next season's MSFL

this is a spot for us to decide what happens, doesn't happen next season. also, we can use this to create a list of people NOT invited to the opening of the 2010 league in august.

not invited list:
tea3agger
fresh
soonersbigdawg aka ouncgametime

dont invite mickey.... we were playing and he intentioanlly disconnected me right before i was about to score the go ahead touchdown.

(jk - in case anyone was gonna take me seriously)

i agree with that list probably gonna wanna add atl to that list..well he is on probation from tournament III for not playin his game...are we gonna strike up another season after this 1?

prolly wanna add me as well

buddah...here's the rules i was talkin about


III. PLAYING YOUR GAME - SCHEDULED GAMES

1. We play 2 games per week: Each week’s games will open on Thursday (morning) and continue until the following Sunday (11:59 pm EST). If you need an extension for whatever reason, you must contact the commissioner 24 hours before the deadline (Saturday 11:59pm EST is the latest) anything after that cannot be extended. 11 Days to play 2 games, is more than enough time.

2. If you miss 1 game without any excuse, or letting anyone know, your out of the league, no questions asked.

3. If a game isnt played, a couple things can happen:

a.) First off, we are going to do EVERYTHING we possibly can to make sure ALL games are played and not Simmed or forfeited from now on. We will start extending the games for people who miss the deadline, but depending on who's fault it is, that team will have 1 player suspended in that game for every 2 days the game is late. For example, the Chiefs and Browns game is late by 2 days, its the Chiefs fault. The Chiefs will have 1 player suspended for the game vs the Browns. So instead of simming the game, we will just punish whoever's fault it is, that the game wasnt played. Which its super important to post on the forum in the game scheduling board, thats how we determine who is being active and who isnt!

b.) If it is no one's fault that the game was simmed, then we will just extend the game until it can be played.

c.) Now if the game is not played by the following deadline, then the game MUST be simmed. We sim the game using madden, we simply open up a season, go to that week and sim the game and take the stats.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO EMAIL THE COMMISSIONER IF AN OPPONENT IS UNRESPONSIVE, BECAUSE IF YOU DONT, YOUR GONNA GET REPLACED AND WONDER WHY YOU DID.

4. You may not play any games ahead of the current week's schedule. If you have to, then do not enter the stats into League Daddy until that week comes up. (Too much confusion). If you enter any games in week's in advance, you will be warned, and game will be erased.

IV. GAME PLAY SETTINGS

1. Room: Doesnt matter, create your own and coordinate with your opponent
2. Password: Create Your Own
3. Quarter Length: 7 Minutes
4. Difficulty: All-Madden
5. Injuries / Fatigue: On
6. Rosters: You will be prompted everytime you log onto online with new rosters, download them, and play.
7. Fair Play: Off

V. DISCONNECTIONS
- It is the owner, who is still in the game's obligation to take down stats for both teams, so no one loses stats.

1. If an opponent pulls the plug, the system will pause for a second or two then it’ll vibrate for about 10 seconds. If this occurs one time by an owner, they’ll be removed from league.

2. There’s a difference between someone quitting and someone disconnecting. If they quit you’ll see the message “Your Opponent Has Quit the Game” on the screen as opposed to “The Connection To Your Opponent Has Been Lost”. You’ll want to note this difference when it occurs.

3. If somebody quits on you without letting you know or getting your permission to continue the game at a later date, you (the non-quitter) will be given the win.

4. If a disconnect occurs in the first half , the game must be continued. If disconnect occurs more than three times by halftime, obviously someone has a connection problem.

5. If you’re winning by MORE than 24 points in the 3rd quarter with less then 4 minutes to play when disconnection occurs, you get the win. Contine vs CPU, write down your stats, then quit. (Unless both owners agree to finish the game)

6. If you’re winning by MORE than 17 points in the 4th quarter with less than 3 minutes left when disconnection occurs, you get the win. Contine vs CPU, write down your stats, then quit. (Unless both owners agree to finish the game)

7. If a game is half played and the two opponents agree to finish at a later time that’s convenient...they're to write the stats down that they've earned. If the game isn't completed by the end of the next week, the team that was winning will receive the win and we will take the stats from the first half for the game.

8. If an opponent just plain quits the game, you’ll receive the win. Take stats from where they quit and submit them. Also, contact commissioner to let him know of the forfeit

** One quit game is removal from the league
** If an owner pulls the plug one time in the season, they’ll be removed.
** If an owner obviously has connection problems and can’t be fixed, you’ll be asked to give your team up. Games aren’t fun when they need to be restarted 8 times to finish it, plus it kills momentum

VI. GAME PLAY - GENERAL RULES
Remember Package formations are ok, since its in the game. But if you are found changing around players in your depth chart that violate these rules, you will be warned and subject to league penalties. Also if you are found using package formations to just gain an advantage over the defensive AI (i.e. Putting a WR at TE or FB) then you will be subject to league penalties. Everything that you can change in a package is fine, but again, you cannot change it on the Depth Chart itself.

1. [/b]Depth Chart Substitutions:[/b] Player substitutions may only be made at the beginning of the game or halftime. NO player may be moved from the position he plays to different position, with the following exceptions:
• HBs can play at HB only
• FBs can play any FB only
• LBs can play any LB slot (OLB, ILB, MLB)
• CBs can play any CB slot (LCB, RCB)
• Defensive linemen are interchangeable (DE's at DE, DT's at DT)
• FS/SS are interchangeable
• TE can play FB, IF he routinely plays that position in the NFL. Use good judgment here.
• WR: Your #1 WR can only play the #1 or #2 hole. You CANNOT put your #1 WR in the Slot in the depth chart.
• KR and PR, make it realistic! I dont want to see Marvin Harrison returning punts. If they dont do it in the NFL, they dont do it in the MOF.

2. EA SPORTS Talk: Madden features live interaction during a game online. We’re setting some rules for this feature.

a. Owners are not to use crude language during the game towards their opponent. This is unsportsmanlike and just plain rude

b. Please only interact after each play, unless both owners agree its not a distraction to converse during game. Otherwise, it can be an annoyance to have someone talking when you’re trying to get plays off

c. I expect you to know the rules before playing, so if an owner happens to break one, please let them know what they did, nicely. When I play, I try to have the rules in front of me for reference. If this is possible, try to do that as well.

4. COURTESY RULES:
- Allow your opponent a couple minutes to set his depth chart and or audibles
- Some of us have babies/toddlers we must watch while playing(wife law: you have time for madden, you have time for baby) if your opponent pauses the game, give him a few minutes as he may have to tend to something, be it a baby, the doorbell or Taco Bell acting up
- If possible leave your AIM on to settle an in game dispute.

5. PLAYERS ON IR
- We will not be using players that are on the Injured Reserve list. This year's game allows you to sub guys that are on IR to play in the games. If you are caught using players that are on IR you will automatically forfeit that game. So dont do it. After the NFL season guys come off IR and everyone will be then fair game.

VII. GAME PLAY - OFFENSE RULES

- This section will deal with specific nuances of gameplay. Remember “sim” football is the name of the game – if you wouldn’t see it in the NFL on Sunday, don’t do it in the MOF - Commissioner

1. Mercy Rule: If you are 'WINNING' by 42 points or more, at any point of the game. You must run the ball from here on out. You 'CANNOT' pass the football, you must run the football 'AND' run the clock out, period. You also, cannot go for it on 4th down, or fake FG or punts, you can kick fieldgoals if you are close. If you are running towards the endzone, of course score, but please dont rub it in and bomb the ball when ur up by that much, just disrespectful and unsportsmanlike. If you break this rule, which will be watched very closely from now on, you will be removed no questions asked.

Also: If you are 'LOSING' by 42 points or more in the second half, you CAN go for any 4th down you wish.

2. Running Out The Clock/Draining The Clock: Can only be done with 3:00 minutes left in the 2nd quarter and 4th quarter. Also It should never take more then 10 seconds to call your play. If your opponent is going below this pause him address issue. If your opponent waits till 25 seconds left every play to pick a play you know they are obviously waiting as long as possible to pick their play. No one wants to play a game that you just sit there and watch time go by. Once a play is picked as rule of thumb 2 consecutive plays should never go underneath 20 seconds by the time you hike the ball, it may happen every once in a while with adjustments, but this does not mean you can go below 25 seconds on 2 plays then run play normally and then run 2 more plays below 25 seconds. (This also doesn't mean you can just keep hiking the ball with 21 seconds left, don't manipulate these rules). Play the game, if you want to run a ball controlled offense sustain longs drives but do not purposely run down clock because you want to gain advantage. If you are found doing this, you will be warned and subject to league penalties.

*Exception: If you are up by 42 or more points (Mercy Rule) you 'HAVE' to run out the clock. There have been some complaints about owner draining the clock.

3. Playcalling: Do not rely on “money plays” or use the SAME play over and over to win games. We play realistic football here, and therefore severely restrict the manual movement of defenders. While this creates more realistic matchups, it does expose defenses to exploitation to some extent. We are not banning specific routes or limiting the number of times you can use a certain play in a game, but “mix it up”. We are relying on the MOF owners to be responsible about this.

We have had problems with this in the past, especially in very important games. What we constitute as money plays are plays that are used constantly, same ones over and over. Running plays really dont constitute as money plays, since you are not really making any motions or hot routes. Which brings up the money plays including hot routes, audibles, motions, those are the most common money play issues we have.

4. No Huddle: You can huddle whenever you want, its part of the NFL, just dont make it the base of your offense. But once in a while its good to try and catch the defense off guard.

At NO TIME may no huddle be called after a clock stoppage (out of bounds, incomplete pass, etc.). If this happens, you must take a delay of game penalty.

5. Fourth Down: When faced with a 4th down situation, you should be kicking the majority of the time. This rewards strong defensive play. You may “go for it” on 4th down in the following situations:
* If you have a deficit in the 4th quarter
* If you are on or within your opponent's 5 yard line
* At the end of the first half or second half, if time will expire by running a play
* If you are on opponents 40-36 yard line and its too far to kick a FG, or if its too windy to kick a FG. Just use judgement here, as long as your not going for every 4th down.

6. Audibles: On offense, audibles, hot routes, and formation shifts may only be called once the QB is under center. There are no limits on audibles and hot routes, but keep in mind if your continuously audibling and letting the playclock run down, your going to get reported for play clock draining. You may not audible down to a play that would place a WR at the TE or RB position. If you do, you must keep them into block. You may only change your audible button assignments at the beginning of the game or at halftime.

We have had issues with this in the past. If all your going to come out and do, is hot routes, audibles, and that nonsense you are not going to be here for long. This isnt an audibles vs audibles league, and if you are found just doing this all game long, you will be warned, subject to league penalties and eventually just booted out of the league.

7. Goal Line Formation: Goal Line offense or defense formations are only to be used:
• Within your own 10-yard line.
• Within your opponent’s 10-yard line.
• 2nd, 3rd, or 4th and inches

8. NEW: QB Sneak
- QB sneak is unstoppable in this game, so you can only use it if your trying to put the ball into the endzone, thats it!!!!!

9. NEW: Manually Controlling Receivers: You cannot bomb the ball out to a WR and then take control of the WR, and Speed Burst to the spot where the ball is , or zig zag to the spot of the ball, etc. It simply creates an unfair advantage, and that's not what sim-ball is about. This isn't about who can find the most effective way to gain an advantage, we're here to play sim and have fun. Being able to speed burst with top receivers makes it nearly impossible to defend and opens up the possiblity of the RC (09 isn't nearly as bad as 08, but RC'ing is still too frequent). *However you can switch to the WR to make a catch or get better position on a poorly thrown ball. Just be careful and do not speed burst or create any unfair mis matches and take advantage*

VIII. GAME PLAY - DEFENSE RULES

1. Manual Movement of Defenders Pre-Snap: You may move ONE and ONLY ONE player manually pre-snap, and once that player is moved, you MUST maintain control of that player until after the ball is snapped. The following also apply:
• Defensive linemen may NOT be moved manually side to side, “picked off the line”, or dropped into coverage until after the ball is snapped. This includes punts and field goals.
• If you choose to move a LB, you may move him side to side, or up 5 yards from his current spot. You may not drop a LB into deep pass coverage pre-snap.
• If you choose to move a CB or Safety, you may move him anywhere on the field outside of the LB box. You may NOT manually blitz or “speed rush” the QB with a manually-controlled CB or Safety.
• Manually Controlling Defenders: You can control anyone on the field at any time. It would make it too difficult, relying on the computer to tackle all of the time. There's not too much of an advantage being able to switch players, the only problem I can foresee is the lack of pass interference penalties. It's easy, as a cb, to hold up the receiver, and you will not be penalized. It does take a little practice to get used to controlling the cb like this though, and if the receiver gets around you, he's gone. This falls under the category of good sportsmanship, don't do anything you wouldn't like done to you, and keep it fair.

*Note if your opponent on offense, audibles to different formation, formation shifts or puts someone in motion say TE from one side of field to the other you are at liberty to go control a different defender once one of those instances occurs*

2. Defensive Playmaker and Shifts:
• All shifts, LB, DB, DL, are all allowed.
• 8/9 In the Box: You can only put 8/9 men in the box if you are running 4-3, 3-4, 46, or Goalline. There is no reason to come out in Quarter or Dime and go into 8 in the box, its just like subbing DB's in at LB in a 46. The offense will not be audibling down, so there is no need to do this in any other formation.
• Shifting DE LB's: You can shift them however you want, but you cannot keep shifting them back and forth so that they are in a weird position when the ball is snapped. Shift them, and leave em there. Dont shift back and forth and back and forth, etc.
• Defensive Playmaker: This will be allowed now that the Run/Pass tell glitch has been fixed.

3. Manual Control of Players Post-Snap: It is widely known that Madden does not penalize defenders for pass interference unless the “Hit Stick” is used before the ball arrives. You MAY manually control defenders to “make a play”, but you may NOT purposely interfere or “bump” the receiver past 5 yards from the line of scrimmage. Sometimes it happens accidently, but if you are doing it repeatedly expect to be subject to league penalties.

4. Defensive Playcalling: Be realistic. If someone comes out in a 2-wide, 2-back, 1-te set. Dont come out in Quarter. Same thing applies if someone comes out in 3-wide, dont come out in 46. We are aiming for "sim" like football here, not arcade, NFL Blitz style here. Play like an NFL team would play.

We've had problems with this in the past. People calling defenses before the offense even picked their play. Defense is more proned to be called out on money plays, and not mixing it up. Do not over use any 1 thing on defense.

5. Bump and Run / Backing Off DB's: You may use the bump and run and back off DB movements, but do not overuse them. Do not use it as the base of your defense. Cover 2 zone is allowed, but overuse of the BnR will result in a league penalty, and possible removal. Too many people just simply spread the line, blitz, and bnr or drop back their DB's every play and play zone, and thats their base of their defense. Mix it up.

IX. GAME PLAY - SPECIAL TEAMS RULES

1. XP, FG, Punt Return Defense: You CANNOT move any defenders pre-snap. FG block, XP block. On Punt defense you can move your RETURNER and returner only to catch the ball, and thats all.

2. Fair Catch Interference: When receiving a punt, you may NOT intentionally call for a fair catch and then run into the opponents special teams player to induce a 15 yard penalty. This is not sim and will not be allowed. If you do this by mistake, simply decline the penalty.

3. Kickoffs:
• Onside kicks are allowed anytime, but ONLY from onside kick formation. Any normal kickoff must travel at least 20 yards in the air.
• "Squib" kicks are ONLY allowed with 3:00 minutes left in the 2nd and 4th quarters.

4. Fake Punt - RB Direct Snap: You can only use it once a game, regardless of any situations.

5. NEW: Punting - Line Driving Punts: Cannot be done at any time. You cannot line drive a punt at a returner looking to force an easy fumble because the returner has no chance to call a fair catch. This will not be allowed!

ima take all this in consideration and talk to my mods about wat to include and wat to not include