1. Cup Rules

2. Match Media

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.

2.1. Screenshots

2.1.1. Score screenshot

A screenshot of the scoreboard at the end of the second half must be taken and uploaded to the match page within 24 hours.

3. Settings

The game's settings can be changed as long as they do not result in an unfair game play advantage that is comparable to a cheat.

3.1. Custom Files

Custom files are illegal.

Changing models, crosshairs, the HUD, the scoreboard or any other files is illegal and results in the match being deleted (except for custom scoreboards) and penalty points to your player and team account.

3.1.1. Graphics tools

Changing the graphic options or textures with the help of graphic card drivers or similar tools or programs is illegal.

4. Match rules

4.1. Game preparations

Please resolve any problems that might occur before the match starts. Agreements between the teams/players have to be posted as match comments.

4.1.1. Choice of server

It doesn't matter which server is used, but the European English server is the official one for ESL matches, so it has to be used unless both participants agree on using another one.
The team/player that creates the room is responsible for the settings. In case of an intentional manipulation the team/player will be held accountable. In case of team matches this means that any player on the room can be held accountable.

4.1.2. Broadcasting

A match can be broadcasted via Livestream or other means without asking the opponent, but the team who ordered the HTLV has to make an announcement via the match comments. The arrangement is up to the teams themselves.

4.1.3. Nicknames compulsory

Each player has to use a nickname that is at least very similar to the nickname he/she entered in his/her ESL player sheet. Filing a protest or writing a support ticket due to wrong nicknames is not possible. If an admin cannot do his job properly because of wrong nicknames, the players concerned will get penalty points.

4.1.4. Agreements

In case of agreements you always have to fulfil the requirements as mentioned under point 8. The following settings can be changed if both parties agree on it:

- map changes once the map has been set

- accept players of the opposing team who are barred due to "Changing teams"

- turn on balancing

Agreeing on these changes must not depend on further conditions.

4.1.5. Starting

Before the match starts both teams have to say clearly that they are ready.

4.2. Ingame

4.2.1. Number of players

Matches must be played 1on1. If either side is missing a player, the match counts as a no show.

4.2.2. Player drops

In case of a player drop the match has to continue as if nothing happened, although the other team should show sportsmanship and have one of them sit in the base to keep the match fair.

In 1on1 matches however, or if a whole team drops during a team match (or the server crashes), a protest has to be filed immediately.

4.2.3. Game Intermissions

If the match is interrupted during a map, the points that have been scored so far will be rated. The game is continued according to the following procedure:

If the drop(s) occured in the first half, two halftimes have to beplayed. If the drop(s) occured in the second half, only the first half will be rated when the match is replayed (don't forget to take a screenshot durin halftime). The points scored before the drop(s) have to be added afterwards.

4.3. Illegal Actions

Any actions that result in an unfair advantage are illegal. This includes bug using of any kind.

4.3.1. Selfkills

Selfkills are not appreciated but not illegal either. However, in Deathmatch, your deaths are the score of your opponent and have to be entered as his score on the ESL matchsheet (and vice-versa). In Touchdown selfkills don't matter.

4.3.2. Bypassing barrages and penalty points

Bypassing barrages and penalty points due to the creation of new teams is strictly forbidden. Existing penalty points / barrages will be transferred, barrages which result out of it may remain. Further sanctions for the teams and players in case of recurrence are reserved.

5. Penalty points

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.