VCL Official Rules
Updated: 10/07/2024
ATTENTION
IT IS MANDATORY FOR ALL MANAGERS TO READ AND ACKNOWLEDGE THESE RULES BEFORE THE SEASON BEGINS. ACCEPTING THE ROLE OF A MANAGER IMPLIES AGREEMENT TO ABIDE BY THESE RULES.
General Rules
- Accounts: All usernames must match the website (e.g., PSN ID or Xbox Gamertag). Any mismatched username will be considered ineligible, leading to a forfeit.
- Team Size: Minimum 8 players. Goalkeeper is optional except during playoffs, where it is mandatory. Non-compliance results in a default 1-0 loss.
- Lineup Players: Must be properly contracted to the correct team, or a default loss will be issued.
- Match Quitting: Allowed if within 10 in-game minutes, no goals are scored, or for a valid reason (e.g., lag). Video evidence may be required.
- Streaming: Mandatory for at least one player (in-game captain). Failure to provide upon request results in a default loss.
- Squad Limit: Maximum 18 players, except Premium teams (22 players limit).
- Time Between Matches: Minimum 30-minute gap. Contact admins if the schedule doesn’t permit this.
- Red Cards: Applies for both regular season and playoffs. A player who receives a red card cannot play the next match.
- Free Agents: Can join any time if roster space is available. Transfer window restrictions apply.
League System
- Divisions: Each division has 24 teams (number may vary), split into North and South groups for D1 and D2.
- Playoffs:
- Premier: 6 teams advance.
- Championship: 8 teams advance.
- Group winners face each other for the final title.
- Team Replacement: Replacement allowed mid-season but not after the halfway point. Points and results remain intact.
Premium Membership
- Definition: A team is considered Premium if at least 2 players/managers hold Premium memberships.
- Player Contracts: Only Premium managers/assistant managers can release players.
- Grace Time: 5 extra minutes for Premium teams without needing to request it.
- Roster Limit: 22 players.
Manager Responsibilities
- Contract Duration: Minimum 1-season contract. Early termination results in a management ban and a 1-season player ban.
- Match Results: Must be submitted by 2 pm EST the next day. Failure results in a 2-match suspension for the manager.
- Roster Submission: Exact usernames must be provided; failure results in an ineligible player.
Match Statistics
- Submission Deadline: 2:00 pm EST the following day.
- Penalty: Failure to report results results in a 1-0 forfeit, but player stats count.
- Reporting Errors: Must be corrected immediately. Failure results in a 4-match suspension.
Lateness
- Grace Period: 5 minutes for regular teams. Premium teams have 5 + 5 minutes of grace time.
- Communication: Opposition manager must be contacted at least 5 minutes before kickoff. First offense = warning; second = default loss.
Defaults
- Issuance: Only admins can issue defaults. Video evidence is required.
- Score: Defaults recorded as 1-0.
Cheating & Fair Play
- Cheating: Strictly prohibited. Penalties and bans for persistent offenders.
- Fair Play: Discrimination or harassment will result in bans.
Ban Lengths
- Folding a Team: 1 full season ban (2 months) and permanent management ban.
- Behavior Issues: Discussed on a case-by-case basis.
- Racism/Harassment/Discrimination: Permanent ban.
- Multiple Accounts: First offense = 1 season ban; second offense = permanent ban.
Entry Fee
- Fee: $75 per team (D1 and D2). Non-refundable.
PC Player Rule
- Platforms Allowed: PlayStation and Xbox only. Teams using PC players will forfeit, and repeated offenses will lead to further action.
Other Rules
- Admin Discretion: For situations not listed, admins have final decision rights.
- Rule Changes: Rules may change based on admin decisions.
- Fairness: Admin team includes neutral parties for unbiased decisions.
- Final Decisions: Admin decisions are final. Arguing may lead to defaults, bans, or stat wipes.
If you have any questions or need clarification, please open a support ticket in our Discord channel under VCL MGMT > PS5 Admin Support.
