Rules - Counter-Strike: Source 5on5 Gotta Get Down On Friday Cup #4

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.

1.6.1. ESL UK Timezone

By default in the United Kingdom Section of ESL all times are given by default in the current UK timezone, that is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during Autumn/Winter or British Summer Time (BST) during Spring/Summer.

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. IRC

In all International IRC Channels, including #esl, only English should be written. Should any user wish to speak another language, he/she should visit their specific channel ( #esl.de, #esl.fr, #esl.pt, #esl.es etc.).

Two warnings will be given in IRC before a temp ban will be given. If the users ESL UserID is known, a written warning may also be given.

The IRC channel for ESL United Kingdom is #esl.uk

1.9.2. Team and Player Descriptions

In order to be accepted into any ESL ladder or competition, each user must have a section written in their player description, containing information about challenges and contact information. Failure to have this may lead to league kicks or league join application rejections.

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.

2.2.1.1. Legal scripts

All scripts, except those listed at 2.2.2.1. Illegal scripts, are legal.

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.

2.2.2.1. Illegal scripts

The following scripts are illegal:
Turn scripts [180° or similar]
-mlook scripts
Stop-Shotscripts [Use- oder Awp-scripts]
Centerviewscripts
No-Recoil-scripts
Burstfire-scripts

2.2.2.2. Custom files

Custom files are forbidden.

2.2.2.3. Illegal programmes

No programms, except those listed at 2.2.1. Legal programmes, are allowed.

2.2.2.4. A3D

Using A3D (2.0) is illegal. The usage of tools/drivers which enable the same effect as A3D (2.0) is also illegal and will be punished the same way. 4 penalty points for the team and 6 penalty points and a barrage of 6 months for the player.

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.

3.1.1. Player nationality

Only residents of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland may participate in 1on1 competitions. For any team competition, at least 60% of the team in-game must be residents of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland. Players or teams who do not meet this criteria will not be accepted into our competitions.

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!

3.1.3. Player details

Every player who participates in a Counter Strike: Source league must enter his/her SteamID HL2/CSS. This takes place via the players’ Command Center. You can type in your SteamID HL2/CSS when you use the link "New gameaccount ID" so it will shown in your player profile. You will get your SteamID HL2/CSS by typing in “status” in the Counterstrike console. Your SteamID is not to be published in your personal info instead of the player profile.

A player has to indicate if he is playing from an internetcafe or elsewhere in his personal info. The player must also find out whether his internetcafe is accepted by the ESL or not. A list of all accepted locations is downloadable.

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.

3.2.1.1. SteamID HL2/CSS of the players

The players’ SteamID HL2/CSS must be listed in the clan’s sheet. The clan leader is responsible for correct entry of the player’s SteamID HL2/CSS. The clan will be punished by the admins if single or all SteamID HL2/CSS are absent. If separate players or the whole clan is playing from an internet café, this must be announced beforehand.

The teams need at least x members with an entered SteamID HL2/CSS:
CS:S 2on2 -> at least 2
CS:S 5on5 -> at least 6

3.2.1.2. Homepage

A homepage is not necessary in order to play within the ESL 2on2 Ladder. The ICQ/MSN contact of the players or the IRC channel must be entered in the Teamsheet.

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.

3.2.5.1. Intensification in CS:S

1on1 or 2on2 matches between members of the same clan within one and the same ladder are also forbidden.

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.

3.3. Internet cafés

Should Internet cafés or similar locations want to offer their customers the possibility of participating in the ESL, the cafés must contact the responsible Admin. They must register all the SteamID HL2/CSS they wish to use and must inform the admin of their IP-Range.

All players that want to play must be entered on the team-sheet and homepage. Additionally, the players must be registered with the responsible Admin. He is responsible for the correctness of their data and he is obligated to check the players and make sure that no other player participates in an ESL Match using the same Nick.
Should problems occur, the ESL reserves the right to mark down the involved Internet cafés and forbid the gaming of ESL-Matches from there.

The responsible Admin is momentarily OMCD. His email: [email protected].

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.

5.1.1.1. HLTV

If HLTV broadcasts a game, the delay has to be 90 seconds or more.

5.1.2. Match Arrangements

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

5.1.3. SteamID HL2/CSS

Before a game, a screenshot must be taken of the console. This screenshot must show the players and their SteamID HL2/CSS. Screenshots taken with other programmes e.g. HLSW or other are not allowed. Should a player reconnect during a game it is advisable to take a second screenshot.
After a match, the teams should compare the SteamID HL2/CSS with the ones given in the team-sheets.

5.1.4. Warmup and Mapcheck

Before a match starts, both teams must state that they are ready to start the match. Should a player or a team have temporarily problems the opponent must be informed and the start must be repeated. Before the match starts the map must be checked for loaderrors. Please see: 5.6.2 Bugs before the match.

5.1.5. Matches between Team members

Matches between Team members are not allowed. Should the Instant Challenger generate a match between Team members, the match must be deleted at the match setup page. If this is not done the match will be deleted and if necessary, penalty points will be given.

5.2. Server

5.2. Meeting Point

In case of any doubt, #esl.uk (quakenet) is the meeting point for all the UK Ladders.

We also recommend that player take advantage of the Match Comments to state where you can be found, and for any server details. The match comments are used by the admins in event of any problems.

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

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 or fakelag does not exist.

5.3. Client settings

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

5.3.2.1. Server Settings: UK CS:S

A full list of the correct server settings for use in the UK CS:S competitions can be found in the url[http://eslgfx.electronic-sports.co.uk/css/ukcssconfig.zip][Server Settings Download]url file.

5.3.2.2. Maps

The following maps can be played in an ESL Match:

de_cbble; de_dust2; de_prodigy; de_inferno; de_train

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.

5.4.1. Player changes

Players can be changed between rounds. This can happen either between maps or during halftime. The changing shouldn't take more than 5 minutes. Should it take more than 5 minutes, the game may continue with fewer members. The missing player joins in when he is ready. The changed players must be noted down in the team-sheet including their SteamID HL2/CSS. It's advisable to take a screenshot of the new player and his SteamID HL2/CSS.

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.

5.5.1. Scoreboard

The points indicated on the Scoreboard screenshot will be the score that is rated. Bombs which explode after the round timer has run out, even if these are recorded as Terrorist Win's, will be counted as Counter-Terrorist Wins.

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.

5.6.1. Illegal actions

1. Self-kills by console or by other means (e.g. Abysses) in order to receive money quickly or in order to shorten the round time is strictly forbidden.
2. Strafe-jumps are forbidden.
3. Placing bombs in places where they cannot be defused is forbidden. This does not go for areas that are only reachable with the help of a teammate.
4. Any bug-using is forbidden

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.

5.6.2. Bugs

The use of bugs is not allowed. Should a bug that is not listed be used, an admin will decide if a penalty is necessary.

Before the match:
01. Map loading bugs (e.g. missing boxes, ladders or similar) must be checked before the match starts and if they appear the map must be reloaded. If this is not checked or is ignored there is no claim for a protest.

During a match:
01. To boost through walls, ceilings or the ground and skywalking is forbidden.

02. "Silent bombs" (to plant the bomb without peepsounds) is forbidden.

03. To place a bomb in a way that it can't be reached anymore is forbidden. Places that could be reached with help of the teammate are excluded!

04. Following rule-of-thumb exists for climbing: climbing with help of the teammates is allowed in general. Not allowed are positions where textures disappear in walls or grounds if a special movement (e.g. a jump) is done. For example the barbed wire fence on prodigy. Please see 5.6.2.1. Mapspecific Bugs.

05. Blend/Flashbug use is not allowed.

06. To throw grenades through or under walls is not allowed. Above walls and roofs is allowed.

07. "Mapswimming" or "floating" is forbidden.

5.6.2.1. Map specific Bugs

The following map specific bugs are not allowed:

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.

5.7.2.1. Number of players

The minimum number of players for teams are:
2on2: 1on2 is forbidden, only 2on2 is allowed.
5on5: 4on4, 4on5 and 5on5 is allowed.

5.7.5.1. Playerdrops in CS:S

Should a player drop during a game (e.g. disconnected due to technical problems), then the game is paused. If the dropped player does not rejoin the server in time for the next round, the pause function must be used at the beginning of the round until the team is complete again.

Because in the league sv_pausable "1" is obligatory the pause function must be used. The waiting time for dropped players is 10 minutes. If a player does not rejoin in this time the match must be stopped and if necessary continued according to 5.7.6. Game intermissions.

In this case, it is obligatory to file a compliant.

For 5on5 matches, at least 2 of the team providing the server should have RCON control to facilitate use of the pause function.

5.7.5.2. Change of players

Players can be changed between maps or at the half-time break of a match. This change may not take more than 5 minutes. After the waiting time the game can be also continued without the full team and the player can join in the running game. Changed players must be registered in the team with their SteamID HL2/CSS and it's recommed to do a status screenshot when a new player arrives on the server.

5.7.6. Game intermissions

If a game is interrupted, the match is valuated up until that point. Should the admins decide to let the game continue, the game is continued from there on. No pistol round then takes place. The game is continued according to the following procedure: The start money is set to 2000 for the remaining game time. The team that lost the last round kills itself using the function “kill” in the console. This round is not counted. The game begins with the next round. Should further games have to be played after this map, the start money must be set back to the normal value. Naturally, only fully completed matches are counted. This rule serves the purpose of covering unexpected intermissions that are not wilfully brought about by the teams. So if a game is interrupted but cannot be continued on the same day, the remaining game time can be played at a later date.

5.8.1. Abortion of a map after 13 victorious rounds CS:S 2on2 and 5on5 MR15

If a team wins 16 rounds on a map, the other team can abort the map.
All missing rounds for the map will then be added to the winning team.
When playing the first map, you have to proceed with the 2nd one as well, or this will result in "Leftmatch".
If any team wishes to abort a game with this rule, a report on the gamesheet has to be made by both teams.

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.

6.1.1. Model screenshots - Counter Strike: Source

In addition to 5.1.3. SteamID HL2/CSS, every player/team can force model screenshots from the opposing player/team.

In order to avoid complications, they must be made before the match starts. If a team demands model screenshots, both teams must make them and if asked upload them.

There has to be
- net_graph 3
- min. one model of the opposing team
- the scoreboard (+showscores)

These screenshots must be added to the matchdetails after the match.

6.1.2. Editing Screenshots

It is strictly forbidden to edit screenshots. You are only allowed to compress them to an uploadable file format.

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.

6.2.1. Demos and replays

Each player must record a demo.
HLTV demos are not valid.

6.2.1.1. Demanding demos - Counter Strike: Source

Demos can only be demanded up to a maximum of one hour after a match by stating a comment in the match comments (per player a maximum of 2 demos can be demanded). Each team is obliged to check the match comments after one hour and if necessary load up the demanded demos within 48 hours.

Should this be not done the match can be deleted and the team penalized by filing a support ticket.

Furthermore the team which demanded the demos can file a complaint up to 72 hours after a match.

Don't forget the demo report timetable.

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.

7.2.3. Wrong SteamID HL2/CS

3 penalty points for both the player and his team. The player concerned is barred for one game.

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.

7.4.4.1. Wrong models: Custom with minimal advantage

1 penalty point (bender, fps-models). The player concerned is barred for one game.

7.4.4.2. Wrong models: Custom with great advantage

(Spikes, glow). 3 penalty points for the clan and 4 penalty points for the player concerned, 3 month ban (player).

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.

7.5.1.1. New player barrage in ESL UK

For ESL UK matches the following applies:

The 10 day new player barrage that is shown on a team page is ignored. New players are allowed to play for a team as long as they are added to the team account before the official match time or before the match begins.

If a player leaves a team ladder (either by leaving the team or the team they are in leaving the ladder), they are not allowed to play again in the ladder for 5 full calendar days.

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.

7.6.1.1. Compulsory Match media uploads - Counter Strike: Source

Should there not be the right amount of screenshots to prove the result of a match, the match can be deleted. Both teams will get one penalty point (please see 7.6.1 Compulsory Match media uploads). Should screenshots be upload after the penalisation the match can be recovered and the penalty points will be removed.

7.6.1.2. Missing of agreed screenshots - Counter Strike: Source

Should one player of a team not be able to provide any screenshots previously agreed, like model screenshots, the relevant player and his team will get 2 penalty points each. If more than one player of a team is unable to provide the mentioned screenshots, the match will aldo be deleted.

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.).

7.6.2.1. Missing demos - Counter Strike: Source

Should a player not upload a demanded demo within 48h after the match the player and the team will receive 3 penalty points and the match will be deleted.

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.

7.6.4. Notes for teams

1 penalty point for both the player and his team if screenshots or demos are not handed in after a game.

7.6.4.1. Multiple missing screenshots and demos

Should more than one player in a team not hand in their screenshots after the match the players concerned receive 1 penalty point each. The team receives 2 - 3 penalty points. The Admin decides on how many penalty points are to be given after viewing the data.

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.

7.8.1.1. Wrong models - Counter Strike: Source

Custom models are forbidden and will be prohibited by using the soundcheck plugin. Should a player use custom models the team will get 3 penalty points, the player 6.

7.8.1.2. Wrong client settings

2 penalty points per changed value. Maximum 6.

7.8.1.3. Wrong client settings - team leagues

Should more than 1 player have wrong client settings the team will get 4 penalty points and the match will be deleted.

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.

7.8.2.1. Cheats - Counter Strike: Source

Cheats of first category are all kinds of multihacks, wallhacks and aimbots.

7.8.2.2. Selfkills

Selfkills are punished with 1 penalty point every time the function is used (maximum: 4 penalty points).

7.8.2.3. Planting bomb

2 penalty points (each time!) the bomb is planted in a non-reachable area (maximum: 4). The same goes for areas in which the bomb cannot be heard (see rule 5.6.1. Illegal actions). This does not go for areas that can only be reached with the help of a teammate.

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

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.

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