Tournament Rules

Champs Tournaments (Specific Rules)

GENERAL TOURNAMENT RULES

This section of the tournament website is dedicated to the generic rules of all tournaments, if you are looking for the game specific rulesets please click the hyperlinks above.

Eligibility

1.1 School Eligibility

1.1.1. To be eligible to enter a team into the British Esports Student Champs, a school must be registered with the Department for Education (England), the Department of Education (Northern Ireland), The Department for Education and Skills (Wales) or Education Scotland (Scotland). You must be accredited to deliver Level 2 / GCSE and/or Level 3 / A-Level (SCQF Level 5 and/or Level 6) qualifications.

1.1.2. A school must be able to provide a unique reference number (URN) if requested.

1.2 College Eligibility

1.2.1. To be eligible to enter a team into the British Esports Student Champs, a college must be registered with the Department for Education (England), the Department of Education (Northern Ireland), The Department for Education and Skills (Wales), Education Scotland (Scotland) or Colleges Scotland. You must be accredited to deliver Level 2 / GCSE and/or Level 3 / A-Level (SCQF Level 5 and/or Level 6) qualifications.

1.2.2. A college must be able to provide a unique reference number (URN) if requested.

1.3 Player Eligibility

1.3.1. Players in a team must be students of the same college or school in the UK.

1.3.2. Players must be registered full-time, or part-time students of the college or school that their team is registered under.

1.3.2.1. Part-time students must be studying a minimum of 4 hours a week at their college. If you are uncertain about eligibility due to your academic hours or course type, please contact your college. Staff members from the college are ultimately responsible for this decision.

1.3.2.2. Students studying an online course provided by their school/college would be eligible.

1.3.2.3. Students studying higher education at a college are eligible.

1.3.2.4. Students who are on apprenticeships are eligible only if affiliated with a college. Staff members from the college are ultimately responsible for this decision.

1.3.3. Individuals can not play in both the Nationals and the Open. Individuals can compete in the cups as well as the Open and National titles, aside from Women in Esports’ Cups. Individuals can not play more than one title per day, even when a reschedule must occur.

Nationals

2.1 Match Requirements and Commitments

2.1.1 For Nationals, all matches (OW2/LoL/RL/VAL) will take place at 4pm each Wednesday during the academic term. Games will be expected to be played, or have started, at 4pm unless a reschedule is mutually agreed in advance.

2.1.1.1 Reschedules must be done via the reschedule requests system on the website in advance of the original fixture time, unless exceptional circumstances require otherwise. Any concerns should be raised to an admin.

2.1.1.2 Reschedules must be agreed and confirmed by both parties, and played by 6pm the Friday of each week.

2.1.1.3 Teams are expected to make every effort to communicate effectively and promptly with each opposition in order for the games to start on time.

2.1.2 Each week teams must check-in to their fixtures. If a team checks in, this confirms they can play that fixture at the set time. If a team is unable to play at the original time, they should reschedule (according to 2.1.1.1) in advance of the fixture, and check-in closing.

2.1.2.1 Check-in will be open each week on Wednesday 10am - 3pm.

2.1.2.2 If a team does not check-in, the match will be forfeit to the team that did check-in. If both teams did not check-in, then it will be a default loss for both teams.

2.1.3 Teams have 10 minutes from the match start time to attend/join the fixture. If there is no communication and a no show after this 10 minutes is over, the team who were ready in the lobby and waiting are able to claim a default win with screenshot evidence.

2.1.4 To foster and encourage a team environment and build synergy, we advise students playing in the National league to be in a supervised classroom. This is an advisory and not an offence that results in a penalty against your team if your players must be remote. We understand that there may be exceptional circumstances where this is not possible. If any member of your team is playing remotely, you must notify an admin and your opposition of the reasoning in advance.

2.1.4.1 All players, even if playing remotely, should be supervised and managed by a staff member at each institution.

2.1.5 The National Champs year will culminate in a live Grand Final.

2.2 Roster Requirements and Substitutions

2.2.1 Institutions can only enter one team per title.

2.2.1.1 The selection of the roster for this team is down to each individual institution.

2.2.2 Rosters lock from the first date the league begins. There will be no roster changes during each split unless there are exceptional circumstances. Rosters for Nationals will be unlocked only between Winter and Spring, if required, for updates. This update on the tournament website is the responsibility of each team leader or staff member. We recommend each team has 1-2 substitutes and a coach per team.

2.2.2.1. Any coaches do not need to be listed on the roster.

2.2.2.2 Each team can have max 2 subs on the roster at once. A sub can not be used for multiple titles in Nationals.

2.2.2.3 If a team splits up, they forfeit their place in the Nationals tournament.

2.2.3 Individuals can not play in both the Nationals and the Open.

2.3 Communication

2.3.1 This year, all primary tournament and fixture communication must be handled through the Champs website. The Champs Discord server will only be used as a community Discord.

2.4 Format

2.4.1 Format and exact numbers progressing throughout are subject to change depending on sign ups, however the basis of it will stay the same.

2.4.2 Teams will be split into North and South.

2.4.3 Teams must win a certain number of games in the swiss stage in order to progress to the ‘Qualifier Bracket’.

2.4.3.1 In the event teams have the same number of wins in the swiss stage, progression to the ‘Qualifier Bracket’ will be based on the overall leaderboard which accounts for a variety of factors, e.g. point difference.

2.4.3.2 The top 15 teams from the ‘Qualifier Bracket’ will progress to the Elimination playoffs stage. This is subject to change depending on sign ups (according to 2.4.1).

2.4.4 Teams that do not make it into the ‘Qualifier Bracket’ will drop into the ‘Wildcard Bracket’.

2.4.4.1 Only one team will progress from the ‘Wildcard Bracket’ into the Elimination playoffs stage.

2.4.5. There will be an elimination stage per region, which results in a regional winner.

2.4.6 The Regional winners will compete in the LAN Grand Final.

Open

3.1 Match Requirements and Commitments

3.1.1 For Open, all matches (OW2/LoL/RL/VAL) will take place at 4pm each Wednesday during the academic term. Games will be expected to be played, or have started, at 4pm unless a reschedule is mutually agreed in advance.

3.1.1.1 Reschedules must be done via the reschedule requests system on the website in advance of the original fixture time, unless exceptional circumstances require otherwise. Any concerns should be raised to an admin.

3.1.1.2 Reschedules must be agreed and confirmed by both parties, and played by 6pm the Friday of each week.

3.1.1.3 Teams are expected to make every effort to communicate effectively and promptly with each opposition in order for the games to start on time.

3.1.2 Each week teams must check-in to their fixtures. If a team checks in, this confirms they can play that fixture at the set time. If a team is unable to play at the original time, they should reschedule (according to 3.1.1.1) in advance of the fixture, and check-in closing.

3.1.2.1 Check-in will be open each week on Wednesday 10am - 3pm.

3.1.2.2 If a team does not check-in, the match will be forfeit to the team that did check-in. If both teams did not check-in, then it will be a default loss for both teams.

3.1.3 Teams have 20 minutes from the match start time to attend/join the fixture. If there is no communication and a no show after this 20 minutes is over, the team who were ready in the lobby and waiting are able to claim a default win with screenshot evidence.

3.1.4 Playing from a supervised classroom is still our primary default position, however we are allowing students to participate from home if participating from the classroom is not possible. We still require all students to be organised and supervised by a staff member, even if remotely. If any member of your team is playing remotely, you must notify an admin of the reasoning in advance.

3.1.4.1 All players, even if playing remotely, should be supervised and managed by a staff member at each institution.

3.1.5 The Open Champs year will finish with online finals. The Open Champs is intended to offer competition with less higher stakes - however can still be utilised as scouting students to be promoted to their National team the following year.

3.2 Roster Requirements and Substitutions

3.2.1 Institutions can enter as many teams per title as they please.

3.2.2 Roster changes will be allowed throughout. Keeping the roster correct and updated on the tournament is a responsibility of each team leader or staff member. We recommend having 1-2 substitutes.

3.2.2.1 Any coaches do not need to be listed on the roster.

3.2.2.2 Players must only play for one team per week, although they can change teams throughout the season. Individuals can not switch between titles throughout each split.

3.2.2.3 Each substitute player can be used on multiple team rosters at the same time. Even if they are on multiple rosters at once, rule 3.2.2.2 still applies to subs.

3.2.2.4 Each team can have max 2 subs on the roster at once. This can be updated throughout the season if necessary.

3.2.2.5 If a team splits up, the majority of the team has right to ownership of the team and any seedings/qualification spots it has earnt.

3.2.3 Individuals can not play in both the Nationals and the Open.

3.3 Communication

3.3.1 This year, all primary tournament and fixture communication must be handled through the Champs website. The Champs Discord server will only be used as a community Discord.

3.4 Format

3.4.1 Format and exact numbers progressing throughout are subject to change depending on sign ups, however the basis of it will stay the same.

3.4.2 Teams will be split into North and South.

3.4.3 Teams must win a certain number of games in the swiss stage in order to progress to ‘Division 1’. All other teams will compete in the ‘Division 2’ bracket.

3.4.3.1 In the event teams have the same number of wins in the swiss stage, progression to the ‘Division 1’ bracket will be based on the overall leaderboard which accounts for a variety of factors, e.g. point difference.

3.4.4 Each division will have its own elimination stage. Only the top 8 South and the top 8 North will progress to their respective division elimination bracket.

3.4.5 The grand final for the Open will be online.

Cups

Street Fighter 6 (PEGI 12)

4.1 Match Requirements and Commitments

4.1.1 All matches take place at 4pm each Thursday during the academic term. Games will be expected to be played, or have started, at 4pm unless a reschedule is mutually agreed in advance.

4.1.1.1 Reschedules must be done via the reschedule requests system on the website in advance of the original fixture time, unless exceptional circumstances require otherwise. Any concerns should be raised to an admin.

4.1.1.2 Reschedules must be agreed and confirmed by both parties, and played by 6pm the Friday of each week.

4.1.1.3 Teams are expected to make every effort to communicate effectively and promptly with each opposition in order for the games to start on time.

4.1.2 Each week teams must check-in to their fixtures. If a team checks in, this confirms they can play that fixture at the set time. If a team is unable to play at the original time, they should reschedule (according to 4.1.1.1) in advance of the fixture, and check-in closing.

4.1.2.1 Check-in will be open each week on Thursday 10am - 3pm.

4.1.2.2 If a team does not check-in, the match will be forfeit to the team that did check-in. If both teams did not check-in, then it will be a default loss for both teams.

4.1.3 Teams have 20 minutes from the match start time to attend/join the fixture. If there is no communication and a no show after this 20 minutes is over, the team who were ready in the lobby and waiting are able to claim a default win with screenshot evidence.

4.1.4 Playing from a supervised classroom is still our primary default position, however we are allowing students to participate from home if participating from the classroom is not possible. We still require all students to be organised and supervised by a staff member, even if remotely. If any member of your team is playing remotely, you must notify an admin of the reasoning in advance.

4.1.4.1 All players, even if playing remotely, should be supervised and managed by a staff member at each institution.

4.1.5 Street Fighter 6 is a seasonal cup that will occur throughout the Winter split. The Cup will finish with online finals.

4.2 Roster Requirements and Substitutions

4.2.1 Institutions can enter as many teams (individuals) as they please.

4.2.2 Due to the title being a 1v1, there will be no roster changes unless there are exceptional circumstances. Please notify a member of Champs staff if you need to change a player on the roster.

4.2.3 Individuals can compete in the cups as well as the Open and National titles, aside from Women in Esports’ Cups. Individuals can not play more than one title per day, even when a reschedule must occur.

4.3 Communication

4.3.1 This year, all primary tournament and fixture communication must be handled through the Champs website. The Champs Discord server will only be used as a community Discord.

Apex Legends (PEGI 16)

5.1 Match Requirements and Commitments

5.1.1 All matches take place at 4pm each Thursday during the academic term. Games will be expected to be played, or have started, at 4pm unless a reschedule is mutually agreed in advance.

5.1.1.1 Reschedules must be done via the reschedule requests system on the website in advance of the original fixture time, unless exceptional circumstances require otherwise. Any concerns should be raised to an admin.

5.1.1.2 Reschedules must be agreed and confirmed by both parties, and played by 6pm the Friday of each week.

5.1.1.3 Teams are expected to make every effort to communicate effectively and promptly with each opposition in order for the games to start on time.

5.1.2 Each week teams must check-in to their fixtures. If a team checks in, this confirms they can play that fixture at the set time. If a team is unable to play at the original time, they should reschedule (according to 5.1.1.1) in advance of the fixture, and check-in closing.

5.1.2.1 Check-in will be open each week on Thursday 10am - 3pm.

5.1.2.2 If a team does not check-in, the match will be forfeit to the team that did check-in. If both teams did not check-in, then it will be a default loss for both teams.

5.1.3 Teams have 20 minutes from the match start time to attend/join the fixture. If there is no communication and a no show after this 20 minutes is over, the team who were ready in the lobby and waiting are able to claim a default win with screenshot evidence.

5.1.4 Playing from a supervised classroom is still our primary default position, however we are allowing students to participate from home if participating from the classroom is not possible. We still require all students to be organised and supervised by a staff member, even if remotely. If any member of your team is playing remotely, you must notify an admin of the reasoning in advance.

5.1.4.1 All players, even if playing remotely, should be supervised and managed by a staff member at each institution.

5.1.5 Apex Legends is a seasonal cup that will occur throughout the Spring split. The Cup will finish with online finals.

5.2 Roster Requirements and Substitutions

5.2.1 Institutions can enter as many teams as they please.

5.2.2 Roster changes will be allowed throughout. Please notify a member of Champs staff if you need to change players on the roster. Teams must consist of 3 players with an optional 1 substitute.

5.2.3 Individuals can compete in the cups as well as the Open and National titles, aside from Women in Esports’ Cups. Individuals can not play more than one title per day, even if a reschedule must occur.

5.3 Communication

5.3.1 This year, all primary tournament and fixture communication must be handled through the Champs website. The Champs Discord server will only be used as a community Discord.

Women in Esports

6.1 Match Requirements and Commitments

6.1.1 All matches (OW2/VAL) will take place at 4pm each Wednesday during the academic term. Games will be expected to be played, or have started, at 4pm unless a reschedule is mutually agreed in advance.

6.1.1.1 Reschedules must be done via the reschedule requests system on the website in advance of the original fixture time, unless exceptional circumstances require otherwise. Any concerns should be raised to an admin.

6.1.1.2 Reschedules must be agreed and confirmed by both parties, and played by 6pm the Friday of each week.

6.1.1.3 Teams are expected to make every effort to communicate effectively and promptly with each opposition in order for the games to start on time.

6.1.2 Each week teams must check-in to their fixtures. If a team checks in, this confirms they can play that fixture at the set time. If a team is unable to play at the original time, they should reschedule (according to 6.5.1.1) in advance of the fixture, and check-in closing.

6.1.2.1 Check-in will be open each week on Wednesday 10am - 3pm.

6.1.2.2 If a team does not check-in, the match will be forfeit to the team that did check-in. If both teams did not check-in, then it will be a default loss for both teams.

6.1.3 Teams have 20 minutes from the match start time to attend/join the fixture. If there is no communication and a no show after this 20 minutes is over, the team who were ready in the lobby and waiting are able to claim a default win with screenshot evidence.

6.1.4 Playing from a supervised classroom is still our primary default position, however we are allowing students to participate from home if participating from the classroom is not possible. We still require all students to be organised and supervised by a staff member, even if remotely. If any member of your team is playing remotely, you must notify an admin of the reasoning in advance.

6.1.4.1 All players, even if playing remotely, should be supervised and managed by a staff member at each institution.

6.2 Roster Requirements and Substitutions

6.2.1 Institutions can enter as many teams as they please.

6.2.2 Roster changes will be allowed throughout. Please notify a member of Champs staff if you need to change players on the roster. Teams must consist of 5 players with an optional 1 substitute.

6.2.3 Individuals can compete in the cups as well as the Open and National titles, aside from Women in Esports’ Cups. Individuals can not play more than one title per day, even if a reschedule must occur.

6.2.4 A team must meet the requirement of 60% female or marginalised gender participation, meaning that a minimum of three players on the roster must identify as female or a marginalised gender. Teams must always meet this requirement or they will be ineligible.

6.3 Communication

6.3.1 This year, all primary communication should be handled through the Champs website. The Champs Discord server will only be used as a community Discord.

Spirit of the Rules

7.1 These Rules may be amended, modified or supplemented by the British Esports Student Champs, from time to time, in order to ensure fair play and the integrity of the British Esports Student Champs.

7.2 All decisions regarding the interpretation of these rules lie solely with the British Esports Student Champs, the decisions of which are final.