in your account, as admins can then confirm your identity more easily should you forget your login data.

7.10. Declining compulsory challenges

Intense compulsory challenges only become active in ladders with more than 20 participants.

7.10.1. Normal compulsory challenges

1 penalty points for the challenged if he is positioned within 20 places above the challenger in the same ladder.

7.10.2. Intense compulsory challenges

2 penalty points for the challenged if both participants are positioned within the top 10 of the same ladder.

7.11. Other unauthorized offences

7.11.1. Deliberate exploitation of bugs on the website

These penalties lie within the discretion of the responsible admin and are penalized according to their severity. This type of offence is e.g. the postponement/abortion of matches that were already confirmed.

8. Arrangements

Certain arrangements between the teams/players are allowed. These arrangements may slightly differ from the ESL rules. Arrangements that differ greatly from the set of rules are however not allowed. Please note that the ESL rules were made to guarantee the same advantages/disadvantages for all teams. You are not allowed to file a protest after the match if you think that the agreements made before the match in the end resulted in a disadvantage for you or your team.

Rules that can be changed by agreements are to be found in the game specific (*) rules. Should this not be the case then you are not allowed to agree on changes.

All arrangements between teams in addition to the ESL rules have to be written down in the match comments. The other team has to confirm those arrangements in the comments. To avoid an abuse of the edit function, a third comment has to be written.

Please do also keep screenshots and/or logfiles of your arrangements. If you do not fulfil these restrictions, any protests or supports concerning those arrangements will be
rejected.

The following rules cannot be changed by arrangement:
- Entering results for matches that have not been played
- Game privileges of players which are barred because of penalty points, or are barred in the league due to a ban
- Game privileges of players in leagues with premium requirement, which have are barred for inactivity

8.1. Arrangements and Annotations

The teams/players are allowed to agree on certain changes with their opponents. These changes may slightly differ from the ESL rules. Changes that differ greatly from the set of
rules are however not allowed. Please note that the ESL rules were made to guarantee the same advantages/disadvantages for all teams.
You are not allowed to file a protest after the match if you think that the agreements made before the match resulted in a disadvantage for you or your team.
Rules that can be changed by agreements are to be found in the game specific (*) rules.
Should this not be the case then you are not allowed to agree on changes. All arrangements between teams in addition to the ESL rules have to be written down in the match comments. The other team has to confirm those arrangements in the comments. To avoid an abuse of the edit function, a third comment has to be written.
Please do also keep screenshots and/or logfiles of your arrangements. If you do not fulfill these restrictions, any protests or supports concerning those arrangements will be
rejected.

The following rules cannot be changed by arrangement:
- Entering results for matches that have not been played
- Players who are barred due to penalty points must not play

The Electronic Sports League reserves the right to define special rules for cases that are
not yet mentioned in the set of rules. This means that offences can be penalized
subsequently although they have not been mentioned in the rules before.

9. America's Army - General Information

The rules mentioned under point 9 are generally valid for all America’s Army ladders. Exceptions for the different ladders/amateur series/cups can be found under point 10 (comming soon).

9.1. Conditions of participation

In order to be eligable for the America's Army ladders, you have to fulfil the following requirements:

- AAO PB GUID added to your ESL profile
- MSN OR ICQ contact info added to your ESL profile

Entering sufficient contact details (ICQ/IRC/MSN) and the correct PB GUID is mandatory.

9.1.1. Punkbuster Guid

Any player who wants to play ladder matches must have entered a valid pb guid in his account.
This pb guid has to be entered via the Command Center (My Account – Gameaccounts).
In order to find your pb guid just connect to a server and use the console command "pb_myguid".
It is not enough to list the pb guids in the team description!

9.1.2. Teams

The teams have to fulfil the requirements as described under 3.2.
The minimum numbers of players to be followed are:
2on2 – min./max. 2 players with entered PB Guids
3on3 – min. 3 players with PB Guids
4on4 – min. 4 players with PB Guids

9.1.3. Nationality/Country faking

Changing you country via the Command Center restriction is illegal and will be penalized.

9.2. Game preparations

Please resolve any problems that might occur before the match starts. Agreements between the teams/players have to be posted as match comments.

9.2.1. Choice of server

The internet is changing continuously and the connection to a server is not always perfect. The teams / players have to agree on a server that offers both sides an equal ping. Nevertheless every player should know, that he sometimes has to play with a bigger ping difference. In this case we have to appeal to the fairness of the teams/players, the right to change server.

Show some Sportsmanship and use a DE, NL or UK server. If no DE, NL or UK server is available, use the following rules:

Ping: the average ping (real ping of the whole team, players with highest ping from both teams don’t count, F1 ping multiplied with 4, divided by 3) of Team A cannot be higher than 20 ms to the average ping of Team B. If the average ping is higher than 20 ms, you have to change the server.
The internet is changing continuously and the connection to a server is not always perfect. The teams / players have to agree on a server that offers both sides an equal ping. Nevertheless every player should know, that he sometimes has to play with a bigger ping difference. In this case we have to appeal to the fairness of the teams/players, the right to change server.

Show some Sportsmanship and use a DE, NL or UK server. If no DE, NL or UK server is available, use the following rules:

Ping: the average ping (real ping of the whole team, players with highest ping from both teams don’t count, F1 ping multiplied with 4, divided by 3) of Team A cannot be higher than 20 ms to the average ping of Team B. If the average ping is higher than 20 ms, you have to change the server.

Packet loss: If more than one player of a team experiences a packet loss higher than 10, you have to change the server. Stat Net screenshots recommended here.

If no server with these criteria is available: One half of the map will be played on Team A's server the other half on Team B's server.
Packet loss: If more than one player of a team experiences a packet loss higher than 10, you have to change the server. Stat Net screenshots recommended here.

If no server with these criteria is available: One half of the map will be played on Team A's server the other half on Team B's server.

9.2.1.1. ESL Servers

The ESL currently does not provide Matchservers. If a team wants to play in the league, the team must provide a server.

9.2.2. Videocasts

For a match to be videocasted, there must be permission from ESL before it can go ahead. Contact the ESL Staff via Support Ticket with the Match Details, atleast 3 days before the match is set to begin.

9.2.3. Setup Round Check

During the warm up the teams/players have to check whether the server settings are correct, whether the map has been loaded properly and whether the server uses the right maps. Also check that the server is running the correct ESL CVARS

9.2.4. Changing Players – AAO

Changing players during a match can only be done when changing sides or when the map is changed. There is a maximum of two substitute players per team.

9.2.5. Netspeed

It´s forbidden to play with a netspeed under 8500.
Therefore setting netspeed below 8500 will be illegal!!

- The Match will be forfeited if you use a netspeed below 8500

- Penalty for using a netspeed below 8500 will be 6 points.

9.3. Settings

9.3.1. Server Settings

Using the tournament mode for ESL matches is a must and the following settings have to be used. Both clans are responsible to make sure that these settings are used:

• The server has to be password-protected
• ROE Violation Options has to be 'Ignore Violations'
• Min./max. Admin: 4/4
• Require Authorization from Army servers to play has to be activated
• Auto-Teambalance has to be deactivated
• Kick Idle Players has to be deactivated
• Cheats have to be deactivated
• Shadows have to be deactivated
• Punkbuster Screenshots has to be activated
• 1st Person View has to be activated
• Min./max. Honor: 1/100
• Only Force Live Fire Weapons allowed

Special Tournament Settings:
• Pause Length 180
• Changing rounds after (X) rounds
• Delay after changing sides 60 seconds
• Mission Planning Time 5 minutes
• Captain Request Delay 30 seconds
• Time delay between rounds 10 seconds
• Tie-Breaking-Rules has to be 'Allow Ties'
• Allow Team Captain has to be activated
• (only for cups) Use Endex Rule has to be activated
• Random Side Starts and Open All Weapon Slots have to be deactivated

It is allowed to use server banlists, CVAR Checks or other anticheat scripts but they are not mandatory. These anti cheat scripts can also be used as evidence during protests/supports etc.

9.3.2. Server Authorization Problem

If the 'Main Authorization Server' does not work or if several players of both teams do not get authorized, the team leaders can agree on either deactivating the authorization function or playing the match at a later time.
If only one player is affected by the problem, the team either has to play with one player less or to play with a substitute.

9.3.3. Maps

This is the official Maplist for ESL, only these map times are allowed.

* Insurgent Camp 4mins
* MOUT McKenna 3mins
* Collapsed Tunnel 3mins
* Dusk 4mins
* SF Sandstorm 3mins
* Urban Assault 3mins
* Weapons Cache SE 5mins
* Pipeline 4mins
* ESLDusk 3mins
* ESLWeapons Cache 4mins
* ESLBorder 4mins
* Bridge 5mins
* SF CSAR 4mins
* SF Pipeline 4mins
* SF Village 5mins
* bg_Canyon 4mins
* SF Hospital 4mins
* Woodland 4mins

9.3.3.1. Special Map Regulations

The original maps have to be used. Maps changed with the help of the editor are not allowed.

Mout McKenna
Team 'Honor' is the defending team on this map. This is however only relevant for choosing the sides. In order to win the round the teams have to secure 2 out of 3 objectives or eliminate the opposing team. If the teams fail to do so within the round time, the round will be rated as a draw.

SF_SandStorm
Team 'East' is the defending team on this map. This is however only relevant for choosing the sides. In order to win the round the teams have to secure 2 out of 3 objectives or eliminate the opposing team. If the teams fail to do so within the round time, the round will be rated as a draw.

Urban_Assault
Team 'East' is the defending team on this map. This is however only relevant for choosing the sides.

SF_CSAR
Killing the pilot results in losing the round.

SF_Hospital
Team "Ambush" is the defending team. The ambush team wins the round if the VIP dies.

9.3.4. Player Settings Configs/Scripts/Third Party Programs

All third party programs are not allowed. Programs such as Rivatuner, Nhancer, Hotkey, etc are illegal. Changing the graphic options or textures with the help of graphic card drivers or similar tools or programs is illegal. Any other scripts are also illegal, especially if they result in a gameplay advantage. Anyone found to be using such third party programs will be severly disciplined.

9.4. Ingame

9.4.1. Choice of team

The Challenger or Higher Seeded Team is the home team and gets to make side choice for the first half of the match.

9.4.2. Number of players

Minimum number of players:
2on2: 1on2 is forbidden, only 2on2 is allowed
3on3: Only 3on3 is allowed
4on4: 4on4, 3on4 is allowed
If one player in a 4on4 team is missing, the team can nevertheless play the match. The opposing team can decide freely whether they want to play with all players or also with one player less.

6on6: 5on6 is allowed. If one player is missing they can nevertheless play the match.

9.4.3. Player drops

Should a player drop during a game, the game is paused. This is either done at the end or the beginning of the round concerned if the player did not manage to reconnect.
The waiting time for a dropped player is 5 minutes. If there are not enough players on the server after the waiting time, you either have to file a protest or to continue according to Game intermissions.

Exception for 4on4 ladders: The waiting time for one dropped player is 5 minutes. Should more players drop the waiting time is 10 minutes. If the complete team requests it, the match can be finished 3on4 after the waiting time.

9.4.4. Matches between team mates

No matches between subteams of the same clan and players: they can only play for 1 team during the complete cup/league.

9.4.5. Abortion of a match

If a team/player wins the majority of rounds on a map (e.g. 7 rounds for MR 6), the match can be aborted and the result must be entered (e.g. 9-3).
There is no need to play all rounds.

9.4.6. overtime

Overtime is played 2x2 on Urban Assault. Overtime is always played on Urban Assault over 2 extra rounds on both sides, East and West for both teams.

9.5. Match Media

In general match media have to be uploaded to the ESL website in the period of time stated in the rules. Faking or manipulating match media is of course forbidden and will result in severe penalties.
Packing the files is allowed. Match media names for demos, screenshots, etc. have to be chosen in a reasonable way. The name has to be chosen in accordance with the media's content so that it is clearly recognizable whether the file concerned is a demo, a round screenshot or a status screenshot etc.
Filing a protest or writing a support ticket due to wrong media names is not possible.
If an admin cannot do his job properly because of wrong media names, the players concerned will get penalty points.
Match media are to be kept for at least 14 days.
Nevertheless only participants of the match concerned are allowed to write a support ticket. Tickets written by third parties will be rejected.

9.5.1. Screenshots

Screenshots of pb_plist
Taking a screenshot of pb_plist/pb_power is mandatory. Team Captains must take these screenshots.

The Team Captains have to take the following screenshots:
- pb_power(or)pb_plist
The screenshots should be named as "pb_plist or pb".

It is only necessary for atleast one Team Captain to upload the screenshots after the match. You have 24 hours to upload the screenshots for League matches. For Ladders/Cups it is requested that you upload the screenshots 12 hours after the match. It is both teams resonsibility to ensure that the screenshots are taken and uploaded.
Failure to do so will result in Penalty Points and they will not be removed later.

9.5.1.1. Black PBSS Screenshots

No black Punkbuster screenshots. Since X-ray can’t take screenshots, we have a zero tolerance against black Punkbuster screenshots. There are several ways to fix them. Here is a guide on Tracker to fixing your PBSS, there are many ways to fixing it, try them all if your PBSS are still black.

Tracker Fixing Black PBSS Guide!

How to enable PBSS screenshots on your server?

It's really easy, just login as Admin and type "PB_SV_AutoSs 1". This is the default number and will retrieve screenshots regularly. You can change this to "PB_SV_AutoSsFrom 600" to retrieve screenshots every 10 minutes.

To view screenshots on other teams servers, I use a tool called PBCool!

9.5.1.2. ESL Server CVARs

You must be running CVARS on your server. Here are the official ESL CVARS!

Upload the pbsvuser.cfg to your aa/system/pb folder.
Restart your server.

9.5.2. Unauthorized spectators

Only admins/specs are allowed to spectate matches. Failure to comply with this rule results in 2 penalty points.

9.6. Illegal Actions

Any actions that result in an unfair advantage are illegal. This includes bug using of any kind of bug using.
Players caught using bugs will be severly punished with whatever punishment Admins deem necessary.

9.6.1. Map Bugs

The use of Map Bugs are not allowed. Anyone cauhgt using a Map Bug will be punished with Penalty Points or wahtever punishment deemed necessary by the Admins.

9.6.2. Suiciding during MP

It's not allowed to suicide during the mission planning round!

9.7. Penalties

9.7.1. Missing Match Media

9.7.1.1. Demos

If a team/player demands demos via the 'Request match media (demos/replays)' function on the match details page and the player concerned fails to upload them within 48 hours, the player will get 3 penalty points, the team 2 per missing demo and the match is deleted if the player does not upload the files subsequently within 24 hours.

9.7.1.2. Equality

click here

9.7.1.3. Screenshots

Failure to upload the screenshots within the time limit will result in penalty points. 1 penalty point will be given to a player missing a screenshot and 1 penalty point per screenshot missing for each team.
There is a Time Limit of 24 hours to upload the screenshots for a League match. For Cups/Ladders the Time Limit is much less of 1 hour for screenshots to be uploaded.

9.7.2. Settings

9.7.2.1. Config Values

2 penalty points per changed value (maximum 6). Note: Any wrong client settings will result in penalty points no matter whether the config file has been executed or not.

9.7.2.2. Scripts

Using an illegal script will result in 2, 4 or 6 penalty points if it leads to a gameplay advantage. An admin will decide the necessary amount of penalty points depending on the script concerned.

9.7.2.3. Custom Files

Using custom files of any kind is illegal. The team will get 2 and the player 3 penalty points. The match will be deleted.

9.7.3. Cheating

Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated.

9.7.3.1. Cheating

Cheats of first category are all kinds of multihacks, wallhacks, norecoil, aimbots etc. The teams get 6 penalty points, the player will receive a 6 month ESL ban.

9.7.3.2. Bug-using

The intentional use of bugs of any kind (flash bugs, bugs listed under 9.6.2., 9.6.4. and any other kinds of bugs) is illegal and results in 2 penalty points each time the bug is intentionally used (maximum: 6 penalty points), if the round is won.
If the rounds is lost, the player only gets an official warning. An admin may decide to repeat the match partially, if the bug-using lead to a game deciding point.

9.7.4. Unsportsmanlike behaviour

9.7.4.1. Creating new teams

Creating a new team account that falsifies the ladder or that is created in order to get rid of penalty points or to gain any other kind of advantage is illegal. If necessary, the penalty points will be transferred to the new account. Barrages due to the amount of penalty points will be kept. In case of recurrence the admin staff will apply further sanctions against the team and the players.

9.8. Annotations

It is up to the admin to interpret the rules. The admin may also find decisions that differ from the set of rules.

9.8.1. Cheating in other leagues

The AA admin staff will only accept support tickets about users who have cheated in other
leagues/cups if the user concerned has been caught with the help of ingame screenshots.

10. Equality

Equality is an Anti-Cheat tool which tries to create a fair environment for competition on the ESL website, monitoring the game and taking random screenshots. For more informations, please read the Disclaimer that users must accept at Equality first installation. The tool will auto-update everytime an update is available.

Equality is mandatory in all supported games and their ladders and cups. For more informations, please visit the Equality Portal.

If Equality has not been used, a Protest must be filled within 72 hours from match start. Users are not allowed to refuse Equality in match settings even if they are experiencing technical issues with it. Should problems arise, users must try to move the match with the opponents' agreement or in case open a protest before the match beginning.

10.1. Equality Files

The matchmedia created by Equality (ZIP file) must be uploaded after the match within 48 hours.

All users must upload the result screenshots and the Equality Files with correct names ( there is not a particular syntax but Admins must be able to recognize them from the media name ). Protest or Support tickets due to a violation of this rule are not allowed. An admin can give penalty points in favour of a wrong sign.

Matchmedias are to be kept for at least 14 days in order to be presented to a player, or an admin at request.

10.1.5. Risultato

Concluso il match, ognuno dovrà inserire il risultato corretto (in caso di party, inserisce il risultato solo il leader del party), è obbligatorio inserire il risultato affinchè il match venga valutato. Se un giocatore inserisce un risultato non corretto, verrà penalizzato, è altrsì possibile reportare un player con comportamento scorretto e l'admin team deciderà se assegnare un ban temporaneo da versus.

10.1.6. Game Account

IL GA è di fatto un'assicurazione sul con chi si sta giocando, E' dunque obblgatorio utilizzare in game lo stesso Game Account registrato sul profilo di ESL. Chi non lo avesse, non può partecipare ai match Versus. Il team avversario può far valere questa regola sino all'inizio del match.

10.2. Missing Equality Files

If a player does not upload his file within 48 hours, he will be penalized with 3 Penalty Points and his team with 2 Penalty Points (a team can get a maximum of 4 penalties per match for missing Equality files).

If the missing file is uploaded within 2 days and a support is opened, the penalties will be reduced to 1.

If the winning team doesn't provide all Equality files, the match will be deleted!

10.3. Faked Equality file

An archive created by Equality can't be faked without consequences and without track.

A faked Equality archive (removed/modified screens, removed/modified log etc) will lead the user to 4 Penalty Points added to his account and 3 Penalty Points added to his team in case of team match. If the winning team provides fake Equality files, the match will be deleted!

10.4. Bypassing Equality

Every attempt to bypass Equality will be penalized as cheating ( see cheating rule ).

10.5. Equality Filecheck

It's possible for all users to check opponents' archived . The file checker is built in Equality itself so everyone will be able to check if the archive has been modified or manipulated.

The Admin team will check if all Equality files have been uploaded in a match.

It's up to players to check their opponents' archives and open a support if something weird is present in screens.

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