eSHL Rules

Det finns regler som skall följas i esport. eSHL har ett eget regelverk för eSHL.

Dessa regler går att läsa nedan.

RULEBOOK


Last Updated: JANUARY 12TH 2023  

 

1. Preface

Welcome to the eSHL rulebook. As always, it is very important for us to be as clear as possible regarding League Administration procedures, as such if you have any difficulties understanding specific rules then feel free to contact us via the support tool!

We ask every team to familiarize themselves with and memorize the different sections. Team captains must be aware of the entire ruleset, as it includes lots of important guidance that stays relevant throughout the entire league. Regular players on the other hand should be aware of member registration requirements, etiquette, fair play and game rules.

 

2. Member registration

2.1 General

All players participating in any SHL-led league are required to have a registered account on SportsGamer.ggwith their PSN ID (PlayStation) added to their profile.

 

2.2 Account Details

SportsGamer account name, PSN ID and player name must not be of offensive, insulting, crude or vulgar nature. SHL and SportsGamer reserve the right to request players to change these details if deemed inappropriate.

 

2.3 Accepting Rules

By joining a team registered for a league, the player is accepting these rules.

 

3. Team registration

3.1 General

All registered members are allowed to register a team for the eSHL. The team's registrant will be set as captain by default. Team registration is only possible during the signup period, which will be announced by SportsGamer and SHL.

 

3.2 Requirements

In order to be eligible for eSHL, teams must:

  • Use the same team name on SportsGamer and in NHL 23
    • Use unique numbers within a team (two players on the same team cannot use the same number at the same time)
    • Be in a formal arrangement with an SHL licensed team

 

4. Code of conduct

4.1 General

Registered members are expected to treat each other with respect by not diverting to overly abusive language. This applies to all league related conversations conducted on different platforms, or direct communication between players on external sources if proof can be provided that also includes the context of the conversation. Additionally, players are to follow their own internal guidelines given to them by their SHL team.

 

4.2 Rule Circumvention

Members are not allowed to circumvent the rules (including any attempts) or deceive SportsGamer or SHL at any time.

 

5. eSHL framework

5.1 eSHL Setup

eSHL will feature 14 teams, all in one group.

 

5.2 eSHL Playoffs

In eSHL, 10 out of 14 teams will make the playoffs. Each series will take place as a best-of-3.

  • Teams placed 1-6 will go directly to quarterfinals
  • Teams placed 7-10 will play a pre-series (BO3) to decide who joins the quarterfinals. Meetings will be team placed 7 vs team placed 10, team placed 8 vs team placed 9.  
  • In the quarterfinals/semifinals and finals, the top ranked regular season team will play the lowest ranked regular season team. 1 vs 8, 2 vs 7, 3 vs 6, 4 vs 5.
  • Each BO3 is played using the home-away-home format.

 

5.3 Team Ownership

eSHL team ownership is based on the agreement that the parent SHL club and team captain came to internally.

Teams are not allowed to have association with another professional ice hockey club (direct competitor or not), esports organization that has association with another professional ice hockey club or foreign organization.

 

 

6. Team Management Responsibilities

6.1 General

All managers (C and A) are representatives of the entire team, as such they are responsible for:

  • Ensuring their team always complies with league rules
  • Any communication with other managers and the SHL or SportsGamer in the name of their team
  • Ensuring the team finishes all its games


7. League Administration (SHL)

7.1 Responsibilities

The SHL is responsible for hosting the league, enforcing the rules, investigating possible infractions and settling disputes between players and teams.

 

7.2 Sticking to rules

The SHL can add further clarification to existing rules if deemed necessary. If the SHL is required to process a case that is not covered by any of the existing rules, it can add new rules throughout a league to cover these scenarios. Once a decision has been made by LA, they must supply both parties involved in the case with an explanation showing how they came to their decision, as well as what rules were invoked.

 

7.3 Penalty Definition

The SHL will define any player or team penalties according to their severity, whilst keeping previous decisions in mind to ensure well-balanced decision making. To accomplish this, any previous cases related to the decision at hand will be cited, and functionally serve as precedents.

 

7.4 Active Bans

The following bans have been announced by the SHL:

N/A
(Accurate as of 11/1/2023)

 

8. Team rules

8.1 Players

Teams are only allowed to use players that are listed in the official roster on the SportsGamer platform and that have been communicated by their SHL club, in addition to signing with the parent SHL club. Players who are listed in the sign-up post but were not invited to the team roster are not allowed to play.

 

8.2 Forfeiting Games

By forfeiting, the opposing team will be given a walkover win.

 

8.3 Void Games

If a game is played where one (or more) of the players involved was deemed to not be legal, then LA reserves the right to potentially void all games played with said player(s), and award WOs victories to the non-offending team.

9. Fair Play

9.1 General

"Fair Play" describes the act of treating your opponent the way you would like to be treated. This includes communication, but also any actions which are directly or indirectly related to gameplay. To give you an idea of what to avoid to comply with this Fair Play rule, here are a few examples:

  • Do not attack your opponent with abusive language
  • Do not exploit game mechanics or bugs to put your opponent at a disadvantage (e.g., do not make use of any player stats exploits, de-sync glitches, freezes or similar)
  • Do not distract your opponent from playing the game (e.g., do not spam messages, do not call your opponent while he/she is in-game or similar)

 

9.2 Glitches

Please note the following bugs/glitches that are addressed specifically:

9.2.1 Skaters/goalies stuck in freezes

There is a bug which leads to players (skaters and goalies) being frozen in buggy, unintended animations (e.g., goalies stuck in butterfly and unable to move, skaters down on the ice appearing to be "dead"), making it impossible for him/her to play the game temporarily or until the next stoppage. In case this bug occurs, teams are required to clear the puck as soon as they notice it. Regular animations that are intended by game developers, such as a goalie's sit-down motion after a desperate save attempt, are not affected by this rule. If there are disagreements whether a goal scored during this time should count or not, teams may submit video proof to SHL for review. Intentional, abusive usage (e.g., to hinder scoring chances) is considered exploiting the game.


9.2.2 Goalies Leaving the Crease

In reference to 9.1 (specifically “Do not exploit game mechanics or bugs to put your opponent at a disadvantage.”), goalies are not allowed to leave their crease in an attempt to interfere with a skater from the opposing team. For illustration, please see the video linked below:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZELueWlZVr4 

10. Scheduling

10.1 Game Scheduling

Games should be played on the official game day and at the time displayed in the league schedule. Official game days are Mondays & Wednesdays during the regular season, with the final round being the exception, played on a Friday.

 

Teams are scheduled to play both games against a group stage opponent on the same game day, with the game start time being 19:10 or 20.15 (Games in main broadcast) and the rest at 20:00 CE(S)T.

On two occasions there are double rounds – Round 5&6 on Jan 30th and Round 8&9 on Feb 6th. At those game days, main broadcast at 19.10 with one match from Round 5/8 and 20.15 with one match from Round 6/9. The remaining games will start either 19.00 or 20.00.

Please refer to CEST during summertime and CET during wintertime, to avoid confusion. Furthermore, teams must try their best to start as close to these times as possible, consistent failure to do so may result in disciplinary actions against them.

To accomplish this, we suggest that teams aim to have their six players in the dressing room at very minimum 10 minutes before the game starts.

 

10.2 TV Games

Over the course of a season, each team will be involved in several televised broadcast(s).
  
10.3 End of Regular Season

Regular season ends on February 17th.

 

10.4 Playoff Schedule

  • Round of 16 on Feb 20 (with 7vs10 (19.00) and 8vs9 (20.15 est*))
  • Quarterfinals on Feb 22 (with 1vs8 (19.00) and 4vs5 (20.15 est*)) & Feb 27 (with 2vs7 (19.00) and 3vs6 (est 20.15 est*))
  • Semifinals on March 1 (with 1vs4 (19.00) and 2vs3 (est 20.15 est*))
  • Finals on March 10 (19.30) played live at SPACE in Stockholm, Sweden.

  • est* = Estimated starting time, the second matchup during a playoff broadcast can potentially be delayed if the first matchup goes in to third deciding game/overtimes.

 

10.5 Home-Ice Advantage

 

10.5.1 Regular Season

During the regular season, teams will play two games against each of their league opponents. Teams must stick to the order of who plays home / away first as dictated by the schedule (Team scheduled as home team starts at home)


10.5.2 Playoffs

All playoff-style games in eSHL will take place as a best-of-3 series. The higher seeded team will play at home first. Afterwards, the right to play at home will alternate.

 

10.6 Late Game Appearances

If a team is more than 15 minutes late to a game without prior notice, the opposing team must contact LA as soon as possible. The message should have a proof of the opposing team “not showing up” attached. Depending on the reason(s) for the delay LA may decide to allocate WOs.

 

11. Game rules

11.1 Game Setup

All league games are to be played 6 versus 6 in "Challenge Club" mode.

 

11.2 Points

  • Victory in regular time 3p
  • Victory in overtime 2p
  • Loss in overtime 1p
  • Loss 0p

 

11.3 Tie-Breaking Rules

If teams are tied in points at the end of the regular season, the following tiebreakers will be applied in the order they are listed:

  • Total points
  • Goal difference (across all games played)  
  • Scored goals (across all games played)
  • Head-to-head record (points in mutual games)
  • Lottery draw

 

11.4 Jersey Selection

Before the start of the game the captains of both teams should verify that the jerseys are easily distinguishable from each other. In the event of an issue where the uniforms are deemed to be too similar, the game needs to be left immediately. For the next game the away team must switch their uniforms. 

All teams should be playing with SHL kits in-game.

11.5 Other customizations

The following customization options are currently banned from being used in league games:

- (none)

11.5.1 In-game Face

Players must try to make their player in game at least vaguely resemble themselves in real life.

11.5.2 In-game Name

In-game player name should be your respective PSN ID, as well as not be inappropriate.

 

11.5.3 Helmet

Players must wear a helmet.

 

11.5.4 Arena

The following customizations to the Arena are not allowed:

-

11.5.4.1 Goal post colour

Goal posts must be the default red colour. This is due to colour blindness concerns where individuals would not be able to see the goal if it was a specific colour.

11.6 Pausing

Teams can pause the game during stoppages.

 

11.7 Fighting

Players are not allowed to fight in eSHL.

 

11.8 Connection Issues

Teams can leave a game before the 2-minute mark of the first period if they experience significant lag, a player had disconnected during those 2 minutes, or if other glitches appear.

 

If this occurs, the game should of course be started again, with a different host if the team experiencing the lag asks for it. This process can only be used 2 times for a given game. On the 3rd attempt the game must be played regardless of lag for either team.

 

If a goal is scored within the first 2 minutes and there is disagreement whether it was scored on a team who was in the process of quitting, then please contact support and supply an extended video clip of the full event.

 

11.9 Quitting Games

Except for the first 2 minutes of a game, no player is allowed to quit a game on purpose.

 

11.10 Player Disconnects

Player disconnects outside of the first 2 minutes and desynced/looped games need to be handled according to the following procedure:

  • The game needs to be quit at the next stoppage. One player from each team is expected to record all stats.

 

  • The remaining time in the disconnected game will be played in a new game. Teams are advised to wait for the clock to run down to the time when the original game ended and complete it regularly. Alternatively, they can also use a different procedure of their own if both parties agree. Afterwards, both teams record all stats from this second portion of the original game. 

 

  • Additionally, players must not change positions or builds (including traits / specializations, height or weight) used between disconnected games. Line-up change is permitted if one of the starting players can no longer play; however, the replacing player(s) must take the position(s) left by the disconnection, they cannot in effect change with the players who did not disconnect. In such an event, it is up to the captains whether they want to start the restarted game afresh or follow the guidance from the previous bullet point.

 

  • In the end, stats for both relevant portions of the games need to be merged, to report the whole game to SportsGamer admins. This whole procedure can be repeated multiple times, in case players drop out more than once during one scheduled game. If a player had to be replaced the stats must be combined for both players in the end game report.

 

  • If the team of the skater who disconnected was on the penalty kill when the disconnection happened, it must take measures to be on the same PK (same player(s) in the box) again for the full 2 minutes to start the remainder of the game. Delay of game by dumping the puck over the boards in the team's own zone is the suggested penalty to get this done as quickly as possible.

 

  • In the event of a disconnect, the opposing team must give the team affected a minimum of 15 minutes to either get the disconnected player back online or find a replacement player. If 15 minutes have passed and there is yet a resolution, the ‘full-strength’ team must contact LA and let them know what is happening. As always, we encourage teams to have an open dialogue between each other and that they work with the issue, instead of relying on a potentially favourable decision by the SHL. 

 

  • Furthermore, in the event that a disconnect dispute reaches LA we would like to remind teams that they should be aware when suggesting alternative solutions to the rulebook’s default, as SHL may hold them accountable even if they rescind the offer later on.

 

11.11 Clock Reset

In case the clock resets to an earlier state, which can happen at any point in a game due to connection issues, and thus removes scored goals from the scoreboard, teams are required to recreate any goals that were affected by a reset. The game continues immediately after the original score is back in place. 

 

12. Match report

12.1 Match Reporting

A match report must be initiated by the winning team. Both teams must record stats for the games, even if they were not the victor.

12.1.1 Reporting Games

To report matches that were completed in a single session without any disconnects, both teams need to send screenshots of relevant stats from in-game to SportsGamer Admin (Game Summary, Overview, Player Statistics) via Discord.

 

12.2 Submission Deadline

All match reports should be submitted within 10mins of the games being completed. In case of any issues please contact the support team as soon as possible. Please also communicate with the other team to make sure that this deadline is met.

 

12.3 Stats Accuracy

All stats reported must correspond with the in-game stats. Proof for all stats (game overview, events and individual stats) need to be saved as screenshots for the entire season in case any investigation is required.

 

13. eSHL Specific Rules

13.1 Streaming

All eSHL teams are required to stream their games to Twitch (unless broadcasted by Cmore/TV4, eSHL).

For games not on main broadcast (Twitch/eSHL) – stream will be done via additional eSHL Twitch channels – eSHL2/3/4/5/6/7. Each matchup will be given a certain eSHL stream to be broadcasted, and stream info shared via dedicated match threads. It’s encouraged to focus on the eSHL stream, but allowed to re-stream via tools like Restream.io (something each club will have to manage).

 

13.2 For Games Broadcast by C More, TV4 Play & SHL

Both teams must stream the games on a hidden/secret Twitch channel (account can be shared by eSHL) – in order to have backup for broadcast.

Teams must submit their lineups correctly spelled with all the relevant information in the following format at the very latest 12h before the scheduled game start:

#10 PSNID - #95 PSNID - #25 PSNID 
#5 PSNID - #3 PSNID 
#30 PSNID

 

Players streaming the game must make sure to do the following points:

  • Turn off commentary in the audio settings
  • Turn off menu music
  • Don't turn off anything else and make sure to have the game audio at a good level, as it helps create atmosphere
  • Make sure you have done the display calibration correctly, so the clock appears at the right height
  • Be sure not to include any party chat or own overlays on the stream picture
  • Prepare your team for not skipping any replays (and advise the opponent to do the same)
  • Don’t skip replays
  • Don't skip intermissions
  • Set your camera angle as Overhead or Classic
  • Set your bench/penalty camera to your regular camera angle
  • Turn off X-factor Icons
  • Streamer must turn on all indicator colours (for both teams) and have them set to small
  • teams must not start the game unless told to do so by a representative from the broadcasting party.  

 

13.3 For Games Not on Broadcast

Teams agree on which teams should be streaming the matchup. If teams can’t agree, home team should be stream (so one match each)

Additionally, players streaming the game must adhere to the points mentioned in 13.2.

 

13.4 Archiving

As all streams are done on eSHL Twitch this will already be setup, but good to be awre of that the Twitch archiving feature should be on.

Twitch archiving: Go to the dashboard, select channel settings, scroll down and enable "Store past broadcasts". After the stream is finished, go to the Video Manager, click on the three dots to the right of a video and select "Highlight". From there, save the entire video as a highlight (otherwise your stream will disappear after 14 days).  

 

13.5 Streaming Information

For the official C More broadcast, each team involved (four per match day) will have to have their team members available to join video call. No players will be on site at Qruxel Productions studio. These broadcasts will run on Mondays and Wednesdays will have the games start at approximately 19:10 CE(S)T, as well as 20:15 CE(S)T.

It's mandatory for players to play with web/phone camera on (via TEAMS) and wear their club’s jersey.

To facilitate this, we will need you to follow these bullet points:

  • The official matchups will not be streamed on any other channel.
  • Replays are not to be skipped.

 

13.6 Disciplinary Actions

In the event that teams do not adhere to any of the points mentioned in 13.2, 13.3, and 13.5, they first will be warned, if they then continue to fail to follow said rules the team’s eSHL leadership will handle it internally. 

 

13.7 Betting

Players competing in the eSHL are strictly forbidden from placing bets on eSHL games, whether they are personally involved or not. Violating this rule will result in severe punishment.

 

13.8 Finals Appearance

In the event that you and your team progress to the finals on March 10th in Stockholm (SPACE), you must be present for the LAN event in person. Each finals teams must therefore have six members of their team, who are able to play, at the LAN event – exceptions include, but are not limited to, medical exemption, or a force majeure situation.

 

13.9 Finals Appearance Conduct

When on site during, before and after the Final event, players must adhere to behavioural and dress-code guidelines set by eSHL, these include:

- Conducting yourself in a positive manner to those around you, e.g. making sure that you do not harass others, as well as keeping alcohol consumption (if applicable) to a safe amount.
- Wearing your team’s jersey during your entrance to the stage, games on stage as well as during interviews. Players may wear a cap of their sponsor or similar during the games. When off the stage, players can wear other clothing items or accessories. Additionally, coaches and team representatives are asked to wear team uniforms when they are in close proximity to the stage.

Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in a penalization.


13.10 Prize pool


1. Winner – 100.000 SEK
2. 2nd Place – 50.000 SEK
3. 3rd Place – 25.000 SEK
4. 4th Place – 25.000 SEK

Prize money will be paid out to the winning clubs


14. Transfers

14.1 Transfer Deadline

The deadline for transfers is set to be 23:59 CE(S)T on the January 31st, 2023.

 

14.2 Player Pickup

Teams are also allowed to recruit free agents until the transfer deadline. Both the player and team must mutually agree to being picked up from the free agents.

 

14.3 eSHL players and other tournaments

Players already playing for a team in the eSHL cannot play in a tournament or league, regardless of division or group, in another team than their fellow teammates in their respective eSHL-team, during the duration of eSHL.

If a player or team don't follow this rule, or if the SHL notices that the rule is being abused, the player in question can be banned from all future eSHL/SHL-tournaments.

 

14.4 Non-FA Player Pickup

Players already playing for a team will not be able to transfer to another club.

 

14.5 FA Players Pickup

Teams may add as many Free Agent players as they wish for the duration of the season.

 

14.6 Transfer Decline Possibility

All transfers however are subject to scrutiny by the SHL. Therefore, transfers can be declined retroactively if deemed to have been illegal, potentially resulting in games played being nullified.

 

14.7 Acquisition of Banned Players

Teams who will pick up players that are currently banned from playing in the eSHL (see rule 8.3) will face serious penalties for doing so.

 

15. Definitions

15.1 Start

“League start” is the date of the first game played in the league.

 

15.2 End

“League end” is after the end of the final game of the league

 

15.3 Game

“Game” is defined by a home team and an away team.

 

15.4 Managers

“Managers” of a team are the captain and the assistants.

 

15.5 Players

"Players" of a team are all members on the website roster, including the captain and assistant captains.

 

15.6 Transfer

“Transfer” is the movement of a player from one team to another. A player is on a team as soon as he is displayed as such on SportsGamer.

 

15.7 Recruitment

“Recruitment” is the addition of a free agent by a team.

 

15.8 Free Agent

“Free Agent” is a player who has not been registered to any team during a league.

 

15.9 Disqualification

“Disqualification” is when a team gets removed from the league. A disqualified team has all its games cancelled, played or un-played. “Disqualification” also pertains to “disbandment” (see ‘Radical’ case).


15.10 Ban

“Ban” is a player punishment. Ban length depends on the infraction made by the player. A player banned for N games is not allowed to play the next N games scheduled for their team at the time of the ban. As such, if the team schedule is changed the games the banned player has to skip remain the same.

 

15.11 Infraction

“Infraction” is the act of breaking any rule described in this document.

 

15.12 Walkover

“Walkover” is a team punishment in the form of an automatic 5-0 or X-X result. 5-0 is the result of one team being at fault for various reasons described in the rules above. X-X is the result of both teams being at fault and means both teams receive 0 points for a game.

 

15.13 Transfer deadline

"Transfer deadline" is the moment when transfers are not allowed anymore until the end of a league.

 

15.14 League game

"League game" is the official game according to SportsGamer stats. In the case of disconnection, the league game consists of parts of two or more games.

 

15.15 Desynced/looped game

"Desynced/looped game" describes a game that has been disconnected without player interaction.

 

15.16 Legal (In reference to players used)

“Legal” describes a player who is part of a team and their presence does not violate any rules.

 

16. Appendix 

16.1 Appendix A: Abbreviations

  • API Application Programming Interface
  • CET Central European Time
  • EA Electronic Arts
  • eSHL Electronic Swedish Hockey League
  • ID Identification
  • LA League Administration
  • PSN PlayStation Network
  • SHL Swedish Hockey League

 

16.2 Appendix B: Document Change History

  • Additional season 4 updates. 12.1.2023
  • Season 4 updates. 1.12.2022
  • Season 3 updates: 5.1.2022
  • Date Change performed 16.1.2020 
  • Updated Transfer Deadline (14.1) / 13.4.2021
  • Added another point that broadcasting players must abide to in 13.2 15.1.2020
  • Correction of point system (11.2) | Added 13.7 10.1.2020
  • General tweaks 8.1.2020 
  • General tweaks | Added 13.6 1.1.2020 
  • General tweaks 31.12.2019
  • Initial Version