Official Rules
Alienware Arena
Team Fortress 2
Bigfoot Killer Edge Tournament
Official Rules
Welcome to the Team Fortress 2 - Bigfoot Killer Edge Tournament. These rules (“Official Rules”) set forth the rules and regulations of the Team Fortress 2 - Bigfoot Killer Edge Tournament (the “Tournament”) presented by Alienware, Corp. (“Alienware”) and iGames, Inc. (“iGames”). Alienware and iGames 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/killeredge/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, the District of Columbia and any Province of Canada (other than Quebec) that are 13 years of age or older as of November 29, 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/killeredge/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 Alienware, Corp., located at 14591 SW 120 Street, Miami, FL 22186 and iGames, Inc., located at 201 San Antonio Circle, Suite 260, Mountain View, CA 94040.
3. Tournament Period. The Tournament shall commence on December 3, 2009 and end on January 30, 2010 (the “Tournament Period”).
4. How to Enter the Tournament. Each Player must register for the Tournament at the site:
http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/killeredge/. 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. An unlimited number of Players (including the Team Captain) may register for each Team (each a “Player”). Each Team must complete initial registration by having 6 or more Players join their Team by Sunday, November 29, 2009.
5. Registration & Fees. There is no fee to register for the Tournament. Teams will be guaranteed a Tournament slot first come, first served, based on when registration for the Team is complete. A Team must have 6 or more Players registered to complete Team registration.
6. Tournament Play. The Game Play Rules, located at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/killeredge/rules specify the rules of play for the Tournament. As specified in the Game Play Rules, the Tournament will consist of game play among up to 128 Teams through two phases of Double-Elimination play (as defined in the Game Play Rules).
7. Prizes. The eligible and active 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/killeredge/rules).
• All Prizes will be awarded.
• 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. If a Winning Team forfeits or is Disqualified from the Tournament for any reason, that Team is not eligible for a Prize.
• Up to 128 Teams will compete in the Tournament.
• THERE IS NO ENTRY FEE TO COMPETE FOR PRIZES.
• No Prize substitution, except as allowed by Sponsors which reserve the right to offer a prize of equal/greater value.
• Prizes will be awarded to each of the six Players on a Winning Team (each, a “Winner”) that actively compete in the start of the final Match of the Tournament on Saturday, January 30, 2010 (as defined in the Game Play Rules).
Tournament Prizes (in US Dollars) Placement Among Winning Teams
$750.00 (Team total) 1st
(6) Killer Xeno Pro network cards (ARV: $129.99) (one per Player)
$500.00 (Team total) 2nd
$250.00 (Team total) 3rd
Total value of all Prizes is $2,279.94 USD.
8. Winners’ Affidavit of Eligibility and Release, Etc. Each Winner will be required to execute and deliver to iGames 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. iGames will 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 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 iGames within 14 days of the last day of the Tournament Period, or the associated Prize will be forfeited. Each Winner will be shipped their Prize within 3 weeks from the day iGames receives from such Winner the completed Affidavit/Release and any required tax releases. Prizes 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 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. 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 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 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 (d) 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. A Winners list will be available at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/killeredge/ after approximately January 31, 2010 and posted until approximately February 28, 2010. For a copy of the Winners list, send a stamped, self-addressed, business-size envelope after January 31, 2010 and before February 28, 2010 to iGames at the following address: iGames / Team Fortress 2 - Bigfoot Killer Edge 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 / Team Fortress 2 - Bigfoot Killer Edge 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
Team Fortress 2
Bigfoot Killer Edge Tournament
Game Play Rules
Welcome to the Team Fortress 2 - Bigfoot Killer Edge Tournament. These rules (these “Game Play Rules”) set forth the rules of game play for the Team Fortress 2 - Bigfoot Killer Edge Tournament (the “Tournament”) presented by Alienware, Corp. (“Alienware”) and iGames, Inc. (“iGames”). Alienware and iGames are, collectively, the “Sponsors.” These Game Play Rules are part of the Official Rules located at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/killeredge and are incorporated therein. Please read the Game Play Rules carefully before submitting an entry or participating in the Tournament as these Game Play Rules contain important information about the rules and format of the Tournament.
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.
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 Team or Player from the Tournament by an Official for violation of either the Official Rules or these Game Play Rules.
1.4. Forfeit - The act of voluntarily admitting a defeat during the Tournament, thereby surrendering victory of the Round, Match or Tournament (as applicable) to the opposition or having a victory or opportunity to play Round(s) or Match(es) revoked by an Official due to Player/Team violation of the Official Rules or Game Play Rules.
1.5. Handle - A Player or Team pseudonym used for identification of Players or Teams during the Tournament.
1.6. Lag Out - When a Player is disconnected from the Server due to network connectivity issues.
1.7. Live - The commencing of game play that counts towards the Tournament results, beginning once all Players have joined the Server and set their status as ready to begin.
1.8. Map - A virtual environment in the game Team Fortress 2 in which Teams compete.
1.9. Match - One Team Fortress 2 Map session consisting of two halves, played between two Teams using the settings outlined in these Game Play Rules with the possibility of Overtime in the case of a Tie score.
1.10. Official - The designated individual(s) presiding over the Tournament and responsible for enforcing the Official Rules and these Game Play Rules.
1.11. Overtime - Extra game play necessary if the score is tied after Teams have completed both halves. In the case of further tie scores, Overtime continues over again until a Team wins the Match.
1.12. Penalty - A punishment enforced by the Official of a Player/Team for violating the Official Rules or Game Play Rules.
1.13. 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/killeredge/rules).
1.14. Server - Any dedicated game server used for a Tournament Match utilizing the designated plug-ins and settings.
1.15. Score – An in-game point system that represents a measure of Team performance in a Match and is the basis for determining a Match’s winning Team.
1.16. Team - A Team consists of at least 6 Players (one of which is the Team Captain).
1.17. 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 such Team.
1.18. Warning - A verbal or written indication from an Official to a Player/Team that continued or subsequent actions could result in a Penalty.
1.19. Winner- An active Player on a Team that finishes the Tournament with placement (as described in the Official Rules located at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/killeredge/rules) which makes the Player eligible for a Prize.
2. Tournament Match Structure.
2.1. Double-Elimination Preliminary: The opening phase of the Tournament (the “Double-Elimination Preliminary”) will consist of online Double-Elimination (as defined below) play from Monday, November 30 to Thursday, December 17, with the game Team Fortress 2. Teams will be sorted into 16 Double-Elimination brackets, each consisting of up to 8 Teams. Using the Alienware Arena site Teams will arrange with their opponents to play two Matches per week, by each Monday and Thursday. In this phase each Team will be scheduled to play a minimum of 2 Matches and up to 5 Matches, dependent on the number and order of wins a Team accumulates during the course of play. The Double-Elimination Preliminary phase will end when only two Teams remain from each bracket and then those Teams will advance to the Tournament Finals (defined below).
2.2. Tournament Finals: The second and final phase of the Tournament (the “Tournament Finals”) will consist of online Double-Elimination (as defined below) play from Thursday, January 7 to Saturday, January 30. All matches not complete prior to Saturday, January 30 will be played entirely on that day, starting at approximately 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Tournament Finals will end when all the Double-Elimination Matches have been completed. In this phase each Team will be scheduled to play a minimum of 2 Matches and up to 10 Matches, dependent on the number and order of wins a Team accumulates during the course of play.
3. How to Win the Tournament.
The Double-Elimination Preliminary format will be Double-Elimination ("Double-Elimination"), where the Teams are randomly placed into one of 16 brackets, each with up to 8 Teams, 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 only two Teams remain, each will advance to the next phase.
The Tournament Finals format will be Double-Elimination (“Double Elimination”), where the Teams are randomly placed into a 32 Team 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.
4.1. Schedule: Teams are required to contact each other to schedule their Match times using the scheduling features in the user control panel on the Alienware Arena site at http://www.alienwarearena.com. Matches are to be scheduled and played by the deadline day specified for each particular Match.
Failure to schedule and play any Match by the specified deadline day may result in a forfeit loss being issued against both teams. If one Team in particular is found to be unreasonably inflexible in determining a match time, in the judgment of an Official, that Team alone may be issued the forfeit loss.
Only communication through the website will be considered genuine and accepted by tournament Officials.
4.1.1. Double-Elimination Preliminary Schedule:
Match 1: Schedule to play by the day of Thursday, December 3 - cp_well
Match 2: Schedule to play by the day of Monday, December 7 - cp_follower
Match 3: Schedule to play by the day of Thursday, December 10 - cp_freight (not cp_freight_final)
Match 4: Schedule to play by the day of Monday, December 14 - cp_yukon
Match 5: Schedule to play by the day of Thursday, December 17 - cp_granary
-Break for the Holidays-
4.1.2. Tournament Finals Schedule
Match 1 Deadline: Thursday, January 7
Match 2 Deadline: Monday, January 11
Match 3 Deadline: Thursday, January 14
Match 4 Deadline: Monday, January 18
Match 5 Deadline: Thursday, January 21
Match 6 Deadline: Monday, January 25
Match 7 Deadline: Thursday, January 28
Matches 8-10: Saturday, January 30
All Matches not yet played by Saturday, January 30th will be played entirely on that day, starting at approximately 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. It is likely that the final Match may not end until around or after 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time on that day.
4.2. Match Start Time: All Teams must have at least 5 Players log into the Match Network Client within 15 minutes of each of their Match times. Forcing a Team to wait for Players is disrespectful and unsportsmanlike and thereby is subject to enforcement of a Penalty by the Official, up to and including a Match Forfeit unless Teams can reasonably demonstrate that a technical difficulty with the Match Network Client is the cause of the problem and the Team is in contact with an Official promptly for assistance.
4.3. Match Reporting: At the completion of each Match, Players from either team must report the match final score through their control panel on the Alienware Arena site. Players should report any forfeit wins via http://support.cevo.com.
Players are required to report all scores as accurately as possible. Intentionally reporting false or erroneous scores may result in having the Match overturned (regardless if the Match was played or not). Multiple violations of this rule will result in the Disqualification of the Team from the Tournament.
4.4. Match Delays: A Match may be delayed from starting only if a Player is encountering technical difficulties specific to usage of the Match Network client and is in contact with an Official to have their issue resolved. Under no other under circumstances will a Match delay be accepted, including but not limited to emergencies, power outages, Internet instability, etc.
It is the duty of a Team to use backup Players if other Players on the team cannot compete.
Teams may agree to reschedule their Match to another day, as long as it is still completed by the specified deadline for that Match. To do so, Teams must contact an Official.
4.5. Forfeits: Forfeits will be issued for the following reasons only:
- Teams cannot field the required minimum number of Players needed to start a Match within fifteen minutes of a scheduled Match time.
- Teams that do not have their Matches scheduled and played by the Match deadline day.
- Teams do not have enough members due to Players Disqualification.
- Teams that have since become inactive or were otherwise removed from the Tournament.
Teams are allowed to have an unlimited amount of Forfeit wins during the Tournament.
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 an Official and asked to edit their Handle to something more appropriate. Team Handle changes are allowed at any time during the registration process, but are limited to 1 change per Tournament.
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 Player and/or Team Disqualification by an Official.
6.1. Rulings on unsportsmanlike actions are subject to the Official’s interpretation. If a Player and/or Team is found in violation of this rule the following actions may happen:
- Minor infractions as judged by an Official: Warning
- Severe or repeated minor infractions as judged by an Official: Disqualification
Any accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct by a Player or Team must be brought to the attention of the Official by filing a dispute following the Match in which the alleged action has occurred for investigation by presiding Official.
7. SteamIDs. All Players are required to have a valid SteamID when they register which can be obtained in-game. A Player may have their SteamID added at anytime. An existing SteamID entry may only be changed when Rosters are unlocked.
7.1. Incorrect SteamIDs: It is the responsibility of both Teams to verify that the correct SteamIDs are in use prior to a starting a Match. Once a Match has begun a Team cannot dispute an incorrect SteamID.
8. Game Server Information and Requirements.
8.1. Servers: Teams are expected to use their own Servers, however a limited number of Servers will be made available, first-come, first-served, by contacting Support. A Team has the right to request to have half of the Match played on their chosen Server as long as it meets the other requirements.
8.2. Ping Imbalance: The difference between each Team's average pings should be no greater than 30 milliseconds. Pings must be confirmed by logging into the agreed upon Server and not through 3rd party tools such as HLSW, HLIT, or the Steam Server Utility. Loss and choke will in no way be an acceptable reason not to play in a Server; ping will be the only determining factor. If the difference between the average Team pings is less than 30 milliseconds, the Server is acceptable. If only one Server is acceptable under this rule, that Server must be used for the entire Campaign. If both Servers are unacceptable by the rule an Official must be contacted, and at that time the Official will determine what Server must be used for the Match.
8.3. Server Crashes: If a Server unintentionally crashes or is restarted while a Match is being played, all rounds completed, time elapsed, and the Score up to that point will count towards the final Score of the Match. All remaining rounds and/or time elapsed will be played on a new Server. This rule will continue to stand in the event of another Server crash or restart. If crashes continue, Teams should contact an Official for assistance.
9. Match Network Client. The “Match Network Client” is a client application that communicates with the Tournament database to verify Players, establish contact between opposing Teams, and ensure fair play. All Players must download, install, and utilize the Match Network Client to participate in the Tournament. Players are expected to be actively logged in and readied up in the Match Network Client for the complete duration of all Matches.
The Match Network Client is available for download at http://www.alienwarearena.com/account/client.
All Players are advised to download the Match Network Client prior to start of the Tournament to ensure it is working properly. If you experience technical difficulties with the Match Network Client please contact an Official immediately for assistance. If a Player is unable to utilize the Match Network Client despite the best efforts of an Official, then that Player will not be eligible to participate in the Tournament and a different Player on the Team will need to be used.
10. First Person Demos (Replays). All Players are required to record first person demos (replays) of all Matches. All Players are required to hold first person demos for at least 7 days.
If a Player cannot provide complete first person demos upon the request of an Official, then the Player/Team applicable Rounds may be overturned from the Match.
11. Game Environment Requirements.
11.1. Client Commands: It is illegal to use any client commands that provide an advantage by altering the game environment in favor of the command user. Players are advised not to use any commands that may fall in this category. Penalties are subject to an Official’s discretion.
11.2. Configuration Files: Players are permitted to edit their user configuration files in the native game directory. Players are not allowed to have any other configuration files inside the native game directory. A Player who violates this rule may have all their Matches overturned depending on the severity of the violation in the judgment of an Official.
11.3. Outside Applications: The use of any third-party application and/or program to influence of manipulate the game environment is strictly prohibited. Any violations will result in a Disqualification of offending Players and their Team.
11.4. Models, Skins, Sound Files and Sprites: All Players must use default models, skins, sprites, and sound files. If any Player is found to be using any non-standard models, skins, sprites, or sound files they and their Team will be Disqualified from the Tournament.
12. Game Play
12.1. Map Settings and Scoring: There are two types of Maps, each type with its own set of rules for settings and scoring.
12.1.1. Stopwatch Maps: Applies to cp_gravelpit
In these Maps, Teams compete in a best-of-three rounds format, with each round contributing one point to the Team’s score. Each round consists of both Teams attacking and defending once. The first Team to win two rounds wins the Match. There is no time limit for these maps.
The order of attack and defend is an ABBA format. In the first half-round Team A attacks and team B defends, then in the next half-round team B attacks and Team A defends. Each subsequent round (up to two more sets of two half-rounds each) proceeds in this manner. By default Team A is the home Team, but Teams may agree to let the other Team be considered Team A.
After each Team attacks and defends in a round, the Team who did so the fastest (or Scored more points the fastest if both teams fully defended) receives one point (no extra point is awarded for successfully defending).
12.1.2. Push Maps: Applies to cp_follower, cp_well, cp_freight (not cp_freight_final), cp_yukon, cp_badlands, and cp_granary
In these Maps, Teams compete in two 30 minute halves. Each half is played first to 4 points or 30 minutes. The Match winner is the first Team to Score 5 points or the Team with the highest Score after 60 minutes.
In the case of a tie, the Server configuration must be restarted and the Teams must play a single round. The Team that wins the Round is the winner.
12.2. Match Server Configuration: All Match Servers must be configured with the files available for download on the Files page at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/killeredge/files/.
12.3. Sudden Death: At no time in any Match will sudden death be played.
12.4. Set-up Kills: Killing during the set-up time is allowed on any map whenever possible, including rocket jumping on the trains on cp_well or sniping through cracks.
12.5. Kills through Surfaces: Players are permitted to shoot through floors and walls whenever possible.
12.6. Class Restrictions: Class restrictions are set to ensure the maximum level of competitive play. Teams are only allowed to have the following maximum number of classes per Match:
- 2 x Soldier
- 2 x Sniper
- 2 x Scout
- 2 x Pyro
- 2 x Engineer
- 2 x Heavy
- 2 x Spy
- 1 x Demoman
- 1 x Medic
12.7. Maps: The following Maps will be used during the tournament: cp_well, cp_follower, cp_freight (not cp_freight_final), cp_yukon, cp_granary, cp_gravelpit, cp_badlands.
12.8. Minimum Players: No Team will be allowed to start a Match with less than five Players, which is the required minimum number of Players. If Players leave after a Match has begun, the Team may continue to play without them.
12.9. Player Substitutions: Player substitutions are allowed at anytime during a Match. A Player is only allowed to join the dedicared Server after the Player whom he/she is substituting for has left the Server. Failure to do so and allowing an unreasonable advantage to occur may result in a loss of Rounds at the discretion of an Official.
12.10. ScoreBots: ScoreBots may be run as long as both Teams agree and the ScoreBot does not broadcast any Player chat information. It is the responsibility of the Team hosting the ScoreBot to ensure it is probably configured.
12.11. Roster Changes: Roster changes, including additions or removals of Players are allowed until Sunday, December 6, and then on every subsequent Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until the final close on Sunday, January 4. To have a roster change done, use the website or contact an Official.
12.12. Starting Side: Teams will randomly be assigned either home or away status. The home team has the option of which server to start on and what side to start as. In all Matches, each Team must play one Half as offense and one Half as defense.
12.13. Breaks: After finishing a Map, Teams are allowed an optional 5 minute break.
12.14. Match Restarting: Once a Match has started, Teams are not allowed to restart the Match, unless a Player drops from the Server within the first minute of play in which case a restart of the Half is required.
12.15. Match Pausing/Timeouts: Match pausing is required for up to 10 minutes at a time and should be used in the spirit of sportsmanship. Teams are required to pause their servers if requested only for any of the following reasons:
- A Player on one of the respective Teams experiences network issues
- If the Server experiences extreme network issues
- A Player Lags Out
If requested, the hosting team MUST pause the match at the next round freezetime. Failure to pause the match will result in any the reversal of any unpaused rounds. Officials reserve the right to decide whether or not the Round should or should not have been paused.
12.16. Ties / Overtime: In the instance of a tie score, Overtime must be played. Extra game play necessary if the score is tied after both Teams have played both halves of a Match. In the case of further tie scores, Overtime continues over again until a Team wins the Match. No Tournament Match may end in a tie. Overtime settings vary by Map and are outlined in the Game Play section of these Game Play Rules.
12.17. Game Chat: Game chat is permitted as long as it is done in a sportsmanlike manner. All chat should nonetheless be kept to a minimum. Chat violations fall under unsportsmanlike conduct and may be disputed, resulting in an Official enforcing a Penalty.
13. Match Media Coverage Guidelines. Sponsors reserve the right to utilize Match broadcasting which may include shoutcasting, spectator tools, IRC, ScoreBots or any other media. By registering for this Tournament, each Player consents to allow their image, performance, media, and likeness rights to be used.
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 and extent of the violation and Penalty.
14.1. Violations: Violations may result in Forfeit or Disqualification of a Player or Team, and/or points being revoked or overturned from the Match score. 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. 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, move, or attack through any solid entity that they typically should not be able to such as a box or wall.
14.3. Weapon Unlocks: All unlockable weapons released prior to the start of the Tournament are permitted except for the Sandman. Any instance of play in which the Sandman is used will be overturned against the violating Team.
Until further notice, please do not use any of the new "WAR!" update weapons released on December 17th in match play.
15. Dispute Rights, Requirements, and Guidelines.
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. A Team may Dispute up to one opposing Player per Match. All Disputes must be filed within 1 hour following the completion of the Match through a presiding Official. A Match must be reported regardless of whether a Dispute is being filed. If a Dispute is filed too late, the Dispute may be disregarded.
15.2. Evidence Requests: If a Dispute has been filed, Officials may contact Players/Team(s) involved in the Dispute to request additional evidence (beyond the replays that must be uploaded). If so the Players/Teams will then have 24 hours to begin submitting all requested evidence to the Official in charge of the Dispute.
15.3. 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. Contacting Officials. Officials will be available to contact via e-mail, live web support (http://support.cevo.com), and Ventrilo at texas.cevo.nationvoice.com port 4000.
17. 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.