Facebook Whatsapp Twitch Youtube Tiktok

GENERAL TOURNAMENT RULES

Scope: Applies to all SA PRO/AM tournaments and ladders unless expressly overridden by a Game Appendix or an Event Ruleset.

Rule hierarchy & definitions

  • Hierarchy: If there’s a conflict, Event Rules (for a specific event) override the Game Appendix (e.g., CoD/CS/BF), which overrides these General Rules. If silent, these General Rules apply.
  • “Admins/Officials” = SA PRO/AM tournament staff.
  • “Game Appendix” = per-title rules (e.g., “Appendix A – Call of Duty: BO6”).
  • “Event Rules” = items published for a specific event (e.g., dates, map pool, prize pool).
  • “Team” includes solo players for 1v1 formats.
  • “Device Integrity Check (DIC)” = an admin-directed check of a player’s device(s)/software/peripherals or platform anti-cheat status.

1) Agreement

By registering or competing, all players and team representatives accept these Rules, the relevant Game Appendix, the Event Rules, and any event-day admin announcements. The Website Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy apply separately.

2) Eligibility & registration

  • Accurate details: Real names (or legal alias), valid contact details, correct gamer tags/platform IDs. Fake/duplicate/shared accounts may be disqualified.
  • Age: 18+. Players under 18 may participate only with verifiable parent/guardian consent. Admins may request proof at any time.
  • Region/platform: Allowed regions and platforms are listed per event. Cross-play/input rules are defined in the Game Appendix/Event Rules.
  • Roster & subs: Roster size, reserve players, and roster-lock time are defined per event. Post-lock additions require admin approval.

3) Scheduling, start times & lateness

  • Official schedule: Follow the event/bracket schedule and admin announcements.
  • Start window: Matches must begin within 15 minutes of the scheduled time or admin lobby call.
  • Grace & no-shows: Admins may grant a 10-minute grace. After that, the match starts; late teams may have to play short or forfeit per admin ruling.

4) Communications

  • Official channels: Use your assigned SA PRO/AM Discord channel for each series. If not available, use in-game text/voice.
  • No private comms (private Discords/party chats) for official coordination or disputes.
  • Support: Open a Discord ticket for rulings. Keep all comms respectful and on record.

5) Conduct & competitive integrity

  • Zero toxicity: Harassment, discrimination, hate speech, threats, doxxing, and targeted abuse (in-match, Discord, or related social) are prohibited.
  • Respect staff: Disrespect toward Admins/staff may result in penalties, suspension, or ban.
  • Names/branding: Team/player names, avatars, and imagery must be clean and non-offensive.
  • Fair play: Match-fixing, collusion, smurfing/multi-accounting, stream-sniping, and exploiting platform features are prohibited.
  • Third-party platforms: If an event runs on FACEIT/ESEA/Esportal or similar, their client and rules also apply.

6) Devices, peripherals & anti-cheat

  • Cheating is banned: Cheats, scripts, macros, packet manipulation, radar/ESP/aim assistance, and any other “unfair advantage” are prohibited.
  • Adapters/hardware: Third-party input adapters and mod hardware (e.g., Cronus, XIM, Titan Two, Strike Pack, recoil/rapid-fire macros, non-stock firmware) are prohibited unless explicitly whitelisted in the Game Appendix.
  • Device Integrity Check (DIC): On request, players must complete a DIC (e.g., live screen-share, process lists/logs, console/peripheral inspection, platform anti-cheat checks, or admin tooling). Refusal/interference = immediate disqualified and may escalate to a ban.
  • Hardware responsibility: Players are responsible for their own device stability, updates, and connections.

7) Servers/hosts & fairness

  • Server/host selection: As set by Admins for competitive fairness (ping, stability, platform requirements). Admins may change host/server if latency or packet loss is excessive.
  • Tickrate/region/settings: Defined per Game Appendix/Event Rules.
  • Spectators/broadcast: Only authorised broadcast and admin tools may be used.

8) Competitive settings & restrictions

  • Baseline: Maps/modes, equipment/abilities/loadout restrictions, settings (HUD, timers, friendly fire, economic settings, vehicles, specialists/classes, etc.) are defined in the Game Appendix and/or Event Rules.
  • Violations: Using unauthorised weapons/attachments/perks/abilities/utility/vehicles or settings = round/map loss up to match forfeit.

9) Movement & mechanics exploits

  • Exploiting unintended movement or map mechanics (e.g., glitch spots, pixel walks, geometry abuse) is prohibited. Examples and edge cases are defined in the Game Appendix. Penalties range from round/map loss to match forfeit.

10) Match procedure

  • Veto/draft: Follow the format in the Game Appendix/Event Rules. Failure to respond within the allotted time may forfeit remaining picks.
  • Warm-up: Allowed only if both teams agree and time permits.
  • Ready-check: Confirm readiness in the assigned Discord channel (or lobby chat) before Game 1.

11) Disconnects, crashes & restarts

  • Thresholds: Restart rules and progress thresholds (e.g., score/round/ticket milestones) are defined per Game Appendix.
  • Above thresholds: If above the published threshold, play normally unless Admins instruct otherwise (exceptional cases only).
  • Proof: Teams must capture end-of-map/round scoreboards. Short clips/VODs/theatre files are strongly recommended.

12) Pauses

  • Tactical/technical pauses may be available depending on the title/platform and are defined per Game Appendix/Event Rules. Abusing pauses may be penalised.

13) Results, proof & disputes

  • Reporting: The winning team reports results within 10 minutes of match end (method per event platform).
  • Proof: Keep full end-of-map/round scoreboard screenshots for every map. Provide VODs/theatre files or logs if requested.
  • Disputes: Open a Discord ticket within 10 minutes of match end and attach proof. Late or insufficient proofs may be rejected.
  • Decisions: Admin decisions are final, unless a specific appeal process is published for the event.

14) Penalties & sanctions (guideline ladder)

Warning → Round loss → Map loss → Match forfeit → Event disqualified → Time-bound ban → Prize/points forfeiture.
Admins may escalate directly for egregious offences (e.g., proven cheating, severe abuse).

15) Streaming, media & branding rights

By participating, you grant SA PRO/AM a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to record, stream, reproduce, edit, and publicly display your gameplay, gamer tag, voice, likeness, and in-match chat for broadcasts, highlights, promotional materials, and archives.
Minors: A parent/guardian grants this licence on the player’s behalf.

16) Payments, refunds & prizing

  • Payments: Entry fees are due by the Registration Deadline stated on the event page. Proof of payment may be required. Unpaid/unverified teams may be removed.
  • Refunds (default):
    • Before bracket lock / match start: full refund.
    • After bracket lock / once matches begin: no refund.
    • Event cancellation: entry fees refunded within 14 business days.
  • Prizing: Paid in ZAR within the stated timeline. Winners must complete KYC and provide payment details. Players are responsible for any tax liabilities.

17) Rule updates, patches & force majeure

  • Admins may issue event-day clarifications to address exploits, balance patches, publisher updates, or platform/network outages to preserve competitive integrity.
  • Published changes take effect when announced in the official channels.

18) Privacy & non-affiliation

  • Privacy: We process personal data (e.g., gamer tags, Discord IDs, recordings, anti-cheat checks) per our Privacy Policy and POPIA.
  • Non-affiliation: SA PRO/AM is not affiliated with or endorsed by game publishers. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

19) Governing law

These Rules are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Venue for disputes is Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, unless a specific internal appeal route is required first.