Official Rules
Alienware Arena
Linksys FTW: Heroes of Newerth Launch Tournament
Official Rules
Welcome to the Linksys FTW: Heroes of Newerth Launch Tournament. These rules (“Official Rules”) set forth the rules and regulations of the Linksys FTW: Heroes of Newerth Launch Tournament (the “Tournament”) presented by Cisco Consumer Products LLC ("Cisco"), Alienware, Corp. (“Alienware”) and iGames, Inc. (“iGames”). Cisco, 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/linksys-hon/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 Sunday, June 13, 2010 and who properly register for the Tournament (each a “Player”). Additionally, residents of Connecticut, Colorado and Quebec are not permitted to register for or participate in the LAN Conference (as defined in the Game Play Rules). 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/linksys-hon /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: Cisco Consumer Products LLC located at 121 Theory, Irvine, CA 92617; 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 Monday, June 14, 2010 and end on Thursday, September 2, 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/linksys-hon. 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 registration by having 5 or more Players join their Team by Sunday, June 13, 2010.
5. Registration & Fees. There is no fee to register for the Tournament. Players registering for the Open Division (as defined in the Game Play Rules) will have the option to participate in the Online Conference to be held online or the LAN Conference (as defined in the Game Play Rules) to be held at select “Host Locations.” A list of the Host Locations may be found on the Tournament registration page. Players participating in the LAN Conference may be required to pay the Host Location other fees (a maximum of $25.00 USD per Player per day played) associated with participation in the Tournament. Teams will be guaranteed a Tournament slot for the Open Division first come, first served, based on when registration for the Team is complete (defined as a Team with 5 or more Players registered. A maximum of 8 Teams will be invited by the Sponsors to participate in the Elite Division (as defined in the Game Play Rules) of the Tournament.
6. Tournament Play. The Game Play Rules, located at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/linksys-hon/rules specify the rules of play for the Tournament. As specified in the Game Play Rules, the Tournament will consist of game play among a maximum of 264 Teams.
7. Prizes. The top three Teams in the Elite Division and top four Teams in the Open Division (the “Winning Teams”), as defined in the Game Play Rules, 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/linksys-hon/rules).
• Prizes will be awarded to each Winner.
• If a Player Forfeits or is Disqualified (as defined in the Game Play rules) for any reason, the Player is not eligible to receive their portion of the Prize. If a Team Forfeits or is Disqualified from the Tournament for any reason, that Team is not eligible for a Prize.
• Up to 264 Teams may compete in the Tournament.
• THERE IS NO TOURNAMENT ENTRY FEE TO COMPETE FOR PRIZES. EACH PLAYER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY TRAVEL, FEES CHARGED BY A HOST LOCATION OR OTHER EXPENSES INCURRED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TOURNAMENT.
• 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 Player on a Winning Team (maximum of 5 Players) (each, a “Winner”) that actively competes in the final Match of Playoff Phase of each the Elite Division and Open Division.
Elite Division Prizes per Team:
1st Place: $1,250.00 USD + 5x Linksys E3000 Routers (retail value: $179.99 USD each)
2nd Place: $1,000.00 USD
3rd Place: $750.00 USD
The total value of all Elite Division Prizes is $3,899.95 USD
Open Division Prizes per Team:
1st Place: $500.00 USD
2nd Place: $375.00 USD
3rd Place: $250.00 USD
4th Place: $125.00 USD
The total value of all Open Division Prizes is $1,250.00 USD
The total value of all Tournament Prizes is $5,149.95 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; (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/linksys-ftw after approximately August 26, 2010 and posted until approximately September 30, 2010. For a copy of the Winners list, send a stamped, self-addressed, business-size envelope after August 26, 2010 and before September 30, 2010 to iGames at the following address: iGames / Linksys FTW 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 / Linksys FTW 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
Linksys FTW: Heroes of Newerth Launch Tournament
Game Play Rules
Welcome to the Linksys FTW: Heroes of Newerth Launch Tournament. These rules (these “Game Play Rules”) set forth the rules of game play for the Linksys FTW: Heroes of Newerth Launch Tournament (the “Tournament”) presented by Cisco Consumer Products LLC ("Cisco"), Alienware, Corp. (“Alienware”) and iGames, Inc. (“iGames”). Cisco, Alienware and iGames are, collectively, the “Sponsors.” These Game Play Rules are part of the Official Rules located at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/linksys-hon 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. Host Location - Any of up to 100 participating iGames LAN centers across the United States and Canada. A list of Host Locations is posted on the Tournament micro-site at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/linksys-ftw/.
1.7. Lag Out - When a Player is disconnected from the Server due to network connectivity issues.
1.8. Live - The commencing of game play that counts towards the Tournament results, beginning once all Players have joined the Server and the Map has loaded.
1.9. Map - One Heroes of Newerth virtual environment on which Teams compete to destroy each other’s World Tree or Sacrificial Shrine. All Matches in the Tournament will be played on the Map named Forests of Caldavar.
1.10. Match - One Heroes of Newerth Map played by two Teams, ending when either Team destroys the World Tree or Sacrificial Shrine, either Team passes a vote to concede, or all Players on a Team intentionally disconnect.
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. 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/linksys-hon).
1.14. Server - Hardware hosted by S2 Games which provides for sessions of game play.
1.15. Team - A Team consists of at least 5 Players (one of which is the Team Captain).
1.16. 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.
1.17. Warning - A verbal or written indication from an Official to a Player/Team that continued or subsequent actions could result in a Penalty.
1.18. 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/linksys-hon) which makes the Player eligible for a Prize.
2. Tournament Structure.
2.1 Divisions: Teams will participate in either of two separate "Divisions" each with its own Prizes.
2.1.1 Elite Division: The "Elite Division" will consist of exactly 8 Teams that will invited based on performance in past competitive events for Heroes of Newerth.
2.1.2 Open Division: The "Open Division" will consist of up to 256 Teams that register for the Tournament. Teams in this Division will play in either of two "Conferences" which correspond to their location.
2.1.2.1 Online Conference: Players on Teams that are registered for the "Online Conference" may play from any location of their choosing within the United States and Canada, excluding Quebec.
2.1.2.2 LAN Conference: Players on Teams that are registered for the "LAN Conference" must all play from one of the official Host Locations.
3. Match Structure & How to Win the Tournament.
3.1 Preliminary Phase: In the opening "Preliminary Phase" of the Tournament, all Teams will scheduled to play a total of 7 Matches. For the Elite Division, the top 4 ranked Teams will advance to the Playoffs Phase. For the Open Division, the top 24 ranked Teams from the Online Conference and top 8 ranked Teams from the LAN Conference will advance to the Playoffs Phase, for a total of 32 Teams.
All other Teams that do not advance will be eliminated from the Tournament.
3.11 Ranking Method: During the Preliminary Phase, Teams will be ranked using the proprietary CEVO Performance Index ("CPI") formula, which is based on ranking systems widely used in athletic competitions. The formula consists of three components: number of wins, win percentage, and the strength of schedule which is based on averaging the win percentage of each of a given Team's opponents minus the Match between that Team and that opponent.
Each Team's CPI rating and relative rank will be viewable at any given time on the standings page located at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/linksys-ftw/standings/.
3.12 Scheduling Method: During the Preliminary Phase, Teams will be scheduled to play against the closest available opposing Team according to the CPI rating that they haven't already played against. The process is entirely automated and not manually selected by Officials.
3.2 Playoffs Phase: In the "Playoffs Phase" of the Tournament, Teams will be seeded into a double-elimination bracket (one with 4 slots for the Elite Division and separate bracket with 32 slots for the Open Division).
As soon as a Team accumulates two losses in the Playoffs Phase, they will be eliminated from the Tournament. The Playoffs Phase will conclude for each Division when only one Team remains with less than 2 losses.
Final placement in the Playoffs Phase determines the Winning Teams per the Official Rules.
4. Schedule.
For the Preliminary Phase of the LAN Conference of the Open Division, Match times will be strictly assigned on Wednesdays.
For all other Matches, Teams are required to contact each other to arrange their exact Match times using the scheduling features in the user control panel on the Alienware Arena site. Teams can agree to play on any day at any time as long as it by the deadline day. If Teams cannot agree on a Match time by the end of the day prior to the deadline day, then Officials will set a default time of 9:30 p.m. Central Time according to the schedule specified below.
4.1 Elite Division Schedule
4.1.1 Preliminary Phase Schedule
Matches must be played by the end of the following deadline days:
Match 1: Thursday, June 17
Match 2: Tuesday, June 22
Match 3: Thursday, June 24
Match 4: Tuesday, June 29
Match 5: Tuesday, July 6
Match 6: Thursday, July 8
Match 7: Tuesday, July 13
Make-up Matches: Thursday, July 15
4.1.2 Playoffs Phase Schedule
Matches must be played by the end of the following deadline days:
Match 1: Thursday, July 29
Match 2: Tuesday, August 3
Match 3: Thursday, August 5
Match 4: Tuesday, August 10
Match 5: Thursday, August 12 (if required in the bracket)
4.2 Open Division Schedule
4.2.1 Preliminary Phase Schedule
4.2.1.1 LAN Conference: Teams must check-in at their local Host Locations on each of the following days no later than 7:00 p.m. Central Time. Matches will be
strictly assigned for 7:30 p.m. Central Time and 8:30 p.m. Central Time.
Match 1 & 2: Wednesday, June 16
Match 3 & 4: Wednesday, June 23
Match 5 & 6: Wednesday, June 30
Match 7 & make-ups: Wednesday, July 7
4.2.1.2 Online Conference:
Matches must be played by the end of the following deadline days:
Match 1: Thursday, June 17
Match 2: Tuesday, June 22
Match 3: Thursday, June 24
Match 4: Tuesday, June 29
Match 5: Tuesday, July 6
Match 6: Thursday, July 8
Match 7: Tuesday, July 13
Make-up Matches: Thursday, July 15
4.2.2 Playoffs Phase Schedule
Matches must be played by the end of the following deadline days:
Match 1: Thursday, July 29
Match 2: Thursday, August 5
Match 3: Tuesday, August 10
Match 4: Thursday, August 12
Match 5: Tuesday, August 17
Match 6: Thursday, August 19
Match 7: Tuesday, August 24
Match 8: Thursday, August 26
Match 9: Tuesday, August 31
Match 10: Thursday, September 2
Match 11: Tuesday, September 7 (if required in the bracket)
4.3. Match Start Time: All Teams must have exactly 5 Players logged into the Match Network Client within 15 minutes of each of their set 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.
4.4. 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.
4.5. 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 promptly 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 day for that Match.
4.6. 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 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.
Forfeit wins are worth 75% as many points in the CPI formula than an actual win.
4.61. Make-up Matches: During the Preliminary Phase only, Teams that are awarded any Forfeit wins will automatically have a replacement Matches scheduled for them against other Teams with Forfeit wins. These Matches must be played by the end of the Preliminary Phase according to the Tournament schedule outlined in these rules and on the micro-site at http://www.alienwarearena.com/event/linksys-hon/schedule/.
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 one change.
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. Game Server Information and Requirements.
7.1. Servers: All Tournament Matches must be played through the official method for hosting games within Heroes of Newerth.
7.2. Server Host: For each Match, a Team will be randomly assigned the role of ‘Home Team’ (as shown in the Match Network Client) and will be responsible for creating the Server session.
The Team hosting that creates the Server must send invitations in-game to the Players on the opposing Team so that they can join.
7.3. Server Location:
Server ping of the various participating Players will not be a determining factor in Server selection.
Servers must be hosted on either US West or US East, to be decided by the randomly assigned 'Home Team' (as shown in the Match Network Client).
7.4. Server Settings:
Game Type: Banning Pick
Map: Forests of Caldavar
Tier: Noobs Allowed
Team Size: Five versus Five
Referees: 0 (unless otherwise indicated by an Official)
Specatators: 0 (unless otherwise indicated by an Official)
No Leavers: Off
Auto Balanced: Off
Easy Mode: Off
All Heroes: On
Random Hero: Off
No Stats: Off
Private Game: Enabled
Advanced Settings: Off
7.5. Server Sides: The Team that hosts the game will play on the side of Legion (even though All Heroes will be enabled).
7.6. Server Remake: If a Player fails to load successfully, Teams must pass a vote to Remake the game. Any other remakes are at the discretion of both Teams to agree and will make the Match null and void up to that point.
7.7. Server Pausing: 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 if a Player on one of the Teams unintentionally disconnects or expresses that they are experiencing Server network issues on one occasion.
If requested, Teams MUST pause the Match. Failure to pause the Match may be disputed for Unsportsmanlike Conduct and will be judged by an Official.
If a Player is disconnected for more than 10 minutes, either Team may demand that the game continue without that missing Player.
7.8. Server Crashes: If a Server completely crashes while a Match is being played, the Match must be replayed in full from the beginning unless, in the sole judgment of Officials, the game has been determined to have been so overwhelmingly dominated by one of the Teams that a comeback was exceedingly unlikely beyond a reasonable doubt, in which case that Team will be awarded the victory.
8. 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.
9. Replays/Demos. Replays are automatically recorded. In case of errors or other difficulties with the automated system, Players are advised to (but not required to) take screenshots during and at the conclusion of all Matches.
10. Game Environment Requirements.
10.1. 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.
10.2. Outside Applications: The use of any third-party application and/or program to influence, interface or manipulate the game environment is strictly prohibited. Restricted applications include those that add additional information to the game interface, automate or shortcut messaging, or otherwise provide any kind of competitive advantage. Any violations will result in a Disqualification of offending Players and their Team.
10.3. Models, Skins, 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.
11. Game Play.
11.1. Victory Conditions: A Match is complete when either Team destroys the World Tree or Sacrificial Shrine, either Team passes a vote to concede, or all Players on a Team intentionally disconnect.
11.2. Hero Restrictions: All heroes are permitted.
11.3. Item Limitations:
- Max 2 Totem of Kuldra (a.k.a. Kuldra's Sheepstick) per Team
Violations that are determined, in the sole judgment of an Official, to have had a significant impact on the outcome of a Match will have those Matches Overturned against the Team in violation.
11.4. Maps: All Matches must be played on the map Forests of Caldavar.
11.5. Player Disconnects: If a Player unintentionally disconnects, Teams MUST pause the Match if so requested. Failure to pause the Match may be disputed for Unsportsmanlike Conduct and will be judged by an Official.
If a Player is disconnected for more than 10 minutes, either Team may demand that the game continue without that missing Player.
11.6. Minimum Players: No Match may start with less than five Players per Team, which is the required minimum number of Players. If Players leave after the Match has begun, the Team may continue to play without them.
11.7. Roster Changes: Roster changes, including additions or removals of Players are allowed only until Sunday, June 27th. To have a roster change done, use the website or contact an Official.
11.8. 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.
11.9. Outside Voice Applications: Teams are permitted to use outside voice applications, such as Ventrilo and TeamSpeak.
12. Match Media Coverage Guidelines. Sponsors reserve the right to utilize Match broadcasting which may include shoutcasting, spectator tools, or any other media. By registering for this Tournament, each Player consents to allow their image, performance, media, and likeness rights to be used.
13. 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.
13.1. Violations: Violations may result in Forfeit or Disqualification of a Player or Team, and/or Matches 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.
Violations that are in-game actions may be disregarded, in the sole judgment of an Official, if it was believed to be unintentional and did not have a significant impact on the outcome of the Match.
13.2. Backdooring: Players are not permitted to attack any buildings within an enemy base (defined as the elevated area protected by a barrier and within sight of the World Tree or Sacrificial Shrine) without initially first clearing out all enemy creeps beyond that point in the given lane of entry. Once the first, second, and third tier towers and barracks have been destroyed within one lane inside the base, the lane is considered pushed and Players may remain anywhere inside the base and attack as they so desire.
Any towers outside of the bases (first and second tier) may be attacked at anytime.
13.3. Item Dropping: Players are not permitted to intentionally get their character killed for the purpose of transferring an otherwise non-transferable item from one Player to another.
13.4. Fissure Base Blocking: Players are not permitted to use Behemoth’s Fissure spell to intentionally just block creeps in the base for the purpose of generating a creep pushing advantage as a result.
13.5. Boundary Glitches: Players are not permitted to use glitches / bugs to go outside the boundaries of the Map.
13.6. Kongor Ledge Glitches: Players are not permitted to use the ledge behind Kongor to glitch him out such as through particular uses of Slither wards, Pollywog wards, etc.
13.7 Neutral/Ancient Pulling: Pulling of creeps to cause more to spawn is permitted in all cases.
14. Dispute Rights, Requirements, and Guidelines.
14.1. 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.
14.2. Evidence Requests: If a Dispute has been filed, Officials may contact Players/Team(s) involved in the Dispute to request additional evidence. If so the Players/Teams will then have 24 hours to begin submitting all requested evidence to the Official in charge of the Dispute.
14.3. 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.
15. 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.
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.
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