ESPL 2010

EMPIRE SERIES PAINTBALL LEAGUE
Official Rule Book for the 2010 Season

Divisional Classifications

YOUTH DIVISION : THREE MAN
Players must be 10-16 years of age or under when registering for their 2010 FRP card players may play in Youth Division for the entire season as long as they meet the above requirements. Any experience level is welcome. No gun restrictions apply outside.

ROOKIE DIVISION : FIVE MAN
This is a blended division of Rookie and Novice players. Any combination of Rookie and Novice players up to a maximum of three Novice players may be rostered. A player is considered Rookie if said player has not placed top three in any Novice or higher tournament including MXL in the past 12 months. A player is considered Novice if said player has not been rostered on any CXBL, or Open Class TOC team in the past twelve months. Novice players may not have been rostered on any PSP or NPPL or equivalent Division I or II in the past twelve months.

YOUTH DIVISION teams may roster up to six (6) players per event.
ROOKIE DIVISION teams may roster up to eight (8) players per event.
Once a team name is registered all subsequent events must be registered under the same team name. Points follow Team Names not players.

Both Divisions may have one non rostered person to help in the pits as a runner for paint and air, a parent, friend or spectator. Pit personal MUST have a FRP indicating they are PIT Crew. There is no charge for Pit Crew FRP cards.

Teams must always roster two original members from the first ESPL 2010 event played. Series points will not awarded to teams who do not have two original members.

PERSONAL EXEMPTION

Players are able to appeal for a Personal Exemption. Personal Exemptions may be granted by a unanimous decision of the ESPL Rules Committee. Personal Exemptions are granted upon a case-by-case basis and must be submitted one week prior to the event in question. Go to www.esplpaintball.com to download the form.

SANDBAGGING

Sandbagging or attempting to play in a division lower than any players proper divisional classification set forth by these rules will result in the immediate banning of said players and the removal of all seed points accumulated to date. Prizes may be confiscated and there will be no refunds on Registrations Fees or Paintballs.

FRP

Flagswipe Registered Player

All participants in the ESPL must show a valid FRP at the beginning of each game. Players without FRP cards may be asked to leave the playing area. ESPL 2010 continues to improve our security and safety measures and we will continue to have staff members regulate players and non-players from staging areas. Players who do not have FRP’s will not be allowed back into the staging pits. All team helpers/Parents must have valid 2010 FRP cards as well; this includes anyone who needs access to staging or playing areas. FRP cost is $15.00. FRP cards help the entire series grow in a positive direction, forcing players to participate in their proper classification.

FORMAT
All teams will play a “RACE” format. Teams will race to 3,5 or 7 points depending on the amount of teams in each division. Each match will be 10 to 15 minutes in length with 2 minute turnaround time between points. This means you have 2 minutes to wipe off old hits, re strategize, get paint and air and be ready for the five second countdown. Every odd point you switch ends. Teams will play up to 5 matches per event. Top two preliminary scores will move on to the final match, next two scoring teams play for 3rd and 4th.

Caveat. This format is very new for us and we expect the first event to be a learning curve. We ask that all players work with the refs and administration staff to make this transition as seamless as possible. Of course the ESPL is open to any and all constructive critism. The ESPL is interested in giving players what they want, please help us to do so. However, please wait until after the first event to offer advice.

RULES OF CONDUCT ESPL 2010

Matches will be 10-15 minutes in duration. Games will start with a 5 second warning. A verbal “go, go, go” or a whistle or a horn will signify game start. Players leaving starting station early have a chance to “tag up” and will not be eliminated at the referee’s discretion. This means the player that left early is able to return to the starting station touch it and begin play.
Dead Box Coaching. A player may “coach” from the deadbox after he is eliminated. Said player must return to the deadbox and place his marker on the ground BEFORE anything is said to live players.
A point is scored by hanging the center flag on the opponents start station. Once a flag is captured it cannot go backwards and must make forward progress toward the opponent’s end zone. Delay of game will not be tolerated and Unsportsmanlike like penalties will be assessed if this tactic is employed.
All eliminated or ejected players will immediately call themselves “eliminated” and take the most direct route to the Pit Area. Interfering with the flow of the game in progress or communicating with live players will result in a one for one and possible penalty. Any player failing to check in with an official in a timely manner will result in a penalty in accordance to the scoring system
Players are eliminated by: a) being marked with a paintball with said paintball leaving a quarter sized mark and or b) being ejected from the game by an official for a safety infraction, or any infraction of the rules established in this brief, or those rules stated during the captains meeting
Armbands will not be worn. Eliminated players will raise their markers over their head and move quickly towards the dead box. No dead mans walk. No overshooting penalty. However penalties will be assed as unsportsman like conduct.
Eliminated players may not talk to, pass or drop any equipment or in any way aid or hinder any active players. Once a player has left the playing field, he may not re-enter for any reason.
Paint grenades, smoke grenades, noise makers, tools and sharp instruments including steel spikes on footwear may not enter the play area.
All players will wear approved unaltered paintball goggles and facemask at all times while on the playing field as well as any designated “ goggles on “ areas regardless of whether a game is in progress or not.
All markers will be chronographed by our staff, and may not exceed 280 fps. All rostered Players are allowed to enter the playing area with one marker only – at which time it may be chronographed. No marker shooting in excess of 280 fps will be allowed on the playing field. Players will have the chance to tune their markers at the pre chronograph area, all chronographs will be in good working order but the only chronograph that shall be taken as field chronograph will be on the playing field. Any player shooting over 280 fps after the pre chronograph adjustment has two options: a) play without a marker b) use a Marker from an extra player as long as the marker is already ON the field, no time will be allowed to go off field for a replacement marker. Markers may be chronographed at any time before, during or even after a game has been played. If a player is found shooting 291fps or higher said player is eliminated. If said marker is shooting in excess of 300 fps said player will be removed as well as his closest teammate and will proceed to the dead box. All players should have their markers shooting below the safe speed prior to entering the arena for play.
Players may not shoot across boundaries or discharge their markers anywhere with the exception of the target range, or on the playing field during a game. Players must not discharge or de-gas their markers after they have been eliminated or ejected until they have cleared the chrono station
If a team is not ready by scheduled game time, they will have to play with the players that are ready. The schedule will not wait for players or teams.
Teams will be placed at opposite ends of the playing field by officials and may not leave that position until the game is started
Any player or official may call paint checks at any time. When a paint check is called, firing may continue until an official touches the individual and clearly states “ Neutral Player “. If the player has not been eliminated then he will become active when the official puts him back in the game. The official has the option of allowing the player a four second count prior to calling him active. There is no movement allowed on any player who is in a “ Neutral Player “ call. Players caught abusing the paint check rule will be ejected and their team will be penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Officials may eject a player for what he considers “ unsportsmanlike conduct “ at any time. As with any ejection, the player’s team will be penalized. Cursing, provoking gestures, or comments in bad taste towards officials, spectators, or players are not allowed. If the offending player has already been ejected or eliminated, additional penalty points will be assessed.
Any argument with an official will immediately constitute ejection from the game. If the player has already been ejected or eliminated, additional penalty points will be assessed.
There will be no discharging of markers before or after a game starts or finishes
Any player caught “ cheating “ (including but not limited to, wiping away paint or playing on with an obvious hit) will be ejected as well as his nearest teammate. Additional penalty points may be assessed.
Any player breaking the rules established in this brief (hot marker excluded) or those set forth by the captains meeting in any order or combination three times will not be allowed to participate in any further tournament games.
Other than noted in the above rules, players are not limited to the amount of Co2 or Paintballs. One layer of neoprene cover is allowed as long as it measures less than 1/8” thick. Players are not allowed to bring any tools of any sort onto the playing field.
Infraction of the rules established in this brief, or those established during the captains meeting is cause for ejection.
Any official may temporarily suspend a rule for reasons of safety or to ensure smooth operation of any game. The suspension of a rule or rules is on a case by case basis, and is once again only temporary and is not to be considered by the player or players as permission to break this rule at any other time.
The word “ Painted “ may not be used by players on the field, unless calling themselves eliminated from the game.
Only paintballs, Co2 and compressed air purchased from the field operator are allowed for use in this tournament. Players hit with other colours are not eliminated, and the team shooting non-tourney paint will be ejected from the entire event.
Trigger bounce is not allowed. Any marker that shoots more than one ball per trigger pull will be ejected from the tourney and cannot be repaired and used in another game. Said marker is banned and unsportmanlike penalties will be assessed. No full auto, three round or multiple burst modes are allowed. All markers with these capabilities must have a tourney lock installed and in use. Illegal markers are at the sole discretion of the head field ref and once a decision has been made it will be final
Barrel blocking devices are mandatory. Barrel sleeves or barrel condoms only. Squeegees do not substitute for above items. All markers MUST be properly plugged in the Pit Area at all times.
Markers may not be discharged or displayed when off the tournament site. Any property damage to Hotels, Bars, Restaurants or any other facility will result in Team ejection.
Tie Scores will be dealt with in the following manner: a) Previous Head to Head Matches played in that round b) Least Penalties c) Shootout – both teams submit a roster of names, a series of one on one matches begins in order of roster. Games are one minute in length, the first player to cleanly eliminate the other scores a point. First team to three points wins the tiebreaker.
Any use of drugs or alcohol on or about the game site is prohibited. Any individual found under the influence will be ejected from the event
Spectators are welcome but no Spectator coaching is allowed. Spectators are allowed in the staging areas only if they have proper identification (FRP)
Staging teams must leave markers on the floor with barrel plugs attached until told by an official to retrieve them.
Eliminated players must proceed in the most direct route to the Pit Area. When eliminated put your hands in the air and run to your appropriate area. Markers must be plugged before going into the Pit Area/Safe Zone.
There is NO “dead man’s walk” - unsportmanlike conduct penalties will be assessed
Live players are responsible for checking in as such, Players leaving the playing field without being checked in live will be eliminated.
Both captains MUST sign the score sheet. All disputes must be resolved on the field; there is no higher power than the head ref on the field.
Leaving the starting station prior to the official game on results in the offending player being eliminated, unless he can “ tag up “ in time. Tag up is at the discretion of the official.
Eliminated players communicating or acting, as a live player will result in his nearest teammate being eliminated.
Teams arriving late for their division have two options: a) Forfeit without refund b) Play the next available division if your team meets its criteria
Any apparel deemed to hamper or impede an official’s ability to make proper decisions will be banned.
All harnesses or loading systems must be worn outside your last layer of clothing
Excessively baggy apparel will be taped or must be removed
One layer of clothing is permitted beneath pants and jerseys. Special exemptions may apply for extraordinary circumstances.
All knee/shin/elbow protectors may be worn with one layer only. Protective braces are also allowed.
Pods and squeegees may be dropped and passed between live teammates. However no time will be given to retrieve any items from the field of play once the game is finished. Live players must check in with an official prior to retrieving items.
Semi Auto ONLY Markers are allowed in Youth Division. Players may use PSP mode locked at 12.5bps in Rookie Division in addition to Semi Auto mode.
No noise making devices are allowed on or near the playing field.
Restricted electronic boards. A marker deemed “unsafe” or “illegal” become the temporary possession of the Scrutinizer or Head Ref. Failure to immediately hand over a suspicious marker will result in Team Disqualification. The Scrutinizer or Head Referee will then inspect the confiscated marker. If the marker is deemed “illegal” (shoots more than one shot per trigger pull) the marker is removed from the field of play. The offending team scores zero (0) points and the other team receives one hundred (1) points
Any and all regulators on all markers must have a lock and be locked down in a way so as to impede any adjustment on the playing field.
PSP markers may not shoot more than 12.5 balls per second. Any player found shooting faster than the PSP Mode 12.5bps cap will be pulled and escorted to the deadbox.
No swearing or profanity. Referees may give one warning but are not required to. Profanity results in the offending player being removed from the game.
Bunkers may not be jumped over, the offending player will be removed from play
Eliminated Players will know they are eliminated if a Referee puts his hand on his head and extends his arm towards them in the universal sign for elimination. Bounces are indicated by the universal “safe” sign seen in Baseball.

Championship Rules

Teams accumulate points throughout the season of four events. Teams do not have to play all four events to be able to compete for the Championship Title. Most seed points accumulated over a maximum of four events in 2010 count as a Team’s final point total. The team with the most seed points at the end of the season will be crowned Series Champions. A tie score will be solved in the following manner:

Team with most first place finishes
Team with most second place finishes

Seed Points
Place Points

50
46
43
40
35
32
30
28
26
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
10
10
10
Thru 50 receive 10 points each

CHRONO

ON FIELD:                              3 mandatory clearing shots
                                                1 over chrono
                                                If 280 fps (or lower) marker passes
                                                If 281 fps (or higher) marker fails
                                                You do NOT have a chance to re chrono at this point

DURING PLAY:       1 over chrono
                                                If 290 or less marker passes no penalty
If 291 – 299 player is eliminated
                                                If 300+ player is eliminated + closest teammate

Point Breakdown

ALL DIVISIONS

7 Points Match Win
1 Point For each Point Scored

E.g. Team A plays Team B
Team A wins the match in 11 minutes, the final score is 5-3

Total Preliminary Points Scored are:

Team A 12
Team B 3

Remember you play up to 5 matches. Top two teams move on to finals for a final match.

Penalties
2 for 1 Playing on with an obvious hit
1 for 1 Points playing on with an unobvious hit
3 for 1 Blatant wiping or aggressive play
5 Points For any safety Violation
5 Points   Unsportsmanlike conduct or arguing with any official
5 Points   For verbal abuse, on or off the field, with staff or players
5 Points Plus player expulsion for any physical contact with player or staff
5 Points   Plus player expulsion for deliberate overshooting of players or staff
5 Points   Plus two for one for attempted dead man walk
5 Points For all other Minor Violation
10 Points                 For all other Major Violation

All points earned during game are removed for blatant Aggressive cheating

The rules set forth may not be copied, quoted from or plagiarized in any way. Flagswipe ltd will aggressively pursue legal matters if any individuals or companies attempt to steal these rules and ideas.