1. Matchmedia

All match media (screenshots, demos, etc) must be kept for at least 14 days. In general, you should upload the match media from a match to the match page as soon as possible. Faking or manipulating match media is of course forbidden and will result in severe penalties. Match media should be named clearly based on what it is.

All match media (screenshots, demos, etc) must be kept for at least 14 days. In general, you should upload the match media from a match to the match page as soon as possible. Faking or manipulating match media is of course forbidden and will result in severe penalties. Match media should be named clearly based on what it is. It is not possible to file a protest or write a support ticket to complain about bad match media naming. However, if an admin is hindered in their work because of bad match media names then it can be punished for.

2. Ladder Rules

2.1. Challenging

In a ladder any participant may challenge any other. The challenge may be refused by the challenged if they choose. In ladders with more than 20 participants compulsory challenges are activated. If a participant is within 20 places above the challenging participants the refusal will be punished with one penalty point'. If both participants are in the top 10 then the refusal will be punished with '2 penalty points. A challenging participant from the newcomer pool (unranked) is considered as being at the bottom of the ladder, therefore the 20 participants ranked last in the ladder would be punished for rejecting a challenge. Participants that have more than 5 outstanding challenges in a ladder, no matter if the matches are confirmed or not, may not take on any further challenges. This is scripted into the ESL system and can not be changed!

2.2. No show

If your opponent does not show after 20 minutes, you must enter the result as your opponent did not appear on time.' Do not enter a default win for yourself. In Instant Challenger matches the no show time 'is 10 minutes.

2.3. Agreements

Certain agreements between participants are allowed to slightly differ from the ESL rules. Agreements that differ greatly from ESL rules are however not allowed. Please note that the ESL rules were made to ensure a fair match for all participants. You are not allowed to file a protest after the match if you think that the agreements made before the match in the end resulted in a disadvantage for your or your team. Rules that can be changed with agreements are explicitly stated. Rules that do not explicitly state they can be changed by agreement cannot have agreements made. All arrangements between participants, made in addition to the ESL rules have to be written down in the match comments! The other participant has to confirm the arrangements also in the comments. To avoid abuse of the edit function, a third comment must be written. Please also keep screenshots and/or log files of your arrangements. If you do not fulfill these requirements, any protests or supports concerning arrangements will be rejected. The following rules may never be changed by arrangement:

• Entering results for matches that have not been played
• Allowing players to play that are barred because of penalty points, or are barred in the league due to a ban
• Allowing players to play that in leagues with premium requirement that are barred for not having Premium

3. Matchmedia

All match media (screenshots, demos, etc) must be kept for at least 14 days. In general, you should upload the match media from a match to the match page as soon as possible. Faking or manipulating match media is of course forbidden and will result in severe penalties. Match media should be named clearly based on what it is.

3.1. Screenshots

3.1.1. PB GUID Screenshot(s)

Before the game, a screenshot of the COD2 PunkBuster GUIDs of all players must be taken from the console. In addition the commands are to be input in the console /pb_plist and a screenshot taken. If a player leaves during the match and reconnects, another COD2 PunkBuster GUID screenshot should be taken. These screenshots are to be uploaded with the result-screenshots to each match. According to match rules, at least one COD2 PunkBuster GUID screenshot is required.

3.1.2. pb_sv_plist screenshot

Additional to our matchscreen we add now the pb_sv_plist-screenshot. Since this command is usable only per rcon, also only the server-putting team is responsible for this screenshot.

3.2. Demos & Replays

All players have to use demo-or replay-function in every ESL match! The demos are to be kept for at least 14 days and must be presented to the admin at request. If it should come to a protest, the demos must be kept until 14 days after conclusion of the protest. If a player or team suspects that another player or team is violating a regulation during a game, the demo can be demanded of the opposing team straight away. The admins are only to be called in, when suspicions continue to exist even after the demos have been viewed. In this case, the clan or player may proceed and send the admin the game demos. The admin will then take the appropriate action. It is recommended to voluntarily make all demos available to the public in order to keep the ladders transparent and interesting.

4. Settings

4.1. Server Settings

All server settings must be checked before the match begins. As soon as the match begins, all players have accepted the set configurations on the server. Should any changes in the server settings take place during a running game, the server administrator is to be informed immediately. In case of a protest, it must be proven using screenshots and/or demos.

4.1.1. Streaming

Every server, used to play ESL-matches, has to stream to PunksBusted.com or game-violations.ggl.com! Both teams are responsible to check this before match starts. If you can't find a streaming server match can get deleted on request. Further, the team which places the server in, is responsible that the latest Master Ban List and the latest MD5-Checklist are installed and active on the server.

4.2. Screenshots

4.2.1. PB GUID Screenshot(s)

Before the game, a screenshot of the COD2 PunkBuster GUIDs of all players must be taken from the console. In addition the commands are to be input in the console /pb_plist and a screenshot taken. If a player leaves during the match and reconnects, another COD2 PunkBuster GUID screenshot should be taken. These screenshots are to be uploaded with the result-screenshots to each match. According to match rules, at least one COD2 PunkBuster GUID screenshot is required.

4.2.2. pb_sv_plist screenshot

Additional to our matchscreen we add now the pb_sv_plist-screenshot. Since this command is usable only per rcon, also only the server-putting team is responsible for this screenshot.

4.2.3. Demos & Replays

All players have to use demo-or replay-function in every ESL match! The demos are to be kept for at least 14 days and must be presented to the admin at request. If it should come to a protest, the demos must be kept until 14 days after conclusion of the protest. If a player or team suspects that another player or team is violating a regulation during a game, the demo can be demanded of the opposing team straight away. The admins are only to be called in, when suspicions continue to exist even after the demos have been viewed. In this case, the clan or player may proceed and send the admin the game demos. The admin will then take the appropriate action. It is recommended to voluntarily make all demos available to the public in order to keep the ladders transparent and interesting.

5. Settings

5.1. Server Settings

All server settings must be checked before the match begins. As soon as the match begins, all players have accepted the set configurations on the server. Should any changes in the server settings take place during a running game, the server administrator is to be informed immediately. In case of a protest, it must be proven using screenshots and/or demos.

5.1.1. Streaming

Every server, used to play ESL-matches, has to stream to PunksBusted.com or game-violations.ggl.com! Both teams are responsible to check this before match starts. If you can't find a streaming server match can get deleted on request. Further, the team which places the server in, is responsible that the latest Master Ban List and the latest MD5-Checklist are installed and active on the server.

5.1.2. Punkbuster

PunkBuster is mandatory in the ESL Europe Call of Duty 2 Ladders.

This also means, if you do not play ladder games with Punkbuster enabled, you shall suffer the consequences.

Your punkbuster must have these settings (click on icon to see the vars in new tab / window):

pbsv.cfg	Stock Cvar Range List	Cheat Cvar Range List

Here you can find default files by PsB:

Execute this with : /rcon exec esl.cfg -> esl.cfg

This download .cfgs are an example for Stream to Punksbusted.com. You can also use Game-Violations™. There you can find help for GV-Stream.

5.1.3. PAMD Competition MOD

You must play the matches in the ESL with the PAMD Competition Mod.

1. /rcon pam_mode esl_1v1 (1on1)
2. /rcon pam_mode esl_2v2 (2on2)
3. /rcon pam_mode esl (3on3/5on5)
4. /rcon pam_mode esl_mr12 (Cup)

(smoke on for sure!)

You can send a support ticket to the Admin Team if you have questions or problems.

5.1.4. Cracked Server

Using of a cracked server (which is not able to authorize CD-Keys) is strictly forbidden and will result in a default win/loss or match deletion.

5.2. Player Settings

All wrong settings on the server or players config, usage of cheats will be punished with PPS, barrage or ban. If both teams violated this rules, there can be a rematch, match deletion or both teams can be kicked from the cup/league/ladder.

Config values and/or scripts that influence the game play fundamental to take a relevant advantage are forbidden! Exception binds/scripts:

• nick change
• demo function
• screenshot (for PB screens)
• weapon choose
• grafic values (gamma, texture)
• server values (no netsetting scripts)
• double bind (+holdbreath)
• toggle FPS (range is 40 250 FPS)

One penalty points for each forbidden script/bind (max. 3 penalty points per player/team per match), found in an executable config. In case of forbidden changes the players/team receives 1 penalty point per bind up to 3 per player/team per match. The responsible admin have to decide if this match can be rated or not. In case of binds/changes with a high influence into the game it is possible to give out minimum 6 penalty points.

5.2.1. ESL Wire Anti-Cheat

ESL Wire Anti-Cheat is mandatory for all players to use for the full duration of all matches without exception. If a player cannot use Wire Anti-Cheat then they are not allowed to participate in a match. In case the website is down - making ESL WireAnti-Cheat unusable - the match must be postponed.

5.2.2. Manipulated Linesman/Wire Anti-Cheat

If a player willfully modifies/changes parts of their complete ESL Wire Anti-Cheat or Linesman file, a maximum of 6 penalty points can be issued and a ban can follow.

5.2.3. Forbidden programs and configuration modifications

All changes of models, crosshairs, HUD or other files are forbidden. Changes ofthe game graphic or textures with graphics card drivers or other tools of that kind are also forbidden. Programs allowing these changes are strictly forbidden and led to 6 penalty points or a cheating barrage depending on the severity. Programs and config-settings allowing strong advantages are also strictly forbidden and led to 6 penalty points or a cheating barrage depending on the severity.

5.3. Player / Teams

5.3.1. Team multiaccount

If a team account is registered new because of existing penalty points and gets active in the same ladder, the old penalty points may be transmitted into the new account, including the new penalty (+1 penalty point for new registering/avoidance of penalties).

5.3.2. Language

The language to be used at all times in the European section of the ESL is English. This is to allow all of our users from different countries to take part. This includes all comments, protest tickets, support tickets, match communication, and IRC conversations.

Failure to comply with this rule can lead to bans from posting on the website or penalty points being added to your account.

6. Matchrules

6.1. Match rules

6.1.1. Problems with the beginning of a match

If there is a user, who can't connect to the server because of a BAN-Entry, but is not already barred in the ESL, he is deemed not to be authorized to play the match. In this case, the support (admin) has to be informed.

6.1.2. Banlisted Guids

If a user has a Banlisted Guid, he is generally not allowed to play in any ESL match. But if he/she has been declared as not guilty, the banlisted guid won't be removed by the ESL. The guid may not be used any longer in the ESL, so the user has to get a new one.

6.1.3. Bugs and glitches

Bug/glitch using of any kind is strictly forbidden. If a bug/glitch which is not listed below is used within a match an admin will decide about the punishment. Forbidden:

• exploiting mirror walls
• silent climbing
• clipping
• defusing/planting through objects
• weapon bugs

LINK to the bugs/glitches list!

6.1.4. Illegal actions

Self-kills by console or other means (e.g. Teamkills) are strictly forbidden.

6.1.5. Planting/defusing bomb

Bomb should be planted only on places that can be reached by normal routes. Planting in the objects so the bomb cannot be visible is forbidden as defusing through objects (e.g. walls). Violation of this rule will be treated and punished as bug using.

6.1.6. Trick jumping

Trick jumps are allowed, but jumps that includes help of players, bombs or 333 fps aren’t allowed.

6.1.7. Spectators

Spectators are not allowed, exceptions can be admins or authorized person (e.g. caster).

6.1.8. Penalties

If a player or team disregards or violates one or more of the legal rules of the league, this can have various consequences depending on the severity of the offence. The ESL possesses an official catalogue of penalty points according to which points are given for each offence. If a punishment affects a player in a team match, the player and the team receive penalty points! Up to 6 penalty points per team and 6 penalty points per player may be given within a single match.

6.1.9. Choice of Server

The players must provide a server for the game themselves and come to an agreement on which server to use. If they can't every team/player has the right to play one side (map/or one half) on their server if nearly equal conditions to both teams/players are foreseeable. This right can be demanded at any time, yet under the conditions that the second map has not yet been started and the alternative server fulfills the rules of the ESL. The teams/players can of course play on a completely neutral server, if they decide to do so. A server check has to be taken before a match starts! Therefore the server IP must be available in match comments before too. Information: The difference between each teams/players average pings to the hosting team's server should be no greater than 45 ms for the team average. If the average ping is greater than 45 ms the other team can chose not to play on it and therefore the teams must agree on a more equal server to keep the match as even as possible. Important, if you can't find a solution, don't wait too long, try and contact an ESL Admin for help! The admin will then decide where the match has to be played. Admin can also define on which server the match has to be played (can be also a neutral admins server or official section server). Any later complaints after the played match, about bad ping are out of the question!

6.1.10. Server crash

If the server crashes during a match, the map will be restarted only if the crash occurred less than 1 minute after the start, or during the 1st round for round-based games. In all other cases the remaining time (rounded to the closest minute and with a minimum of 2 minutes) or rounds will be played, after which the scores will be added to determine the map win.

6.1.11. Choice of map & side

In every match you have to play two maps, one picked by each clan in the challenge form. The clan with the lower ranking on the ladder can choose which map to play first. Each clan chooses which side they start on their opponents map. If a player/team is ranked with 0 (new join) he can choose which map is played first. In the case both teams are unranked the challenging team can choose which map is played first.

6.1.12. Ping

The internet is changing continuously and the connection to a server is not always perfect. The teams/players have to agree on a server that offers both sides an equal ping (connection). Nevertheless every player should know that he sometimes has to play with a bigger ping difference. In this case we have to appeal to the fairness of the teams/players, the right to change server or fake lag does not exist.

6.1.13. Change Player

Players can be changed between the rounds. That means between the maps or between the halftime break of one map. This change may not take longer than 5 minutes! If this takes more time, you can play the match in minority and the missing player gets in later. This does not apply for the 1on1 Ladder.

6.1.14. Timeout

Should a player drop during a game (e.g. disconnected due to technical problems), it’s allowed then to do a break for a maximum of 5 min. But only once per map and team! If you need more than one timeout you have to ask before your opponent. Tactical timeouts aren't allowed!

6.1.15. End of match

Should a team have won 21 rounds (mr12 mode: 13 rounds) both parties are allowed to disconnect the server without asking the other team. The correct score to beentered is now which was reached when leaving the server. This score has to be proofed by screenshots. (Any exceptions like in group stages where you have toplay all rounds will be separate announced.)In the 1on1 ladder apply 17 won rounds.

6.1.16. Permitted match constellations

This constellations are allowed with(out) an agreement of both teams.

• 1on1 – no variance allowed
• 2on2 – no variance allowed
• 3on3 – 4on4
• 5on5 - 4on4, 5on4, 6on6

7. Penalty Point Catalouge

In general, a player and the team can receive up to 6 penalty points per match, unless a single violation has a higher punishment. A team is only punished once per violation, regardless of how many players. Where a player or team receives penalty points for multiple violations, the penalty points are added together.