1. Basic Idea
RTS League is based on the idea that fun and fair play come
before competition. Therefore these rules are limited to only those
most necessary to ensure smooth play and to prevent or decide possible
disputes. In all cases, the League Staff will have the final decision.
2. Clans
- A clan is a group of players (minimum of 6 ACTIVE) that play
under a common tag for an extended period of time, preferably with a
publicly accessible website and/or forum.
- The official language of the League is English. All Clan
Operators must be able to speak English fluently. All posts in other
languages will be deleted, and the Staff will not tolerate the use of
any online translators.
- We do not strictly define clan structure, as varying
situations exist. We do, however, REQUIRE that each player be a
member of the clan for whom he is playing. Guest players are strictly
forbidden. The League Staff reserves the right to exclude any
individual from competing if we believe the intent of this rule has
been violated.
- Admission into the League is handled through a formal
application process. At the beginning of each season, interested
clans will be given the opportunity to apply for admission through a
signup thread in the official League forums. The League Staff will
assess each applicant and admit those clans which it deems qualified
for participation in the League.
- A clan may enter another team into the League (sometimes
called a "B-Team") under the following conditions:
- The clan successfully participated in the previous season.
- The clan did not receive any Admin Losses or Misses during
the previous season.
Note: This condition applies to every team that the clan fielded
during the previous season.
- Participation in the League is free for all clans. Operating
costs (website, etc.) are paid by the members of the League Staff
and/or donations.
3. Players
- All members of a clan, including applicants who use the
clan's tag, are eligible to play for the clan. However, all players
must be listed in the official Player-List in the RTS League Clan
Profile. Each clan is solely responsible for maintaining their own
Player-List before, during, and after each season.
- All players must play under the tag of the clan they are representing.
- Any individual who has played for one clan (team) during a
season may not play for another clan (team) during the same season.
- The Player-List is to be submitted at the beginning of the
season. Changes can be made at any time; however, new players can
only play after a waiting period of seven days, starting from the day
they are added to the Player-List. The eligibility of a player can be
checked in the Player-List.
- If a clan signs up multiple teams, the full roster of each
team must be submitted with the clan's application at the beginning
of each season.
- All players must play in Voobly and IP games under their Main Nickname,
indicated in the Player-List. If, when asked, a clan refuses to swap out
an ineligible player, and the games are not played as a result, that clan
will receive a Miss (see below, Rule 8.2).
- A Main Nickname is a name under which the player is primarily known.
Clearly recognized derivatives of the Main Nickname (minor variations such
as an alternate spelling or a username with additional/different underscores)
are also eligible for use by the same player. Only the Main Nickname
needs to be registered on the Player-List.
- A player may not hide his identity by playing on an unknown secondary nickname,
even if that secondary nickname is on the Player-List.
- "Smurfing", in any form, will not be tolerated. Players are
required to use their own nicknames. Using "borrowed" nicknames (even
if they are from the same clan) is not permitted. The League Staff
reserves the right to exclude any individual from competing if we
believe the intent of this rule has been violated. In addition, a
clan may be forced to forfeit any games in which a "smurf" nickname
was used.
- If a clan is unsure of the identity of an opposing player, then that clan
should ask for the player's true identity or other nicknames. The opposing
clan must fully identify that player. If the opposing clan incorrectly identifies
the player in question, then it will be considered a smurfing incident.
- A clan may not refuse to play if it suspects the opposing clan of smurfing.
In such instances, the games should be played, and a formal complaint filed with
league staff following the match. If a clan refuses to play based on suspicion of smurfing,
then that clan will receive a Miss (see below, Rule 8.2).
4. The League Staff
- To make RTS League successful, we are dependent on the
assistance and support of all participating clans. The League Staff
is grateful for suggestions and constructive criticisms; we will
address all suggestions with a private vote of all staffers. If
necessary, the League Staff can also hold a public vote on ideas to
change or improve the League. During these votes each clan,
represented by their Clan Operator, and each staff member have one
vote; decisions are made with a simple majority.
- The League Staff decides about the accommodation and the
exclusion of clans (teams) as well as about everything related to the
League operation. At present the following persons belong to the
League Staff Team:
- Pedestrian
- Black Adder
- Andorin
- RoR_BzH
- For future seasons, the composition of the League Staff can
change.
- The League Staff decides with simple majority. A member of
the League Staff is excluded from a decision if his own clan is
directly concerned.
5. Season
- Each season begins with the formation of divisions, where
each division consists of at least 6 and at most 10 clans (teams).
There is no promotion or demotion through the divisions; instead,
they function separately. After the regular season, the top clans in
each division advance to the Playoffs, where an overall champion is
determined (see below, Rule 6).
- During the season, each match consists of two games. Each
clan will play one game as the home-team and one game as the
away-team (see Rule 7.3, below).
- All results have to be posted without delay in the Clan
Panel. Each game is posted by the winner. If one clan wins 2-0, that
clan uploads both games. If the match is split 1-1, each clan uploads
the game that they won. Careful and correct filling out of the forms
is presupposed, because this is the only way the rankings are
updated. Failure to upload a game for an excessive length of time
after it was played is qualification for an Administrative Loss.
- The duration of a season depends on the size of the
divisions. Over the course of a season, clans will play one match
against every other clan in their division. Each week, one match is
played - a round. After all of the scheduled rounds have been
finished, one extra week will be given for any delinquent games to be
made up.
6. Playoffs
A. General Format
- At the end of each season, the top two clans in each division
will advance to the Playoffs. The Playoffs consist of a
single-elimination, "knockout" style tournament to determine an
overall champion.
- Each Playoff match will be played in a best-of-three-games
format. The first two games will be played using the same settings as
a regular season match. If the clans split the first two games,
however, the third game must be played on the map "Blind Random."
Upon the discretion of the League Staff, matches can be extended to
best-of-five (etc.) format and concrete maps to be played may be set.
- The winner of each Playoff round is responsible for uploading
all of the recorded games through the Clan Panel.
B. Determination of Playoff Participants
- The top two clans in each division with the most points at
the end of the regular season will advance to the Playoffs. In
addition, depending on the size of the League and the number of
divisions, the League Staff may select a number of third-place clans
as "wild-card" teams to fill out any remaining spots in the Playoff
bracket.
- If there is a tie between two clans in the same division,
only one of whom can receive a Playoff spot, a one-game tiebreaker on
the map "Blind Random" must be played to determine the winner.
- If there is a tie between two or more clans competing for
wild-card spots, the Playoff participants will be selected based on a
random drawing.
C. Seeding
- Clans in the Playoff bracket will be seeded based on the
following criteria:
- The place they achieved in their division (1st, 2nd, 3rd,
etc.)
- The number of points earned during the regular season.
- If two or more clans are still tied after applying the
factors above, the seeding order will be determined by a random
drawing.
- If there is a tie between two clans in the same division,
both of which have already secured Playoff spots, the following
criteria will be used to determine which clan will receive the higher
seed:
- The outcome of the Head-to-Head matchup during the season.
- The outcomes of the matchups vs. the highest ranked common
opponent during the season.
- Repeat the previous step using the next highest common
opponent until a discrepancy is found.
- If a winner still can not be determined, the outcome will
be decided by a coin flip.
* Note that Admin Losses and Misses are
NOT factored into tiebreaker decisions because they have already
been penalized and included in the current point totals.
7. Game Settings
- The game in use will be Age of Empires II: The Conquerors
with the latest patch (currently 1.4 UP).
- By default, all games must be played using the Voobly client.
If both clans agree, however, the games may alternatively be played
using GR or direct IP connections.
A. Settings
- By default, all games are played as a 3vs3. If both clans
agree, the games may alternatively be played as 2vs2 or 4vs4
instead. Note: A clan may not demand a 2vs2 or 4vs4 without
agreement from the other clan.
- Game: Random Map. In case of BCC3@Fortress map, Regicide is allowed.
- Size: 4/6/8-player map, according to the number of players
- Difficulty: Standard. Other difficulties can be used with
the agreement of both clans.
- Resources: Standard
- Population: 200
- Game Speed: Normal. Slow or Fast can be used with the
agreement of both clans.
- Reveal Map: Normal. The maps Black Forest and Michi must be
played on "Explored".
- Starting Age: Standard
- Victory Condition: Conquest
- Team Together: [X] Yes
- All Techs: [ ] No
- Allow Cheats: [ ] No
- Lock Teams: [X] Yes
- Lock Speed: [X] Yes
- Record Game: [X] Yes.
- Single Building Queue [SQ]. Multiple Building Queue can be
used with the agreement of both clans.
- Cooperative play (players selecting the same colour) is permitted only if both clans agree.
- A clan may choose the Advanced Setting "Hidden Civilizations" on its home map.
B. Selectable Maps
All maps included in the original version of AoK: The Conquerors random maps, as well
as the custom maps Land Nomad, BCC3@Fortress (Regicide Mode) and Green Arabia from
The Medieval Wars 2013 Map Pack v2.
Maps selectable if both clans agree: Other maps from The Medieval Wars 2013
Map Pack v2, maps from the SY(China) Nations Cup 2014 SY_Map_Pack_v4, maps
from the War is Coming WiC_Map_Pack_v4, other common variations of Green Arabia
and common variations of Michi plus the Real World maps.
The ES-Maps and other custom maps are not selectable. The respective home-team
(see schedule) selects the map and announces it to the opponents before the game
launches. Both clans can still change their team after the map is announced
until the game starts.
C. Recorded Games
All RTS League games must be recorded. The home team is
responsible for recording the game and its winner for uploading the
recorded game to the Clan Panel after the match. If the recorded file
is corrupted (for example after save game), it is recommended (at
least with disputes during or at the end of a game) to make
screenshots.
D. Sportsmanship and Abusive Tactics
The use of any kind of cheats, hacks, is not permitted and will
be punished severely.
The goal of the League is to ensure fair play and fun for all
participants. Abusive tactics are not permitted.
When playing Nomad and Land Nomad, no players are allowed to
intentionally slow down their opponents' progress in the first three
minutes of the game. This includes villager wars, building palisade
walls, sheep stealing, and barracks first starts. In such a case the
game has to be restarted. Any deliberate attempt to restart after a
bad start may lead to an administrative decision by the League Staff.
We advise you to NOT abuse this rule.
8. League Operation
- All games are to be played during the appropriate week. In
exceptional cases, and with the approval of the League Staff, games
can be moved into a later play-week but have to be played as soon as
possible. Playing matches in advance is not permitted.
- If a clan does not appear for a scheduled game (delay for
more than 20 minutes will be regarded as absence) or only with an
insufficient number of players, the match is to be rescheduled for a
later date. The offending clan will receive a "Miss" in the
standings, and will be penalized with (-1) points. If the clan does
not appear at the rescheduled date, they will receive a second Miss
(another -1) and the games will be counted as Administrative Wins for
the respective opponent.
- In resolving a dispute about the scheduled time or date of a
match, only entries in the official forums or personal messages sent
to the League Staff will be considered. Evidence of external
communication (meaning any communication between clans occurring
outside of the official forums) is not relevant and will not be
considered by the League Staff.
- At the end of the season, any matches that have not been
played will be decided by the League Staff. In the interest of fair
play, result arrangements (without playing) between clans are not
permitted.
- Clan Operators must visit the scheduling threads for their
current or delinquent matches often (at least once every two days)
and leave a constructive message there that keeps the discussion
moving towards compromising on a game time. Failure to do this will
result in a Miss, and continued disregard for this rule will result
in removal from the League, at the discretion of the League Staff.
- Scheduling problems and failure to follow League standards
for scheduling will be a significant factor in the Staff's decisions
in disputes regarding the clan, as well as a factor in whether or not
they will be re-admitted to the League for following seasons.
- If a clan does not finish a season for any reason, they will
not be accepted for participation in the following season.
9. Valuation of Games, Results and Tables
- Ranking System:
- Win = 3 points
- Normal Loss = 1 point
- Admin Loss = 0 points
- Miss = -1 points (see above, Rule 8.2)
- If a team leaves or is removed from the League during the
season, each game they played will become an Administrative Win for
the opposing team regardless of the actual result. The rest of their
scheduled games will be treated as byes with the opposing teams
automatically receiving two Administrative Wins.
- The schedule results and rankings are updated automatically
upon match submission. Mistakes or inaccuracies should be reported by
personal message to your division's Staff member as soon as possible.
10. How to Deal with Problems
A. Handling Lag
- Any players foreseeing lag problems should take all available measures
to prevent them. Clans foreseeing a problem can choose to play 2vs2
instead of 3vs3 as long as both clans agree before the game. In case
of a dispute make screenshots and contact a member of the League Staff.
- If a game begins to lag badly, pause and try to fix any
possible problems. Players should close all outside applications that
might slow performance. If there is no improvement, both clans can
agree to restart the game as a 2vs2 or with different players. If one
clan deems the lag playable, and does not want to restart, the game
must be continued. If a Clan Operator suspects an opponent is
"laming" by choosing to play through terrible lag just to annoy or
force a resign, they should play out the game, then report it to the
League Staff.
- If one clan is clearly winning when the lag begins, they can
opt to post the game for an administrative decision rather than
restart or continue. Any admin decision in this case will be final.
- If both clans agree to play a 4vs4, then the League Staff
will not decide the match as a result of unplayable lag.
B. Handling Drops
- If a player's connection aborts, the game must be restored.
If one team's connection aborts three times in an attempt to play a
game, the game is automatically lost.
- All saved games must be restored within 20 minutes.
- If the game cannot be restored due to technical reasons, then
the game is automatically lost by the clan with the technical
difficulties. Exception: If the losing clan was clearly ahead at the
time the game crashed, they may petition the League Staff to decide.
C. Handling Map Bugs
- If a serious map bug - distinct factors that would adversely
affect one clan outside of their control, such as trapped boar,
sheep, deer, or any of the main gold/stone piles having less than
3 exposed sides - is discovered in the first 5 minutes of the game,
a clan may demand a restart. The recorded game must be submitted
to the League Staff for verification. If no such bug existed, or
if it is determined that the restart was demanded for other reasons,
the clan will receive an Administrative Loss.
- If a map bug is discovered after 5 minutes, the game may not
be restarted on account of it.
11. Streaming and Spectating
- Official streaming is mandatory for the clans. Stream can be
revoked only for serious reasons and only by a League Staffer.
- Official streaming must be prioritized over custom streams
unless otherwise decided by a League Staffer.
- The official streamers currently are:
Note: List of official streamers may change during the season.
- Live streaming of a League match must include a minimum of
2-minute delay between the actual game progression and the live
streaming picture. Streaming without delay is possible only after
explicit approval of both clans documented by a screenshot or agreed
upon beforehand in the League scheduling forums.
- Spectating is allowed only if both teams agree. If a match is
being streamed live by an official streamer, spectating may be
forbidden upon the discretion of the League Staff or the official
streamer.
If you have any questions about the rules, please feel free to contact
a League Staff member at any time. Good luck and have
fun!