General Rules

Official BattleGrounds World Cup matches will consist of 2 rounds, one round on each side, and at least 1 round played on each team's server, this way the ping inbalance goes for both teams. If BOTH teams agree to play on one server (Example: Two Euro teams find one server better than the other), then it will be allowed. Matches will consist of 4 players (maximum of 1 commander and 1 sniper class), all players MUST be registered in the post posted by the Leader in the Team Registration section. The Steam IDs listed in the Team Registration post must also be used. No ringers are allowed! Finally, the newest version of BG, of course, 1.2.1, will be used for throughout the tournament.

Overtime
If two teams tie (very unlikely), another two rounds will occur, on the same map, to decide the victor. In the Group Stage, there is no overtime, unless in special cases.

Times for Matches

The Match times will be as followed:

North American vs North American = 8:00pm EST
North American vs European = 3:00pm EST, 20 GMT
North American vs Australian = 10pm EST, 2pm AEDT (Aus is one day ahead)
European vs European = 19 GMT (7pm GMT)
European vs Australian = 0 GMT, 9:00am AEST
Australian vs Australian = 7:00pm AEDT

Steam ID Checks
Team Leaders are to check each Steam ID from the opposing team, to see if the team is using any ringers, or any players that are playing are invalid. Steam IDs of players must be correct for them to be applicable to play in the match. If the Steam ID of a player is incorrect, notify the other team that they cannot use that player. Players are entitled to THEIR Steam IDs. Players caught using other players' Steam IDs will be considered RINGERS. If a team uses a ringer, they will forfeit the match that the ringer played in. Finally, the Steam ID checks should be completed BEFORE screenshots.

Demos and Screenshots
Every player on each team MUST record a demo and take a screenshot with the Team Scores (press TAB) in the screenshot. There should be NO excuses when demos or screenshots are needed by refs and/or admins. Consequences will be taken if a demo is needed and is not readily available.

Referees
Referees are not required for matches but in cases where someone is breaking the rules a referee can step in to intervene and assist in the situation. The Referee also will make sure that all rules are followed. Requirements for being a referee include having played in a top team in any of the leagues (CAL, ENSL, AusNS Ladder), and being able to speak English fluently as well. Having the ability to be unbiased in all situations. All Admins of the Tournament are qualified Referees.

Referees that are on teams competing in the tournament are not in any case, able to ref the same match they are competing in.

Server Configuration and Password
The latest version of the BGL config will be used in all matches of the tournament. The Configuration should be executed in the server when the players connect. Matches without use of the BGL config will result in a rematch. You can view the configuration here: http://www.battlegroundsleague.com/files/bgl.cfg

Also, don't forget to put a password on your server, to make sure there are no interferences in the match. Only give server passwords to the opposing team, your teammates, referees, and of course, Admins, IF NEEDED.

Substitutes
Teams can make substitutes before the start of each round, but never in the middle of the round. ONLY if a player lags out, will they be able to sub in a player on-the-fly, but in general, a team should never have more than 4 players at any given time.

Ventrilo, TeamSpeak and other microphone programs
These programs are all tolerated for use in the tournament, but there must be NO spectators in the server to assure that Ventrilo isn't being used for ghosting. Spectators in the HLTVs are permitted, as long as the HLTV has a delay of at least 1minute and 30 seconds.

Forfeits
A team can only forfeit once before getting disqualified in the Group Stage. If a team forfeits two matches, they will in fact be disqualified from the tournament. If the Default Time cannot be played, the other team must try to compromise for a more convenient time. If however, the teams cannot come to an agreement, unfortunately the Default Time will have to be used. Keep in mind that you must be lenient with the Australasian teams as they are getting up in the morning to play, and if a North American and/or European team can somehow play late at night, into the early morning, then that courtesy should be given to help out the other team.

Rescheduling
Rescheduling matches are completely allowed as long as they are rescheduled up to 3 days after the scheduled match. Both teams must agree on the reschedule for it to be successful, it is recommended that you be courteous to teams who absolutely need to reschedule due to personal issues with making the scheduled match time.

Gathering Players
Finally, a team has a legal time limit of 15 minutes to gather members of their team into the match server. Only after the 15 minute time period, will the other team be valid to call a forfeit win, although out of courtesy, unless the other team absolutely cannot field 6 players, a forfeit should not be awarded.

Problems in Matches
If teams are breaking the rules, or you have a dispute, please take it up with the referee watching or an admin AFTER the match. The match MUST be completed so that a forfeit or penalty can be awarded to the team that is not following the rules. Please do not complain or start arguments in the middle of matches. Also, make disputes within 24 hours of your match or it will not be looked at all.

Sportsmanship
Remember this is ultimately to have fun and sportsmanship is a big part of representing your country. Poor sportsmanship overall destroys the fun for both teams and does not give a good impression of the nation you are representing. No racial slurs or personal comments will be allowed in the match or at any time in Pre-Match or Post-Match. Also, only LEADERS can speak in message mode 1 during the match or before the match begins. Consequences for using message mode 1 will be decided on discretion of the Admins if this rule is broken.