Official Rules
ALIENWARE ARENA
Howiepalooza Counter-Strike 1.6 Tournament
Official Rules
Welcome to the Howiepalooza Counter-Strike 1.6 Tournament. These rules (“Official Rules”) set forth the rules and regulations of the Howiepalooza Counter-Strike 1.6 Tournament (the “Tournament”) presented by Howie’s Game Shack Mission Viejo LLC. (“Howie’s Game Shack”), iGames, Inc. (“iGames”), and Alienware, Corp. (“Alienware”). Howie’s Game Shack, iGames, and Alienware are, collectively, the “Sponsors.”
Please read these Official Rules carefully before submitting an entry or participating in the Tournament. These Official Rules contain important information about eligibility to enter the Tournament, the rules of the Tournament and other important information. Please note that the rules for playing the game in the Tournament are contained in the “Game Play Rules” located at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/howiepalooza-cs/rules. The Game Play Rules are incorporated herein by this reference.
By registering for the Tournament, you accept these Official Rules and agree to be bound by their terms. If you do not agree with these Official Rules, please do not register for the Tournament.
1. Eligibility. The Tournament is open only to residents of any state of the United States of America (other than Colorado, Connecticut and North Dakota), the District of Columbia and any Province of Canada (other than Quebec) that are 13 years of age or older as of August 16, 2009, and who properly register for the Tournament (each a “Player“). Each Player may be required to show proof of age, residence and, if such Player is under the legal age of majority in his or her state of residence, consent to these Official Rules by his/her parent or legal guardian. IF YOU DO NOT SATISFY THESE REQUIREMENTS, YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER AND/OR PARTICIPATE IN THE TOURNAMENT. Participation in the Tournament is also subject to compliance with the requirements specified below and in the Game Play Rules (http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/howiepalooza-cs/rules). Employees of Sponsors and their immediate families (parent, child, sibling and the spouses of each) are not eligible to register for the Tournament. The Tournament is void where prohibited by applicable law.
2. Sponsors. The Tournament is sponsored by Howie’s Game Shack Mission Viejo LLC., located at #223 27741 Crown Valley Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, iGames, Inc., located at 201 San Antonio Circle, Suite 260, Mountain View, CA 94040, and Alienware, Corp., located at 14591 SW 120 Street, Miami, FL 22186.
3. Tournament Period. The Tournament shall commence on August 16, 2009 at 12:30 PM Pacific Time and end on August 16, 2009 at approximately 11:00 PM Pacific Time (the “Tournament Period”).
4. How to Enter the Tournament. Each Player must register for the Tournament on the event site at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/howiepalooza-cs/ by creating a personal user account and selecting the Join Event link. The Team Captain (as defined in the Game Play Rules) will register first and create a password which the other Players on that team (collectively, a “Team”) will use when registering. Up to 5 Players (including the Team Captain) may register for each Team (each a “Player”). All Teams must check-in at their Host Location by 11:59 AM on August 16, 2009 to finalize their spot in the Tournament.
5. Registration & Fees. Each Player must pay the Host Location (as defined in the Game Play Rules) where the Player will participate in the Tournament a fee of $40 USD (the “Fee”) for the Player to participate as part of a Team in the Tournament. There is a $10 USD discount per Player for completing registration earlier, by August 13, 2009 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Any costs incurred and associated with travel to the Host Location are the responsibility of the Team/Players. The Host Location will accept payment of the Fee via PayPal or as otherwise specified by the Host Location. The Fee must be received by the Host Location no later than 15 minutes prior to the start of the Tournament. The Tournament is limited to 16 Teams. Teams will be guaranteed a Tournament slot first come, first served, based on when registration for the Team is complete and the Fees for each Player on the Team is received in full by the Host Location. For additional details please reference the Game Play Rules located at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/howiepalooza-cs/rules. Refunds will only be issued if a Player cancels via written notice given to the Host Location at least 2 days prior to the first day of the Tournament (or such longer period as may be permitted by applicable law). The refund will be issued to the Player by the Host Location.
6. Tournament Play. The Game Play Rules, located at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/howiepalooza-cs/rules specify the rules of play for the Tournament. As specified in the Game Play Rules, the Tournament will consist of Double-Elimination game play among up to 16 Teams.
7. Prizes. The Players from the top three Teams (the “Winning Teams”) will be awarded the prizes specified below (each a “Prize”). Relative placement among the Winning Teams will be determined based on the Game Play Rules (located at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/howiepalooza-cs/rules).
• All Prizes will be awarded.
• Prize money will be awarded to each Player on a Winning Team (each, a “Winner”) in equal amounts (and not in a lump sum to the Team Captain).
• If a Player forfeits or is disqualified for any reason, the Player is not eligible to receive their portion of the Prize and his/her portion of the Prize will be redistributed equally among his/her Team. If a Winning Team forfeits or is Disqualified from the Tournament for any reason, that Team’s Prize will be distributed to the next highest placing Team in order as outlined in the Game Play Rules (http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/howiepalooza-cs/rules).
• Sponsors anticipate that the Host Location will have no more than 16 Teams competing in the Tournament.
• EACH PLAYER MUST PAY $40 USD TO COMPETE FOR THE PRIZES. EACH TEAM IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY TRAVEL OR OTHER EXPENSES INCURRED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TOURNAMENT AT THE HOST LOCATION.
Tournament Prizes (in US Dollars) Placement Among Winning Teams
$1,000 Team total 1st
$625 Team total 2nd
$375 Team total 3rd
The total amount of all Prizes is $2,000.00 USD
8. Winners’ Affidavit of Eligibility and Release, Etc. Each Winner will be required to execute and deliver to Howie’s Game Shack a signed Affidavit of Eligibility and Release (the “Affidavit/Release”). In the Affidavit of Eligibility and Release, each Winner will (a) confirm his/her eligibility and agreement to these Official Rules, (b) to the extent permitted by applicable law, consent to use of his/her name and likeness, and (c) release Sponsors from liability in connection with the use of the Prizes. If required by law, each Winner also will be required to execute Federal and State tax releases. Howie’s Game Shack provide the Winners with the Affidavit/Release and any required tax releases at the conclusion of the Tournament Period. Should a Winner not receive such documents from Howie’s Game Shack, the Winner may send a request to iGames at events@igames.org. Each Winner must provide their Affidavit/Release and (if applicable) the tax releases to Howie’s Game Shack within 14 days of the last day of the Tournament Period, or the associated Prize will be forfeited. In the case of such forfeiture, the Prize will be awarded in equal amounts to the other Players on such Winner’s Team. Each Winner will be mailed a check in the amount of the Prize within 3 weeks from the day Howie’s Game Shack receives from such Winner the completed Affidavit/Release and any required tax releases. Prize checks will be issued and mailed to the name and address indicated on the Affidavit/Release.
• If a Winner is under the legal age of majority in his or her state of residence, the Winner's parent or legal guardian must also sign the Affidavit/Release as well a comply with all other requirements imposed on Winners set forth herein.
• Sales tax (if any) and income tax are the sole responsibility of each Winner.
• Each Winner, by entering the Tournament, consents to the inclusion of his or her name on a list of Winners made available by Sponsors as indicated below.
• Sponsors will pay the costs of delivery of each Prize.
9. Use of Information. Each Player consents to use of his or her name, information and image by Sponsors, their respective agents and assignees and Host Location for display and publishing in any media, now known or hereafter developed, without compensation, in any and all advertising and promotional materials relating to the Tournament, and in conjunction with other promotions that may be offered by Sponsors and the Host Location. The information collected to enter the Tournament will be used to contact each Winner. Additionally, each Player agrees that Sponsors and their agents and assignees as well as the Host Location may use this information for marketing purposes and to contact Players regarding offers, promotions and other contests related to products or services distributed by Sponsors. In addition, any such information also may be used and disclosed as set forth in the Alienware Arena privacy policy located at http://www.alienwarearena.com/legal/privacy/.
10. General Release. Sponsors and the Host Location, and each of their respective parents, affiliates, subsidiaries and advertising and promotion agencies, and all of their respective officers, directors, agents and employees (collectively, “Released Parties”) will not be responsible for: (a) technical failures of any kind, including, but not limited to telephone, electronic, hardware, software, network, Internet, or any other computer and communications related malfunctions or failures; (b) any Tournament disruptions, injuries, losses or damages caused by events beyond the control of Sponsors; or (c) any technical or human error such as typographical, printing, or administrative errors in any materials associated with the Tournament; or (e) the use of any Prize.
11. Other Terms.
• To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Tournament and these Official Rules will be governed, construed and interpreted under the laws of the state of California, USA.
• These Official Rules are subject to any requirements/limitations imposed by the Federal Communications Commission.
• The Tournament is subject to applicable Federal, state, provincial and local laws and regulations.
• Players agree to be bound by these Official Rules and by the decisions of the Sponsors, which are final and binding in all respects.
• Sponsors reserve the right to cancel, suspend and/or modify the Tournament, or any part of it, if any fraud, technical failures or any other factor beyond Sponsors’ reasonable control affect the administration, security or proper play of the Tournament or Sponsors otherwise become (as determined in their sole discretion) incapable of running the Tournament as planned. Sponsors reserve the right in their sole discretion to disqualify any individual found to be tampering with the registration process or the operation of the Tournament or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or any other promotion, or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner.
• Sponsors’ failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.
12. Winners List; Rules Request. For a copy of the Winners list, send a stamped, self-addressed, business-size envelope after August 17, 2009 and before September 30, 2009 to iGames at the following address: iGames/ Howiepalooza Counter-Strike 1.6 Tournament—Winners List, c/o iGames, 201 San Antonio Circle Suite 260, Mountain View, CA 94040. To obtain a copy of these Official Rules, send a stamped, self-addressed business-size envelope to iGames at the following address: iGames / Howiepalooza Counter-Strike 1.6 Tournament—Rules Request, c/o iGames, 201 San Antonio Circle Suite 260, Mountain View, CA 94040. VT residents may exclude return postage for Official Rules.
Game Play Rules
ALIENWARE ARENA
Howiepalooza Counter-Strike 1.6 Tournament
Game Play Rules
Welcome to the Howiepalooza Counter-Strike 1.6 Tournament. These rules (“Game Play Rules”) set forth the rules of game play for the Howiepalooza Counter-Strike 1.6 Tournament (the “Tournament”) presented by Howie’s Game Shack Mission Viejo LLC. (“Howie’s Game Shack”), iGames, Inc. (“iGames”), and Alienware, Corp. (“Alienware”). Howie’s Game Shack, iGames, and Alienware are, collectively, the “Sponsors.”
1. Definitions.
1.1. Approved Team - A Team that has been guaranteed a Tournament slot by first come, first served, based on when registration for the Team is complete and the Team’s Fees are received in full by the Host Location.
1.2. Disputes - A controversy and/or difference of opinion over which Teams or Players disagree or debate and present to an Official for a decision.
1.3. Disqualification - The removal of a Player and/or Team by the Official from the Tournament (with no refund) for violation of either the Official Rules or these Game Play Rules.
1.4. Forfeit - Surrendering Rounds or Matches (as applicable) to the opposition, either voluntarily or by the ruling of an Official due to Player violation of the Official Rules or Game Play Rules.
1.5. Half (or if multiple “Halves”) - One Counter-Strike™ 1.6 fifteen Round map session.
1.6. Handle - a Player or Team pseudonym used for identification of Players or Teams during the Tournament.
1.7. Host Location - A location that serves as a Tournament play site. The Host Location for the Tournament is Howie’s Game Shack – Buena Park, located at 8308 On the Mall #B1, B3, Buena Park, CA, 90620.
1.8. Lag Out - When a Player is disconnected from the Server due to network connectivity issues.
1.9. Live - The commencing of a Half after three consecutive Round restarts.
1.10. Match - One Counter-Strike™ 1.6 map consisting of two Halves ending at the completion of the two Halves or the first Team to win sixteen Rounds with the possibility of Overtime in case of a Tie score.
1.11. Official - The designated individual(s) presiding over the Tournament and responsible for enforcing the Official Rules and these Game Play Rules.
1.12. Overtime – When the score is Tied, teams proceed to play Overtime which consists of start money $7,500 and 5 Rounds per Half, with the first team to 6 Rounds being the winning Team. In the case of repeat Ties, Overtime continues over again.
1.13. Penalty - A punishment enforced by the Official of a Player/Team for violating the Official Rules or Game Play Rules.
1.14. Player - Any participant who meets the eligibility requirements and properly registers for the Tournament (as outlined in the Official Rules located at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/howiepalooza-cs/rules.
1.15. Primary Player - Each Team is composed of 5 Players (including the Team Captain) that register and agree to the Official Rules.
1.16. Round - One Counter-Strike™1.6 two-minute cycle (period of game play between 2 Teams) on a map.
1.17. Server - Any dedicated game server used for a Tournament Match.
1.18. Team - A team consists of a minimum of 4 and maximum of 5 Players (one of which is the Team Captain).
1.19. Team Captain –The “leader” of the Team responsible for creating a password and then providing the password to the other Team members so they can subsequently register individually for the Team. The Team Captain serves as the primary contact for the entered Team.
1.20. Tie – When the score is even at the conclusion of both regular Halves of play. In the case of a Tie, teams play Overtime.
1.21. Warning - A verbal or written indication from an Official to a Player/Team that continued or subsequent actions could result in a Penalty.
1.22. Winner- A Player on a Team that finishes the Tournament with placement (as described in the Official Rules located at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/howiepalooza-cs/rules) which makes the Player eligible for a Prize.
2. Tournament Match Structure. The Tournament will consist of Counter-Strike™1.6 LAN play with 2 Matches minimum, up to 9 Matches dependant upon the total number of registered Teams. A maximum of 16 Teams will be accepted in the Tournament.
3. How to Win the Tournament. The Tournament format will be Double Elimination (“Double Elimination”), whereby the Teams are randomly placed into a bracket to play Matches against the other Teams. Upon losing the first Match, the Team will be moved to the loser’s bracket to play Matches against the other losing Teams. The winners stay in the winner’s bracket to compete against the other winning Teams of each Match. When a Team has accumulated 2 losses, they will be eliminated from the Tournament. When the winner and loser brackets are each down to one Team, those Teams compete to determine the winner. Having accumulated zero losses, the winner’s bracket Team will have to win one 1 Match, while the loser’s bracket Team will have to win 2 Matches to be considered the winner of the Tournament.
4. Match Scheduling. The Host Location will randomly place Teams into a Double Elimination bracket. The Double Elimination bracket will be posted for viewing at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/howiepalooza-cs/. The bracket will be updated as results are reported.
5. Team & Player Handles. Handles containing any of the following will not be tolerated: profanity, racism, sexism, drug use, or general vulgarity. Teams or Players found with offensive Handles will be contacted by the Official and asked to edit their Handle to something more appropriate. If a Team or Player is found to be using a Handle that is deemed offensive after being asked to have it changed by an Official, that Team/Player will be issued a Warning. If the rule is violated a second time, that Team/Player will be Disqualified from the Tournament and no refund will be issued. Team Handle changes are allowed at any time during the registration process, but are limited to 1 change per Tournament and the Team Handle cannot be changed once the Team becomes an Approved Team.
6. Sportsmanship. All Players will be required to uphold and observe a universal level of sportsmanship. Any unsportsmanlike action which includes but is not limited to (racism, profanity, rude acts, vulgar acts, acts of belligerence, and disrespect of an Official) may be reviewed and is grounds for Team or Player Disqualification by an Official.
6.1. Rulings on unsportsmanlike actions are subject to the Official’s interpretation. If a Player or Team is found in violation of this rule the following actions may happen:
6.1.1 Minor infractions as judged by an Official: Warning
6.1.2. Major infractions as judged by an Official: Forfeit of a Match
6.1.3. Severe infractions as judged by an Official: Forfeit of Tournament
6.2. Any accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct by a Team must be brought to the attention of the Official immediately following the Match in which the alleged action has occurred for investigation by presiding Official.
7. Game Server Information and Requirements.
7.1. Servers: Servers will be provided by the Host Location.
7.2. Server Crashes: If a Server unintentionally crashes or is restarted while a Half is Live, all Rounds fully completed will count towards the final score. All remaining Rounds of that Half will be played on a new Server determined by the presiding Official. The server configuration will be set to give each Player $7,500 start money in-game. This rule will continue to stand in the event of another Server crash or restart.
8. Game Time. Players should ensure that they are in the dedicated Server on time and ready to begin. Teams have 15 minutes after the Match start time to join the Server. After 15 minutes have passed, both Teams must have at least 4 players each in the Server. Forcing a Team to wait for Players is disrespectful and unsportsmanlike and thereby is subject to enforcement of a Penalty by the Official.
9. Tournament Systems/Hardware. All Players must use the PC systems and monitors that are provided by the Host Location. Players may bring and utilize their own peripherals (headsets, mice, mouse pads, and keyboards).
10. First Person Demos (Replays). All Players and Team Captains are required to record first person demos (replays) of all Matches. All Players are required to hold first person demos for the duration of the Tournament. After the Tournament, the demos may be discarded. If the Player cannot provide complete first person demos then the Player may be issued a Penalty at the discretion of an Official.
11. Game Environment Requirements. The game environment consists of any and all files used to control or play the game. The game environment will be pre-set at the Host Location. Players are not allowed to alter the game environment.
11.1. Outside Applications: The use of outside applications and programs to influence or manipulate the game environment is strictly prohibited. Any such situations will be regarded as a cheating violation and will result in a Forfeit, immediate Player Disqualification, and possible Team Disqualification.
11.2. Sprays: Players will be allowed to use any of the sprays available by default within the game.
11.3. Video Setting: Using 16 bit video settings is illegal. All Players are required to use the 32 bit video game setting.
12. Game Play.
12.1. Minimum Players: No Team will be allowed to start a Match with less than four Players, which is the required minimum number of Players.
12.2. Match Sides: All Teams are required to play 1 Half as CT and 1 Half as T.
12.3. Match / Half Going Live: All Matches/Halves shall be constituted as going Live after the lo3 config has been executed and Teams do not raise any issue within the first minute of play.
12.4. Half-Time: After finishing the first Half of the Match, Teams are allowed an optional 5 minute break.
12.5. Player Drops: If a Player Lags Out, the Server should be paused immediately. If the Lag Out occurs within the first minute of play, the Half is to be restarted.
12.6. Match / Half Restarting: Once a Half is deemed Live, Teams are NOT allowed to restart the Match, unless a Player drops from the Server within the first minute of play.
12.7. Match Pausing: All Servers will be set to “pausable 1.” If during any Match the following occurs, the Official may pause the Match:
12.7.1. A Player on one of the respective Teams experiences network issues
12.7.2. If the Server experiences extreme network issues
12.7.3. A Player Lags Out
It is the responsibility of Players to bring the need for a pause to the attention of an Official.
12.8. Ties / Overtime: In the instance of a Tie which is a score of 15 to 15 at the end of 30 Rounds, Overtime must be played. Overtime consists of two five-Round Halves where sv_maxrounds will be set to 5, and the mp_startmoney will be set to $7,500. If the score is still Tied after the first Overtime, then the Overtime process will be repeated until 1 Team is deemed the winner.
12.9. Match Reporting: At the completion of the Match the Team Captain from the winning team MUST report the Match final score.
12.10. Message Modes: In game chat, while frowned upon, is not illegal so long as it is done in a positive nature. All message mode 1 (mm1) chat must be kept to a minimum and may not include any profane or derogatory comments. Message mode violations fall under unsportsmanlike conduct and may be disputed, resulting in an Official enforcing a Penalty.
12.11. Voice Communication: The use of the in-game voice communication software is the preferred form of voice communication. Ventrilo and other outside voice communication are also permitted.
13. Match Media Coverage Guidelines. Sponsors reserve the right to utilize Match broadcasting which may include shoutcasting, HLTV, IRC, ScoreBots or any other media.
14. Game Exploits and Violations. It is illegal to intentionally utilize any game exploits. Game exploits include, but are not limited to, the exploits and violations defined in this section. For any exploits used that are not explicitly covered, Officials have discretion to determine the intention, extent of the violation and Penalty.
14.1. Violations: Violations may result in Forfeit or Disqualification of a Player or Team, and/or Rounds being overturned. Officials have full discretion to determine if a Team or Player has violated any rule. If any clarification regarding game violations is needed, the Player or Team should consult with the Official prior to the start of a Match.
14.2. Tactical Shields: The tactical shield is NOT ALLOWED during a Match. For each Round in which a tactical shield is used, the violating Team will have up to 3 Rounds overturned from the Match score.
14.3. Flash Bang Exploits: The latest flash bug fixed maps will be used. Players will not be penalized for flash bang bugs unless intentionally used. In the event of a flash bug, play will continue.
14.4. Clipping: Clipping is when a Player is either boosted through a solid layer, or when a Player manipulates him/herself so that they can see through any solid entity such as a wall or box, that they should not be able to. All boosts are legal so long as clipping is not involved. If a Player clips and generates any kind of advantage from it, whether a kill or knowledge of enemy positions, then up to three Rounds will be overturned from the Match score.
14.5. Bomb Plants: In the case of an illegal bomb plant, up to three rounds will be overturned from the Match score. Examples of illegal bomb plants include:
14.5.1. Undefusable Bombs: It is illegal to plant the bomb in places where it is impossible to defuse the bomb.
14.5.2. Floating Bombs: It is illegal to plant the bomb so that it is physically not touching a physical structure.
14.5.3. Silent Bombs: It is illegal to plant a bomb in a location where it makes no noise.
14.6. Bunnyhopping: Bunnyhopping, which involves strafing through the air, is permitted.
14.7. Crouch Jumping: Note that crouch jumping to peek over boxes, ledges, etc. is legal. Additionally, crouch jumping to peek a corner is legal.
14.8. Cheating: Cheating in any form is considered a violation of these Game Play Rules and will result in immediate Player and/or Team Disqualification. Cheating / hacking includes but is not limited to any manipulation of server configurations, client configurations, models, skins, weapons, sounds, or anything that alters the predetermined settings listed within these Game Play Rules. This includes aim bots, wall hacks, speed hacks, ESP hacks, or any third party program not deemed legal by an Official.
15. Dispute Rights, Requirements, and Guidelines. Disputes are a serious issue and to ensure that the Tournament is run in a just and fair manner, all Disputes are taken seriously and ruled upon by an Official within 1 hour of receipt of the Player provided and/or Official requested information related to the Dispute.
15.1. Dispute Process: A Team has the right to Dispute any Player(s) or Team that they feel is in violation of these Game Play Rules. All Disputes must be filed within 10 minutes following the completion of the Match with the presiding Official. A Match must be reported regardless of whether a Dispute is being filed. If a Dispute is filed too late, the Dispute will be disregarded. When the Official has made the ruling, the Official will contact both Teams involved in the Dispute and present those Teams with the details of the ruling.
15.2. Dispute Submission Detail: If you suspect a Player of cheating, be prepared to list exactly where you think this occurred in the Match. Please supply as much detail to provide the Official with the most accurate information possible.
15.3. Evidence Requests: If a Dispute has been filed, Officials will contact all Players/Team(s) involved in the Dispute. The parties involved will then have 15 minutes to submit all requested evidence to the Official in charge of the Dispute.
15.4. Discussion of Disputes: Disputes should only be handled in private between the Officials and those Teams/Players directly involved. Raising a Dispute as a public matter for the purpose of appealing, criticizing, or complaining about the verdict may result in Player or Team Disqualification and/or Match Forfeit, depending on severity and malicious intent as determined by the Official.
16. Exploitation of Rules. If a Team attempts to manipulate or exploit these Game Play Rules in any way other than for its intended use, Officials reserve the right to make a final ruling on the rule in question for the given Match and\or Dispute.