Ladder Rules


The idea behind this ladder was to create a competitive and fun competition for skilled players,
ZoneMasters ladder is NOT a TOPDOG contest.

Resposibilities/duties of ZM-Members:

  • Only one nick/account is allowed per person. There are no exceptions to this rule and it is forbidden for more than one person to use or share the same account.
  • Players are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their password and are NOT permitted to share their password with anyone for any reason.
  • Players who have multiple accounts and/or shared their password with anyone for any reason will be removed from ladder.
  • Players must keep their E-mail address current at all times, in case they need to be contacted. Players can use the 'Edit E-mail Address' link on the 'My Account' tab on ladderpage to edit their E-mail address
  • Trying to play TOP 10 players  by sending PM’s is NOT allowed. Players should NOT harass other players to obtain a match. Continued PM's or interruping while they are playing to request a match is NOT acceptable conduct.
  • It is forbidden to abuse or harass another ZM member. It is important to remember that two wrongs do not make a right. If you are being harassed by another ZM member, contact the Admin staff for assistance. Do not take matters into your own hands or return the abuse, or you could be penalized as well.
  • It is not allowed to comment about a players ability to play the game (bad moves and/or cube decision etc.). Any harrassement of this type, except in a joking manner, can result in immediate suspension or removal from the ladder.
  • The settings on ladder page for: “Minutes players must wait between each match to report a loss” has been changed. To avoid double posting, players must wait 5 minutes between each report. This will give them time to check before posting the match again.
  • All members must accept ZM-Forum invitation and have to sign-in to ZM-Forum.
  • ZM-Forum is the only place to communicate with members, follow up Administrator's announcements and to schedule matches like TOPDOG matches, tournament matches and to post any suggestions and complaints.

Playing a ZM-Match

  • ZoneMasters matches are played in Doubling cube room in World Gaming Center (WGC) or Safe Harbor Games (SHG), but matches can be played on any other server if agreed by both players.
  • All ladder matches are 9 points.
  • Only match for first place between the ladder leader and second place holder (Topdog match) is best 2 of 3 matches of 9 points.
  • Loser MUST post loss IMMEDIATELY after match is finished.
  • Players can play the same member max. 3 times per day. However, they may play as many different members as you would like on any given day.
  • Ladder and ZM-Forum times are Pacific Times and the day begins at 12:00 a.m. PST/PDT.
    ( For Europaens: 12 a.m. = 00.00 h = midnight PST/PDT )
 

TOPDOG

  1. When a player reaches Rank #2 , they are to be permitted to compete against Rank #1 for the TOPDOG title.
  2. Player in #2 position has to post a FORMAL CHALLENGE on the TOPDOG CHALLENGES / MESSAGES  board within 2 days (48 hours) after reaching the #2 spot on the ZoneMasters ladder.
  3. Player in #1 position has 1 day (24 hours) to respond to the FORMAL CHALLENGE by replying to the topic on the TOPDOG CHALLENGES / MESSAGES board listing available times and dates to play Topdog match or the player in position #1 will be runged 25 places.
  4. After FORMAL CHALLENGE Topdog players MUST schedule their match on TOPDOG CHALLENGES / MESSAGES board so that the administrators of the ladder can both view the attempts to schedule matches and accurately make decisions regarding an unplayed match.
  5. TOPDOG match must be completed at first available opportunity but not later than 5 days of reaching the #2 position on the ladder.
  6. In the eventuality that a Topdog match is NOT played within the five (5) day time limit, the ladder administrators will make a decision as to exactly what action will be taken according to the correspondence received, and the effort made by each player to complete the match within the deadline.
  7. It is strongly advised that both players schedule their match from the very FIRST day. If the scheduling message board is not available, players may schedule by email. Copies of all emails MUST be sent to Zonemasters ladder administrators TUR_UncleSam and UPB_Grannie1. You will find opponents email addresses at Members link.
  8. Format for TOPDOG matches is 1 match of 15 points.
  9. The loser of the entire match needs to post ONLY 1 loss on ladder page.
  10. Loser of TOPDOG match has to report IMMEDIATELY and has to add under comments “TD match”.
  11. Loser of Topdog match will be dropped 50 rungs on the ladder.
  12. If it is clear that this match was not played due to the lack of effort by just one of the two players, the decision may be taken that this player alone will be runged. The Ladder co-ordinators decision is final and undisputable.
  13. IMPORTANT:
    The TOPDOG player in #1 position CAN NOT PLAY players ranked in position #3, #4 or #5.
    If rank #1 does play these positions BOTH players will be dropped 25 rungs.
    IMPORTANT for TOP 11 RANKS
  14. Top 10 players should announce in the lobby if they want to play a ZM match.
  15. Top 11 players are NOT allowed to play same opponent more than once per day. If they play a second match in one day both players will be dropped 25 ranks.
  16. Any top 10 player who is inactive for more than 5 days will be runged automatically. This is a “MyLeague” rule and done automatically by them. We have no control over it..

    Auto-boot and auto-purging
  • There is an inactivity auto-boot mechanism on this ladder.
  • Any ladder player who is inactive for more than 60 days will be permanently deleted from this ladder.
  • New members must play a match within 15 days of being accepted or they will be automatically dropped from the ladder.

    Unreported matches
  • All players should report losses on ladder IMMEDIATELY after match is completed. If your opponent does not report within 30 minutes send him/her a reminder by using the UNREPORTED MATCH button ( ) on main ladder page or click "Unreported match" under SUPPORT. This post will serve as a reminder to your opponent with a copy to head-administrator.

    Incomplete matches
  • Zonemasters has a fairly laidback approach towards incomplete matches, as most would agree, there are many things in everyday life which take precedent over a simple zonemasters match. If either you or your opponent are not able to finish match, politely ask if you could finish later, and try to reschedule a finishing time / date.
  • The player leading in match points should then post "incomplete match" at Forum INCOMPLETE MATCH board. This post will serve as a reminder to both yourself and your opponent that you have an unfinished match to complete.
  • Once the match is completed, it is asked of the person who originally posted "incomplete", to add the mention, "YES" in the "match completed" column, or simply delete the post from link entirely.

    Nominations
  • The criteria for admittance on to the ZoneMasters ladder is two-fold. Firstly all nominees must have an advanced skill level and secondly they must be of good sound character and conduct themselves in a sportsman like manner. Any deviation from these criteria may lead to suspension or removal from the ladder.
  • To become a part of the ZoneMasters ladder 2 active members must nominate a player and there is a 7 day waiting period for acceptance during which time members may make favorable and/or unfavorable comments about the nominee. Only members who have been on ZoneMasters ladder for 1 month are eligible to nominate new players.
  • The new member must play a match within 15 days of being accepted or they will be automatically dropped from the ladder.

    LADDER stats:
Rank gain for a win: 49 %

Max matches/day between SAME users:

3 (matches)

Number of days before winning and losing streaks reset:

7 (days)

Minutes players must wait between each match report :

5 (minutes)

Days of inactivity allowed before players deleted:

60 (days)

Days new player has to play their first match before removal from ladder 15 (days)

Days of inactivity allowed before drop top ten players:

5 (days)

A top player is defined as a player less than:

11 (rank)

Days top players must wait before playing same user again:

1 (days)

Highest rank that is allowed to utilize formal challenge system:

2 (rank)

Days between formal challenge by same users:

3 (days)

Days players have to complete formal challenge:

5 (days)

Resetting stats

  • Premium members can reset their stats under "My Account". Under "My Options" "reset statistics".
  • ZM-Players can ask Admin to reset their statistics. Account/stats can be reset ONLY to 0 wins 0 losses and LAST rank

Disputes/Complaints:

  • If there is any dispute between two players during a match try to contact one of the ladder administrators TUR_UncleSam, TURc_Lioness or UPB_Grannie1.
  • For complaints please use the “Contact Admin” button on main ladder page.
  • For suggestions please use "Suggestion board" in forum.
  • For whining and bitching use "Whining & Bitching" board in forum
    and
    finally
  • If you want to share jokes post them on "Jokes etc" board in forum

As has always been stated, this is a friendly yet competitive ladder.
Above rules should be regarded more as a guideline to fair play rather than an absolute doctrine by which to adhere to. With a minimum of good sportsmanship and fairplay, it is hoped that these rules and penalties shall never have to be officially applied.