Rules

Sections - Quick access.
Account Rules
The Ranking System
Challenges
Game Specific
Reporting
Top Ten
Forum Rules
Expected Behaviour

Account Rules
Since your Ladder account is where all your records are kept we have some special policies regarding it. These are very important and you should pay close attention to them.

Ladder Names
If your Ladder name is offensive to other users your account will be removed.
If your Ladder name is found to be too similar to an existing user's nickname you will have to choose another.
You are only allowed to change your Ladder name once per week.
Your Ladder name must match the name you use in chat and play your matches under exactly, if it doesn't the match is invalid and your opponent is not required to report any losses to you.

E-mail Address
If your E-mail address is found to be invalid your account will be penalized or removed.

Inactivity
If you haven't played a match in 100 days you will be automatically removed for inactivity in order to keep the Ladder as dynamic as possible and give everyone a chance to move up. Removal for inactivity is completely automated. No exceptions are made to this rule. Our players want an active league full of opponents who can be easily found.

Multiple Users
We only allow one account per computer, unless prior permission has been discussed with admin for friends or family. We have an automated security system to keep track of this information. It is illegal for one person to have multiple accounts. Only one account is allowed per person, PERIOD. It is illegal for more than one person to use or share the same account. You are more than welcome to each participate in the Ladder, but you will have to create separate accounts for each individual playing. Any reason to believe that these rules are being broken, admin have the right penalize and remove offending accounts.

The Ranking System
MyLeague.com has one of the simplest ranking systems ever used for competitive play. We call it a "Ladder" because each player has a unique rank or "rung" that represents their standing among other players. The highest ranked player holds the #1 position. Someone ranked #2 is ranked below the #1 player. So, the goal is to "climb" the Ladder all the way to the top.

When you first join you are placed in the "Unranked" category of the Ladder.You become "Ranked" after winning your first Ladder match. (Unranked users can play each other and the winner becomes ranked at the bottom of the ladder.) When you defeat a higher ranked player you move up half the distance between their rank and your own.  Your rank on the Ladder does not go down if you lose a match unless your opponent is ranked DIRECTLY below you.

When other players beat people above you and jump over you in rank you will slide down. Some special rules exist for players ranked in the Top Ten. These rules will be covered in a later section.

Withdrawing / Rejoining
There is no rule on this, but your stat WILL be lost if withdrawn and will NOT be reinstated by admin at a later date. No exceptions don't ask. If you withdraw to evade unreports on your account, it will not work as logging is enabled.

Challenges
Whether you are the one looking for a match or the one being asked to play there are some guidelines that need to be followed. Violating these could result in penalties. If you notice anyone violating these rules please feel free to contact us using the SUPPORT area.

Chat
The best way to find matches is to announce in chat that you are looking for a ladder match. You will see other's doing the same. This lets everyone know you are interested in Ladder play. When you are in a chat room trying to find a match you should be courteous and respectful to other people in the room. Repeatedly asking for a Ladder game tends to annoy people very quickly. This could make them not want to play you, and make it harder for YOU to move up the Ladder.

E-Mail
Email challenges should be reserved for users in the top 10 of the Ladder, and only used then if you have trouble setting up a match via the normal methods.

3 Matches Per Day
You can only play the same person 3 times each day. You can play as many different people as you'd like on any given day.

Verify Information
We recommend that you make sure potential opponents belong to the Ladder before starting your match. The new reporting system helps with this.  Do not begin play until you have agreed with the each other the settings and logged the game on www.myleague.com/jippiipoolers.  To do this please see the About this link under reporting system.

Priority
If you have multiple people challenging you at once you should play the person with the highest rank.

Playing a Game
Once you have found an opponent and you are ready to start your match, there are some rules about the match to keep in mind.

Settings
There are no illegal settings for Ladder matches as long as BOTH players agree to them before the match begins. After accepting a challenge in chat, agree the settings, using the reporting system on www.myleague.com/jippiipoolers.

To do this one player uses the challenge link and fills in the details.  The opponent the has to choices to accept or refuse the challenge.  Once accepted the game is logged with admin and is visible in the view matches link.  After the game the looser uses report game link and the match is reported.

Failure to Finish Match
Once you start a match you are responsible for completing it. If you have to leave before the game is finished for any reason it is considered a loss and you need to promptly report it. Although it does not happen often it is possible that you or your opponent may be disconnected from the game or the Internet entirely before your match is finished. If this occurs the offending player is entitled to report the loss.  A rematch maybe given but it is based on the opponent, it is their decision.  A suggested solution is extend the game so if you were playing bo1.  Then make it bo3 with the player 1-0 up.

Opponents
You are not allowed to play Ladder matches against people who live in the same household as you. You can play friends and relatives who do not live with you, but you should limit matches against them to one or two a week. Remember, the idea of the Ladder is to see how you stack up against players from all over the world--not across the street. You are not allowed to partner with people who live in the same household as you. This includes anyone who plays from the same physical location, whether or not they actually reside there. You are not allowed to report losses to anyone who plays from the same computer as you do…ever. Our security software will detect this activity if it is attempted and participating accounts will be penalized or removed.

Sportsmanship
The same rules that apply to behavior in chat (covered later in these rules) also apply during games. If we receive complaints about the behavior of a user steps will be taken to deal with the problem. It is illegal to play in more than one Ladder match at a time. This slows down game play for everyone.

Game Specific Rules

To keep things as competitive as possible we often have special rules that only apply to certain games. The rules for the current ladder are listed here. If you have any suggestions for rule changes that would improve the Ladder please feel free to contact your ladder admin team.

D/c = Loss
If the opponent disconnects its an automatic loss for the game.  If you are playing bo3 it would mean that you would be 1-0 up.  If the player does not return you can ask for the game to be reported by admin using the unreported match link.

Refusing
If you are found to be refusing challenges from fellow ladder players you will be punished accordingly with a drop in rank.

Early GG
If you say GG before the END of the ladder match the opponent is awarded an auto-win.

8 Balling
In order to 8 ball your opponent[Beat him without him potting any of his balls], you must let them have a shot. The break is counted as a shot.

Leagal Breaking/potting
To do a legal break you must hit the front ball of the triangle full power.

Defensive Shots
All shots must be an ATTEMPT to make it, that means if you want to play defense you must attempt to hit your ball to try and hide it.

Planting
A player may hit an opponents ball to hit there own ball, this maybe to escape snooker, pot or safety.

Abuse
This will not be TOLERATED, whether it is verbal abuse, or physical abuse. If caught abusing a Ladder member it will be a 3 day Boxing if caught abusing a TD or HTD it will be a 5 Day Boxing, but if caught abusing an Admin it will be an automatic 10 Day Boxing. We Do Not Tolerate Abuse Here!!!!!!!

Reporting The Match
Once your game is completed the loser of the match is responsible for reporting it as soon as possible. You can report your matches using the "Report Loss" link located in the left hand frame. Here are some things to remember regarding reporting your losses.

Report Immediately
Losses are to be reported immediately after a game is completed…before any further Ladder matches are started. Not reporting promptly will result in penalty. It is advised taht you report before you leave the game, players reporting patterns will be monitored.

Who to Report To
In one on one games the loser of the match reports. In games where you play with a partner each member of the losing team reports a loss to both partners of the winning team, so at the end of the match you would either gain two wins or report two losses.

Reporting and Passwords
It is illegal to share your password with any other user for the purpose of reporting or any reason. If you are discovered using another user's password both of your accounts will be removed.

Problems Reporting
If you have a problem and cannot report your own loss contact admin who will try to resolve the situation.

Unreported Matches
Most unreported matches are a simple case of forgetfulness on the part of your opponent. Please wait and try to ask why they have not reported With the new reporting system, admin have a clear list of games that are not reported and we will be seeking answers to why they weren't. If it is apparent that your opponent is refusing to report please contact admin and we will look into the matter. A screenshot of the result will almost guarantee a reported win and punishment for your opponent.

You should never harass another user in chat or interrupt their other Ladder matches in an attempt to get them to report. If you see them online giving them one friendly reminder is acceptable, but beyond that you should let Ladder Staff settle the dispute for you.

The admin team now have strict rules with regards punishments for players who refuse to report.  It is basically three strikes and you are out! But with each report punishment increases, with rank, skill, box all used to penalize offending players.


Top Ten
Because everyone dreams of being in the Top Ten we have some special rules that apply for these users. This keeps the competition for these slots in high gear. Only players who are ranked in the Top Ten need to worry about these.

Top of the Heap
Everyone wants a shot at #1; consequently there should be a lot of activity and movement in the top ranks of the Ladder.

Inactivity
Players in the Top Ten must play at least 10 games every couple of days. If they don't they are automatically dropped ten rungs and their inactivity counter is reset. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Leap Frogging
The Top 3 can NOT leap frog each other. So Rank 3 must beat Rank 2 to become Rank 2. So, they cannot just beat Rank 1 to get there.

Revenge
When Rank 1 plays Rank 2 and looses they have a chance to regain their rank straight away by calling "Revenge". This must be posted in forum. This allows the former Rank 1 an automated rematch with the new Rank 1. If they win the match is reported and they regan their Rank 1. If they lose they are demoted to Rank 10. Only one "Revenge Match" may be played per day.

Rank Hounding
Players in the Top Ten are expected to be as active after they reach the top ranks as they were before. In other words, if you are playing 20 games a day to make it to the Top Ten and then only play once a week to hold your rank you will be penalized.

Play Lists
Use of 'playing lists' is strongly discouraged. If someone asks for a match and you are already playing simply tell him or her that. Lists only serve to foster discouragement on the part of the users who are constantly told they are being added only to rarely get the promised match. You are not expected to play every person on the Ladder just because you are ranked in the Top Ten. You fought your way up there one rung at a time and so must everyone else.

Fair Play
It should go without saying that other Top Ten players who challenge you should be treated with the utmost respect and courtesy. You should do your best to see that challenges of this nature are played as soon as possible for the benefit of both parties. Avoiding or delaying challenges from other Top Ten members will result in penalty.

Image
Because everyone has got their eyes on the top ranks of the Ladder we expect the members of this elite group of players to conduct themselves appropriately. This means we will be keeping a closer eye on them than most. You are among the Top Ten players in the world in your chosen game. Set a good example! There is a lot of competition and pressure associated with being ranked in the Top Ten. Remember that this is just a game and above all meant to be fun!

Forum

The forum is used by players, and admin to build an online community.  Messages can be transferred seeking help or providing information.  It is where alot of friends can be made and information can be found.  Please check forum daily to keep up to date with changes and news.

Abuse
Any abusive posts to players will be removed from forum.

Over Crowding
Players continuing to post repeatidely may find there forum posts restricted or banned.

Unacceptable Posts
Any posts deemed unacceptable by admin will be removed.  This is a online community with many ages and races, any detremental comments will be removed from forum to maintain the family atmosphere we want here.

Expected Behaviour
As a member of MyLeague.com you are representing us and all the other players when you are playing Ladder matches. Because we rely heavily on the support of the gaming networks and producers of the games that you play we have some guidelines for how you need to behave online. It's part of your duty to be respectable so that you don't give the Ladder (and other players!) a bad name.

Cheating
It goes without saying that we won't stand for cheating of any kind. This includes, but is not limited to, breaking rules, using modified executables, reporting false results, or otherwise tampering with Ladder rankings. If you are certain your opponent is cheating you should leave the match immediately and report the suspicious activity via the SUPPORT link on the Ladder page. You do not need to report the match as a loss. If your opponent submits an unreported match claim against you be sure to reply to the inquiry mail we send you explaining your reasoning or the match will be automatically posted against you.

Abuse
If you encounter another Ladder user behaving in an unacceptable manner in chat the best thing to do is just ignore them. If you notice one particular user being abusive repeatedly please let us or your LadderOps know. Please be sure to include all pertinent information, such as the offender's username, and a brief explanation of the problems that you encountered. There are many players available to challenge. It is illegal to continually harass one specific player for a match. If you need a match with a specific person and are having a problem getting it let us know via the SUPPORT link rather than harassing that individual, and we will help you resolve the conflict.

We encourage you to try to solve problems on your own before bringing it to the staff, but not to the point of creating hardship to yourself or harassing other users. We have one of the best support staffs available on the Internet. If you have a problem we are here to help you. It is illegal to abuse or harrass another Ladder member. If you are observed being abusive in chat it could result in penalty. Depending upon the extent of the abuse you might not always receive a warning in these cases. It is important to remember that two wrongs do not make a right. In other words, if you are being harrassed by another Ladder member come to us for assistance. Do not take matters into your own hands or return the abuse, or you could find yourself in trouble as well.

Nice Guy Rule
Please note that behavior guidelines apply for all methods of communication. This includes chat, E-mail, message forums, ICQ, etc. Treat other members with respect!

Fill in the Blank

We can't cover every aspect of gaming in our rules. We have tried to be as thorough as possible and cover all the basics. However, just because something is not listed doesn't meant that it is allowed. Use common sense. If it is something that will adversely effect other players and you might think twice about doing it's probably against the rules. Our staff have the final say in such matters. If you have a specific question please feel free to contact us via E-mail.

Rules were last revised on 10/05/2006 by HoLLoWMaN and aMeReTTo