• 1. Helpfulness: IVRL serves the community. Helping each other builds community bonds and fosters a welcoming environment for new players.
  2. Respect: Treating others with respect is fundamental. IVRL will not tolerate toxic behavior.
  3. Integrity: IVRL is committed to fair play. These rules provide the bare minimum. Players should hold themselves to a standard of integrity above what these rules require.

• 1. Hate speech, offensive behavior, or verbal abuse related to sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disability, physical appearance, body size, age, or religion.
  2. Stalking or intimidation (physically or online).
  3. Spamming, raiding, hijacking, or inciting disruption of streams or social media.
  4. Posting or threatening to post other people's personally identifying information ("doxxing").
  5. Unwelcome sexual attention. This includes unwelcome sexualized comments, jokes, and sexual advances.
  6. Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.

• 1. intentionally losing a match.
  2. Colluding with an opponent to secure a match outcome.
  3. Colluding with an opponent to manipulate placements/standings.
  4. Engaging in any behavior which interferes with the operation of the league or participation of teams.

• 1. Are protected by copyrights/royalties/third-party rights and the user has no written permission;
  2. Resemble or are identical to a brand/trademark no matter whether it's registered or not;
  3. Resemble or are identical to a real person other than themselves;
  4. Resemble or are identical to a IVRL representative;
  5. Are deemed too hard to read, distinguish, interpret or have multiple unnecessary characters; or
  6. Violate the IVRL Code of Conduct.

• 1. Teams must enter their availability on their team page to play each week on Sundays before midnight (ET).
  2. Matches will be generated on Monday at noon (ET).
  3. All matches must be scheduled by Midnight on Wednesday (ET).
  4. Teams must play their match during one of the time slots allowed by the IVRL.
  5. Each month, 2 of the 4 matches must be played in a broadcast slot notated by the IVRL.
  6. One time slot will be designated as the default slot for the week. This slot will be used to settle scheduling disputes in favor of the team that is available for that match time. If neither team is available for the default slot, both teams will receive an SRS penalty.
  7. Postponements are not allowed.
  8. Inactivities are allowed prior to match generation, but an SRS decay will be applied for each inactivity.

• 1. Prior to the start of a match, Team Captains and Co-Captains will be assigned a game server in VAIL, along with a given password for the server. They must share this information with the rest of their team.
  2. Servers region will be assigned automatically based on team regions.
  3. Players must be in a match voice channel in the official VAIL Pro League Discord during the match.
  4. Teams listed first on the first map server are considered Home teams. Home teams must play as Reyab and Away teams must play as Colonist.
  5. Teams alternate sides for each map. Home will play as Map 1: Reyab, Map 2: Colonist, and Map 3: Reyab.
  6. The latest a Match is allowed to start is five minutes after the scheduled time.
  7. Unless both teams expressly agree, a team unable to commence the match within the allowed time will forfeit the match.
  8. Teams must join the lobby before their set start time, with a max delay of 5 minutes to begin their match. The match must start at most 5 minutes past their set start time. If a team does not have at least 4 players in the lobby at this time, they are subject to a map forfeit.
  9. Following a map one forfeit the forfeiting team has 5 minutes from their allocated timeout to start map two. Otherwise, they will forfeit the entire match.
  10. Once 10 players have joined the game server, the game will start automatically.
  11. Each map will occur on a new game server. The requirements for starting a new map is the same as above.

• 1. Game mode will be Artifact playing first to 11 round wins.
  2. Rounds 1 and 11 will be Pistol Only rounds.
  3. Matches will consist of 3 maps, Suna, Khidi, and Maar in that order.
  4. All 3 maps will be played each match.

• 1. There is one 5 minute timeout allowed per map per team. Timeouts are called by a team pressing “P” in-game between rounds.
  2. Player substitutions mid-match are allowed. Unnecessary match delays outside of timeout usage can result in round overturns.
  3. Any issues such as violations of rules during a match should be addressed as soon as possible. Teams must play out the round, use their timeout and create a ticket in the IVRL VAIL server. They should work expediently to collect any evidence they have to submit to the ticket. Referees will be available in a voice channel ready to assist teams. If the officials deem an investigation is needed, they will pause the match indefinitely until a conclusion is reached. It is imperative that tickets be submitted as soon as possible for infractions so that swift disciplinary action can be taken. Delays in reporting can result in no investigation or action taken.

• 1. Scores will be automatically registered on the site. Team captains must check the scores to ensure validity and raise any score correction tickets before Sunday at Midnight (ET).

• 1. All players are required to record video and audio, including their own microphone audio, of their point of view ("POV") during matches using the VAIL Gameplay window.
  2. Recordings should start before entering the lobby for MAP 1.
  3. The spectator HUD overlay must be visible and not disabled.
  4. This recording must be available upon IVRL Officials' request for up to 4 weeks.
  5. View the recording mandate page for more information: Recording Mandate
  6. IVRL Officials reserve the right to impose an Escalated Recording Mandate upon any player or team. View the Escalated Recording Mandate section for more information: Escalated Recording Mandate
  7. Failure to comply with a requested recording will result in penalties.

• 1. Direct modification of the game or its code that affects gameplay in any form.
  2. The use of any unapproved third party apps which modify the game in any form.
     • 1. LIV is a permitted app, however the Mixed Mode and Third Person settings for LIV are not allowed
  3. Deliberately exploiting the game in any way which has an extreme impact on competitive fairness.
     • 1. Utilizing playspace movement to gain speed advantages.
  4. Anything which may be considered Hacking, DDOS, or any actions directed toward IVRL players aimed at preventing or affecting their participation in a match.
  5. Intentionally or Unintentionally Clipping inside of objects or walls more than 50% may result in round overturns, or match disqualification if repeated multiple times at the discretion of IVRL.
  6. Planting the Puck/Scanner in a way that makes it difficult or impossible to "Interrupt" will result in match disqualification. This includes trying to scan outside of intended boundaries by the developers (e.g. planting the puck on Khidi’s B site outside the inner spaced walls at the boundary line).
  7. Using any form of the in game height calibration to gain a competitive advantage may result in match forfeit, qualifier forfeit or team disqualification, at the discretion of IVRL staff.
  8. At the start of a round, moving in your play space intentionally to gain an advantage (e.g. closer to a site from spawn to gain better timings) can result in round overturns, match forfeits and qualifier disqualification.
     • 1. If a player spawns outside of the spawn blockers, they must move against the spawn blocker until the start of the round. They are prohibited from moving away from the spawn to gain a timing advantage.
  9. Utilizing movement against any wall, surface or object to incur additional forward movement speed in certain conditions.
  10. Use of playspace movement to breach map boundaries, or reach spaces that would otherwise be impossible to reach using typical game movement is not permitted and will result in penalties.
  11. Use of ziplines to breach map boundaries, or reach spaces that would otherwise be impossible to reach using typical game movement is not permitted and will result in penalties.
  12. Use of invisible or ledges that would be unrealistic/unintended by game developers is not permitted for use and will result in penalties.
  13. Use of any external play space mover or program is prohibited. There are no exceptions to this rule.
  14. Any creative exploit deemed intentional by a referee or tournament lead, even if not covered in the rules may result in round overturns, match forfeits or qualifier disqualifications. It is advised that any potentially exploitable position or technique be disclosed to the IVRL staff before used, and a decision is made on it. Decisions may involve legal use until patched by developers, or immediate ban.

• 1. The use of head and body skins is prohibited during matches. The default Reyab and Colonist skins must be used. Officially released gun and hand skins are permitted. Custom skins are not allowed.

• 1. Using a VPN unless expressly permitted by an IVRL Official;
  2. Using a mobile hotspot or satellite-based hardware to connect to the internet;
  3. Starlink internet is an exception to this rule as it operates differently than traditional satellite internet.
  4. Running software or modifying router settings to degrade network performance;
  5. Using distance or physical obstacles to deliberately impede a Wi-Fi signal.

• 1. When a player is spotted to have ping swings of over 100ms, they may be reported alongside POV footage for a review on a competitive unfair advantage. Referees may allow the match to continue and monitor the game live, and with enough evidence take disciplinary action to maintain the match integrity including round overturns and player removals.

• 1. Maintaining healthy community bonds and faith in the league requires a commitment to high standards of player conduct, and fairness when players fall short of the league's expectations. These disciplinary procedures enable IVRL Officials to maintain high standards while providing players a transparent, fair, and consistent forum to resolve league-related disputes.
  2. Where complaints relate to sensitive matters, the IVRL team may redact names or other information to maintain the real world privacy and safety of its members. Where the IVRL redacts such information, it will provide adequate reasons for doing so.
  3. INITIATION
     • 1. Details of the alleged rule violation must be submitted via ticket. This ticket should include the following key information:
          • 1. Time and date of incident(s)
            2. Subject player(s)
            3. The relevant rule(s)
            4. A statement explaining the alleged violation; and
            5. Attachments containing any supporting evidence.
  4. ASSESSMENT
     • 1. After reviewing the information and at their discretion, Referees will notify the relevant IVRL Officials according to the level of violation. For example:
          • 1. Minor code of conduct violations require no escalation and are within the Referee's discretion to resolve.
            2. Serious code of conduct violations or cheating should be escalated to Tournament Leads or the Board.
       2. The appropriate IVRL Officials will make an initial determination as to whether there is grounds for investigation. If they reasonably suspect that a violation has occurred, they will investigate.
  5. INVESTIGATION
     • 1. IVRL Officials will collect evidence and statements from relevant parties and compile this information.
       2. Subject player(s) will be added to the ticket and advised of the nature of the complaint against them. They must be provided with any and all evidence used in consideration of the matter.
       3. IVRL players are obligated to cooperate with investigations by IVRL officials. Obstructing or frustrating the process may lead to an adverse decision without input from the subject player(s).
       4. Subject players are permitted to have their captain or co-captain included in the ticket to support or represent them.
       5. The subject player(s) should be given a reasonable opportunity to state their case before any decision is made.
       6. Once evidence and statements from all sides are obtained, the IVRL officials will conclude discussions and deliberate.
       7. The IVRL Officials who conducted the investigation shall inform the subject player(s) of the league's decision promptly.
  6. OUTCOME
     • 1. All decisions finding that a player has broken the rules must be posted by the IVRL in a channel visible to all members as well as the disciplinary log spreadsheet. Decisions that conclude no rule was broken may be posted where, in the league's discretion, the decision is sufficiently important.
          • 1. Subject: [Outcome] (Breach/No Breach) - [Rule] - [Subject player(s)]
            2. Summary of the Issue
            3. Facts - evidence collected and statements
            4. Decision - rationale of the decision maker
            5. Outcome - 1 line as to whether the rule was broken
            6. Sanction - disciplinary action issued and consequences
  7. PRIOR E-SPORTS SANCTIONS
     • 1. IVRL is a community of passionate gamers who care about competitive integrity. To protect this, the league require all prospective IVRL players to disclose prior e-sports bans, VAC bans or any relevant information concerning adverse findings related to competitive video gaming against them in the past.
       2. Aside from VAC bans, this information is not disclosed outside of IVRL officials.
       3. Occasionally, player applications reviewed by the IVRL officials may need to be carefully considered if they indicate pre-existing e-sports sanctions, hacking related bans or other significant adverse findings.
          • 1. Where IVRL Officials become aware of a player's new or previously undisclosed gaming sanction(s), they shall take all reasonable steps to investigate and collect information concerning the sanctions.
            2. IVRL Officials will obtain a statement from the subject player concerning the sanctions and explain any potential impact on the player's eligibility to participate in IVRL.
            3. Where IVRL determines that the subject player's continued participation in IVRL may affect the broader IVRL community, their participation will be subject to review.
            4. Upon receipt of the Escalated Player Application ("EPA"), IVRL shall deliberate on the evidence provided by the subject player and the player's statement.
  8. Any player who discloses or is found to have any VAC ban newer than 500 days old will not be allowed to participate in IVRL.
     • 1. These players will be allowed to participate once the ban has aged past 500 days (see Rule 9.2.9 for restrictions).
  9. Any player who discloses or is found to have VAC bans older than 500 days but less than 1,800 days shall be under mandatory escalated recording mandate.
     • 1. This stream order has higher requirements on what shall be recorded and requires that all recorded matches are submitted (rather than submission upon request).
  10. All VAC bans a player has accrued are to be disclosed on registration. Failure to disclose any VAC ban may result in additional restrictions. For avoidance of doubt, this includes any ban older than 1,800 days as well as any bans on alternate accounts.
      • 1. Failure to disclose a VAC ban which is or was less than 500 days old at any point when registered will result in the counter being reset to zero (500 day ban)
        2. Failure to disclose a VAC ban which is or was between 500 and 1,800 days old at any point when registered will result in disciplinary action
        3. Failure to disclose a VAC ban older than 1,800 days will result in disciplinary action
  11. Players must disclose if they receive a VAC ban after registering for IVRL within 48 hours of receiving the ban, or before any match play, whichever is sooner.
      • 1. Failure to disclose a VAC ban received after registering for IVRL will result in disciplinary action.
  12. The outcome shall be delivered in a private ticket with the subject player(s).
  13. There may be 3 potential outcomes:
      • 1. Approval of the application
        2. Qualified approval with conditions
        3. Denial of the application

Player penalty points are applied to each individual player based on infractions listed below. These points transfer with the player between teams and will follow the expiration period outlined in this section.

Team points are applied to the team and not the individual players on the team. These points will follow the expiration period outlined in this section.

Penalty points expire after an assigned period of time. All expiration periods are based upon the latest infraction date. The tables below are guidance, but IVRL Officials may assess penalties on a case-by-case basis.

Any spamming, trolling, doxxing, defamation, sexually explicit behavior, public accusations, or other violations of the Code of Conduct by an IVRL player in any forum is penalized as follows:

1. First offense: written warning.
2. Second offense: second written warning, 1 penalty point, and a 24-hour Discord comment ban.
3. Third offense: third written warning, 2 penalty points, and a 1-week Discord comment ban.
4. Fourth and further offenses: 3 penalty points, and permanent mute in Discord.

Though penalty points expire, warnings do not. Thus, a player who receives a third warning after the penalty points have expired from her second warning, will still receive 3 penalty points and a perma-mute at that third warning.

Attempting to evade these penalties through alternate accounts, or other means, invites further penalties, including complete bans from IVRL participation, at the discretion of IVRL Officials.

Players are required to record their POV during IVRL-sanctioned matches in accordance with Section 4. Failures to record are penalized as follows:

1. 1 penalty point for First infraction
2. 3 penalty points for second infraction
3. 5 penalty points + 1 week player suspension for each additional infraction

Players under an Escalated Recording Mandate who fail to record and/or submit the required POV will receive double the penalties listed.

Player punishments will be applied based only on penalty points accrued by individual players. Team points are not relevant.

1. After obtaining 7 penalty points: 1 week suspension
2. After obtaining 10 penalty points: 2 weeks suspension
3. After obtaining 12 penalty points: 1 month suspension
4. For each additional 3 penalty points: 1 month suspension up to ban

Team sanctions will be applied based on the team's total penalty points, meaning the total points assigned to the team plus any points assigned to the team's rostered members. If a team removes a player whose points contributed to a team sanction, the team's total penalty points may be reduced but the sanction will not.

1. After obtaining 14 penalty points: 1 week suspension
2. After obtaining 20 penalty points: SRS reduction
3. After obtaining 24 penalty points: SRS Reduction
4. After obtaining 30 penalty points: Team forced inactive for the season

Expiration periods for both team and player penalty points run from the date of the latest infraction. For example, a player with 2 points who earns a third point will hold all 3 points for 3 months from the date of her last infraction.

1. 1-2 penalty points: 2 months
2. 3-6 penalty points: 3 months
3. 7+ penalty points: 6 months