RULES

These "rules" are guidelines to help make the Franchise more fair, more competitive...and, overall, more fun. They are not meant to be restrictive or overbearing in any way...and they are, in no way, hard to follow - nor should they hamper your own fun at all.

Covered here are concerns from our first Season ( Madden 10 ) through our 20th ( Madden 11 ). Truly, though, most are just common sense if you know the first thing about real football.


The #1 Rule

Have fun and do not detract from someone else being able to have fun. ALL things come right back to this Rule. Remember, every person you play is taking the same amount of time out of their day to play you...so keep that in mind and try to act/play accordingly.


4th Down

This has been a point of contention and confusion since day 1. The biggest question being, "when is it okay to go for it...and when is it just being an asshole?". This is how the League sees it...

If it has to be explained to you when it is acceptable - just quit. Seriously. You know when it is okay to go for it and when you should punt the ball away. If you don't, then maybe watching or even reading up on football might do you some good.

Honestly, I would like to see the entire League take to doing what a lot of people already do: if you are in a situation that you know your opponent thinks you are going to punt - do them the solid of allowing them to know you are going for it. At least that gives them the opportunity to have their Defense out on the filed against your Offense. If you need the extra help of them running their Punt Team as a Defense...then you suck. Allowing them to at least call a real D out to the field is at least saying, "come stop me" not "I need the extra help of your best D being on the sidelines to move the ball". Which guy would you rather be?


Setting Up Games

By now, everyone has been in the League long enough to know how this works. Know who you play in the next week by the time your current game is played. Message them, figure it out and do what you can to stick to it. Obviously things happen...but do what you can to keep your opponent in the know about what is going on.

If you set up a time and can't make it, but also don't contact your opponent ( or, as a last resort , the Commish ), then if you are the last game you may be dropped so it can be played. Again, people are making time to be there...respect that.

The Commish will NEVER give out anyone's Cell phone # for any reason, unless the Owner asks for his/her # to be passed on.


Running Up the Score

Anyone that claims they can't put the brakes on is full of shit. Period. That or they only have 5 plays and can't comprehend Madden well enough to truly know what they are doing. No one likes taking a beating...or even losing, for that matter. However, when the game is already out of reach ( let's say, for example, 28 points at Halftime ) there is no reason to score again...and it can be helped:

- Stop running that same play that got you that lead in the first place.
- Stop passing. Period.
- Run the clock out. Even when not attaining a 1st Down, you can run a full 2 minutes off before actually punting the ball back. One, single 1st Down moves that up to 4 minutes. That is 3/4 of a Quarter.

The "I couldn't help it" excuse is gone. Help it.


Running of the Clock

This has only recently become an issue...but it is an issue nonetheless. 

Running the Play Clock down to 3 seconds before snapping the ball in the first 3 Quarters is bullshit...and playing scared. Pick your play, get to the line and go. Not trying to rush you...but everyone can tell the difference between trying to pick the right play and playing like a bitch. Remember, the person you are playing took time out to have fun just like you did - and deserves to play the game as much as you do. If you're too scared to defend - quit.

The League recognizes not wanting to give the ball back with under 2 minutes in the 1st Half...and has no problem with making your opponent burn those time outs. Totally understandable and completely within the realm of reality.

The League does not recognize this style of play as a viable football strategy...because it isn't. The "No Huddle" is a strategy...chewing the clock from the first play of the game is just showing how scared you are to let your opponent play.

Disconnects

Whether it be one person's connection or EA's servers going bonkers and dropping the game, there are some guidelines to follow:

If the game is clearly lopsided in the 4th Qtr and the game is dropped, the person taking the drubbing should be willing to take the loss.

If, after a few tries, you cannot get your game completed - either try again later or agree to take a sim. Especially if it is clear that it is the servers going haywire and not one person's connection.

Be honest with yourself and your opponent about how to handle these situations. You know when you were clearly beaten...so don't contend that you had a shot at coming back after being down 28 points in the 4th. Possible, sure...likely, not really.

Bottom line is - come to an agreement before signing off for the night.


Trade Rules

Trade Deadline is Week 6*.

* In an effort to move the Season along, teams are permitted to "cut and sign" the night that the Week is advanced past the deadline, provided neither team has played their game. This is allowed because we had Owners asking to hold off on advancing at ( for example ) 4pm because they had a trade waiting to be accepted by an Owner that wasn't going to be home until 10pm. This caused us to lose several hours of play time.

You may trade Draft Picks, but ONLY for the upcoming Draft. No longer can you offer "my 1st Round this year and my 2nd next Draft". Caused too much confusion and chaos.

If you own more than one Draft Pick in a Round and want to trade one - you must decide then and there which pick it will be.

ALL Draft Pick transactions MUST be reported to the League by BOTH Owners or the trade is not valid. it is your responsibility to make certain that not only you report, but that the Owner you are dealing with does so as well.