SPNHL RULE BOOK
Section A (PLAYER)
Section B (GENERAL MANAGER)
Section C (Game Rules)
Section D (GENERAL Policies)
Section E (Trade block/Transactions)
SECTION (A) Player Rules

1.0 Registration Rules

A) All players are only permitted to register 1 player name during the Season Registration.
 
B) The Player may only play with the name Registered. Exceptions can be made with proof of PSN banning.
 
C) All Players Must Report their more Recognized NHL series name while registering.  Failing to Register correctly will result in suspensions. A life ban will be issued if found hiding your main account to avoid a league salary or team assignment.
 
D) Refused positions can not be played regardless of if you change your mind.  Ref positions may be removed or altered while on FA.  ECU’s and GMs are able to ignore this requirement.  If caught using a refused pos, your team will be issued a Forfeit.
E) Rookies will be required to play min 1 game in the rookie showcase to be eligible for the draft.  Failure will have them placed on the FA list as an ECU only player.  These players may participate in regular season games as emergency call ups.
F) ECU only players may play 5 separate days for a single team or fill in 1 time for 3 different teams to be transferred from the ECU only list to the eligible FA list.  These players when converting will be unable to have refused positions.
G) Signing up for a friend will result in your registration and your friends registration being removed.
H) Registrations will not accepted beyond registration closure.  Exceptions made based on a case by case need. (I.E depleted FA)

2.0 Player Rules

A) All players must play for the team they are drafted to.  There is no exceptions, quitting will result in a life ban.

B) Players risk a 2 day suspension if found guilty of game sabotage followed by a life ban if caught a second time.
C) Players are to be respectful to all players within this league. This includes all manor of interaction.  Failure to respect your peers will result in a warning followed by a 1 day suspension.
D) Players are required to post their availability weekly.  The area to post will be found on their team page.  Failing to Post will make you INELIGIBLE for scheduling.  You will be issued a warning at the end of the week if you have failed to post.  Failing a second week will result in a life ban.  Sending the GM a message does not count as posting.
 
E) Players are responsible for checking the schedule.  Missing games due to not knowing what times you are scheduled for will not be acceptable excuse.
 
F) Players are to play games they are scheduled for.  Players must let the GM know if they can not make a game 24 hours prior to the game. Failing to provide notice will have your game played count.  You will not be given a new game to make up for it.  It will be applied to your 3 a week.
 
G) Players are required to play minimum 3 games a week.   If you cannot meet a 3 game minimum then we feel you do not have time to play in this league.  You will be issued a Warning for first offense.  A single day suspension for a second offense. Finally a life ban for a third time.
 
H) Quitting out of a game will result in a 1 day suspension for a first offense, 2 days for second time 1 week for a third.  Providing a screenshot of your dc will protect you from a suspension.  DC due to power outage will unfortunately still result in a suspension (sorry).
I) If a player is caught quitting or Disconnecting from a game to play in another league, they will be issued a 6 game suspension.  A second time will result in a life ban.

2.2 Conflict Resolution

A) Any problems with your team must be first addressed to team management & Not in the general population ( i.e Chat box, Forums, Etc ). All issues must be handled maturely, any player who attempts to harass their team or GM over an issue will be handed a suspension regardless of who is right or wrong.  This will also apply to the GMs.  If issues are not resolved a meeting between the player, team management and league official will be set to work through the issues.
 
B) When you are traded, you will be required to play for your new team.  During trade talks there is a chance of info on you being traded leaked,  if this happens you are required to continue your efforts 100% for the team you are on.  Causing issues could lead to suspensions or bans.
 
C) All players are to play where they are told to play.  If you wish to play your registered position you may place a formal request to your team.  This will give you 50% of your games at the position you registered for.  You must make the request first to your GM, if this is not dealt with by them you are to send a request to the league.

2.3 Trade Requests

A) Requesting a trade is permitted however demanding trades from your club will not be acceptable behavior.  Refusing to play, playing under your normal ability, purposely taking penalties or lowering your normal availability will be treated as a trade demand.  suspensions, weekly minimum reductions or life bans are a potential punishment based on the desires of the GM.

3.0 Scheduling

A)  Players are able to play 2 games more then their registered games per week. additional games is permissible if risk of forfeit.  Alternatively players may also play 2 games under their registered availability without risk of punishment.
 
B) If a Player reduces their availability by more then 2 games of the registered number that player will be forced to complete the season with the latest claimed availability if traded or released.
 

4.0 Disciplinary

A)  When requested failure to curb the behavior or the escalation of an issue may result in suspensions or Life Banning.
 
B) Sabotage of your team and/or its games will result in suspensions and/or bans.
 
C) quitting on your team mid-season will result in a life ban
D) using or abusing game glitches that are clearly not a desired effect by the game designer will result in suspensions.
 
E) All disciplinary actions can be Appealed.  Contact the an Admin to set up a meeting.  All meetings, disciplinary or otherwise will be held with all involved parties.

4.1 Punishments

1. Chat bans, 1 game day
2. Glitching/cheating, 2 game days
3. Quitting Games 1 game day
4. Harassment, 1 game day, additional days added as needed
5. Sabotage of a game.  Anyone suspected of laying on the ice, taking obvious penalties or anything else that is an attempt or the direct cause of you’re team losing the game will be investigated with a possible suspension of 2 game days.
6. Quitting league, Life Ban.
7. Failing to report in for an entire week, Warning, then a Life ban
8. Repeat offenders, all people who repeatedly abuse the rules will have their punishments increase by 2x.  for example, if you served a day suspension already, you will automatically have 2 days suspension min no matter what infraction.
9. infractions will remain on the players record for an entire season.  Only at the end of the season will an infraction be removed.  just one infraction per season if a player has more then one.
10. Hiding you’re SPNHL identity will result in a Life ban.  hiding your non SPNHL identity will result in 1 week suspension.  (SPNHL identity is a name used in our league in the past)
11. Quitting or getting banned at any point during the season up to and including the playoffs will cause you to be ineligible for any trophies for that season.
12. Quitting a game to play in another league will result in a 6 game Suspension.  Second time will be a life ban.
13. Offering a bribe (anything other then a pick or a player) to be signed, traded to, or to acquire another player will result in a 9 game suspension.
14. Players who go to another team and requests to be traded for will result in a 6 game suspension.
 

4.2 Forfeits

A) Forfeits are costly.  The season is 5 weeks long.  Weeks 1-4 forfeits will cost your team 1 point on the standings while week 5 (Final week in longer seasons) will cost you 2.
 
B) The following are Punished with a forfeit.
– Failing to show for the match with 6 players.
– Failing to have a disconnected player return when requested.
– Failing to have a dropped Goalie return to game.
– Illegal players being used -Fake account.
– Illegal use of players in refused position.
-Abusing game faulty mechanics or using unintentional game flaws to cheat.
 
C) Points removed will be added back to the teams after playoff match ups have been decided.  the teams who forfeit will not gain rank but will have their correct position on the waiver order restored.  There will not be the chance to forfeit into a better draft position.
SECTION (B) GENERAL MANAGER RULES

1.0- Responsibility to players

A) GMs are required to have line ups posted midnight the night before Game Start.  These lines cannot change after deadline.  Players can fill in if a scheduled player has become unavailable, given permission or requests to be swapped out.  Players giving permission to be removed must be granted in writing and under no duress. (note: do not claim duress without proof.)
 
B) All players must be scheduled for the league minimum games every week provided they have posted availability.  Scheduling a player who has not posted availability is prohibited.
 
C) Players can not be scheduled in a refused Position under any circumstances.  Failure to heed this will result in a forfeit.
 
D) All players must be treated with respect.  If an issue is not resolvable you are required to bring it up with the league.  If a player crosses the line, Report them with a screenshot of the conversation.  Conflicts will be discussed with the player in a meeting to get at the issue head on.
 
E) GMs are responsible for ensuring all players have a chance to meet their 3 game minimum by honoring the teams availability posts.
 
F) Players Can Not be Released without being given their 3 game minimum first.  They must be given 3 games during the game week.  Monday-Friday,  You will only have until midnight Sunday to release them otherwise it resets.  Players who miss a scheduled game will lose their right to that game for the week.  If a player misses all three games on any day, they can be released immediately.

2.0- Responsibility to team

A) GMs are required to ensure the team is prepared for every match.  If roster is short on any day you are required to search for a Emergency Call Up.
 
B) Forfeits are at times unavoidable.  You are expected to make the roster moves needed to ensure 6 are suited up and ready to go on a nightly basis.  Whether it is from trades or roster moves in general.  Continual forfeits will cost your team greatly as well as you’re position as GM.
 
C) GMs are required to record and enter any and all game stats on a nightly basis.  you will be granted until noon the following day (all times are EST).  Playoff stats are now required to be recorded as well.

3.0- Responsibility to the league

A) GMs are the ambassadors of the league.  You are required to act only in a manner befitting of it.  Every action you make reflects the league.
 
B) Gms are to respect decisions made by the league.  Not all calls will go your way.  Acting out will not be tolerated.
 
C) Team management will not be permitted to discuss trades with any person aside from the management of another team.  No players are to be contacted at any time or trade information posted in public chat prior to the transaction being posted by the league.  6 game suspension will be issued to the member of management responsible. If a Player leaks info they will be suspended 3 games and the players owner will be issued  6 games.  GMs may notify players on their team that they are attempting to trade them if a trade request was made by said player.  No specific details or specific team info can be provided to this player.
SECTION (C) Game Rules

1.0- Game Set up

A) Gms are to provide their team organizer with the game codes needed to match up for that day.
 
 B) All games must begin on time,  to ensure all games are completed on game nights we enforce a forfeit clock of 10 mins.  Teams are permitted to extend this to allow their opponent extra time to get ready.  The league will not honor this extended clock if they decide to call it anyway.  The League will not care or do anything to assist a team if they are unable to search at the 10 min mark.  EA/PSN issue will be excepted on a case by case situation.  these issues will be decided based on the sound of the league.  if an issue only effects one person or one team it will not be considered a real issue.  The grace clock is not your free time.  The clock represents your team as being late but given a window to get ready.  if you wait until the grace timer to discover you are having connectivity issues, you will not be protected.  No excuses will be accepted.

2.0- Format

A) All games must be started as 6v6.
 
B) The home team is permitted 3 attempts at home ice.  If the game forces you to play away after the 3rd attempt (2 extra searches) you will be stuck playing away. (sorry gotta put a limit somewhere)
 
C) Only members of the team or approved ECU’s can be used to play.
 
D) Readying up is considered a binding contract.  Once all players are ready and the game begins any concerns or disagreements will be void and the match details are final.  Illegal players and illegal POS will not be protected due to a game starting.  These areas will still be forfeited after investigation in the matter has been completed.
 

3.0- Disconnections

A) If players disconnect during the initial game load up IE: prior to the puck dropping, the game will be restarted to gather the missing player(s) right away. (no pics required)
 
B) If a skater drops during the first period after first puck drop up until the 10 min mark of the period, the game will continue until the end of that period.  Game will be paused and players will drop to pick that player up.  Stats must be recorded by both teams for that period before all exit to close the game. (screenshots will be needed)
 
C) A goalie must be picked up right away.  If a goalie DC’s mid period, close the match and pick them up.  restart the period at the point in time the game was shut down at.  Not the point in time the goalie DC’d as the true time can be debated.  NO actions after a DC will count. penalties, goals or DC’s will be void after a G dc’s.  (goalie DC screenshot is required)
 
D) It is illegal to reset a game after the first period 10 min mark qualifications to pick up your player.  picking up the other teams player is permitted, Only the team who did not DC can make the decision to pick the player up after the 10 min mark qualification has exceeded.  If both teams lose a player, either team can exercise their right to reset picking up both players. Please see E) for how it will be handled if done improperly.
 
E) Do not leave the game prior to the end of the period to make pick ups. (excluding Goalie pick ups)  Making illegal game pick ups will result in a Penalty for your team and a suspension for the first player to back out or the managerial player who commanded it.  3 game suspension.  The penalty for this illegal move will have one of two effects based on situations. Players who are thought to have left early must provide a screenshot of a DC or the following will happen.
      1: If your team had the initial DC and an illegal pick up is made, your team will be issued 2 penalties causing a 5 on 3
     
      2: if the other team DC and an illegal pick up is made by your team (leaving before the period concludes) then the game will restart with the DC teams penalty being revoked and your team will be penalized instead.
 
F) During Playoffs, any member of the team can be picked up after each period to maintain the 6v6 format.  If this player is unavailable, the team may select an available player from their roster to fill in.  If no available player is present the team may then select an ECU.  If players are unavailable teams may elect to continue 6v5 if both teams wish it.  if no agreement on this is made the team missing the player will be forced to Forfeit.
 
G) Anything that takes place after a game is ruled in need of a reset will not count.  IE: penalties and goals.  This is to ensure that teams with players who are too slow to exit the match from having the full team exploit the team who has started exiting.
H) Players must provide a screenshot indicating a disconnection.  Failure to provide this image will result in the assumption the player quit the game. (3 game suspension for all players who fail to provide one)

3.1 Game Delays

A) Games are to be continued where they left off.  meaning if you finish the first period and the game restarts, the new games first period will be the full games second period making regulation end after the games 2nd period as opposed to the games 3rd.  If game is restarted either during or just before the OT period the new games first period will be the games OT.  The first goal scored at that point will be the game winner.
 
B) Any team that is being held up by DC restart issues that directly effect the next game starting on time are not at risk of Forfeit. Please allow time for these teams to finish their game.  Rescheduling the conclusion of these DC reset games is also permitted.
 
C) The team who causes the most delay issues that force a game to be finished at a later time will have second priority over the other teams choice on when to conclude the game.
 
D) Games must conclude with the EXACT same players that were playing before the game conclusion was delayed. Playoff games can be played by any legal player.
 
E) Both GMs must send a message to SA_Pliskin.  The message must say who the two teams are, who has priority, who was disconnecting and the time the game was agreed to be completed.  The message must be sent by one or more GMs before midnight that night. if neither do both team will forfeit the match.  If only one does then game is set by the terms of the message regardless of who has priority.  No message will be accepted after that day.
 
F) If a game will conclude late due to resets,  Teams are to be patient and allow the team to finish.  If the 10 min grace has expired please provide 5 mins to assemble once their game concludes.  If there is grace time remaining, please allow 5 mins plus the remainder of the grace time.

4.0- Stats

A) Stats must be recorded from every reset and added together when being uploaded.  We are on PS4 so to record the stats the easiest is to take a screenshot of the stats.  to do this simply hold the share button on your controller until the [] icon appears at the top corner of your screen.
 

5.0- ECUs

A) Emergency Call Ups can be used to help prevent forfeits.  Gms must be aware of who is available for game days.  When a team is short they are expected to attempt locating a free agent to fill in for the missing players.
 
B) GMs must make contact with an ecu and notify Pliskin with the name of the player that has been claimed for the player to be officially claimed.
 
C) Once a ECU player is claimed no other GM may use them that game.  If a GM does not use this player for the game in question, the GM no longer has rights to this player.
 
D) A team who has an ECU but has 6 players ready to go, lose the reservation on the ecu player.
SECTION (D) General Policies

1.0- Playoffs

A) In the event of a Tie Breaker,  The Tie breaker will be (1) Total Wins (2) Vs Record (3) Goals for.
B)  Teams are to schedule every member of their team 1 game per playoff series.  Each team must PLAY 10 different roster players per series.  Teams must use ECU’s to replace players who have not played their game up to the 10th required player.  If teams exceed 10 players, the additional players do not require replacing.  The extra roster players are still required to be scheduled 1 game but are not needed to play to meet the required 10 player demand.  The same ECU can be used to replace missing roster players, the ECU player will be counted as a different person for each game they play.
C) Failing to play / schedule the required players will result in a FF on the last game played if the series that had been won if it was the game to take the series.  If you lose the series without filling these requirements, you will be docked 6 GM points.
D) Any player that has not met the minimum requirement of  games played (3 games a week) will still be eligible to play.  Failing to make minimum games will have your salary hit with a penalty to make up the difference.  Penalties will be measured by your value per games.  The missing games value will be added to that seasons salary.
E) In the playoffs, if a player is perceived to have quit on their team (I.E. leaving before a game they were scheduled for after playing in the previous game, they are eligible for a season ban. Due to the many possible circumstances, these will be reviewed case by case.

2.0- Selection Process

A) All selections will be done without bias.  Selections will be based on the appropriate qualifications.

2.1- GM Selections

A) When a GM is selected, they will be given a specific set of tasks needed to be accomplished in order to remain a GM.
 
B) GMs are graded based on the following,
-3 for not having stats done by noon following day.
-1 for older issues not being resolved. (IE Stats still not being completed from the last time a penalty was given)
-3 per game day of having under the required roster limit. (in excess of the acceptable allotted time provided to fix the roster.  Usually 3-4 days.
-3 for not posting lines on time. (Due midnight night before games)
-3 failing to report a player for not showing.
-3 per forfeit after the second forfeited day.  Forfeits due to player actions at game time will not result in point loss.
-2 for VALID Complaints from your team.  (EX. if you schedule a player and at game time tell them they cant play that game,   if they don’t care, you are  safe.  If they complain your docked points)
-3 for unprofessional actions. (IE fighting with people/GMs in chat. Arguing or belittling teammates or other GMs/players and talking trash)
-3 for failing to schedule players their 3 games a week.
-6 for scheduling a player over their limit (GM suspension included).
-3 for any dishonesty in regards to trades. (IE player is away, cant play anymore)
-6 for leaking trades
-6 for failing to play all required players in playoffs
-2 for failing to follow a rule that ends up causing issues with other GM`s
-1 PER GAME score not filled out by noon next day.
-3 for not reporting a Forfeit (must tell a staff member)
-6 for making negative remarks about trades.
 
C) GMs who are fired become ineligible to place their name in the hat for 3 seasons not including the current/last season.  GMs who quit will have to wait 2 seasons.
 

2.1- All-Star

 *Currently not being used*
A) All-Star selection will be based on the top player in each of the 3 positions based on stats and not popularity.  Each position (FWD,D,G) will have 2 players selected. 1 starter and one back up.
 
B) If two or more players are tied for the second spot a GP total will be the tie breaker. If the GP is 5 or less off then the PPG and will be used to pick the back up.

2.2- Awards

A) Awards are assigned based on league leaders totals.  In the event two players are too close to be able to make a clear cut winner, The league value calculator will determine the winner by which player ends up with the highest salary based on their total stats in all sections.

3.0- Player Salaries

A)  All players will be assessed a value at each position after every season. Values are based off the previous seasons stats and are done using the same mathematical formulas for each player. No opinions will be used because we feel this process needs to be unbiased.

B) Each player is given a value from $500k to $10mil in each statistic category. These values are based on how a player compared to the league leader in that category at that position. After that all values are added together to give the player a total value. Some stats are weighted with a higher value then others but only slightly. Keep in mind all players are only being compared to players of the same position. Example: if a guy leads the league in ALL categories he would be $10mil, a guy that didn’t play a game at that position would be the base $0.

C) After each season all players will be assigned new values based on that seasons stats for each position. If a player achieves a higher value at a position, then that becomes his new value for that position. If a player achieves a lower value at a position his new value then drops down to the average of the two.

D) Player Values will only temporarily decrease if they are not drafted and left on the FA list. These new values will be there value for the season. Once the season ends they will be given a new value once again based on their performance and it will be compared to the previous value they had before the salary decrease began.

4.0- Expansions

A) In the event that we have more people register in any given off season, we will add more teams.

B) Each GM will be informed of the expansion when they are given the list of values to make their re-signing decisions.

C) GMs will name their protected player preventing them from being stolen The expansion teams will each take turns selecting a non protected player to sign from any team.  Alternatively they may also select a player from the FA list.

D) GMs then name their 1 player they wish to keep.  The remaining players are released.

5.0- 50% Rule

A) All players are considered utility. However the position they sign up for is still the main position. They can be played anywhere, but if a player asks for 50% at his position you must meet this request. if a player is given even number of games per week, the games must be split evenly.  if odd games are given, they must be given either higher amount per week toward the desired position or a split between two weeks to even out.  for example one week of 2-1 and the second week of 1-2 to make a 3-3 balance. game balances can only be broken up by 1 game.  playing 3-0 one week and 0-3 in week two will not be acceptable form of 3-3.  This only applies to odd game totals.  Even games are not split between two weeks, for example 3-1 into 1-3 for 4-4 will not be permitted.
 
SECTION (E) Trade Block/ Transactions

1.0- Transactions

A) All Trades will be Approved provided Teams do not exceed the teams Salary Cap or gives a strong idea of tanking or sabotage.
 
B) Draft picks can not be traded During the Regular Season, Only During Off Season and Draft.

C) WAIVER WIRE:  A team may place a player on waiver wire where depending on the standings, the teams in the waiver order are able to sign the player under the amount of that players current contract.  If after 24hrs the player is not claimed the team must decide if they wish to release the player to FA or keep him.  This can not be done twice with the same player.  If a player is placed on the wire they can not be removed until the 24 hours has expired.  If this player is taken they are immediately removed from the roster during an non game day.  Game day claims will be complete at the end of game 3 that night.

D) When a player is claimed off waiver wire the former team will not be fined for the contract drop and will be given full salary back.   When teams release players to Free agency (not same as Waiver wire) they may be eligible for Cap refunds.  When a player is released with 9 games or less played, They can be released for full cap back if value is 2.5 mil or below.  Anyone with 10+  games that are 2.5 mil or less will grant $0 cap return.  All players with salary at or above 3 mil will only grant 50% cap return no matter the # of games.
 
E) Players that are sitting on the free agent list, whether from not getting picked up in the off season, or players that were released to free agency during season will have their value attached to them on free agent list. After every game day that players salary will decrease by $500k down to the minimum $500k salary to help reduce waiting periods on the FA list.
 
 F) Claims for the FA players will be done in the same manner as waiver claims. The teams will have waiver priority based on their season standings and may at any time place a claim on a free agent provided they can afford him. The claim will be subject to a 4hr waiting period to allow teams with a higher waiver priority a chance to also claim that player. At the end of the 4hr period the team highest on the waiver list (team with worst record) will be awarded that player at their current (at time of Claim) attached value.  The 4 hour wait is N/A for the highest waiver pick.  It may also be N/A if all teams with higher priority then the interested party decline interest in a player.
 
G) 24 hours pick ups will occur when a newly added player enters the FA list.  For the first 24 hours after the add any pick ups made on this player will have a 24 hour waiting period excluding once again teams with highest priority
 
 H) ECU only players will be added to the FA list once they have fulfilled their required ECU games. (5 games for 1 team or 3 games for 3 different teams.)

2.0- off-season

A) Each off season the salary cap will vary based on the new average of all player values.  This is to ensure that there is enough cap in the league to allow all teams to sign 10 players.
 
B) Each GM will be given a list of all new values for their players. They will be permitted to keep 1 player.
 
C) GM salary will be applied to the team cap.  GMs who elect to take the season off as a player and run the team only as a manager will have their salary removed from the team cap.
 
D) GM’s will have a deadline time to inform the league who they will be re-signing.  If teams do not hand in their selection, they will be unable to re-sign anyone.
E) GMs who elect to take a season off from playing may elect to keep 2 players.
 
F) All players not re-signed will be put into FA pool with their new values attached.
 
G) After a player has been re-signed 2 consecutive times, he may still be re-signed, but at that point it becomes the players option if he would like to stay with that team or go into FA pool.
 
H) Rights to players will be kept by the teams who have players that do not return the following season. they will keep rights to these players until they return and serve their owed time or are released.
 
I) Trading the rights to players during the Off season is permitted once resigns and releases are complete.  However all players traded during this time must be signed.
 
J) During the Off Season you may trade players for players, Picks for Picks, players for Picks or any combo of the three.
 

3.0- Draft

3.1- Free Agent Draft

A) All players not re-signed by their GM’s will be put into the free agent pool for the free agent draft with their newly assessed values attached to them.
 
B) Teams will be ordered from Playoff performance first.  If two teams exit in the same round they will be positioned based on season standings.  Expansion teams and teams that do not make playoffs will be placed into a lottery for the first set of picks.  Number of balls will be based on season standings.  Expansion teams will given a number of balls to reflect the middle of the pack.
 
C) GM’s will select players from the pool with the value that is attached to them. The draft will go until all teams have hit the roster minimum and have stopped picking.
 
D) At the end of the draft all players not selected will be placed on Free Agency.