ARTICLE VII : The Rule Book

ARTICLE VII : The Rule Book

ARTICLE VII : The Rule Book


*****PLEASE NOTE: SECTIONS OF THIS ARTICLE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER THE OFFICAL NUMBER OF OWNERS AND PLAYERS ARE DETERMINED*****


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Table of Contents


Section 1 : The LGFA Rule Book
----------- : 1.1 Preamble
----------- : 1.2 General Conduct
----------- : 1.3 Jurisdiction


Section 2 : League Standards
----------- : 2.1 Offense System
---------------------- : 2.1.1 Player Punishments
---------------------- : 2.1.2 Management Punishments
---------------------- : 2.1.3 Owner Punishments
----------- : 2.2 Public Complaints
----------- : 2.3 Standard of Participation
----------- : 2.4 Player’s Right to Complaints


Section 3 : Game Night Rules
----------- : 3.1 Game Setup Procedures
---------------------- : 3.1.1 Game Setup
---------------------- : 3.1.2 Pre-Game Timing
---------------------- : 3.1.3 Hosting
----------- : 3.2 Game Play
---------------------- : 3.2.1 Ragging the Ball
---------------------- : 3.2.2 Goalkeeper Interference
---------------------- : 3.2.3 Glitching
---------------------- : 3.2.4 Resolving Broken Rules During a Game
--------------------------------- : 3.2.4.1 Procedures
--------------------------------- : 3.2.4.2 Goals
--------------------------------- : 3.2.4.3 Penalties
--------------------------------- : 3.2.4.4 Possession
---------------------- : 3.2.5 Adjusting Stats After An In Game Infraction
--------------------------------- : 3.2.5.1 Goal Incident
--------------------------------- : 3.2.5.2 Penalty Incident
--------------------------------- : 3.2.5.3 Possession Incident
----------- : 3.3 Disconnect Procedures
---------------------- : 3.3.1 Player Loses Connection
---------------------- : 3.3.2 Restarting the Game
---------------------- : 3.3.3 Computer Players


Section 4 : Players
----------- : 4.1 Availability
----------- : 4.2 No Shows
----------- : 4.3 Demanding/Brokering a Transfer
----------- : 4.4 Quitting the Team and/or League
----------- : 4.5 Ineligible Player
----------- : 4.6 In-Game Communication
----------- : 4.7 Stat Responsibilities


Section 5 : Management
----------- : 5.1 Late Lines
----------- : 5.2 Line Adjustments
----------- : 5.3 Ineligible Player
----------- : 5.4 Circumvention or Falsifying any of the Site’s Systems or Forum
----------- : 5.5 Late Stats
----------- : 5.6 Disclosure of Private Information
----------- : 5.7 Player Rights Violation
----------- : 5.8 Player Tampering
----------- : 5.9 Forfeits


Section 6 : Owners
----------- : 6.1 Playing in Another League
----------- : 6.2 Circumvention or Falsifying any of the Site’s Systems or Forum
----------- : 6.3 Disclosure of Private Information
----------- : 6.4 Player Rights Violation
----------- : 6.5 Player Tampering
----------- : 6.6 Forfeits




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Section 1 : The LGFA Rule Book




1.1 : Preamble


The LGFA is a simulation style soccer league. We attempt to mimic professional soccer as closely as possible. While we may not always be able to succeed in that goal due to logistics or game controls, we will constantly seek to improve upon those aspects and implement further procedures in order to bring us as close as we can to our real life counterparts. This may involve adapting certain protocols to suit our needs, as well as creating rules in an attempt to make a video game more realistic. The LGFA provides its members with the opportunity to experience their own virtual career as either a player or a member of a management team.


1.2 : General Conduct


When participating as a member of the community in an LGFA sanctioned event, or on the League Gaming website, you are to show respect and sportsmanship towards other members and follow the rules at all times. Conduct unbecoming of a member may provide grounds to be charged with an Offense, as outlined in Section 2 of the Rule Book, based on sufficient evidence being provided within a filed complaint. This constitutes, but is not limited to, Blackmailing, Confessing to Breaking Rules, Causing a Panic or Riot, or Filing False League Information.


1.3 : Jurisdiction


LGFA Sanctioned events are classified as any LGFA related interactions that take place outside of the League Gaming web site. These include, but are not limited to, LGFA Games, Scouting Sessions, Meetings, and any other event which may be classified as representative of our community.

Members do not fall under LGFA jurisdiction at all times, but in any instance where the LGFA brand is brought into play, we reserve the right to legislate the members of our community involved according to the standards of our constitution. This includes any conduct while playing on a LGFA club.

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Section 2 : League Standards

2.1 : Offense System

Regarding its rules and punishments, the LGFA employs an Offense system. Certain rules require stiffer punishments, and these will be specifically outlined. Offenses will not be cumulative over the season. Several factors will be looked at to determine the degree of an Offense. Offenses are broken into different degrees based on severity. The severity of the Offense determines the punishment.

2.1.1 : Player Punishments

1st Degree: One Game Suspension
2nd Degree: One Week Suspension
3rd Third: One Season Suspension

2.1.2 : Management Punishments

1st Degree: One Game Suspension for the Management team
2nd Degree: One Week Suspension for the Management team
3rd Degree: Removal of the Management team and a One Season Suspension

2.1.3 : Owner Punishments

1st Degree: One Game Suspension
2nd Degree: One Week Suspension
3rd Degree: Removal of the Management team and a One Season Suspension


2.2 : Public Complaints

League Staff will ensure those who file complaints are kept anonymous. Therefore, any time League Staff feels a complaint has been made public on Xbox or on the forums, the league reserves the right to have the complaint voided in certain circumstances, or take further action.

Players who file complaints will not be informed of the outcome of the complaint. They are encouraged to check the news section of the LGFA for this information, or the Players News Feed via the profile of the player at fault/potential fault.


2.3 : Standard of Participation

Management is afforded the opportunity to charge their own Player(s) with a First or Second Degree Penalty, provided they submit it to the Commissioner's Staff prior to a ruling being made against that Player. A First Degree applied by Management must be a suspension of 1 game.

A Second Degree applied by Management must be a suspension of 1 week.


2.4 : Player's Right to Complaints

Players are welcome and expected to send in complaints if they have issues with Management, Staff, LGFAPA, League Officials, or In Game Issues, but must follow proper procedures in doing so.

You may not publicly complain about any of these groups, or harass any member of these groups that you may have an issue with.

All complaints must be filed using the Action Center. If there are any issues that the Action Center may not address, please contact the League Staff via a PM.

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Section 3 : Game Night Rules

As a Player, you are responsible for your actions both on and off the pitch. The rules in this section detail what you as a Player are required to both do, and avoid doing, in regards to game nights (including game play). All of the rules in Section 3 apply to all who participate in the league, whether you are a Player, Manager, Owner, or Staff member.

If a complaint with sufficient evidence is filed, and a Player is in violation of these rules, the Player will be issued an Offense as outlined in Section 2 of the Rule Book, unless another punishment is specifically outlined.

3.1 : Game Setup Procedures

3.1.1 : Game Setup

Teams will create club teams with the name LGFA *Team Name*. They will be public clubs. Teams will play games using the in game challenge feature. A screen shot of the lineup in clubs will be taken before the start of the game and each time there is a lag out/restart

3.1.2 : Pre-Game Timing

5 Minutes Prior to Game time
- All players should be in their team’s dressing room
- Management should be in communication with the opposing manager

At Game time
- Game should be started if both teams have their players

5 Minutes After Game time- The extra 5 minutes does not need to be requested. It is used for any player whom may be running late. If the game is not accepted or not sent at this point it is a forfeit for the team at fault.


3.1.3 : Hosting

The home team always chooses the host. It is the responsibility of the home team to ensure they provide the best possible connection to all Players. The home team is only required to pick a new host if the connection of the host shows less than green for one or more of the players on the away team. This is done via a request from the away team. This can only be done once. A complaint may be filed with the BoG for hosting issues if a valid request for a host change was denied. The BoG may rule for a replay if the evidence is sufficient to prove that the host was providing a less than green connection to one or more players of the away team.


3.2 : Game Play

This section outlines both the game play rules and the procedures involved in resolving broken rules both during and after games. It is important to understand that if a game play rule is broken, BUT DOES NOT DIRECTLY AFFECT THE PLAY, it is NOT a violation.

During a game, the BoG and Commissioner’s Staff are NOT to be contacted. They will NOT interfere in a game. If you feel a violation has occurred, you are to play the game out as best as possible. Only the BoG can determine if a violation has occurred.

After the game is completed, file a formal complaint using the Action Center.

All teams must play with at least 8 players, a human GK and an Any.


All player's are entitled to be scheduled and play in 50% of their team's games.

There is no maximum number of games played per week. This is to try and reduce forfeits if a player can not make one of their scheduled games, Management has the opportunity to replace that player with another roster player.

For Cup Games: If a team forfeits the first leg of a cup match it will be recorded as a 3-0 loss. Teams are still eligible to play the second leg if they have enough players required but the aggregate score will still start at 3-0.


3.2.1 : Ragging the Ball

A player or team may not attempt to hold the ball in their defensive half in order to kill time off the clock for any reason, You are permitted to reset a move by moving the ball backwards. Time wasting is only allowed in the offensive half of the pitch.


3.2.2 : Goalkeeper Interference

It is the player's responsibility to give the goalkeeper enough room to maneuver.

If a goalkeeper actions to play the ball and results in contact with a player, the player is at fault (UNLESS it is clear that an animation out of the player’s control caused contact with the goaltender, e.g. Header's from crosses/corners etc.).

Goalkeepers may not draw an interference call, unless they are attempting to play the ball. A goaltender may not step out of his area for the purpose of impeding a player's progress or to draw an interference call. There are no restrictions on a goaltender's movements in relation to keeping the ball out of the net, or coming out of net to attempt to play the ball (not just to get in the way).

Goalkeepers must be allowed to drop kick the ball freely. If a drop kick is blocked the ball must be given back to the goalkeeper’s team immediately. If a goal comes as a result of the blocked kick it will be nullified and the player will face supplemental discipline


3.2.3 : Glitching

Exploits, Cheats, Mods, or any other form of tampering with the game or its intended game play are hereby prohibited. These things cannot be specifically covered by the rules, therefore are all categorized as one. Any of these types of exploits need to be brought to League Staff as quickly as possible to be able to better identify its effect. If possible, a rule may be later created where the League sees fit.


3.2.4 : Resolving Broken Rules During a Game


3.2.4.1 : Procedures

If a Player breaks a game play rule during a game, the important thing to remember is to PLAY ON. Not playing and/or quitting out are unacceptable. There is no need for communication between teams regarding an incident. Follow the section below, which relates to the possible infraction. Give the team a chance to give back the ball or Goal.

Returning the ball or Goal after an in game infraction absolves you of any wrong doing. You will not be punished for your infraction.


3.2.4.2 : Goals

When a goal is scored as the result of an infraction, the team scoring the goal has the option of returning that goal.Neither the goal scored due to the infraction, nor the goal scored in restitution, are included in the stats for that game or the individual stats for the Players.

The goals and assists from the game summary are subtracted from Player stats, and the goals against are subtracted from both goalkeeper's stats. When stats are adjusted in this manner, a note is to be made in the game summary for both teams and the League to see.


3.2.4.3 : Possession

When an infraction occurs that only includes a loss of possession, a return of possession can be made by giving possession of the ball to the other team and having all of your players not pressure.

If you are unable to return possession, you may offer restitution the next time you do have possession of the ball. The main objective is to ensure that it is obvious to the other team, by your actions on the pitch, that you are offering a return. Your goal in this situation is to avoid the filing of a complaint. If you do not feel your restitution was apparent to the other team by your actions, it is recommended that you repeat it.


3.2.5 Adjusting Stats After An In Game Infraction

3.2.5.1 : Goal Incident

When a goal is scored as the result of an infraction, the BOG will remove that goal from the result of the game. If a team wins by one goal, and one goal is overturned in this manner for that team (resulting in a tie score), the game will be set for replay.


3.2.5.2 : Possession Incident

The only time a replay will be instituted for a possession related incident is when there is sufficient evidence that either one team was ragging the ball to preserve a one goal lead or the illegal method of obtaining possession directly impacted the deciding goal of a one goal game. Otherwise, standard penalties will apply.


3.3 : Disconnect Procedures

3.3.1 : Player Loses Connection

If everyone is in the game after opening kick off, play the game from start to finish. The only time teams are able to back out to pick up a disconnected player is if your Goalkeeper, ANY or team is reduced below 8 players due to lag-outs, this can be done at halftime. Teams are then only permitted to play one half of the next game, if any of these situations occur again in the second half, just finish the game. Teams MAY NOT add any additional players that were not in the first acceptance. All goals scored before the back out count.

3.3.2 : Restarting the Game

When a game requires a restart, all players not responsible for taking stats are to quit the game immediately upon the stoppage of play. This is to allow those tasked with gathering stats to do so efficiently. However, to make this process easier, it is recommended that the players taking the stats “sign-out” of XBOX live to make this process quicker. Signing out still allows you to access the game, as well as the stats, without worrying about players forgetting to quit or using pauses.


3.3.3 : Computer Players

Goals scored against computer goaltenders will count.

Goals scored by a computer player will count in ANY situation.

All goals scored by a CPU player are to be credited to the ANY. If the computer has taken over for a disconnected player and there is no ANY, that player will receive the credit.


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Section 4 : Players

As a Player, you are responsible for your actions on and off the pitch.

The rules in this section detail what you as a Player are required to both do and avoid doing in regards to specific off-field aspects of participating in the LGFA.

These rules to apply to all who participate in the league, whether you are a Player, Manager, Owner, or Staff member. If a complaint with sufficient evidence is filed and a Player is in violation of these rules, the Player will be issued an Offense as outlined in Section 2 of the Rule Book, unless another punishment is specifically outlined.


4.1 : Availability

Availability threads are automatically generated in the team locker rooms each Thursday prior to the week of play.

Players are required post their availability each week in that thread.

The deadline for posting availability is Thursday until Sunday at 5 pm.

A Player can receive a strike for not submitting their Availability.

After three strikes, a player will face a season ban.


4.2 : No Shows

A Player who no shows games can be issued "strikes" by their Owner via the Management tools.

After a player receives three strikes for not showing up for games, that player will face a season ban.


4.3 : Demanding/Brokering a Transfer

Players are permitted to request a Transfer as long as it done in a respectful manner and during a time where the transfer window is open.

The player may not publicly request a transfer, publicly state they requested a transfer, publicly demand to be transferred to a certain team, publicly arrange to be transferred to a new team, or publicly refuse to play during the transfer request process. These are just a few examples of what cannot be done during the transfer request process. Please read Article 6: Player's Bill of Rights in regards to the complete list.

Failure to comply with the standards in Article 6: Player’s Bill of Rights in regards to requesting a trade is an offense. Punishment for this offense includes the transfer request becoming void, and in certain cases, being banned for the remainder of the season.


4.4 : Quitting the Team or League

A message on Xbox Live, LG PM, or Forum Post from the player stating his/her intention not to play anymore, or quitting the team/league, results in a ban for the remainder of the season.


4.5 : Ineligible Player

An ineligible player is described as, but not limited to:
- Playing while being suspended, banned or on IR
- A Player not on your roster

Use of an ineligible player in a game will result in the forfeit of the game played by the team using the ineligible player, a loss of all stats for the players of that team from the game, as well as an Offense for the management team and the ineligible player.


4.6 : In-Game Communication

In-Game communication between teams is limited to Management ONLY. Players are not to message other players or Management from the opposing team before or during the game, or in between restarts. If a different line of communication is needed for whatever reason, a team’s Management may communicate with any player on the opposing team in an effort to resolve or clear up situations.


4.7 : Stat Responsibilities

Team's are required to do their own player stats. The Winning team is responsible for the Team Game Stats. Both teams are required to upload proof of their stats to the specific game to ensure no player tampering is involved. If a team fails to upload proof of stats and staff receive a complaint in regards to invalid stats or player tampering and no proof has been provided. That said team may be punished via league warning, suspension or ban. Depending on the severity. All pictures/videos that are not uploaded/verified 24 hours after the start of game time will result in a violation. Once the pictures have been uploaded to the "my LG">"Add Highlight", or via the manager's tools, it's the management's responsibility to verify their stats and do any manual adjustments based upon said pictures/videos for their team.

However, it is both management groups(winning and losing) responsibility to verify shared stats, such as team stats via the pictures/videos.

In the case of a draw, the home team will do the team game stats.

Red and Yellow cards - If a player receives a straight red card the player will have to sit out the very next game in the schedule. If a player receives a yellow or 2 yellows that equal a red will only be allowed a maximum of 5 before having to sit out the very next game on the schedule.


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Section 5 : Management

The rules in this section detail what you as a Manager are required to both do and avoid doing in regards to your duties as Management in the LGFA.

If a complaint with sufficient evidence is filed and a Manager is in violation of these rules, the Manager will be issued an Offense as outlined in Section 2 of the Rule Book, unless another punishment is specifically outlined.

Managers must also follow all other rules listed in Sections 1-4 of this rule book. They too are Players in the league and will be judged on those infractions as a Player, and in some instances as both a Player and a Manager.

The LGFA Staff holds Management to the highest standard. In any case of a violation, admission of guilt may be taken into consideration when Staff is ruling on complaint.


5.1 : Late Lines

Management is required to have their team's lines submitted by Sunday at 8:00PM EST.


5.2 : Line Adjustments

All adjustments to lines, whether it be ECU’s or substitutions, must be done before the scheduled game.

Subbing after a forfeit game is a violation. In the case of a forfeit game, no players are to be substituted in or out.


5.3 : Ineligible Player

An ineligible player is described as, but not limited to:
- Playing while being suspended, banned or IR
- A Player not on your roster

Use of an ineligible player in a game will result in the forfeit of the game played by the team using the ineligible player, a loss of all stats for the players of that team from the game, as well as an Offense for the management team and the ineligible player.


5.4 : Circumvention or Falsifying any of the Site’s Systems or Forum

All information entered by Management into the scheduling and stats system must be accurate.

Any attempt to falsify information, with sufficient evidence, will result in both an Offense and a mandatory meeting with the Commissioner’s Staff regarding the conduct of the Management team with further action being a possibility.


5.5 : Late Stats

Management is required to make sure that pictures/stats are entered into LG’s OCR system, "my LG">"Add Highlight" or via the management tools after the game. If your team won the game, it is the Management's responsibility to ensure that the photos from the game are uploaded, either by themselves, or by players scheduled in said game. Management will assign a player prior to the game who is responsible for taking the pictures of the game stats and player stats. Any pictures/stats that are not uploaded/input/verified 24 hours after the start of game time will result in a violation.


5.6 : Disclosure of Private Information

As a member of Management, you are given access to information that ordinary Players do not have. This information is not to be leaked, and if evidence comes to light that you are leaking this information, you will be immediately removed from Management and receive a one season ban.


5.7 : Player Rights Violation

Management members are expected to uphold and abide by a Player’s rights, found in Article 6. Any breach of these rights will result in a review of the situation by the Commissioner’s Staff.


5.8 : Player Tampering

Player tampering is defined as the act of contacting a contracted Player on another team (without permission of his Owner) for the purposes of:
- Informing the Player that you’re trying to transfer for him
- Informing the Player that he is on the transfer list
- Informing the Player that he has been placed on waivers as part of a pending transaction
- Asking the Player to request a transfer from his team
- Asking the Player to refuse to play or throw games for his current team
- Asking the Player to file a complaint on your behalf
- Asking the Player to play for your team under a different gammertag (Second Tag)

There are many different intricacies that could be considered Player tampering, and it would be impossible to list them all here.

If you feel that your Player has been tampered with, please send any evidence you have directly to the Commissioner for review.


5.9 : Forfeits

Management is responsible for overseeing the well-being of their team. As such, any operational shortcomings of their team can, in the end, fall on them. One major instance of this is forfeits.

While at the end of the day it is the Owner’s responsibility to recognize when one of their teams is forfeiting excessively, forfeits can also be attributed to the specific team’s Management. It is the Management’s responsibility to do their best to ensure their team does not forfeit games.

As soon as League Staff recognizes a trend of forfeits for a specific team, they will be in contact with that team’s Management. Any and all possible assistance will be offered to work through that situation.

If, after a period of time, this trend does not progress in a positive direction, the Management will be subject to an offense.


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Section 6 : Owners

The rules in this section detail what you as an Owner are required to both do and avoid doing in regards to your duties for running an organization in the LGFA.

If a complaint with sufficient evidence is filed, and an Owner is in violation of these rules, the Owner will accumulate an Offense as outlined in Section 2 of the Rule Book, unless another punishment is specifically outlined.

Owners must also follow all other rules listed in Sections 1-4 of this rule book. They too are Players in the league, and will be judged on those infractions as a Player, and in some instances as both a Player and an Owner.

In the situation where a teams Management has been removed or fired, it is the Owner's responsibility to fill in the Management role until new management is promoted. These situations mean that an Owner may also be charged with a Management Violation.

The LGFA Staff holds Owners to the highest standard. In any case of a violation, admission of guilt may be taken into consideration when Staff is ruling on complaint.


6.1 : Playing in Another League

There is no violation for being a member in another league.

The LGFA Staff are confident that this league is the best league out there, and are not opposed to members playing in another league.


6.2 : Circumvention or Falsifying any of the Site’s Systems or Forums

All information entered by Owners into the scheduling and stat systems must be accurate. Any attempt to falsify information, with sufficient evidence, will result in both an Offense and a mandatory meeting with the Commissioner’s Staff regarding the conduct of the Owner, with further action being a possibility.


6.3 : Disclosure of Private Information

As an Owner, you are given access to information that ordinary Players do not have. Examples of this are the Transfer list and Waiver Wire. This information is not to be leaked.


6.4 : Player Rights Violation

Owners are expected to uphold and abide by a Player’s rights, found in Article 6. Any breach of these rights will result in a review of the situation by Commissioner’s Staff.


6.5 : Player Tampering

Player tampering is defined as the act of contacting a contracted Player on another team (without permission of his Owner) for the purposes of:
- Informing the Player that you’re trying to transfer for him
- Informing the Player that he is on the transfer list
- Informing the Player that he has been placed on waivers as part of a pending transaction
- Asking the Player to request a transfer from his team
- Asking the Player to refuse to play or throw games for his current team
- Asking the Player to file a complaint on your behalf
- Asking the Player to play for your team under a different gammertag (Second Tag)

There are many different intricacies that could be considered Player Tampering, and it would be impossible to list them all here.

If you feel that your Player has been tampered with, please send any evidence you have directly to the Commissioner for review.


6.6 : Forfeits

Owners are responsible for overseeing each of the two teams in their organization. As such, any shortcomings of their organization can, in the end, fall on them. One major instance of this is forfeits.

While forfeits can be attributed to the specific team’s Management, at the end of the day it is the Owner’s responsibility to recognize when one of their teams is forfeiting excessively, and in turn to take action to remedy this situation.

As soon as League Staff recognizes a trend of forfeits throughout the organization, they will be in contact with the Owner. Any and all possible assistance will be offered to work through that situation. If, after a period of time, this trend does not progress in a positive direction, the Owner will be subject to an Owner violation.

 

Updated Stat Responsibility due to no OCR

 

Fixed the formatting

 

Updated disconnection procedures.

 

Updated Stat Responsibilities - Section 4 4.7