ESC Tournament Rules

a. Player Conduct

1. Honesty Requirement: Participants must always provide accurate and truthful information.
2. Gamertag Restrictions: Gamertag’s containing offensive language or derogatory terms are prohibited.
3. Appropriate Imagery: Player and team photographs must not contain inappropriate content.
4. Prohibition of Cheating: Fair play is mandatory at all times during the tournament.
5. Behavioural Expectations: Harassment, bullying, or any form of abusive behaviour is strictly forbidden.
6. Discord Compliance: All participants are required to adhere to the rules set forth on our Discord server.

b. Season Rules

1. Team Consistency: Participants are not permitted to change teams throughout the duration of the season.
2. Substitution Policy: In the event of player absence, teams must proceed with a reduced number of players. This rule is also applicable during Season Finals.

c. Tournament Rules

1. Age Requirement: Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
2. Geographical Eligibility: Participation is limited to residents of Australia or New Zealand.
3. Live Streaming and Availability: All matches within the tournament are live-streamed. Participants are required to be available for the duration of the tournament, approximately 4-6 hours, to ensure readiness for their scheduled matches.
4. Time Zone: All tournaments run on GMT+10 (Brisbane, AU) time. If you’re in a different time zone, we recommend that you save this timezone on you’re phone.
5. Communication Protocol: All communication during match preparation and gameplay must occur exclusively through our ESC Match Day Discord.
6. Punctuality: Participants must check in on Discord in the 20 minutes prior to the scheduled tournament start time (12:00 pm GMT+10). Those who have not checked-in before the tournament start time, will be disqualified for the entire tournament.
7. Withdrawal Post-Draw: If a participant withdraws from the tournament after the draw has been released, it will be considered a forfeit. The participant will not be eligible for a refund of the entry fee under these circumstances.
8. Disconnect Policy: Disconnection rules vary by game and are detailed on each tournament page. Refunds are not provided for inability to complete a game.
9. Naming Consistency: In-game names must correspond with Discord usernames.
10. Platform Connectivity: Participants are required to accept friend requests from ESC on gaming platforms.
11. Minimum Participation Requirement: In the event a tournament receives fewer than four entries, it will be cancelled. All participants will receive a full refund of their entry fees.

d. Prize Money

1. Minimum Prize Guarantee: A minimum prize amount is always ensured.
2. Season Final Prize Calculation: Prizes for Season Finals include the guaranteed amount, additional funds from Qualifier entry fees, and viewer contributions during game-specific Qualifiers.
3. Prize Distribution: Prize money will be transferred to the winner’s nominated bank account within 7 days post-tournament completion.

e. Promotion

1. Broadcast Rights: Games will be live-streamed on YouTube and may be used on other video platforms. Participants consent to the use of their gameplay, gamertag, or likeness.
2. Social Media Authorisation: Gameplay footage and related content can be utilised on ESC’s social media for promotional purposes.

f. Use of Games and Assets

1. Game Ownership: ESC does not hold ownership rights to the games featured in tournaments.
2. Intellectual Property Respect: All game logos and related materials are the property of their respective owners.
3. Sponsorship Disclosure: Games are not officially endorsed by their creators unless explicitly stated by ESC.

g. Peripherals and Fair Play

1. Approved Equipment Usage: Participants may use any non-cheating gaming gear.
2. Fair Play Enforcement: Any form of unfair advantage is strictly prohibited.

h. Consequences of Rule Violations

1. Disqualification: Violation of rules results in immediate disqualification without refund.
2. Prize Forfeiture: Rule violators are ineligible for prize money.
3. Additional Sanctions: Further penalties may include prohibition from future ESC events or permanent bans.
4. Legal Implications: Severe breaches may result in legal action.

Final Notes

– Ethical Gameplay: The essence of ESC tournaments is to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all participants.
– Rule Amendments: ESC reserves the right to modify these rules; participants are advised to regularly review for updates.
– Feedback Solicitation: Suggestions or feedback regarding these rules are always welcomed.