Rules League Guidelines

Status
Not open for further replies.
majesty95

majesty95

Admin
Staff member
The number one goal of all of our leagues is for everyone to have fun and enjoy the game. In order for everyone to have fun, we need everyone to play fairly, be “sim” and treat each other with respect. Below is an outline of our league rules. Everyone must read and “like” the post before being cleared to play. You are expected to follow the rules, play sim and not “cheese”, cheat or glitch to win. If you are a lobby player who is primarily concerned about your record, this league is not for you.

SETTINGS

All-Pro
10 minute quarters
15 second run off
Sliders: TBD

The following settings are default and should not be changed or will they cause desync issues

Camera Settings: Zoom
Defensive Graphics: Full
Kick Aiming Arc: On
Camera Toggle: On

TWITCH

Everyone 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 ;)) 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.

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 this thread within the first 24 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.

Once you and your opponent have agreed on a time to play your game, the person who is assigned streaming and invite responsibilities 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 Denver Broncos - woodsmall12
Saturday, Sep. 6 at 9 PM CST
twitrch.tv/majesty95

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. When posting to schedule your game, give as much info as you can about your availability.

For example:

Hey woodsmall12 I can play FRI after 7 PM CST, SAT and SUN anytime 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 is most fair. To prevent potentially being placed on auto, make sure you are trying hard to schedule your games.

The league will typically advance every 72 hours. However, this may be modified slightly due to an early advance or a scheduling conflict such as holidays.

Early Advances

From time to time, all games in the league will finish well before the advance deadline. In this event, we will advance to the next week early. Therefor, we encourage users to try and get their games in as soon as possible so that we can keep the league moving and everyone involved.

Games vs the CPU are required to be played within 48 hours of advance. If 48 hours have passed and all user vs user games have been played, we will advance. If a CPU game has still not been played at that time, it will be simmed. So make sure to get any game vs the CPU in as quickly as possible after the advance.

PLAYBOOKS

Custom playbooks and legendary coach playbooks are NOT allowed. Also, the Philadelphia Eagles playbook is NOT allowed except by the Eagles. You may use any other team's offensive or defensive playbook. Once you select your playbook you must post it in the Playbook Selection thread. If you decide to change your playbook, you need to post the change in that thread as well.

Be sure to set your playbook up before the game starts. The easiest way to do this is go to TEAM > TEAM ROADMAP > SCHEMES > and then change your playbook there so that it automatically populates in game. You can also check your playbook before the game starts in the pre-game menu.

NOTE: If you have the wrong playbook selected once the game starts the game WILL NOT be restarted. It is your responsibility to have the correct playbook picked when you start your game.
 
Last edited:
majesty95

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 competetion 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, send a PM and include each of the members of the league's competition 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.

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.**

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 out side 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.

Trades

See the Transaction Guidelines thread.

Cap Penalties

See the Transaction Guidelines thread.

Roster Requirements

Due to issues that have popped up in regards to teams being unable to fulfill minimum roster requirements, we have added a minimum and maximum roster requirement. Each owner will be responsible for meeting the minimum requirements prior to the end of offseason free agency. Each owner will also be responsible for ensuring that they do not go over the maximums at each position.

If we need to help an owner satisfy roster requirements (or remind them that they are over) then they 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 we will handle this is, if an owner cannot meet the minimum roster requirements during any week of the season, I 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 I have an excess of picks) I will trade those picks that I 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, they 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.

Here are the minimum and maximum roster requirement:

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.

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 me or one of your league leaders and we will be happy to provide any guidance that we 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 this forum and each user will be tagged in it. You will then have 12 hours to post your waiver claims in that thread. After 12 hours has passed, we will close the claims and post the awarded players. You will then have 12 hours to sign any player that you were awarded through the game.

If you fail to sign your player prior to the advance you 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.
 
Last edited:
majesty95

majesty95

Admin
Staff member
GENERAL


OFFENSE

No Huddle

No huddle is only allowed during the last two minutes of the half, when trailing by 17 or more in the 3rd quarter or at any time in the 4th quarter when trailing.

Chew Clock

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

User Catch

User catching is not allowed. You may not change to a receiver once the pass has been thrown. The CPU must be allowed to use player attributes to determine whether a catch is made. If you perform a user catch to make a reception, you must punt the ball to your opponent on the next play. No exceptions. The offending player will also be subject to a two (2) game suspension. Multiple infractions will result in additional sanctions up to and including termination from the league.

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 only allowed on 4th and 2 or less once you cross your own 40 yard line. You may also go for it on 4th and 10 or less from between your opponents 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 or when losing in the 4th quarter (if you are trailing by 3 or less within final 3 minutes and are within reasonable field goal range, you have to kick the FG for the lead/tie).

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.

Distribution

Your #1 or #2 WR should lead your team in receptions. Although a slot guy like Welker can lead a team in real life, a #1 or #2 WR should be close behind if that is the case. We should be trying to mix up who we throw to and be sure not to exploit a certain route or player over and over.

While a TE can lead the team in receptions, generally they should not unless they are an elite TE (Jimmy Graham, Gronk, etc.) Again, your #1 and #2 WR should be your primary targets. If your TE is leading your team in receptions, your #1 or #2 WR should be right behind him.

A HB should NEVER lead your team in receptions. There may be rare cases of it in real life but, again, we want to mix things up and be sure not to exploit routes or players.

The typical yards per attempt (YPA) for a QB is around 9 or less in real life. Typically 10.5 or less is accepted in leagues as the game is not perfect. However, we should be making an attempt to throw short, underneath routes along with deeper pass plays to provide balance in our games.

Please also review the thread on Offensive Play Limits.

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

You may only control a particular player on the defensive line (this includes linebackers lined up on the D-line) once every four plays. You must make an effort to switch up who you control if you are controlling linemen and not just use the same player every snap.

Sacks

Once a player gets three (3) sacks in a game, you may no longer user control that player. If that player gets four (4) sacks, you must remove him from the game. This is to offset the poor user AI blocking and prevent users from spamming sacks unrealistically.

User Catch

Just like on offense, user catching is not allowed. Once the ball is in the air, you may not switch to a defender and attempt to catch or break up the pass. The CPU must be allowed to determine whether there is a catch using player attributes. If you perform a user catch to intercept a pass you must punt the ball to your opponent on the next play. No exceptions. The offending player is also subject to a two (2) game suspension. Multiple infractions will lead to additional sanctions up to and including termination from the league.

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. Yes, you can be a base Cover 2 or Cover 3 defense, but you should mix in man-to-man, other 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 personnel of your opponent on the vast majority of plays. That means if your opponent comes out in 3 WR, you should usually be in some type of Nickel (although plays a base 4-3 or 3-4 can be realistic sometimes as well). 4 WR should generally be some type of Dime or occasionally Quarter. However, regularly coming out in Big Dime or Nickel vs 1-2 WR sets or using Quarter 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.

You can see our State of the Union - Season 3 thread for more details.

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.
 
Last edited:
majesty95

majesty95

Admin
Staff member
UPDATE: Custom playbooks are no longer allowed. The Philadelphia Eagles playbook is also not allowed unless used by the Eagles. Legendary coach playbooks are no longer allowed either. This was done to force teams to mix up their plays more and use realistic NFL offenses. Please make any necessary changes immediately. Failure to do so could lead to sanctions including the loss of a key player(s) for up to two weeks.
 
Last edited:
majesty95

majesty95

Admin
Staff member
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top