3rd night open (Reschedule, Event, Waiver Game, MiniTourney etc..)
0.2League Start Times
9pm EST start time
0.2.1Start Time Penalty
A series may start no later than 9:15 PM EST.
A 2-minute penalty will be enforced to the offending team that causes any game to start at 9:06 PM EST (ANY PLAYER MAY TAKE).
A Penalty shot (see Rule 5.3) will be awarded if the game starts at 9:11 PM EST.
Sim Rule 0.2.2 may take effect at 9:16 PM EST.
There will be a 5-minute grace period between games played to give players time to get ready to play.
0.2.2Sim Rule
If game 1 of the series does not start by the 9:15 PM EST deadline due to a problem with one team; The non-offending team's Manager will:
0.2.2.1 Take a Sim Win, 1-0 Win (Manually added to standings but no players will take a GP or Points).
0.2.2.2 If game 1 is a Sim Loss game, Game 2 will start at 9:20 PM EST, at 9:26 PM EST a PIM will be taken, at 9:31 PM EST a PS will be awarded, and at 9:36 PM EST a Sim Loss will be given.
If Games 1 and 2 are Sim Lossed, Game 3 will automatically be a Sim Loss.
(Series Style Schedule - 3 Games per Night (2 series per week)
1.1Availability
Full Time - (All Games) (Min of 4/6 availability)
Part Time - (Max Half Season)(4 games per playoff series. Any 3 of 6 and Game 7)(ex. 60 game regular season player can only play MAX 30 games).
Waiver Only - (No Full-time Call up)
MIA dates on the seasonal signup sheet will be strictly adhered to. (ex. player mia oct 15,16,17. Player will not be able to play on those days no matter what changes happen). Teams that use player in game on a known MIA date will result in an automatic loss. Similarly, FT players with MIA dates in their signup will not be punished for lack of avail on those dates.
1.2Posting Availability
Availability will be posted either using the Discord command, the Rink Rivals website, OR the Rink Rivals app. All three options are valid availability submissions and will go to the same receptacle.
NEW FOR SEASON 10: Lineup submissions will be the league’s way of tracking availability. Managers will be required to post an eligible lineup by TUESDAY at NOON EST.
If no availability or not meeting requirements, any FT player not listed is AUTOMATICALLY submitted for a strike.
This does not include preemptively submitted MIA dates (see 1.1).
3 Strikes being issued will result in a ban for that season and one additional season (see 1.3).
ELT will review each availability strike.
Managers are ultimately responsible for auditing roster member’s availability.
1.2.1Excused/Unexcused Absences
If a FT player has something come up and cannot achieve 4/6 availability (outside of MIA dates), written proof from player to manager or from player to ELT can be used to allow an excused absence. ELT will determine proof and move forward.
If a player “no call no shows” (is scheduled to play and does not respond to any messages of any kind) a game night, that player will skip the strike system and receive a league ban. All players are expected to at least provide some type of communication prior to their scheduled games.
IMPORTANT: PLAYING IN ANOTHER LEAGUE ON A GAME NIGHT WHILE SIGNED UP FULL TIME FOR RINK RIVALS IS NOT AN EXCUSED ABSENCE AND IS A 3 STRIKES / BANNABLE OFFENSE.
1.3Strike System
Any player that does not submit their availability or the required amount of games (based on FT/PT signup) will be subject to a strike.
Any player that does not play the scheduled games they've signed up for, will be subject to a strike.
Any player that quits a scheduled league game will be subject to a strike.
3 Strikes being issued will result in a ban for that season and one additional season.
Examples of reasons why one or more strikes would be issued during ELT review process:
Lack of communication with availability
Failure to report to scheduled games
Player cannot show continuity with availability each week
Player refuses to play a position he signed up for
Player is reported cheating, “sandbagging”, or other anti-team activities (see 5)
Player otherwise violates CoC
In the event of an egregious, more serious, or repeated violation of these rules in a short time, ELT may issue multiple strikes to a player resulting in a ban (i.e., player refuses to play for a certain manager or team, refuses to play the position they signed up for)
1.4Lineups
Lineups to be submitted for that week by Monday 11:59PM EST.
Players that submit availability to play and are scheduled but do not show up will receive a strike (see 1.2) prior to manager being authorized a waiver to replace player for those games. (I.e., player will receive a strike if manager requests a waiver for a player who was confirmed in the submitted lineup).
Managers who fail to submit their lineup by the deadline will lose their choice of server preference for their home games in that series.
2.1Draft Sheet
The RR Draft Sheet contains the following mandatory submissions: Gamertag/PSN
Preferred Position Willing Position
Stick Handedness
FT/PT Status
Other Leagues Y/N
Server Preference
Willing Manager Y/N
Warmup Games Y/N
MIA Dates
Streaming Games Y/N
2.2Manager Selection
Managers are vetted by the league and are determined by league sign-ups.
There are no co-managers, however managers may appoint a second team member to run games / submit inquiries / communicate with league in the event the manager is unavailable.
Team Names must be approved by the League and follow the CoC.
2.3Scouting
Scouting is required by all new drafts.
Draft eligible players cannot refuse to scout with managers.
Players must make themselves reasonably available, but the responsibility is on the manager to find the time to scout a player.
All Players found to have completely refused scouting will be vetted on a case by case basis and either banned or removed from the draft pool on a season to season or perm basis – this is a priority for the league.
2.3.1Rookie Combine
The combine is a requirement for ALL rookies (must participate in 2 games min) – YOU WILL NOT BE DRAFT ELIGIBLE IF YOU DO NOT PARTICIPATE.
Rookies will be assigned to rotating managers throughout the week of the combine until their requirements are fulfilled.
Combine is a live stream league event that shows off the new talent to the league – The date of the combine will be announced along with the new upcoming season dates.
If Player is reported as sandbagging, or deliberately playing poorly to reflect his draft stock, either of the following can happen – That player will be required to either play 2 additional games, or removed from the draft pool entirely.
Perk/build bans apply the same as in-season rules (See 12).
Managers are required to run/participate in at least one Combine Event.
Eligibility note: If a player signed up for a season and went undrafted or played less than FIVE regular season games, that player is still considered a rookie and will need to complete the scouting combine again.
2.4Draft Format
Live Auction Bidding
Teams will have $100 to use to draft 7 players.
If team does not reach $95 with their 7th pick, the last players’ value will be rounded up to make the team hit the salary cap floor of $95. This is NOT the same as the in-season salary cap floor of $90.
There will be a randomly picked nomination order.
Round number varies based on league size per season.
Rounds alternate order (Team with 1st overall nomination will have the last nomination in the 2nd round, etc…).
3.1Waivers
Waivers are defined as undrafted/late signup players that are eligible for fill ins only after rostered players and backups have exhausted availability.
Waiver requests must be submitted during the times of 8:00PM EST - 8:30PM EST Managers will use the Discord commands to request their waivers, and waivers will have a dedicated Discord channel to signup for their waiver games during this first time period.
Waivers are then distributed to requesting managers at 8:50PM EST.
Any waivers requested after 8:50PM EST WILL NOT BE DISTRIBUTED. ALL REQUESTS MUST COME BEFORE 8:50PM EST.
If a waiver is requested and found, the waiver must play a minimum of 1 game
There is no limit on waiver usage per team during the regular season, however NO waivers will be used in playoffs.
In order to provide everyone the best chance to play games, the automated waiver system will operate on a first come first serve basis and give priority to players in the following order:
Undrafted Free Agents (No Games Played)
Waiver Only Players (No Games Played)
Undrafted Free Agents (Sorted by Games Played)
Waiver Only Players (Sorted by Games Played)
No players or managers are allowed to attempt to intentionally manipulate the waiver system so that they receive a specific player of any kind. This includes, but is not limited to:
Tagging specific waivers in the Discord to let them know you want them to play for you
DM’ing specific waivers from the Discord (proof required)
ANY PROOF OF MANIPULATION OF THE WAIVER SYSTEM WILL RESULT IN AN FF.
3.2Emergency Players/Callups
TBD in later seasons
There is no minimum game requirements for the regular season, and for Season 10, there will be no minimum game requirements for playoff eligibility.
Manager has full discretion of all lines and playing times.
6 Starters - 2/3 backups (9 total including manager)
LW, C, RW, LD, RD, G
It is the responsibility of the managers to maintain a roster size of 8 players with manager included.
NEW FOR S10: 9th roster spot for all teams is NOT MANDATORY, but available.
Teams are allowed a maximum of 2 PT players – this is to prevent possible FFs in the playoffs when waivers are not allowed.
5.1Rules
ALL GAMES must be streamed by one player from the matchup. Stats will be automatically updated through the RR / EA API. HIGHLIGHTS from each streamed series will be automatically uploaded to the RR YT page.
If a player disconnects, the restart will occur with the 1st period acting as the period lagged out in, and teams will run the clock down to as close to game time as possible.
1st time - Restart with a 2-minute PIM
2nd time - Restart with a Penalty Shot (See Rule 5.3)
3rd Time - Team who lags out 3x in a row will FF game
Replacement will be looked for if no replacement is found within a 10-minute window. Teams will start the next game and repeat the cycle.
If the period ends with the non-offending team on a PP; the game will be restarted with a PS (Rule 5.3).
If period ends with the Offending team on a PP, the game restarts with no disconnect PIM taken (5 on 5).
EA Server issues will be the exclusion to this rule and will result in a reschedule. Mandated by an ELT announcement.
5.2.1Reconnecting
Players may not change their builds after a disconnect/reconnect. If a player is found with a different build than they initially loaded into the game with, it will be a FF.
5.3Penalty Shot Rule
The non-offending team will let the opposing team know which player will be taking the Penalty Shot. The non-offending team will then win the faceoff and pass the puck to the person taking the shot. Players not taking the shot will skate to the boards.
Shooter gets a one-on-one shot on the G. Skaters can only move forward, NO LT or Spin move and take 1 shot. If the shot is missed, return to Center Ice and the Defensive team takes possession, the game resumes once the puck is over the blue line in the neutral zone.
5.4Position Rule
Players cannot switch positions mid game to play a position not listed as willing on their season signup. Ex: player refuses LD, signs up LW, and swaps during game to play LD. This action will result in a Forfeit loss (FF) if deemed necessary by the ELT after review.
5.5Second Tagging
Players may not, in any capacity, play under a GT/PSN that does not match theirs on the draft sheet, or in any other way attempt to shield their real identity to play a series pretending to be someone else.
The punishment for second tagging will be multiple strikes or a ban based on length and severity of the second tagging. FOR INSTANCE:
If it is found that a player has signed up under a new GT while previously playing in the league and intentionally hid that information, that will be a ban.
If it is found that a player has been playing under a completely different member’s gamertag while either 1) not drafted or 2) on a different team or 3) otherwise not appropriately participating in the league, that will be a permanent ban from all league activities.
If it is found that a player and another roster member(s) is involved in “swapping” gamertags while on the same team in order to create a positional advantage, both players will receive multiple strikes based on ELT discretion. Any repeated offense will result in a ban.
In addition to the player punishment, any wins that the offending players’ team was a part of while second tagging in any of the above scenarios WILL BE REVERSED and all stats will be erased, even if it was multiple games. Managers are firstly held responsible for this.
EXCEPTION: If made public to all managers and approved by ELT beforehand, players may undergo a simple gamertag change during the season. If the league is not notified and made aware of this change, it will not be legal.
5.6Illegal Builds
Please see Perk Bans 12.
6.1Host
Home team on schedule will host G1 and G3 of each series and will wear Dark Jerseys; Away Team will wear Light Jersey and host G2.
6.1.1Server Selection
6.1.1.1Regular Season
Server selection will be automated by a league message 30 mins before series start with Password and Server information for Games 1-2-3. Server selection is based on majority of the preferred server of the home teams submitted lineup for that game (ie. If Team A is home for games 1 and 3 and they submitted a lineup with 4 players who have their primary server as NA East, then that is the server for those games).
6.1.1.2Playoffs
Server selection will be automated by league message 30 mins before series start with Password and Server information (same priority & protocol as regular season). Server will be based on the following:
Games 1 & 2 - Home Team’s (higher seed) Preferred Server
Games 3 & 4 - Away Team’s Preferred Server
Game 5 - Home Team’s Preferred Server
Game 6 - Away Team’s Preferred Server
Game 7 - Home Team’s Preferred Server
There are no server “vetoes”.
6.2Reschedule
THIS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE SEASON TO SEASON BASED ON TEAM NUMBER AND WAIVER POOL SIZE There will be NO RESCHEDULES for Season 10 due to the size of the waiver pool and the length of the season. All games will take place as booked on the schedule.
6.3Standings
NHL Standings Metric will be used (W-L-OTL)
2 Pts for a W
0 Pts for a L
1 Pt for an OTL
Tiebreakers will be as followed:
Wins
Head to Head Record (H2H)
Goal Differential (GD)
If wins, H2H, and GD are the same, a one-game playoff will be held with the Team with higher GF taking the Home Ice in a Tiebreaker game. The winner of this game will officially advance to the playoffs.
7.1Trades
All Trades must keep teams roster compliant (8 players). 1 for 1, 2 for 2 etc…
Trades must be entered within the trade window of 8AM to 11:59PM EST.
All trades (and other transactions) must be cap compliant and teams must fit within the min/max initial salary set post draft. (I.E., Team A cannot go under $90 and Team B cannot go over $110 – These numbers are subject to change each season and will be established by draft)
Trades are officially submitted on the Rink Rivals website by both managers.
Once approved on the website, players will be notified and roles will be changed across applications.
Any players involved in the trade contacted BEFORE COMPLETION OF THE TRADE may result in having the trade reversed.
Any player refusing to play for a team traded to will have the trade REVERSED in addition to the aforementioned penalties in section 1
UPDATE: If there are multiple tiers of a trade and a player is banned at the end of the trades, the series of trades will be reversed to the first team the banned player was rostered on, and that team will be provided a free agent waiver player.
7.2Add + Drops
Players may Add and Drop Free Agents during the Add/drop period each week.
Add/+Drop Deadline to be one week after the trade deadline.
All transactions must be posted within the transaction window of 8AM to 11:59PM EST from Friday to Tuesday. Add/Drops and trades will not take place on game days.
When a player is dropped, ALL the remaining teams will have a six hour window (within the league office hours) to claim the player being dropped. The “free agent priority” for the remaining teams will be determined by reverse order standings, and will reset after each game night.
Players available for adds from Free Agency are undrafted players. “Waiver only” (see 1.1) players will be exempt from being added to a team full time unless there is ELT approval for special cases (see 7.3).
Teams cannot exceed the maximum roster size at any time. A manager must drop a player before adding a new player to a roster.
7.3Replacements
Replacement Requests must be submitted to ELT for vetting and then teams will be able to pick from designated players list.
When the undrafted list has been exhausted the ELT will use waiver players to fill if needed.
FIFO, Timestamp, and Positional group based
Playoffs are seven game series to be played on game nights with the higher seeded teams deciding on 4-3 or 3-4 Wed/Thu nights.
A “Play-In” series may take place on seasons with odd number of playoff teams. The Play-In** will be a single series of three with playoff availability rules (see below). **SEASON 11 SPECIFIC: Play-In will be 4th seed v 5th seed in a 3 GAME series.
All regular Gameplay (5) rules will be in effect.
Part Time players will be allowed to play a max of 4 games with the 4th game having to be game 7. (ie. can play games 1,2,5 and then is eligible to play game 7). Using a PT player for 4 games before game 7 will result in a sim loss.
NO WAIVERS WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE PLAYOFFS. IF A TEAM CANNOT FIELD A LEGAL SIX FROM THEIR ROSTER, THEY WILL BE SUBJECT TO A FF.
8.1Playoff Reschedule
Teams may agree to reschedule and must finish the series before the start of the next scheduled round.
If teams cannot agree on dates, ELT will decide on schedule.
9.1Media
Rink Rivals Media is a cornerstone of the league, and here are where you can find various things:
YOUTUBE (https://www.youtube.com/@rinkrivals) - Top Plays, Game Highlights, Rookie Combines, Full Draft VODs, Rinkside VODs
TWITCH (https://www.twitch.tv/rinkrivals) - Live Draft Show, ALL Live Featured Games, Live Rinkside and other extra shows
DISCORD - McNasties Podcast, Daily Updates, Player Content Channel, Season Player Awards, League Achievement Badges, Pub Leaderboards
9.2Streaming
At LEAST one player from either team in every matchup must stream their game. Streams will be listed on the RR website / app along with the schedule of the game.
9.3Write Ups
Automatically generated writeups are available to read on the RR website after clicking on the “series recap” button.
9.4ASG / EOS Awards
The format of these will vary throughout seasons, but All-Star Game ballots and EOS Award ballots will be based on the primary position you put in your draft sheet. For instance, if you list primary position as center but play left defense all season, you will not be eligible for any LD awards. The games you play at your listed primary position will be used to determine your eligibility for ASG. This position rule is enforced at the FWD/DEF/G level, not sides of the ice. (I.E., if you signed up to play RD but are slotted in at LD, you’ll still be eligible for RD ranked awards.)
The All-Stars will be selected in the following ways:
9 members will be selected by a stat-based analytic rating system (FWD, D, G)
3 members will be selected by community vote (FWD, D, G)
The first 9 members will be announced following the final game of the regular season, and a group of eligible remaining players will be put up in a community poll on the Rink Rivals Discord, where the final slot in each player category will be selected by our members.
10.1Discord
Rink Rivals is primarily run via Discord. To use any of the leaguewide commands, please see the #commands channel.
You must be a member of the Discord to participate in any Rink Rivals league activities. Leaving the Rink Rivals Discord midseason is considered quitting which will result in a ban (see section 14).
10.2League Website
https://rinkrivals.com/
11.1Sportsmanship and Fair Play
Respect for Opponents
Show respect to your opponents, in discord, and games. Personal Attacks will not be tolerated; taunting and chirping is allowed but attacking people and harassment will result in disciplinary action.
Requesting or demanding a trade in gen chat is not permitted.
Disrespecting your manager and/or team in gen chat to initiate a trade is not permitted and will result in a multiple day mute.
11.2Fair Competition
Play the game with integrity and adhere to the rules. Do not exploit bugs, glitches, or engage in any form of cheating. Fair competition is the foundation of our league.
11.3Communication
11.3.1Positive Language
Use positive and inclusive language in all communications. Avoid offensive language, harassment, or any form of discriminatory remarks based on race, gender, ethnicity, or any other characteristic.
11.3.2Constructive Feedback
Provide feedback in a constructive and respectful manner. Help your teammates improve without resorting to negativity or insults. This is a league with a large variety of skill levels; the competition and success comes from making that all work. Similarly, being overly aggressive towards a competitive player will not be tolerated. Team communication is paramount.
11.3.3Conflict Resolution
If conflicts arise, address them calmly and professionally. Reach out to league administrators for assistance if needed. Personal attacks and public disputes are not acceptable.
11.4Teamwork and Collaboration
11.4.1Team Harmony
Support your teammates and work together towards common goals. Encourage a positive and collaborative team environment. You also must join your team’s private Discord channel.
11.5Leadership
If you hold a leadership role, lead by example. Foster a positive team culture and address any issues promptly.
11.6League Policies
11.6.1Compliance
Adhere to all league rules and policies. Ignorance of the rules is not an excuse. For any questions or clarifications on rules, please open a ticket in the Discord or message an ELT member with your question or concern.
11.6.2Reporting Violations
If you witness a violation of the Code of Conduct or league rules, report it to the appropriate league administrators. Retaliatory actions against individuals reporting violations will not be tolerated.
11.6.3Consequences for Violations
Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in warnings, suspensions, or, in severe cases, expulsion from the league. The severity of consequences will be determined by league administrators based on the nature and repetition of the violation.
11.6.4Discord Required Agreement
By participating in Rink Rivals, you commit to upholding the values outlined in this Code of Conduct. Let's work together to make the Rink Rivals a community of respect, sportsmanship, and fair play.
1) Respect Others
2) No Harassment
3) No Slander
4) No Homophobia (Words, Sayings, Jokes)
5) No Racism
6) No Sexism
7) No Bullying
8) Always Display Good Sportsmanship
9) Make Use of the Content Channel (Debates, Trash Talk)
10) No Threats (ZeroTolerance)
11) ZERO Tolerance for Other League Promotion – Blatant other league promotion will result in a Discord ban
12) English text only in chat channels
13) absolutely no sharing of DM's in general chat
14) HAVE FUN
11.6.5Discord Etiquette
The Discord will be loosely moderated for the most part. The only topics/things that are off limits are pornography, racial slurs, racism, politics, and members' families. If those things happen, they will be removed by management and members may be kicked out of the discord per the discretion of league management. ALL league members MUST have their USERNAMEs match their Gamertags/PSN Names.
11.6.6Gamertags
Name changes with the perceived purpose of hiding your identity will result in a punishment of either a ban or full time to part time/part time with waiver availability designation for current season.
Please see attached image for all current perk and build bans:
The punishment for entering a game with a banned perk, build, or skin is a FORFEIT OF THE GAME. If a banned build is discovered mid game everyone will exit the game, it will be a FF, and the offending player will be required to fix the build before entering the next game.
ELT (Executive Leadership Team)
RyGuy
Chandler4911
Hoss9286
Roboubi
JNoQuarterJ
Media
Fatalx87
Hoss
Busta Dimez
RyGuyx9
Banned players will be banned MINIMUM of one season (Current season + 1).
ELT will determine length of ban if a more egregious violation occurs.
In order to return to Rink Rivals from a ban, a player must play one full season as a Part Time player before being eligible to play a Full Time season again.
ELT reserves the right to update and amend rules as seasons pass for the betterment of the league and the community.
