Introduction and Purpose
For the 2023-2024 season we have made many new changes/additions to a number of our rulebooks. In an effort to create more visibility of new additions and changes made to rulebooks for the Fall and Spring, League officials have put together a list of edits. Available in select states.
Important: While this list should cover the majority of all changes, it may not include small wording adjustments made to portions of rulebooks. We encourage all coaches and players to review the detailed points below as well as the rulebook for your game title.
High School Rulebooks
Updated 3.1 Roster Requirements - Details exceptions available for teams that are missing a player on day of competition.
Updated 3.3 Roster Submission - Added clarity around Solo & Team Esport Substitution standards.
Updated 3.6 Team Names - Added clarity around Team Name Guidelines and PlayVS Team Name change process.
Updated 5.2.1 Preseason - Added section detailing Match-Queue for Preseason matches, and impact going into Week 1 of Regular Season.
Updated 5.2.3 Playoffs - Updated section outlining breakpoints that determine Playoff bracket sizes
6.1.2 Match Forfeit - Added Section detailing impact of forfeits in reference to Match Queue.
6.2.7 Connected Accounts - Added Section detailing impact of Game Account Connection on match day and requirements around connectivity.
6.4 In-Game Content Updates - Added Section detailing impact of In-Game content updates and how they impact the PlayVS Competitive Format.
Added 7.6.2 Disputes - Added Section detailing the Match Dispute Process and when disputes can be submitted.
Updated 7.7.2 Spectating Latency - Removed Splatoon™ 3 from the list of titles that are unavailable for spectating
Added 7.8 Unforeseen Uncontrollable Circumstances - Added section detailing the process for schools to receive help when impacted by an uncontrollable
Updated 1.4 Game Format - Removed section referring to limitation around editing roster 15 minutes prior to match start. (Game Day Protocol Changes have updated this process).
Added section highlighting the change to a “Best of 5” format
Updated 1.4.1 Preseason - Updated “Best-of-3 Set” to reflect new “Best-of-5 Series” format.
Updated 1.4.2 Regular Season - Updated “Best-of-3 Set” to reflect new “Best-of-5 Series” format.
Updated 1.4.5 Playoffs - Updated “Best-of-3 Set” to reflect new “Best-of-5 Series” format.
Updated 1.5.1 Stage List- Updated section to reflect stage changes.
Updated 1.6.3 Free Strikes - Added outline of new “Free Strike” process to replace previous “Stage Return” rule.
Updated 2.3 Internet Connection & Latency - Clarified wired connection vs. use of online hotspots.
Updated 3.1 Order of Play - Updated guidelines to reflect new “Best-of-5 Series”.
Updated 3.6 Match F.A.Q. - Added section highlighting rules around spectating, Player/Team disconnections, and in-game content updates.
Added 1.4.4 Playoffs Brackets - Added callout regarding where to find Playoff requirements and Bracket information.
Updated 1.8.1 Qualifying Substitutes - Updated guidelines referencing timeframe to find a replacement substitute after match start time.
Updated 2.3 Internet Connection & Latency - Clarified wired connection vs. use of online hotspots & Dispute process.
Updated 3.4 Match F.A.Q. - Added section highlighting rules around spectating, Player/Team disconnections, and in-game content updates.
Updated 4.0 Post Match Process - Updated section to align with new match assistant tool
Added 1.4.4 Playoffs Brackets - Added callout regarding where to find Playoff requirements and Bracket information.
Updated 1.6.1 Qualifying Substitutes - Updated guidelines referencing timeframe to find a replacement substitute after match start time.
Updated 2.3 Internet Connection & Latency - Clarified wired connection vs. use of online hotspots & Dispute process.
Updated 3.2.3 Match Lobby Setup - Added that a password should now be used when creating a custom lobby.
Updated 3.4 Match F.A.Q. - Added section highlighting rules around spectating, Player/Team disconnections, and in-game content updates.
Updated 3.4.1 Spectating - Teams can now spectate with approval from both coaches
Updated 4.0 Post Match Process - Updated section to align with new match assistant tool
Updated 1.3.3 Pausing The Game - Added section on how to pause a game, and steps after pause has occurred.
Updated 1.5.2 Qualifying Substitutes - Updated guidelines referencing timeframe and qualifications for substitutes on matchday.
Updated 1.5.4 Custom Matches & Level Requirement - Added steps on using custom lobbies when PlayVs tournament codes are not available.
Added 3.2.6 Playoffs Brackets - Added callout regarding where to find Playoff requirements and Bracket information.
Added 4.2 Match F.A.Q. - Added section highlighting rules around spectating, Player/Team disconnections, and in-game content updates.
Updated 1.5.2 Qualifying Substitutes - Updated guidelines referencing timeframe and qualifications for substitutes on matchday.
Added 1.4.3 Game Restart Protocol - Updated guidelines on when and how to restart a game if needed.
Added 3.2.6 Playoffs Brackets - Added callout regarding where to find Playoff requirements and Bracket information.
Updated 4.2 Game Setup - Updated section to align with new match assistant tool
Added 4.3 Match F.A.Q. - Added section highlighting rules around spectating, Player/Team disconnections, and in-game content updates.
Updated 5.0 Post Match Process - Updated section to align with new match assistant tool.
Added 1.4.4 Playoffs Brackets - Added callout regarding where to find Playoff requirements and Bracket information.
Updated 1.5.1 Qualifying Substitutes - Updated guidelines referencing timeframe and qualifications for substitutes on matchday.
Added 3.4 Match F.A.Q. - Added section highlighting rules around spectating, Player/Team disconnections, and in-game content updates.
Updated 4.0 Post Match Process - Updated section to align with new match assistant tool.
Added 1.2.1 Substitutions - Added section regarding new substitution protocol for NBA 2K24
Added 1.4.4 Playoffs Brackets - Added callout regarding where to find Playoff requirements and Bracket information.
Added 3.3 Match F.A.Q. - Added section highlighting rules around spectating, Player/Team disconnections, and in-game content updates.
Updated 4.0 Post Match Process - Updated section to align with new match assistant tool
Added 1.2.1 Substitutions - Added section regarding new substitution protocol for Madden NFL 24
Added 1.5.4 Playoffs Brackets - Added callout regarding where to find Playoff requirements and Bracket information.
Added 1.6 Special Rules - Added guidelines in relation to in-game rules and setup.
Added 3.3 Match F.A.Q. - Added section highlighting rules around spectating, Player/Team disconnections, and in-game content updates.
Updated 4.0 Post Match Process - Updated section to align with new match assistant tool
General League Changes
Preseason Perks: Opting in or out of preseason is not an option this season. Teams that successfully complete 1 preseason match without forfeiting their last preseason match will be placed into the PlayVS Smart Scheduling system in order 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.
Team Names: Team 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 must differ from others within the same school to a reasonable extent to avoid confusion. Team Names may not contain vulgarities, obscenities, offensive language, or be worded in a way to confuse or imply ill-intent towards another team. 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 PlayVS Code of Conduct.
Internet Connection & Latency: Teams are expected to be connected to an internet connection using a wired connection method with their Nintendo USB to Ethernet Adapter. Using a wireless connection method or internet hotspot can lead to latency issues while competing in an online arena environment. If latency issues exist during a match and a team is found to be using a wireless connection method, League Officials may require a restart, reschedule, or issue a loss for the game, set, or match.
Playoffs: Playoff bracket sizes will be established based on predetermined breakpoints set by PlayVS League Officials. These breakpoints are set in order to provide a competitive experience while allowing more teams to participate based on total Playoff eligible teams within a given league. Given that eligible teams meets/exceeds the designated breakpoint, that league’s bracket size will increase to the next threshold. Team Breakpoints are as follow:
Bracket Size | Team Breakpoint |
Top 4 |
|
Top 8 | 12 |
Top 16 | 24 |
Top 32 | 48 |
Top 64 | 96 |
*Ex: A League with 43 Playoff Eligible teams will have a bracket size of 16