Spring 2002 ZCS Rules

Entry Rules

1. The Directors may refuse any entry based on inappropriate behavior, unethical tactics, cheating, or an unsatisfactory record of completing matches in previous ZCS’s and other tournaments or leagues. Any player sanctioned by the Zone may be refused entry or disqualified depending on the nature of the sanctions.

1a. Entrants providing incomplete or false information with their entry may have their entry declined.

1b. The Host may refuse any entry because of inappropriate or disruptive behavior in previous ZCS or other tournaments.

2. Each person may submit only one entry form. We recognize that it is common for players to have many nicknames. Any and all Zone nicknames that players wish to be considered for the ZCS must be listed on the entry form. The nickname that well eventually be used to play will be determined according to the priorities incorporated in the eligibility criteria.

2a. All Players must provide a personal email address, which will NOT appear on the web pages. Once a player has been accepted to play in the ZCS/ZCSQ/LCT they will receive a ZCS-ZCSQ.com email address that will forward all mail to their personal email address provided at signup.

Scheduling Responsibilities

3. Players must schedule and complete their matches within the allotted time. Players may agree to stop game play and restore and continue their match at a later date, as long as it is within the allotted time.

4. Players are responsible for keeping records of all scheduling attempts.

5. Players are strongly discouraged from leaving the scheduling of matches until late in the time period allocated for the round. The Host will take this into account when applying Rule 7.

6. Any player that will be unable to respond to match scheduling emails for more than 3 consecutive days must, where possible, report this fact to the Host in advance.

6a. Players should report to the Host any difficulty in scheduling matches or opponents failure to respond to scheduling requests or emails as soon as reasonably possible.

7. If a match cannot be scheduled, despite good faith effort or because an opponent has not responded, then the player must notify the Host. These issues must be made known at least 5 days prior to the end of a round. The Host may make a determination of good faith effort and award the “win”.

8. Any player who has not played any matches within 7 days of the start of the round may be replaced, unless they have notified the Host of sufficient cause.

Rules of Play

9. Players may not receive assistance of any kind from any source during a match. This includes, but is not limited to, reference material, automated backgammon programs, or other humans

10. All matches will be played in the Doubling Cube room.

11. During a match, players’ ZM must be on and set to DND.

12. Doubling is allowed, however the auto-double feature must be set to OFF.

13. Kibitzing must be left ON. If either player wishes to silence watchers the watchers will be silenced.

14. A player is considered to be disconnected (booted) when s/he is unable to continue game play. Players must restore the match upon return. If a player disconnects and cannot continue, the players must reschedule and restore the match as soon as possible. There are no boot limits.

15. Match results must be posted, by the winner, within 24 hours of match completion.

Rules of Conduct

16. A high standard of ethical behavior and sportsmanship is expected. Any lapse risks disciplinary action from the Host that may include, but is not limited to, forfeiting points, forfeiting matches, or disqualification.

16a. MSN Gaming Zone COC must be adhered to at all times while playing in the ZCS/ZCSQ/LCT tournaments.

17. The tactic of deliberately losing a match to influence the outcome of the tournament is prohibited.

18. Failure to complete your allocated matches, without good cause, may be considered unsporting and could affect eligibility for future ZCS/ZCSQ tourneys.

19. Disputes between players must be directed to the Host for resolution.

20. Any entrant wishing to dispute a Host ruling may do so by directing the issue to the Tournament Directors, whose decision is final. Where appropriate, the Directors will appoint others to adjudicate on appeals in their place.

21. Matches may be analyzed and this analysis may be published. Players agree to this by entering. If either player requests the dice log to be saved, the other player must remain at the table after the conclusion of the match until the dice log has been saved.

Replacements/Substitutions

22. In the event of a withdrawal after the start of the tournament, The Host has the discretion to replace the withdrawing player or to appoint a substitute to complete the round. When a withdrawing player is replaced, all wins and losses will be voided and the replacement player will play a full round and may advance. If circumstances make replacement inappropriate or impractical and a substitute is appointed, he will not play for advancement. He will simply complete the round of the withdrawing player to insure that all other players in the bracket have a record based on actual play.

22a. All Replacement Players will be selected from the ZCSQ. The Replacement Player will be the next best overall player by record.

22b. Substitute Players will be volunteers, which will be signed up after the start of the ZCSQ or the ZCS. The substitute players will be subbed on an as-needed basis for players that either cannot complete their matches or choose not to complete their matches. The Host will appoint these subs as appropriately as possible. Substitute players DO NOT advance to the next round. Substitute players will also be given the respect that all other ZCS/ZCSQ players receive. Failure to do so will invoke rule 16.

General

23. Notwithstanding any of the above, the Directors may amend or add to these rules should in their view circumstances make it necessary in order to best achieve the purpose of the ZCS or ZCSQ.