ACL Official Rules
Updated: 10/1/2024
ACL Administration Team
- Head Admins: Z, Freddie Flintstone, DeToX, Ivan Delgado, Jo’ Di Dadz
- League Staff: Henry Baires, Szliard, Ramani, Odi
PC BANNED
Roster Size & Minimum Players
Each club in Division 1, 2, and 3 can have a maximum of 20 players on their roster (excluding premium clubs). The minimum number of players required for a match is 8, but a full 11 players is preferred.
- Dual Roster Restrictions: Players cannot be on both an East and West team simultaneously.
- Violation: Clubs that exceed roster limits or fall below match minimums are subject to forfeit. The manager may face suspension if caught with an ineligible roster.
Match Connection & Timing Rules
Scheduled Match Days:
- Tuesdays & Thursdays
- Eastern Division: 9:30 PM EST
- Western Division: 9:30 PM PST
All matches must start on time. There is no grace period, except for premium clubs, unless an admin grants an exception.
- Forfeit Claims: Clubs must provide video proof of a match invitation to be eligible for a forfeit.
- Reasonable Effort: Both teams are expected to make every attempt to play the match.
Backout Rules
- Clubs may quit within the first 10 minutes of a match without justification.
- Substitution Restrictions: Human player substitutions are not allowed within the backout period.
- Automatic Loss: Quitting after 10 minutes results in an automatic loss.
- Goal Validation: Goals scored within the 10-minute backout period may be invalidated by the admins if interference or glitches are reported.
Gameplay Rules
- GK/Defender Interference: Intentional interference with goalkeepers or defenders is prohibited. Goals resulting from interference will be disallowed.
- Red Cards: Players receiving a red card in the first match cannot play the second match.
- Ineligible Players: Matches with ineligible players will be forfeited. Players must use the correct gamertag as listed on the VirtuaLeagues website.
- Hacking: Use of any third-party programs will result in a permanent ban.
- “Any” Position: “Any” position is mandatory unless a full team is present. Quitting as an “Any” player after the 10-minute mark results in a forfeit loss.
League Rules
- Streaming: All matches must be streamed at least 5 minutes before kickoff. Managers who fail to stream will be suspended.
- Scoring:
- 3 points for a win
- 1 point for a draw
- 0 points for a loss
Tiebreakers:
- Goal Difference
- Total Head-to-Head Score
- Total Goals Scored
- Away Goals Scored
- Coin Flip
- Transfers & Free Agents: Free agents can be signed anytime except during playoffs. Transfers must be made during the designated transfer window.
- Stats Submission: All match stats must be submitted by 4:00 PM EST/PST the day after the match. Failure results in manager suspension.
Admin Rulings
- Slander & Abuse: Any abusive language towards admins or other teams will result in suspensions or team removal.
- Harassment: Racist, bullying, or derogatory comments are strictly prohibited. Offending players will face a minimum of a 4-match suspension.
Managers, Clubs & Players
- Managers: Must be listed on the VirtuaLeagues website. Club handoffs must be approved by admins.
- Clubs: Clubs must have non-offensive names for their stadiums. Clubs forfeiting more than 3 matches will be relegated.
- Players: Players may not have multiple accounts. Violations result in suspension.
Playoff Rules
The top 8 teams from Divisions 1, 2, and 3 (East & West) qualify for playoffs. All playoff matches are Home & Away.
- No Rescheduling unless approved by admins.
- Global Score applies to determine the series winner.
- Third Match: If both matches end in a draw, a third tiebreaker match will be played.
Promotion & Relegation System
- Division 1: Bottom 2 teams are relegated to Division 2. 3rd from last plays a play-in match.
- Division 2: Top 2 teams promote to Division 1.
- Division 3: Top 2 teams promote to Division 2.
These rules are put in place to ensure fair play and maintain the competitive integrity of the league. For any questions or clarifications, please reach out to the ACL Administration team.