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Youth Program Competition Rulebook
Youth Program Competition Rulebook

The 2023 - 2024 Master Rulebook for Youth Program

Updated over a week ago

Introduction and Purpose

These Official Rules (“Rules”) of the PlayVS Youth Program Esports League apply to each of the teams who have registered and met the requirements for the 2023-2024 year, as well as their adult sponsors, Starters, Substitutes (collectively “Team Members”), and other members.

The 2023-2024 year will be divided into two halves (“Seasons”).

  • Each season will consist of four phases

    • Preseason (optional)

    • Regular Season

    • Playoffs

    • Finals

  • The schedule can be found on the PlayVS website.

These Rules apply only to official PlayVS-sponsored events and not to other competitions, tournaments, or organized esports. Additional rules may be released regarding Playoffs.

Play Versus, Inc. has established these Rules for the competitive play of esports to unify and standardize the rules used in esports competitive play.

These Rules are designed solely to ensure the integrity of the system established by PlayVS for the organized play of esports and a competitive balance among the teams that play at the youth level. Standardized rules benefit all parties who are involved in esports, including the teams, players, and adult sponsors. Additionally, the field of esports competitions is still relatively new and changing rapidly. Thus, these Official Rules will evolve in real-time to keep pace with those changes.

These Rules do not restrict competition for players. The terms of engagement between players and teams are left to each of the teams and its players.

1. Acceptance of Official Rules

1.1 Acceptance

Each participant must agree to these Official Rules, Codes of Conduct, and the PlayVS Terms of Service to participate in the PlayVS Youth Program Esports League. You may accept these Official Rules by any one of the following methods:

1.1.1 Registering to participate in a PlayVS league.

1.1.2 Participating in any match that is part of a PlayVS league.

2. Team Member Eligibility

2.1 Student Enrollment

No team shall be considered eligible to participate in any youth program esports game until all players are enrolled at the same school. Exceptions will be determined by League Officials, which are solely defined as PlayVS league staff members. This shall not, however, prevent teams from allowing unenrolled students to participate in practices.

To be eligible to compete for an esports team, each player must satisfy all requirements outlined in section 2.2.

2.2 Participation Eligibility

2.2.1 Age. Each player must be 13 years of age or older.

2.2.2 Competitive Eligibility. Each player must have a PlayVS account and an active game account in the esport in which they will be competing. Each player must be eligible to play with no current suspensions or bans issued by PlayVS League Officials or the game's Publisher. Players may only play on the account connected to their PlayVS settings.

Once an in-game account is used in a PlayVS Match, the game account may not be disconnected and must be used for the remainder of the season unless requested by a PlayVS Admin.

3. Roster Rules

3.1 Roster Requirements

A Team's Roster on the PlayVS Platform may not fall below the required minimum, however if a player on the starting roster cannot compete on game-day, competition may continue without that player as long as it does not put the opposing team at a disadvantage.

Each team must maintain one Adult Sponsor and a full “Roster” of starting players on the PlayVS platform at all times during the season. It is recommended that a team also maintain “Substitutes,” or alternate players, on the “Bench” if a rostered player is not available on match day. For the avoidance of doubt, starting players and substitutes are subject to the same roster eligibility requirements at the sole discretion of League Officials.

Roster and Substitution requirements for each esport can be found in their respective rulebooks.

3.2 Adult Sponsor

Each team will be required to have an Adult Sponsor (herein, “Sponsor”) who will be considered the official adult sponsor for the team. Each team is suggested to designate a Sponsor for official matchday communication. All Sponsors will be listed on www.playvs.com. The Sponsor cannot be a starting, substitute, or active player. Additionally, an adult sponsor must be 18 years of age or older and may not be enrolled as a student in a high school.

The Sponsor will be required to be virtually present and available during their team’s matches in case of any required communication with the opposing team. Adult sponsors are expected to be able to be reached for any questions on the PlayVS platform’s Match Lobby Chat.

The Sponsor must be connected to the team’s school to be eligible. The adult sponsor may be affiliated with another school. However, the eligibility of that adult sponsor will be at the discretion of League Officials and be determined on a case-by-case basis.

If the Sponsor cannot supervise a game, the Sponsor must assign an interim Sponsor to be present virtually in their place. The interim Sponsor must abide by all rules outlined in this rulebook. If a Sponsor is not present virtually, then the team is subject to penalties, including, but not limited to, forfeiture.

All Sponsors' expectations for the season and match day can be found in the Expectations help article.

3.3 Roster Submission

All players must be registered to a team and have title-specific accounts connected before scheduled matches begin. Players may only compete for one team per competitive title in each scheduled week, including substitutions. Substitutes will be located in the ‘Bench’ player list. Sponsors must verify enrollment and all other player requirements by match day. If a sponsor elects to modify the Starting Roster, the Sponsor must change their Starting Roster within the PlayVS Match Assistant. Once a Game of Record is established, substitutions are not allowed. Once the game is complete with results recorded, player substitutions may be made before the start of the following game.

All non-single-player esport rosters will be locked one (1) week before their league’s Playoffs start. Once rosters are locked, sponsors cannot add any players to their starting roster or bench.

Single-player esport rosters will be locked at the conclusion of week 4 of the regular season. Once rosters are locked, sponsors cannot change players competing in these single-player titles.

3.4 Player In-Game Names

In-game names may include upper-case letters, lower-case letters, numbers 0-9, underscores, or single spaces between words only. In-game names may not contain vulgarities, obscenities, or offensive language. In-game names must be unique.

All in-game names must be approved by the Sponsor before use in play. In-game names found to be in violation of the PlayVS Code of Conduct will be required to be changed at the expense of the account owner.

All in-game names linked to specific game title accounts must match at match-time between the information found on the PlayVS platform and in the game client/lobby. Failure to verify this could result in a match dispute, and if PlayVS officials cannot verify that player's identity, then the team is subject to penalties, including, but not limited to forfeiture.

3.5 Team Names

Names may only contain letters, numbers, and single spaces between words. Team names may not include punctuation or special characters and must not be over 15 characters long. Team Names may not contain direct or manipulated phrases implied as vulgarities, obscenities, or offensive language or be worded in a way to confuse or imply ill-intent towards another team. Team Names may also not contain names of registered, trademarked companies or names of sponsors. Team Names may not be changed during the Season unless approved by a PlayVS Admin. PlayVS reserves the right to update a team name at any time if the name itself violates the PlayVS Code of Conduct.

4. Player Equipment

Equipment requirements for each title can be found in their respective rulebooks.

5. League Structure

5.1 Definition of Terms

5.1.1 Game. An instance of competition that is played until a winner is determined by one of the following methods, whichever occurs first: (a) completion of the countdown timer or objective achieved, (b) Team Surrender, or (c) Team Forfeit.

5.1.2 Set. A series of games are played until one player wins most of the total games (e.g., winning two out of three “best-of-three”). The winning player will receive a win tally in their team's favor for the match.

5.1.3 Match. A group of sets is played until one team wins most of the total sets (e.g., winning two sets out of three “best-of-three”). The winning team will either receive a win tally in a league format or advance to the next round in a tournament format.

5.1.4 Phase. A section of scheduled league play that comprises a season. There are three distinct phases: preseason, regular season, and playoffs. Each phase has its own league format; see section 5.2 for more details.

5.1.5 Season. Scheduled league play will occur over an approximately three-month period of time. Each season will consist of four three phases: (a) Preseason, (b) Regular Season, and (c) Playoffs, which will occur at the conclusion of the Regular Season and lead to (d) Finals.

5.2 Phase Details

Each title's phase details and match formats can be found in their respective rulebooks.

5.2.1 Preseason

This phase consists of each team enrolled in a league competing in up to two official practice weeks. Preseason match formats between each team will depend on the title that teams are participating in. Results of this match will not be recorded however, this match is strongly recommended to properly test equipment and player game connections.

For Preseason Matches, teams will join the Preseason Queue. Teams that successfully complete 1 Preseason match without forfeiting their last preseason match will be placed into the PlayVS Smart Scheduling system to receive a Scheduled opponent for Week 1 of the Regular Season. Teams that do not complete a match during Preseason will not receive a forfeit but will need to use the PlayVS Match Queue for their first Regular Season Match.

5.2.2 Regular Season

This phase consists of each team competing within a state or region in a season format against opponents within their league. Seasonal match formats between each team will depend on the title that teams participating in. Ranking in the league will be determined by each team's win-loss ratio. Wins and losses from each match will be added to each team’s regular season standings.

5.2.2.1 Playoff Eligibility

Teams with missing results and/or forfeits in more than two (2) Regular Season matches will not be eligible for playoffs. These teams may still compete through the rest of the regular season but will not be seeded into the playoffs bracket.

5.2.3 Playoffs

Playoff bracket sizes will be established based on predetermined breakpoints set by PlayVS League Officials. These breakpoints are set to provide a competitive experience while allowing more teams to participate based on total Playoff eligible teams within a given league. Given that the total number of eligible teams meets/exceeds the designated Team Breakpoint, that league’s bracket size will increase to the next threshold.

Team Breakpoints are as follows:

Bracket Size

Team Breakpoint

Top 4

Top 8

12

Top 16

24

Top 32

48

Top 64

96

*Example: A league with 43 Playoff Eligible teams will have a bracket size of 16.

Only a maximum two (2) eligible teams per school can make playoffs. If both teams from the same school make it to the Semi-Finals in the Playoff bracket, they will be paired up against one another regardless of which side of the bracket they are currently on. The Playoff bracket will be adjusted before the semi-final match day without affecting the scheduled match time.

Single-player titles will have a maximum of four (4) eligible teams per school that can make playoffs. The playoff bracket will not be adjusted to ensure teams from the same school face one another before finals.

Exceptions may be made for state association leagues to accommodate specific state association bylaws.

Qualifying teams will compete in a single-elimination tournament until only two (2) teams remain. Playoff match formats between each team will depend on the title that teams are participating in.

5.2.4 Finals

This match consists of the top two teams from each league as decided by 5.2.3 Playoffs. The Finals match format will depend on the title that teams participating in.

5.3 Regular Season Tiebreakers

The ranking of the teams will be determined by the standings of Wins and Losses

If multiple teams are tied in the standings at the conclusion of the Regular Season, the teams tied will be seeded by the following differentiation process:

  • Match Performance (This looks at the number of match wins and ties)

  • PlayVS Score (How early you win and how often you win as well as strength of your swiss schedule)

  • Series Performance (This looks at the number of series wins and then considers series losses)

  • Game Performance (This looks at the number of game wins and then considers game losses)

  • Coin Flip/Lotto (Random selection on who goes based on numbers of teams tied)

More information about Tiebreakers and Standings can be found here.

6. Match Process

6.1 Game Day Protocol

On match day, Sponsors will be expected to have their team ready to play by their league’s regular match time, regardless of their opponent’s status. If the team’s match page shows an opponent as ‘TBD,’ a new opponent will be found via the PlayVS Match Queue during match time to ensure a match is still played.

Failing to show up during the expected match time or within the thirty (30) minute grace period after will result in a forfeit.

6.1.1 Match Reschedules

The only time a match does not need to be completed at the posted match time is if a reschedule request has been made using the PlayVS platform. The request must be submitted by one team and accepted by the other before the reschedule can be processed.

6.1.2 Match Forfeit

If a scheduled match opponent forfeits a match ahead of the scheduled match time, that team will receive a forfeit loss, and the team that has not forfeited will receive a new opponent via the PlayVS “Match Queue.”

If the scheduled match opponent forfeits after the match start time, that team will receive a loss, and the team that has not forfeited will receive an automatic win for that day.

6.1.2.1 Rescheduled Match Forfeit

If a match is rescheduled to any date/time after the originally scheduled match and a team forfeits, that team will receive a forfeit loss, and the team that has not forfeited will receive an automatic win for that day.

6.1.3 Player Commitment

Participating players/teams are expected to be available for the full match length estimate of two (2) hours. A match may begin as late as thirty (30) minutes after the initial start time. If a player/team cannot participate for the full estimated match time, League officials may rule against their team in any disputes during the match in which the situation stems from player/team availability.

6.1.4 Grace Period

All matches are expected to start within thirty (30) minutes of the originally scheduled match start time. Teams should try their best to start at the shown match start time, but things may come up that delay that start. If a team fails to show up and begin to play within thirty (30) minutes of the scheduled start time, they will be subject to possible penalties from league officials, such as an automatic loss for the match. If a team uses the “Match Queue” feature, the grace period begins at the original match schedule time, not when you are paired with the opposing team. Teams using “Match Queue” must be ready to play when an opponent is found.

6.2 Pre-Match Setup

Any official communication between Sponsors before match day must be done through the PlayVS Match Lobby Chat.

Sponsors and Players are encouraged to join Match Lobby Chat using the PlayVS platform thirty (30) minutes before their scheduled match time. This will allow for teams to communicate their readiness or any delays to each other ahead of time. Additionally, Match Lobby Chat should be used for any communication needed between the team’s players as required by their individual esport title rules.

Sponsors will be expected to have their team ready to play each match day during the season as per their league schedule. If an opponent has not been assigned for any reason, the team must still show up at match time to join the Match Queue and receive their new opponent. The PlayVS platform will guide the Sponsor through the process of using Match Queue to get a new opponent assigned to play during the slotted match time.

Failure to show up at match time or failure to use the Match Queue system (if an opponent is TBD) will result in a forfeit for the team. Byes will be assigned if the match queue system does not find an opponent within thirty (30) minutes of the scheduled match start time. To receive a bye, a team must stay in queue throughout the entire time.

6.2.1 Opponent Shown as TBD.

If your scheduled match shows your opponent as ‘TBD,’ you will be expected to go through the Match Queue process at match time. Navigate to your scheduled match page at match time as normal and follow the instructions displayed for using the match queue.

6.2.2 Equipment Setup.

Restart all consoles/computers at least one hour before scheduled matches and test each game client by loading into a private game lobby.

6.2.3 Technical Failure of Equipment.

If a player encounters equipment problems during any phase of the setup process, the player must immediately alert and notify a sponsor and a League Official.

6.2.4 Technical Support.

Sponsors must be available to assist with the setup process and troubleshoot any problems encountered during the pre-match setup period.

6.2.5 Timeliness of Match Start.

Players are expected to resolve any issues with the setup process within the allotted time, and that match will begin at the scheduled time. Delays due to setup problems may be permitted at the sole discretion of League Officials. All players competing must be in the game lobby to be considered “present.” Per section 3.1 Roster Requirements, competition may continue without a player as long as it does not put the opposing team at a disadvantage

Teams that are over thirty (30) minutes tardy will forfeit their match.

6.2.6 No opponents.

Teams may not start a match without opponents present and ready.

6.2.7 Connected Accounts.

Players are required to play on the game account that is linked to their PlayVS Account. Sponsors should ensure that their team and their opponent's team are playing on the correct accounts on match days. If a player's account does not match or they do not have an account connected at match time, reach out to PlayVS support before a Game of Record is established for a PlayVS Admin to investigate further.

6.3. Match Creation & Post-Game Process

Match Lobby setup and Post-Game Processes for each title can be found in their respective rulebooks.

6.4 In-Game Content Updates

Many of our titles are live-service multiplayer games that may release new playable characters, maps, or competitive game modes while the season is occurring. More information on how in-game content updates impact PlayVS leagues can be found in their respective rulebooks.

7. Game Rules

Detailed Game Rules for each esport can be found in their respective rulebooks.

7.1 Definition of Terms

7.1.1 Unintentional Disconnection.

A player loses connection to the game due to problems or issues with the game client, platform, network, or console.

7.1.2 Intentional Disconnection.

A player loses connection to the game due to the player’s actions (i.e., quitting the game). Any actions of a player that lead to a disconnection shall be deemed intentional, regardless of the actual intent of the player.

7.1.3 Server Crash.

All players lose connection to a game due to an issue with a game server, PlayVS platform, or venue internet instability.

7.1.4 Unforeseen Uncontrollable Circumstance.

As deemed by PlayVS, any unplanned or uncontrollable event that results in a player, Sponsor, or team’s inability to attend a match.

7.2 Game of Record

A game of record (“GOR”) refers to a game where both teams have loaded in and which has progressed to a point of meaningful interaction between opposing teams. Once a game attains GOR status, the period ends in which incidental restarts may be permitted and a game will be considered as “official” from that point onward. After the establishment of GOR, game restarts will be allowed only under limited conditions as defined in Section 7.4 Game Restart. Game of Record definitions, explanations, and applicability vary by title and can be found in their respective rulebooks.

7.3 Stoppage of Play

If a player intentionally disconnects without notifying an adult sponsor or league official or pausing, a league official is not required to enforce a stoppage. During any pause or stoppage, players may not leave the match area unless authorized by their adult sponsor.

7.3.1 Directed Pause. League Officials may order the pause of a match or execute a pause command on any player station at the sole discretion of the League Officials, at any time.

7.3.2 Unauthorized Pause. If a player pauses or unpauses a game without permission from the adult sponsors, it will be considered unfair play and penalties will be applied at the discretion of League Officials.

7.3.3 Disputes During a Match. In-game violations must be submitted immediately by the team’s Sponsor by opening a PlayVS Support ticket and sharing a message in Match Lobby Chat to notify their opponent that a dispute is being submitted to a League Official. The match must be paused until the in-game violation has been addressed by a PlayVS Admin in Match Lobby Chat. in-game violations must be addressed prior to match being completed, unless otherwise stated in Section 7.6.2 Post-Match Disputes.

Note: All final decisions regarding penalties lie solely with PlayVS, as mentioned in 13.1 Finality of Decisions. By completing a match, both teams are confirming that rulebooks and protocols were properly followed. Decisions cannot be appealed, but feedback can always be shared in any verified PlayVS Support channel.

7.3.4 Title-Specific Stoppage Rulings.

Please refer to your title's rulebook for specific rules for handling or executing pauses.

7.4 Game Restart

The decision of which condition(s) shall justify a game restart is solely at the discretion of League Officials.

7.4.1 Restarts After GOR. The following are examples of situations in which a game may be restarted after establishing GOR.

7.4.1.1 Critical Bugs. If a game experiences a critical bug at any point during the match, it significantly alters game stats or gameplay mechanics.

7.4.1.2 Unfair or Unsafe Conditions.If a league official determines that environmental conditions are unfair (e.g., excessive noise, hostile weather, unacceptable safety risks).

7.4.2 Controlled Environment. Certain conditions may be preserved in the event of a restart of a game that has not reached GOR. If a match has reached GOR, then League Officials shall not retain any settings.

7.4.3 Player Confirmation of Settings. Each team captain shall verify that every player on his/her team has finalized their intended game settings before GOR is established. Any verification error is not grounds for a game restart after establishing GOR.

7.5 Post-Game Process

7.5.1 Break Duration. Teams may take time between games for quick breaks as needed. Breaks between games should not exceed more than five (5) minutes to ensure a timely finish. If a team needs more time, Sponsors may communicate with one another using the PlayVS Lobby chat and agree to a longer break. If a team attempts to stall the start of the next game, league officials may penalize them after an official review.

7.5.2 Tech Notes. After each game, players will identify any tech issues with their Sponsor that may require fixing before the next game begins. This will allow their Sponsor to communicate with the other team on any delays.

7.6 Post-Match Process

7.6.1 Results.

Team members will be required to submit match results through the Match Lobby within their PlayVS account.

7.6.2 Post-Match Disputes.

In the event that any member of a team violates the competitive Code of Conduct or that match results are submitted incorrectly, the reporting adult sponsor may submit an official Match Dispute on the Match Lobby page on any completed match.

Matches are able to be disputed up until one (1) week from the original scheduled match time. Exceptions to the rule are as follows:

7.6.2.1. Disputing Rescheduled Matches. Matches rescheduled outside the originally scheduled date must be submitted/disputed immediately upon match completion.

7.6.2.2. Disputing Matches in the Final Week of the Regular Season. During the last week of the regular season, Disputes must be submitted within 24 hours of the time of the completion.

7.6.3 Next Match.

Players will be informed of their current standing in the competition, including their next scheduled match through the PlayVS client.

7.6.4 Results of Forfeiture.

Matches won by forfeit will be reported by the minimum score it would take for one team to win the match (e.g., 2-0 for best-of-two and best-of-three matches). No other statistics will be recorded for forfeited matches.

7.6.5 Results of Byes.

Your team may have a Bye if there is an uneven number of teams in your league. Matches won by a bye will be reported by the minimum score it would take for one team to win the match (e.g., 2-0 for best-of-two and best-of-three matches). No other statistics will be recorded for bye matches.

7.7 Match Spectating

During a match, a team’s adult sponsor may request permission from the opposing team’s adult sponsor to use a game’s in-game spectating feature for the purpose of a stream, broadcast, or VOD review. In order to request permission the adult sponsor must do the following:

  • State their intent to spectate the match in the PlayVS Match Lobby Chat

  • State the number of spectator slots they will require

  • State the purpose of the request in order to ensure it is for a stream, broadcast, or VOD review.

The opposing adult sponsor may then accept the request by clearly stating in the PlayVS Match Lobby Chat that they understand the request and are allowing a spectator(s) to join their match lobby.

7.7.1 Spectating Disaccord. If at any point between games of a match, an adult sponsor or team does not feel comfortable with the opposing team having spectators, they may state clearly in the PlayVS Match Lobby chat that they wish for the spectators to be removed and the reason for their ask of removal. At that time, the request must be honored and the spectators removed before the start of the next game.

7.7.2 Spectating Latency. If adding spectators to a game may cause network latency issues for players, spectators will not be allowed to use the in-game spectating tools during a match.

7.8 Unforeseen Uncontrollable Circumstances

Any team or school that is impacted by a situation that is entirely out of their control (ex: inclement weather, real-life threats, etc.) must contact PlayVS as soon as it is safe to do so. A player or Adult Sponsor should submit a ticket to the Customer Experience team and notify League Officials.

PlayVS will request proof of the uncontrollable circumstance to verify the situation, from which League Officials will review all of the information to provide a fair ruling to those impacted.

8. Reschedules

8.1 Timeliness of Reschedules

All rescheduled matches must be completed within the allowed reschedule time frame shown in the PlayVS product. The date availability will be shown when using the reschedule feature for a scheduled match. Failure to play a match within this timeframe may result in a forfeit for both teams. Exceptions can be made by League Officials in unforeseen or uncontrollable circumstances.

8.2 Optional Reschedules

Reschedules are optional for both Sponsors in a match. A Sponsor with a missing player or malfunctioning console may request a reschedule, choose to play at a disadvantage or forfeit. Sponsors with an opponent requesting a reschedule may choose to accept or decline the reschedule at their sole discretion. Exceptions will be made by League Officials in unforeseen, uncontrollable circumstances. Some examples include but are not limited to natural disasters, emergencies, or game outages.

8.3 Rescheduled Match Responsibility

Once a match has been rescheduled, both teams must be present and ready to compete. Any team that is unable to compete in the rescheduled match will receive a forfeit, regardless of the initial reschedule request.

8.4 Preseason Reschedules

Preseason matches may not be rescheduled to another day. Slight delays for technical difficulties will be allowed as determined by League Officials.

8.5 Playoffs Reschedules

Teams may only request up to a 24-hour reschedule during Playoffs. A forfeit will be applied if a team cannot compete during the scheduled match time or within the reschedule time frame. If both teams fail to show up for a match or reschedule, they will both be eliminated from the Playoff bracket.

8.6 Reschedules Due to Uncontrollable Circumstances

League Officials may require rescheduling for matches where one or both teams are impacted by an Unforeseen Uncontrollable Circumstance. If this occurs, Coaches for both teams will receive emails stating the reason for rescheduling and the timeframe to complete the match.

League Officials will reschedule the match to a new date and time within the provided timeframe. Coaches may agree and reschedule to a new date and time so long as it is within the provided timeframe.

9. Forfeits

All forfeits are final. Matches that are forfeited at an adult sponsor's request or matches that receive an automatic forfeit cannot be re-played or overturned.

9.1 Application of Forfeits

Forfeits can be applied in the following cases:

9.1.1 No-shows.

Teams that are not present within 30 minutes of the match start time will receive a forfeit.

9.1.2 Inability to compete.

Teams that cannot compete due to a lack of players or equipment malfunctions must reschedule or receive a forfeit. Competition may continue without that player as long as it does not put the opposing team at a disadvantage, rather than outright taking a forfeit loss without playing.

9.1.3 Competitive ruling.

Teams that engage in any behavior violating the PlayVS Code of Conduct may result in the forfeiture of a match or matches.

9.1.4 Incorrect or ineligible players.

Players found to be in violation of Section 2 or Section 3 will result in forfeits for any matches in which they participate.

9.1.5 Lack of Match Results

Matches that do not have results submitted within the allotted time will be subject to forfeiture, resulting in a loss for both teams.

9.1.6 Lack of Sponsor communication.

Teams that do not communicate in a timely manner, as described in Section 10, with League Officials will be subject to forfeiture of any and all of their teams with open matches.

9.1.7 No Sponsor available.

Teams that do not have a Sponsor or appointed Sponsor available during a match will receive a forfeit for that match.

9.1.8 Playing from home.

Teams can play remotely from home or another location unless otherwise specified by their state association/school or athletic director.

10. Communications

10.1 Maintain Open and Frequent Communication

Communicate issues with PlayVS League Officials and opponent Sponsors, including player change of information, tech issues, reschedule requests, or forfeits. Respond to PlayVS League Officials and/or opponent Sponsors immediately and within 24 hours to avoid a forfeit.

10.2 Match Day Point of Contact

Sponsors must provide a team point of contact of which all lines of communication must remain open during matches and 30 minutes after match completion. This may include answering calls from PlayVS League Officials and/or opponents during match time and 30 minutes after match completion. The matchday point of contact must be at least 18 years of age and cannot be a student.

10.3 Match Lobby Chat

A Sponsor from each team must be present and available in Match Lobby Chat on the PlayVS platform throughout the entire match for any communication needed during the match itself. Failure to do this may result in a loss for the adult sponsor’s team.

10.3.1 Established Communication.

An adult sponsor from each team must establish communication in the match lobby chat at the beginning of a match. This will allow participants and league officials to establish that an adult sponsor is present for the match as required by PlayVS rules. Failure to do this may result in a loss for the adult sponsor’s team.

10.3.1.1 No Response. Adult sponsors should reach out to PlayVS Support if an attempt to establish communication has been made and there is no response from the opposing adult sponsor. This will allow us to resolve the issue with a League official.

10.4 Match Communications

Once a Title GOR has been established, match communication must be limited to Active Players (members actively competing in that title’s game of record) unless otherwise stated in the title-specific rulebook.

Coaches may only communicate with Active Players during a Stoppage of Play. Once the GOR is complete, Coaches may resume communications with their players at their discretion.

11. Team Management

11.1 Team Enrollment

All teams enrolled by the registration deadline will be scheduled matches for the season. Enrolled teams will receive a match schedule and will be expected to compete in each match.

11.2 Team Enrollment Deadline

The enrollment deadline for teams is outlined in the season schedule. This deadline may vary by league. Teams that are not enrolled on or before the deadline will not be eligible to compete in the current season. League officials reserve the right to make any changes necessary after this deadline has closed.

11.3 Team Unenrollment

Team unenrollment is defined as removing a team from the current season. Team unenrollment is not reversible and should be carefully considered before a team is unenrolled. Once a team has been enrolled, the team will forfeit all open and future matches.

11.3.1 Reasons for unenrollment. Teams that unenroll will be required to describe the reason for unenrollment at the time of unenrolling.

11.3.1.1 Teams may unenroll at any point in the season for reasons including, but not limited to:

  1. Loss of players due to academic eligibility, relocation, competitive ruling, or lack of interest

  2. Ongoing IT/Network issues

  3. Accidental enrollment

11.3.1.2 League Officials may use team unenrollment as a competitive ruling for reasons including, but not limited to:

  1. Violations of the PlayVS Rulebook or Terms of Service

  2. Failure to meet team eligibility requirements

  3. Excessive forfeitures

  4. Repeated failure to appear in matches without communication between the team and their opponents and/or League Officials

  5. League Health

11.4 Break Week Designation

During the enrollment process of a team into an esport league, Sponsors will have the option to choose a break week for their team during the season. This is done as a way to help accommodate different break weeks in different schools.

All teams must choose a break week prior to the scheduling of the chosen week to not have matches scheduled.

12. PlayVS Code of Conduct

All Team Members must adhere to and abide by the PlayVS Code of Conduct. Any person(s) found to have engaged in or attempted to engage in any act that PlayVS believes constitutes unfair play, exhibits unsportsmanlike behavior, or otherwise, in its sole and absolute discretion, will be subject to penalty. The nature and extent of the penalties imposed due to such acts shall be in the sole and absolute discretion of League Officials.

13. Spirit of the Rules

13.1 Finality of Decisions

All decisions regarding the interpretation of these rules, player eligibility, scheduling and staging of the league, and penalties for misconduct, lie solely with PlayVS, the decisions of which are final. PlayVS decisions with respect to these Rules cannot be appealed and shall not give rise to any claim for monetary damages or any other legal or equitable remedy.

13.2 Rule Changes

These Rules may be amended, modified, or supplemented by PlayVS to ensure fair play and the league's integrity. Major changes to this document will be communicated. However, these rules may be updated at any time without formal notification. All current and most up-to-date rulebooks will be distributed on the PlayVS website and have version numbers at the bottom of each page. Reviewing updated rulebooks is the responsibility of all sponsors and players in the league.

13.3 Best Interests of the League

League Officials at all times may act with the necessary authority to preserve the league's best interests. This power is not constrained by the lack of any specific language in this document. League Officials may use any form of punitive actions at their disposal against any entity whose conduct is not within the confines of the league's best interests.


Changelog

V3.0 1/5/24 - Formatting & clarity updates
V3.1 1/17/24 - Updated 7.2 Game of Record and added 10.4 Match Communications

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