Source Soccer League:

Season 3 Rules and Regulations

1)      Pre-Game Rules

a.       Rosters

                                                               i.      Teams must have a minimum of 8 active members and are only allowed a maximum of 12 members. There will be 1 Team Captain with 2 to 4 Co-Captains per team.  

                                                             ii.      Teams must have their 8 minimum players registered and on their Roster to be eligible to participate in the season.  Rosters will lock at a specified date at the end of the first round of the season, at which point no new changes will be allowed unless agreed upon by all other team captains in the league.  

b.      Season

                                                               i.      When all the teams who will be participating in the league register for the season, we will work out the total amount of games and any “bye” weeks that will occur.  Regardless of the amount of teams in the league, each team will play the other teams 3 times a piece for a total of 18 games. The results for the matches will be converted to a point system as follows:

A win = 3 points for the winning team
A tie = 1 point for both teams
A loss = 0 points for the losing team

During the regular season, there will be no golden goals.  If the score is tied at the end of regulation, then it’s a tie and both teams will receive 1 point.  During the playoffs, however, there will be a golden goal. 

                                                             ii.      At the end of the season, the teams will be ranked according to their total points.  For instance, in a season where 4 teams were involved:    

1.       The first tie breaker will be the number of wins.  Theoretically, Team A could finish with 7 wins and 2 losses (21 total points) while Team B could finish with 6 wins and 3 ties (21 total points).  In this event, the team with the most wins will finish with the higher rank (which would be Team A in this case). 

2.       The second tie breaker will be based on the number of wins between the two teams in consideration.  For example, Team A could finish with 7 wins and 2 losses while Team B could finish with 7 wins and 2 losses as well.  In this case, we will look at the record for Team A v. Team B for the entire season.  Since these two teams will play each other three times, one of them will have more wins than the other.  So if Team A wins 2 out of the 3 matches, then Team A will finish with the higher rank. 

3.       The final tie breaker will be based on the number of total points.  For example, Team A could finish with 6 wins, 1 loss, and 1 tie (19 total points) while Team B could finish with 6 wins, 1 loss, and 1 tie (19 total points).  When we look at the record for Team A v. Team B, we see that Team A won one game, Team B won one game, and they tied on the third game.  We will then look for the points of those two games.  So if Team A wins the first game 7-2, then loses that second game 3-1, then Team A will finish with the higher rank because Team A will have more overall points (8) than Team B had (5). 

4.       If three teams miraculously all have the same record at the end of the season, then we will go straight to the number of goals scored.  For example, if Team A, B, and C all finish with 5 wins and 4 losses (and Team D finished with 3 wins and 6 losses), then we would look at the total goals scored for the three tied teams and rank them 1^st – 3^rd.  If two teams have the same amount of goals scored, then we will go to the amount of goals let in.  The team with the least amount of goals let in will be ranked higher. 

c.       Preseason tournament:

                                                               i.      This is a 7-team double elimination tournament put together in order to get everyone (old and new) familiar with how match play goes.   Ultimately, the results of the tournament will be used for seeding purposes in deciding the Season 3 schedule. 

d.      Playoffs  

                                                               i.      After the final point totals have been calculated and any tie-breakers have been applied, each team will be ranked from #1-#7.  The 7^th place team will not be eligible to play in the post-season.  The remaining 6 teams will play a best 2 out of 3 tournament, with the #1 and #2 ranked teams having a bye for the 1^st round.  The format is as follows: 

1.       1^st Round

a.       Game A:  3v6 (winner goes on to Game C)

b.      Game B:  4v5 (winner goes on to Game D)

2.       2^nd Round

a.      Game C:  Winner of Game A v. #2  (winner goes on to the Championship match)

b.      Game D:  Winner of Game B v. #1 (winner goes on to the Championship match)

3.       3^rd Round

a.       Championship Match:  Winner of Game C v. Winner of Game D

                                                             ii.      A losers bracket will be developed as well in order to correctly determine the full Season 3 Final Standings.   A full picture bracket will be available soon. 

e.      Match Times

                                                               i.      Matches will be played three times a week.  Default match days will be Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.  On each match day, there will be 3 matches occurring (1 team will alternate sitting out as determined by the schedule).  Ultimately, every team will play 18 matches. 

                                                             ii.      Both the private and public servers will be used to play matches in.  There will be 1 game scheduled for a default time of 8:30 est, with the remaining 2 games being scheduled (one in each server) at 10:00 p.m est.  T

f.       Reschedules:

                                                               i.      In the event that a team cannot field 6 players for a match by the 15 minute grace period allowed in accordance to the Season 3 Rules, said team can either play the match 6v5 or receive a forfeit loss for that match.

                                                             ii.      For any given match, each team will have 1 reschedule opportunity for that match (i.e. a team can’t reschedule a match over and over again, only one reschedule is allowed per team, per match). 

                                                            iii.      In order for a reschedule request to be official, the requesting team MUST make a post about the reschedule in the forums by midnight (PST) of the day before the match is to be played.  For example, if a team has a match on Monday at 8:00 p.m., but they can’t make that time, then a reschedule post must be made by Sunday at midnight (12:00 a.m. PST).  If the post is made at 12:01 a.m. PST, it will NOT count and the match must be played or a forfeit will occur for the squad not having enough players come match time. 

                                                           iv.      After the reschedule request is made, the match MUST be made up by midnight within a week of the original match day.  For example, if a team has a match on Monday at 8:00 p.m. PST, then after making an official reschedule request, they will have until Monday of the next week at 12:00 a.m. PST to make up that match. 

                                                             v.      The same reschedule rules apply to the rescheduled match.  If Team A has a match on Monday at 8:00 p.m., but requests an official reschedule and both teams agree to play on Wednesday at 8:00 p.m., but Team B can’t make the Wednesday match, they have the option to reschedule up until Tuesday at 12:00 PST.  After that point, no teams can reschedule (because both teams used their allotted 1 reschedule) and the match MUST be played within a week of Wednesday. 

                                                           vi.      A forfeited game will be reported as 0-1.  At the end of the season, if necessary for tie-breakers, an actual score will be used by taking the teams average goals per games instead of the “1”. 

                                                          vii.      Reschedules MUST BE POSTED ON THE FORUMS IN THE APPROPRIATE AREA.  Steam chats, emails, mIRC, AIM, vent chats, calling someone, texting someone, talking to someone face to face will NOT be considered an “official” means of communicating your efforts to reschedule.  You can set up the actual reschedule via an un-official method, but the team captains from both teams need to post and agree on a new date/time IN THE FORUMS for it to be official. 

g.       Teams

                                                               i.      On the schedule, each team will be assigned as either the “home” team or the “away” team.  The HOME team will always be Counter-Terrorists for the first half, and Terrorists for the second half.  The HOME team will choose what jersey they want to wear, and the AWAY team will have to wear the opposite style jersey. 

                                                             ii.      There will be 1 universally distinct goalie skins for the goalie of each team to wear.  This will help to avoid any possible confusion about jersey colors that could arise from “personal” goalie skins. 

h.      Initial Possessions

                                                               i.      The HOME team gets kick-off for the first half.  The AWAY team gets kick-off for the second half. 

i.         Demos and Statistics

                                                               i.      Demos will be recorded via Source TV.  Match Captains/Team Leaders will need to review the protocol for running a match in order for demos/stats to be recorded. 

j.        Game Rules

                                                               i.      The match will consist of two 15 minute halves.  There will be a 5 minute “halftime” between the two halves.  If both teams are ready to resume before the 5 minutes is up, then they may do so.  The match will end when the final goal of regulation is scored.  If during the playoffs the score at the end of regulation is a tie, the game will then go into a third period termed “golden goal.”  Another 5 minute intermission period will occur before the golden goal kickoff.  Again, if both teams are ready before the 5 minutes is up, then they may begin the game.  The first team to score in this period will be the winner of the match.  Once the match is over, post-game statistics will be recorded and demos will be retrieved from the server.    

2)      Kickoff Rules

a.       The HOME team kicks off for the first half.  The AWAY team kicks off for the second half.  If a Golden Goal situation arises during the playoffs, the HOME team will take kick off. 

b.      ONLY one person from either team in the circle at a time.  Neither a same team member nor an opposing team member is allowed to be in the circle during the first 15 seconds of a round while the appropriate player is already in there. 

c.       The ball MUST be kicked backwards on a kickoff, and must travel outside of the circle before being hit by another player.    

d.      All members of both teams must be on their respective side of the field before the ball is kicked.  The only time players may cross the midfield line is if the ball is kicked off or if 15 seconds elapses. 

e.      PENALTIES:

                                                               i.      The only player allowed in the center circle during kickoff is the player kicking off.  No one else is allowed in the circle before 15 seconds elapses.  STAY OUT OF THE CIRCLE!

                                                             ii.      If the ball is passed forward:

1.       The round will be stopped and a “time left” will determine the current time of the round.  The round will restart and kickoff possession will go to the opposite team. 

                                                            iii.      If a winger is offsides at kickoff:

1.       The winger must return to their half of the field before proceeding as normal.  Basically, if you jump the gun, then you’ll have to run back “onsides” before you go on offense. 

2.       “Offsides” constitutes any part of the players feet being OVER the mid-field line. 

3)      Reporting Penalties:

a.       If the opposing team is breaking a rule, ask them to stop.  If they continue to break the rule, let a League Official know.  We’ll review the match via the demo, and take appropriate action against the player breaking the rules (i.e. suspension from all league activity for a set amount of time, depending on the severity of the rule).  Hopefully it won’t come down to that though.  Just try your best to obey the rules, and be respectful to the others in the community.  Sportsmanship is very important, and considering we won’t have active Referees to monitor the games, it’ll be up to the teams playing to keep things under control.  

4)      In-Game Rules

a.       Members

                                                               i.      Only 12 players will be allowed in the server during a match.  Everyone else who wants to watch the game needs to do so via SourceTV.  If you need a substitution, you must follow the proper procedure, which is detailed below

b.      Goalie Blocking

                                                               i.      Goalie blocking is when a player intentionally goes into the goal box and prevents the goalie from effectively playing his position.  Such a penalty will have to be assessed after the game ends.  If a goalie feels like he was blocked during a play, the league officials will review the demo of the game to see if this is true.  If so, a 1 point penalty will be assessed against the team committing the foul.  If this occurs during a playoff game and the penalty results in the game being a tie, the captains will have to schedule a time to finish the match with a golden goal as soon as possible. 

c.       Timeouts

                                                               i.      Each team will be awarded two time outs per half. 

                                                             ii.      The team who calls the timeout will lose possession of the ball under most circumstances.  There are two exceptions to this: 

1.       If the player the team called the timeout for actually times out of the server.  In that case, possession of the ball will be retained with whichever team had the ball when the timeout was called, and the team calling the timeout will not lose any of their timeouts. 

2.       If a timeout is called directly after a goal is scored, but before kickoff, possession will be retained.  However, the team calling the timeout will lose one of their timeouts. 

                                                            iii.      A timeout may be called at ANY time for any reason as long as the ball is not in the 18 yard box (the larger box). 

                                                           iv.      If the ball is in the 18 yard box, a timeout may NOT be called.  Teams will have to assess their afk members before the other team gets that close to scoring. 

1.       When a timeout is called, it should be advised that play continue until both captains agree that it is a legitimate timeout.  We don’t want any goals to be scored, or not scored, because an illegal timeout was called.  Try to stop play as soon as possible once the timeout is called and type “time left” to get the remaining time in the half. 

2.       If there are any problems, the demos will be reviewed to see what really happened, and proper action will be taken. 

d.      Substitutions

                                                               i.      In order to make a substitution, you MUST call a timeout to do so.  Normal timeout regulations apply.  During the timeout, you’ll be allowed to make the substation.  One player must leave the server for the substituting player to join.     

e.      Statistics and Demos

                                                               i.      Between the first and second half, or if there is a golden goal during the playoffs, the ball is to be broken in order for the stats to remain accurate.  Demos are to be recorded for all matches by a designated match captain.  Information on how to properly run a match will be posted before the first matches. 

f.        Actions that are NOT allowed under any circumstances

                                                               i.      Purposely standing on the goal, standing on anyone’s head, bunnyhoping, or going in the stands during play

1.       For the first offense, you will be given a warning. 

2.       For the second offense, you will be required to sit out of your team’s following match.

                                                             ii.      Spraying your spray paint anywhere on the net or within the 18 yard box, unless you’re the goalie and doing it on your own side.    

1.       For the first offense, you will be given a warning. 

2.       For the second offense, you will be required to sit out of your team’s following match.

                                                            iii.      Spraying your spray paint excessively, or using your flashlight excessively . 

1.       If someone asks you to stop, please show some sportsmanship and respect their request. 

5)      Post-Game Rules

a.       Statistics

                                                               i.      Inform a league official that the game is over after you’ve unloaded the stats script.  They will get a copy of the stats from the server, as well as the demos .  Before the season starts, there will be a detailed forum post about proper admin match techniques. 

b.      Most Valuable Player

                                                               i.      The winning team will vote on the MVP for the game.  The captain will submit to the league officials who was voted MVP.  The MVP will then be posted on the website for each match.

c.       Golden Goal

                                                               i.      This will ONLY occur during the playoffs.  Regular season matches will NOT have a golden goal.

                                                             ii.      The team who received the kickoff during the first half will have possession of the ball at the start of golden goal. 

                                                            iii.      The game will be played under normal circumstances until one team scores.  That team will then be declared the winner and the match will be over.

d.      Scrimmages

                                                               i.      Any form of a scrim that occurs during the season will be completely unofficial and will have absolutely no bearing on the league whatsoever.  Feel free to schedule friendly matches between yourselves, but realize the results of these friendlies will not matter (as far as the league is concerned) and will not be recorded. 

Pug Rules

The pug will consist of two 15 minute halves.  If both teams are ready to resume after reconnect, then they may do so.  The match will end when the final goal of regulation is scored.  If during the playoffs the score at the end of regulation is a tie, the game will then go into a third period termed “golden goal.”  Again, if both teams are ready before the 5 minutes is up, then they may begin the game.  The first team to score in this period will be the winner of the match.  Say GG and pug again.

                 1.)  Kickoff Rules

The 2^nd pick team kicks off for the first half.  The 1^st pick team kicks off for the second half.  If a Golden Goal situation arises during the playoffs, the 2nd team will take kick off. 

a.       ONLY one person from either team in the circle at a time.  Neither a same team member nor an opposing team member is allowed to be in the circle during the first 15 seconds of a round while the appropriate player is already in there. 

b.       The ball MUST be kicked backwards on a kickoff, and must travel outside of the circle before being hit by another player.   

c.      All members of both teams must be on their respective side of the field before the ball is kicked.  The only time players may cross the midfield line is if the ball is kicked off or if 15 seconds elapses.

2.)  PENALTIES:

                                                               i.            The only player allowed in the center circle during kickoff is the player kicking off.  No one else is allowed in the circle before 15 seconds elapses.  STAY OUT OF THE CIRCLE!

                                                             ii.            If the ball is passed forward:

1.       The round will be stopped and a “time left” will determine the current time of the round.  The round will restart and kickoff possession will go to the opposite team. 

                                                            iii.            If a winger is off sides at kickoff:

1.       The winger must return to their half of the field before proceeding as normal.  Basically, if you jump the gun, then you’ll have to run back “onsides” before you go on offense. 

2.       “Off sides” constitutes any part of the players feet being OVER the mid-field line. 

3.      Timeouts

                                                               i.            Each team will be awarded two time outs per half. 

                                                             ii.            The team who calls the timeout will lose possession of the ball under most circumstances.  There are two exceptions to this: 

1.       If the player the team called the timeout for actually times out of the server.  In that case, possession of the ball will be retained with whichever team had the ball when the timeout was called, and the team calling the timeout will not lose any of their timeouts. 

2.       If a timeout is called directly after a goal is scored, but before kickoff, possession will be retained.  However, the team calling the timeout will lose one of their timeouts. 

                                                            iii.            A timeout may be called at ANY time for any reason as long as the ball is not in the 18 yard box (the larger box). 

                                                           iv.            If the ball is in the 18 yard box, a timeout may NOT be called.  Teams will have to assess their afk members before the other team gets that close to scoring. 

1.       When a timeout is called, it should be advised that play continue until both captains agree that it is a legitimate timeout.  We don’t want any goals to be scored, or not scored, because an illegal timeout was called.  Try to stop play as soon as possible once the timeout is called and type “time left” to get the remaining time in the half. 

4.       Substitutions

1.       You may sub at any time during the pug.  You must call a time out before the substitution is allowed.  Please do it at a time in good taste and in a hasty fashion.  YOU CANNOT HAVE 7 ON THE FIELD. 

2.       If each team is ready to play and one person is afk/delaying the pug, and there is an extra in spec.  The spec will join the appropriate team and play until the afk player returns

There has been some confusion in the past over what the exact criteria of a "Fug" is, but this should clear things up.

The Criteria for calling a Fug:

Captain's Fug: The Captain of the team losing can call fug.
Player's Fug: Half (3) of the players on the losing team can call a fug.

Criteria for calling a Fug in the First Half: Your team must be down by seven (7) goals. Anything less than that, especially with well over 15 minutes left, can lead to a comeback. However, at 7 goals down in the first half, the team morale and team skill is just outmatched by the other team, and it is acceptable to call a fug.

Criteria for calling a Fug in the Second Half: Your team must be down by six (6) goals. Anything less than that, especially with at least 15 minutes left, can lead to a comeback. However, at 6 goals down in the second half, the team morale and team skill is just outmatched by the other team, and it is acceptable to call a fug.

                                                                No excessive anything . 

1.       If someone asks you to stop, please show some sportsmanship and respect their request. 

2.       This includes spraying, spamming, flash lighting, and anything else annoying to someone.  Its fine to have fun with people, just don’t over do it.

3.       Please listen and follow League Officials and Admins directions and decisions.

                                                       Golden Goal

                                                           iv.            The team who received the kickoff during the first half will have possession of the ball at the start of golden goal. 

                                                             v.            The game will be played under normal circumstances until one team scores.  That team will then be declared the winner and the match will be over

                         Expectations

                                                         i.            We are trying to limit the pugs to their expected rate of 35 minutes per pug, but be aware that they can last up to 60 minutes.

                                                       ii.            Once told what team to join please do so and be ready to start

                                                      iii.            Captains pick the positions, so play where they say and don’t whine.

                                                     iv.            Obey admins

                                                       v.            Have fun, this is a chance to get better, learn, and see some great plays