League Rules and Guidelines

majesty95

Admin
Staff member
XBOX ONE MADDEN LEAGUE RULES AND GUIDELINES

These rules and guidelines are based off of the site-wide Madden league rules posted in the general Madden league forum. Changes may be made as the seasons progress to ensure a fair and balanced playing field for all. In the event that a change is made, all members will be notified and any amendments will be clearly outlined.

All members of the Xbox One Madden League are required to read and know these rules. A PDF copy of the rules and guidelines is attached for easy offline review. If you choose to print a copy of the rules, it is your responsibility to add or amend your printed copy with any changes made by league management.

Once you have read over the rules and guidelines, please reply to this thread with some version of "Read and Agree" acknowledging you have read, understand and agree to abide by the rules laid out in this thread. If you have any questions, comments or concerns about the league rules and guidelines, please contact the league commissioner. To keep the thread clean and easy to navigate, any comments other than an acknowledgement and agreement to the terms will be deleted.

LEAGUE LEADRSHIP

League President/ Commissioner: majesty95

All issues or questions related to the league, its rules and its processes should be directed to the league commissioner. If a resolution cannot be found with the league commissioner, then please escalate it to the League President. Everyone should attempt, however, to resolve any issues or questions first with the league commissioner. You can reach them by clicking their name and selecting "Start A Conversation".

Trade Committee: majesty95, 5StarTA, kha0tikdreamz, Walrussmuglr

Trades within the league must be approved by the trade committee. Four (4) approvals are needed to process a trade. If one trade committee member is involved in a trade, three (3) votes are needed. If two trade committee members are involved, two (2) votes are needed. Once approved by the committee, trades may be processed in the game.

CODE OF CONDUCT

All members of PX1 Sports leagues are expected to conduct themselves as mature adults. PX1 should be a place to meet new friends and have fun. Users are expected to play realistic simulation football and treat other members with integrity and respect. We expect all members to be open to feedback and improving their sim game.

Members who are caught cheating, team killing, who display a win at all costs attitude, use excessive profanity, use racial slurs or remarks, berate or verbally abuse other members or otherwise display a negative or aggressive attitude towards members or site staff will be removed from the league and face a permanent ban from the site.

All members should keep in mind that being competitive and having fun can go hand-in-hand. We don’t want to be babysitters but we also do not want to create a negative environment for our members. Treat others as you would hope they would treat you and everyone’s experience will benefit because of it.

LEAGUE SETTINGS

All-Pro
10 minute quarters
15 second run off
Injuries: ON
Fatigue: ON
Game Speed: Normal
Sliders: Custom

USER TEAMS

All Madden leagues will be capped at 24 human owners (3 users in each division). This allows users to get a break from having to schedule with a human opponent every week. We’ve also found that tensions run a little lower without a user game every week and 32 different personalities trying to interact on the forum, in group chats, etc.

TWITCH

Each member needs to have a Twitch account to be able to stream games and chat with league members during games (you do not need to chat when you are playing however.) If you do not have a Twitch account, you can sign up for a free account here.

Once you have signed up, make sure to go into your settings (wrench icon), go to "Channel & Videos" and click the box next to "automatically archive my broadcasts." This is required and allows us to go back and watch games and pull the video for league related shows if need be.

TEAM SELECTION

A team selection thread will be posted and each member will post their Top 5 team choices. At some point before release, league management will assign teams based upon the Top 5 lists submitted by members while also keeping the divisions and conferences balanced.

CREATING AN OWNER

Each user should create a new owner when joining the league. Please use your forum username in your owner’s last name to easily identify them. Ex. Caesar Pack

PLAYBOOKS/SCHEMES

Only actual team playbooks are allowed. No custom playbooks or generic playbooks. Each owner will be required to post their scheme and playbook prior to each season and will have to stick to that scheme and playbook for the entire season. This is to simulate having to hire coordinators and living with that decision for at least one season as a real life head coach would.

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Here is a printable PDF file of the entire Madden rule book. Amendments or changes to the league rules and guidelines are the responsibility of the user to add or change on their copy.
 

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majesty95

Admin
Staff member
ADVANCE SCHEDULE

All Madden leagues on PX1 will have a hard advance of every 48 hours. Early advances may occur after 24 hours have passed since the last advance if all user vs user games have been played and there is not a USER vs CPU game scheduled in the scheduling thread.

SCHEDULING

Each week, we will post a scheduling thread for that week's games in the league's Scheduling sub-forum. We will tag each member so that it will alert you to the scheduling thread being posted. We will also assign a user from each game who will be responsible for streaming the game and sending the game invite. (NOTE: Each member must post in the scheduling thread within the first 12 hours after advance or be subject to being put on auto and having your opponent play the CPU.)

While we prefer that you use the scheduling thread to schedule your games, you may also use text (if your opponent requests), PM, PSN and Group Me to schedule your games as well. Keep in mind, however, that proof will need to be provided if a scheduling dispute arises. Posting in the scheduling thread is the easiest way to avoid those disputes.

How to Schedule

Please give as much information as possible about your availability when posting in the scheduling thread. Simply posting "when can you play?" does not help your opponent nor does it help get the game scheduled quickly.

Example:

Hey pack1797 I can play FRI after 7 PM CST, SAT and SUN any time after 3 PM CST.

If your opponent has already posted this info for you when you sign on, select a time from their availability and schedule the game. For example, using the availability above, you may be able to play FRI night at 10 PM CST.

Reply to your opponents post and say something like
"hey, I can play FRI at 10 PM CST. Does that still work for you? If not, I am also available from 10 AM to 2 PM CST on SAT and all day SUN. Let me know what works best."

Your opponent should then confirm the time you proposed or pick a new time from your listed availability. Follow this process until you can agree on a time to play.

Scheduling Disputes

Each member should check the forum regularly and be diligent in trying to schedule their games. If both members have been trying to schedule their game but have not been able to agree on a time, the game will simply be simmed. This happens from time to time and users should be accommodating to the league when this happens. In the event that one user has been making an effort to schedule and their opponent has not been, the opponent may be put on auto so that the active user can play the CPU. League leadership will use their discretion in putting players on auto and do what they feel is most fair. To prevent potentially being placed on auto, make sure you are making every attempt to schedule your games.

Confirming Games

Once you and your opponent have agreed on a time to play your game, one person must post the teams involved, the time and date of the game being played and the Twitch channel that it will be broadcast on in the weekly scheduling thread. This is so that we know the game has been scheduled and so that other league members know when it is being played in case they would like to watch the game.

Here is an example of how to post your game when it has been scheduled:

Minnesota Vikings - majesty95 vs Green Bay Packers - pack1797
Saturday, Sep. 6 at 9 PM CST
twitch.tv/majesty95

PLAYER RANKINGS

All Madden league game results on PX1 Sports will be entered on the PX1 Player Rankings. When the game is complete, the winning team should go to the Rankings page on the forum and click “Submit Game Result”. Then enter the system the game was played on (Xbox One), your opponent’s forum username, the game played (Madden NFL 16), game result (you won, lost or the game disconnected), your score, your opponent’s score and your rating of your opponent’s gameplay.

Rating Guidelines

Game exploits are defined as any play, movement or tactic used to exploit the game’s programming or AI, whether intentional or unintentional. This includes but is not limited to money plays, abuse of certain pass routes, manually moving player’s to create blocking glitches, abusing penalty logic, making unnatural movements with your players, excessive scrambling, etc.

Here are the guidelines members should use when rating their opponent’s gameplay:
  • 5 stars – Opponent played great sim football and adhered to all rules and guidelines. One or two minor infractions could be allowed.
  • 4 stars – Opponent played mostly a sim football game. Minor infractions may have been made. Possibly one known cheat or exploit used, most likely unintentionally.
  • 3 stars – Opponent played sim football principles but made minor infractions and used a few game exploits. A three-star rating generally indicates a player who wants to play sim but may have some bad habits or may be unknowingly using game exploits.
  • 2 stars – Opponent made some attempt to play sim football but was heavily reliant on game exploits and broke several rules or guidelines.
  • 1 star – Opponent does not have an understanding of sim principles. Mostly game exploits were used and many rules or guidelines were broken.

Suspension/Probation

Any member who receives three (3) ratings of 3-stars or less from three different opponents will be placed on probation. Any further ratings of 3-stars or less (from new or repeat opponents) will be subject to league review. If a player who is on suspension receives a rating of 3-stars or less, league leadership will review the game and make a determination as to whether they feel the 3-star rating was justified. If league leadership determines that the rating was unjust (meaning they feel the member’s play was a 4-star level or better) that user will stay on probation. If league leadership determines that the 3-star or less rating was justified then the offending player is subject to one of the following actions:
  • User is removed from the league but allowed to play in other non-premium leagues (including Madden).
  • User is removed from the league and prohibited from playing in any other Madden leagues or premium tier leagues.
  • User is removed from the league and banned from all PX1 Sports leagues.

League leadership will take into account an owner’s history, willingness to learn and adapt to sim principles and contribution to the PX1 Sports community when deciding which sanctions to impose. However, four verified ratings of 3-stars or less is automatic removal from the league, regardless of stature within the community.
 
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majesty95

Admin
Staff member
SIM PLAY GUIDELINES

The sim play guidelines lay out the basic rules for simulation football gameplay. While it is not an all-encompassing list, members should use it to guide their gameplay and in rating the gameplay of their opponents.

OFFENSE

No Huddle

Beginning with Madden 16, we will allow users to use the no huddle offense outside of traditional 2-minute warning a trailing late in game situations. However, running no huddle after out of bounds play and incomplete passes is not allowed.

Each team will be required to post their scheme, playbook and no huddle preference (low, medium, high) in a designated thread in their league forum. Teams running high or medium no huddle offenses will be limited to playbooks which would realistically be used to run the no huddle more than typical 2-minute warning and late game situations. Teams who run traditional run based offenses will only be allowed to use “low” no huddle instances as it would not be realistic to see teams running no huddle from I-Form or other pro style formations.

Low – Traditional pro-style offense. May occasionally use no huddle to catch an opponent in a bad defense or on an occasional series to try and spark the defense. These teams would typically run the no huddle about 30% of the time or less. Ex. Baltimore Ravens.

Medium – These teams use primarily singleback and shotgun formations and may run the no huddle 40-50% of the time. Examples of teams who fit this type of play style are Green Bay, Indianapolis and Denver.

High – This type of team is basically limited to the Philadelphia Eagles in today’s NFL. They run the no huddle on every play that is not an out of bounds play, incomplete pass or late-game, clock killing situation. Teams outside of the Eagles can run this type of offense subject to using one of the pre-defined playbooks which would likely be used for that style of offense in real life. See your league forum for details.

Chew Clock

You can use the "chew clock" feature when leading in the last three minutes of the 4th quarter or the final minute of the first half. We only play 10 minute quarters so we should be trying to pick plays in a timely manner otherwise.

Play-Action

On 3rd and 4th down, play-action is only allowed when facing five (5) yards or less for a 1st down.

4th Down

Going for it on 4th down is allowed under the following scenarios:
  • 4th and 2 or less once you cross your own 40 yard line or
  • 4th and 10 or less from between your opponent’s 30-45 yard lines.
4th down rules do not apply if it is the last play of the first half, when trailing by 17 or more in the 3rd quarter or when losing in the 4th quarter.

Mix It Up

You should attempt to mix up your play as much as possible. You should not rely on specific plays or formations over and over. A real life coach has to mix up his offensive sets and play calls and you should too. Relying on a go to play every third down or using the same routes or plays repeatedly is not considered "sim" and should be avoided. Mix up your plays and try to be as diverse as possible.

Typical Pass Route Distribution

These are real life NFL averages based on completed passes. Individual games may fluctuate slightly. However, most game should fall within these basic guidelines. Users who fluctuate significantly from these averages risk receiving a low gameplay rating from your opponent. Multiple low scores will result in sanctions up to and including removal from the league.
  • Quick Outs/Flats: 2-3 per game
  • Deep Outs: 2-4 per game
  • Ins: 2-3 per game
  • Slants/Drags/Crossers: 4-6 per game
  • Curls/Hitches: 2-5 per game
  • Comebacks: 0-2 per game
  • Corner Routes: 0-2 per game
  • Post Routes: 1-3 per game
  • Go/Fly/Streaks: 1-3 per game
These numbers are based on an average of up to 30 completions per game. Most Madden games should fall below that range. Again, this is not a hard and fast rule but a general guideline users should try to stay within.

Distribution

While exploiting bad matchups is part of the game and allowed, it should not be abused in game. Madden does not allow users to set which cornerback is covering which receiver like a real life coach could. So users should not look to exploit that AI deficiency over and over. A good sim user can and should spread the ball around and attack numerous parts of a defense. Likewise, users should not be using a #1 wide receiver in the slot over and over. The goal of sim is to exploit realistic mismatches and your opponent’s weakness, not abuse flaws in the game’s programming.

While we do not have set rules on throwing to the tight end and running back, if there turns out to be an issues where this is exploitable, we reserve the right to amend that and set limitations. The goal is to simulate real life. If you can justify it with a real world example and prove it is not exploiting the AI, then you are fine. If not, you may just be good at attacking holes in the game’s programming and not your opponent’s defensive scheme.

DEFENSE

Alignment

You are only allowed to move one (1) player prior to the snap. You must then control that player through the snap. You may change off of that player once the ball is in play.

You are not allowed to manually move a safety of cornerback inside of the deepest or furthest outside linebacker. You are also not allowed to manually line a LB up on the line of scrimmage to prevent blocking glitches. Any designed movements made by the game because of the play call or “show blitz” are allowed.

Defensive Line Play

Beginning with Madden 16 we will allow users to use any player on the defensive line at any time. We do encourage users to learn how to play with a linebacker or safety but that is no longer required as defensive line play is more balanced this year.

Mix It Up

Much like on offense, you are expected to mix up your defensive play calls. In real life, a coach has to mix up his defensive sets and play calls to confuse the offense. You should try to do the same. You can be a base Cover 2 or Cover 3 defense, but you should mix in man-to-man, zone coverages and blitzes to keep the offense guessing. Relying on the same play on every third down or using the same formation over and over is not considered "sim" and should be avoided. Mix up your plays and try to be as diverse as possible in your play calling.

Matching Personnel

While there are occasional exceptions, you should try to match the personnel of your opponent on the vast majority of plays. That means if your opponent comes out with 3 WR, you should usually be in some type of Nickel (although playing a base 4-3 or 3-4 can be realistic sometimes as well). 4 WR should generally be some type of Nickel or Dime or occasionally Quarter. However, regularly coming out in Dime or Nickel (or Big Dime or Big Nickel) vs 1-2 WR sets or using Quarters for anything more than 4 WR sets and long 3rd downs/hail marys should be avoided. Those are not realistic defensive sets to stop the run and should not be used in such a way.

SPECIAL TEAMS

You are not allowed to move any player at any time prior to the snap. You are also not allowed to move any player other than your kick/punt returner on returns.
  • You are allowed to attempt one (1) fake punt or fake field goal per game.
  • Onside kicks are only allowed in the 4th quarter when trailing.
  • Squib kicks are only allowed in the final minute of each half.
 
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majesty95

Admin
Staff member
ROSTER

Depth Chart

Each owner is responsible for setting their team's depth chart before each game. Pausing the game to set your depth chart in the first half will not be allowed except in the event of an injury.

Owners must adhere to the following guidelines for setting their depth chart:
  • FB > HB = A fullback may be inserted as a halfback at any time.
  • FB > TE = A fullback may be inserted as a tight end at any time.
  • TE > FB = A tight end may be inserted as a fullback at any time.
  • OL > OL = All offensive line positions are considered interchangeable.
  • DL > DL = All defensive line positions are considered interchangeable.
  • LB > LB = All linebacker positions are considered interchangeable.
  • OLB > DE = Allowed at any time.
  • DE > OLB = Allowed at any time.
  • DB > DB = All defensive back positions are considered interchangeable.

Depth chart changes outside of what is listed above will not be permitted.

Formation subs outside of what is listed above are only allowed if utilizing the pre-packaged formation subs in the play call screen.

Sanctions

Owners who violate the depth chart rules are subject to the following sanctions:
  • 1st Offense: Warning
  • 2nd Offense: 2-game suspension
  • 3rd Offense: Removal from the league.
TRADES

Trade Submission

Trade rules have been established to ensure a competitive, yet realistic environment. Each trade must be approved by the league’s Trade Committee. To submit a trade, create a thread in your league’s Transactions sub-forum. Tag each member of the trade committee (put an @ before their username) and include the following info:

Team A - @username ($-- cap space, $-- cap penalty)
Player A, POS Age, OVR, Remaining years on contract, remaining salary, cap penalty

Team B - @username ($-- cap space, $-- cap penalty)
Player B, POS Age, OVR, Remaining years on contract, remaining salary, cap penalty
Draft Pick (Year, Round, Overall)

Trade Rules
  • Each team is allowed to make up to three (3) trades per season (not including draft pick for draft pick trades).
  • Teams may only trade one (1) player with an overall of 90 or more per season.
  • Teams may only acquire one (1) player rated 90 overall or better each season.
  • Teams may only trade up to three (3) players rated 80 overall or better (trading a player 90 overall or better is included in the three player limit) per season.
  • Teams may only acquire three (3) players with a rating of 80 overall or better per season.
  • Teams may only trade a maximum of five (5) players per season.
  • Teams may only acquire a maximum of five (5) players per season.
***New owners are only allowed a maximum of two (2) trades in their first season and a maximum of three (3) players traded or acquired.

CPU Trading

Trading with the CPU is NOT allowed.

Draft Pick Trading

Trades of draft picks are unlimited. All trades of draft picks must adhere to the Draft Value Chart and be posted in the Trades thread.

Cap Penalties

New owners are allowed a maximum of $6M in cap penalties for their first season. Returning owners (owner who have completed at least one season) are allowed a maximum of $8M in cap penalties per season.

Violating the max cap penalty will carry the following sanctions:

· 1st Offense: 1-game suspension
· 2nd Offense: 2-game suspension
· 3rd Offense: Removal from league

ROSTER REQUIREMENTS

Each owner will be responsible for meeting team minimum roster requirements and maintaining a balanced roster by position. The roster requirements are as follows:

POS Min/Max

QB 2/3
HB 3/4
FB 0/2
WR 4/7
TE 2/4
OL 8/11
DL 6/9
LB 5/8
CB 4/7
S 3/5

All teams must carry a minimum of 46 players.

If league leadership needs to help an owner satisfy roster requirements (or remind them that they are over) then the user will forfeit draft picks for us doing so. Here will be the draft pick penalties:
  • One player = 7th round draft pick
  • Two players = 6th round draft pick
  • Three players = 5th round draft pick
  • Four players = 5th, 6th and 7th round draft picks
  • Five or more players = 5th, 6th and 7th round picks and being set to auto pilot for next four regular season games.
The way this is handled is, if an owner cannot meet the minimum roster requirements during any week of the season, league leadership will trade them a lowly rated (under 65 OVR if possible) player(s) at the position(s) they need in exchange for the draft compensation listed above. Prior to the draft (or earlier if they have an excess of picks) league leadership will trade those picks that they acquired in these deals (for a scrub player) to one or more losing CPU teams to help them fill out their rosters and remain competitive.

In the event that an owner goes over the maximum number of players and it is pointed out by league leadership or prevents a game from being played, the offending user will trade their pick along with one of the players they want to cut at the position that is over for a scrub (65 OVR or lower if possible) player at another position. They will then release that player (causing a draft pick sanction and cutting of a player to satisfy roster requirements).

These requirements should help teams remain balanced and realistic in the way that they manage their rosters. It will be the responsibility of each owner to make sure that you meet and do not exceed these requirements. If you are having trouble with available funds, please see our video on How to Make Money in Madden. Also, feel free to PM one of your league leaders and they will be happy to provide any guidance that they can.

FREE AGENTS

All offseason free agents will be signed using the in game system. Once the preseason starts, there will be a waiver process used to sign existing free agents. Once the waiver process is over, free agents may be signed per the rules laid out in that week's free agency thread.

WAIVERS

During weeks one and two of the preseason (possibly more), we will utilize a waiver system to assign remaining free agents to prospective teams. A waiver thread will be posted in the league forum and each user will be tagged in it. Each owner will then have 12 hours to post their waiver claims in that thread. After 12 hours has passed, league leadership will close the claims and post the awarded players. Owners will then have 12 hours to sign any player that they were awarded through the game.

If an owner fails to sign their player prior to the advance they lose the right to them. Once the top level players have been awarded through waivers, we will return to a first-come, first-served process of signing free agents per the rules of that week's free agency thread (typically one player per week).
 
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majesty95

Admin
Staff member
TEAM MANAGEMENT

We want users to have fun even with less than stellar teams. Because of that, you are encouraged to upgrade your stadium or look into building a new stadium. We will also allow users (potentially) to relocate. However, there will be some guidelines. Below are the processes for upgrading, building and relocating:

Stadium Upgrades

Owners may apply upgrades to their stadium at any time.

Building a new stadium

Building a new stadium will require the approval of the league's leadership and trade committee. Generally, we will want to see a realistic reason for needing a new stadium and proof that the new stadium is financially feasible (you are responsible for your team's finances. No bailouts here). To request approval for a new stadium, post a thread and tag each of the members of the league's leadership and trade committee. Include the following:

Available Funds:
Age of current stadium:
Rating:
Happiness:

You will also need to make your case for why this is a feasible option for your team. The restrictions will not be as tight as for those wanting to relocate, but we also want to make sure you are preparing your team for long-term success. Make your case as clearly and as concisely as possible.

NOTE: First-year owners will not be able to build a stadium during season one.

Team relocation

Relocation of a team requires approval by ¾ of the league owners. Owners interested in relocating their team must create a thread (with a poll) and include the following:

Current Team:
Fan Happiness:
Team Success Rank:
Team Popularity:
Market Size:
Available Funds:
Age of current stadium:
Rating:
Happiness:
Relocation market size:
Relocation personality:
Relocation fan interest:

You must also plead your case as to why your team should be allowed to move. Remember, you are selling this to the other owners. Most owners are going to be traditionalists and not want to see a team relocate. You will need to present a compelling argument for your case if you expect to receive approval.

**Owners must be approved to build a new stadium or relocate before initiating the process in game. Failure to do so will result in a penalty up to and including termination from the league.**

NOTE: First-year owners are not allowed to relocate your team. Relocation may only be done by established league veterans. This protects a franchise from being moved and abandoned.
 
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