All official times in this ruleset are in UK time (Europe/London).
11v11 Ranked is based in Europe and uses the EU servers on EASPORTS FC as standard.
GENERAL RULES
- Team names must closely match the name registered on the league site (e.g., SimplyTheBest).
- Team sheets must be submitted before kick-off for every match.
- Players are only eligible to play once they have accepted the contract sent to them.
- Play with respect and integrity at all times. Intentional exploitation, trolling, or unsporting behaviour will not be tolerated.
HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS
Player Height Limits
- All outfield players must be recorded in either metric (cm/m) or imperial (ft/in) units.
- The maximum allowed height for outfield players is 1.89 m (6'2").
- The maximum allowed height for goalkeepers is 1.94 m (6'4").
- Any player exceeding the maximum height results in a default loss if proven with clear and verifiable evidence.
Required Height Verification
- Teams must provide valid height verification for every match.
- The verification clip must clearly show both team names and the heights of all players (recorded in either metric (cm/m) or imperial (ft/in) units).
- Failure to provide clear and verifiable evidence may result in a default loss.
Submission Deadline
Teams must submit valid height verification after each match as part of standard verification procedures and within the required deadline.
- All height proof must be posted or submitted no later than 23:59 - UK time (Europe/London) - on the matchday.
- Height verification must be posted in the designated height clips channel in the GamingOS – Staff & Managers Hub on Discord. Submissions made outside of this channel may be treated as non-submission.
- Any height evidence submitted after 23:59 - UK time (Europe/London) - will be considered late and may be treated as non-submission regardless of validity.
- Posting heights earlier is strongly encouraged to avoid disputes.
Failure to submit valid height proof by 23:59 - UK time (Europe/London) - on the matchday may result in:
- The match being placed under official review
- A default loss if player heights cannot be verified
- Additional sanctions for repeated or deliberate non-submission
Any attempt to hide, edit, obscure, or falsify height information, including delayed compliance intended to avoid verification, may result in:
- Match forfeiture
- Player bans
- Escalated disciplinary action at the league’s discretion
Technical Issues
If a manager experiences genuine technical issues preventing submission, they must notify a staff member before the deadline.
A 12-hour extension will be granted only if clear evidence of the technical issue is provided. Failure to notify staff before the deadline may result in the submission being treated as late or non-submission.
GAMEPLAY RULES
Team Size & Eligibility
- A minimum of 6 players is required to start or continue a match.
- Goalkeepers are mandatory.
- Teams must field a designated ANY at all times unless they have 11 players fielded, unless stated otherwise.
- Playing with a banned or unsigned player results in a default loss if proven with clear evidence (e.g., in-game player list and gamertags).
Formations
- Teams may use any formation.
Substitutions & Join Live
- Substitutions are not permitted at present.
- Once a match has kicked off, players may not be substituted in or out for any reason, including tactical decisions, voluntary exits, or player rotation.
- Join Live is not permitted, except in cases where a player listed on the submitted team sheet has lagged out.
If a player disconnects due to a lag-out, that same player may re-join the match using Join Live, provided that:
- They were part of the original starting lineup
- No unregistered or additional players join the match
- The minimum player requirements are still met
Players not listed on the team sheet submitted before kick-off may not join the match under any circumstances.
Any attempt to use substitutions or Join Live outside of these conditions, whether intentional or accidental, may result in:
- The match being placed under official review
- A default loss if an advantage is gained
- Further disciplinary action for repeated offences
Back-Outs & Restarts
- Teams have until the 10th in-game minute to back out for connection issues or for default claims.
- A team may back out twice before the 10th minute.
- On the third restart, the match must continue regardless of connection problems.
Goal Rollover Rules
- If the conceding team has 6+ active players on the field, goals scored count and carry over to any restarted match.
- Goals scored during a back-out do not count unless the team was clearly playing. Provide a clip if you believe a goal should be validated.
Time Wasting
- Holding the ball in corners = default loss (video proof required).
- Passing or dribbling around the defensive line does not count as time wasting.
Set Pieces
- Tackling players (not the ball) during corners or free kicks is forbidden.
- If the tackle directly affects play (e.g., fouling a defender before a goal), it results in a default loss.
- Evidence must clearly show contact and impact on the outcome.
- Standing on the goal line during free kicks is forbidden. Preventing a goal this way results in a default loss.
Goalkeeper Interference
- Blocking, bumping, or obstructing the goalkeeper is strictly prohibited.
- Proven interference results in the goal being disallowed or potentially a default loss.
Penalty Shootouts
- Backing out during penalties and allowing the AI (“ANY”) to take them results in a default loss.
LAG-OUT RULES, HALF-TIME RULES & HOSTING
Half-Time (After 10 Minutes)
- Teams may only back out at half-time if 4 or more players have lagged out.
- Back-outs at half-time for any reason other than 4+ lag-outs are not permitted.
- All players on both teams must retain the same heights as in the original match, a height clip for both games is required.
Seeding Stage Rules
- If a team leaves at half-time in a draw → match resumes with Golden Goal.
- Lag-outs after 45 minutes → continue until full-time.
- After 90 minutes:
- Captains may mutually agree to restart with Golden Goal instead of extra time + penalties.
- If no agreement, play extra time + penalties.
- You cannot back out for tactical mistakes (pressing, instructions, stamina, etc.).
MATCH HOSTING & SERVERS
All matches must be played on European (EU) servers, unless both teams explicitly agree otherwise before kick-off.
The host should be chosen to provide the most stable connection for both teams.
If a significant latency issue occurs (for example, consistent ping of around 100ms or higher for multiple players), teams may request a host change. This must:
- Be requested before the 10th in-game minute, and
- Be requested before any goals are scored.
If the issue cannot be resolved between teams, contact league staff with video evidence of the ping/connection problem.
STREAMING & EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS
DEFAULT CLAIMS
- Default claims must be submitted by 00:00 UK time (Europe/London) on the same calendar day as the scheduled fixture, unless otherwise stated for a specific competition.
- Teams with ManagerOS+ may submit default claims up to 12 hours after the scheduled kick-off time (but no later than 12:00 UK time the following day).
- Claims submitted after the relevant deadline may be rejected.
All default claims must include:
- The match details (teams, competition, scheduled kick-off time)
- A clear explanation of the issue
- Video or screenshot evidence where applicable
Unless otherwise specified in the competition rules, the standard admin default score is 1–0.
Repeated defaults by the same team may result in further disciplinary action, including removal from the competition.
TRANSFER MARKET & RELEASE CLAUSES
Transfer Windows
- The transfer market operates within league-defined windows.
- Managers without ManagerOS+ may only transfer players during the market window.
- Managers with ManagerOS+ plan have full season transfer access.
- All transfers must comply with signing deadlines and eligibility rules.
Release Clauses
- Managers and players must agree on the release clause value before the contract is sent and signed.
- There is no minimum or maximum limit on the release clause amount.
- A release clause may be activated at any time, provided the player holds PlayerOS+ and the buying manager holds ManagerOS+.
Loans
- Loans may be completed at any time during the season.
- Both managers must agree for a loan to be finalised.
- Managers may loan maximum of three (3) players per season.
- Loaned players do not count towards the roster limit.
- A loan may be recalled only if the player agrees.
- During the loan period, a player may only compete for the team they are loaned to.
API INTEGRATION & STATS
- Managers must link their Club to the API in the settings area of the manager panel.
- If a match result is a win or loss, results and stats may be imported automatically.
- If the match is a draw, stats must be completed manually.
- Incorrect or falsified API submissions may result in sanctions.
MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES
- Arrive on time and ensure the team meets all league requirements.
- A teamsheet must be posted on the website before kick-off.
- Managers may request a maximum 5-minute delay to the scheduled kickoff time.
- Managers with ManagerOS+ may request up to a total of 10 minutes.
- All delay requests must be submitted before the scheduled kickoff time and clearly communicated to the opposing manager. Failure to attend within the allowed delay window results in a default loss.
- After each match, managers must submit scores by the API or manually.
- The standings update once both teams enter results.
- Keep evidence in case of disputes.
- Falsifying results can result in a ban.
- Playing a banned or unsigned player results in a default loss.
- Managers must ensure players understand and follow all rules.
PLAYER RESPONSIBILITIES
- Players must make themselves available unless they have a legitimate reason.
- Refusing to play may result in a permanent ban.
- Players must take matches seriously.
- Deliberately scoring own goals or sabotaging matches leads to a permanent ban.
- Players must keep their gamertag updated on the website.
- Players must keep their account linked to the API on the website
- Incorrect gamertags can result in a default loss.
- Players are expected to treat teammates, opponents, and staff with respect at all times.
MANAGER & TEAM DISCIPLINARY RULES
- Managers who fold their team mid-season will receive a permanent ban.
- Managers who default matches will receive a four season ban, unless they can provide clear evidence showing the default was caused by players and not managerial negligence.
- If a team folds mid-season, players on that roster may receive a ban of up to 3 seasons unless they can provide evidence of:
- Availability for scheduled matches, and
- Willingness to play for the team before it folded.
Players who can show they were consistently available, cooperative, and committed will not be penalised for managerial decisions outside their control.
TEAM INTERFERENCE & MISCONDUCT
- Team interference is strictly prohibited and includes, but is not limited to:
- Attempting to influence, recruit, or engage in contract tampering with players registered to another team
- Encouraging or pressuring players to refuse to participate in scheduled matches or to contribute to a team folding
- Deliberately manipulating competitive integrity through match-fixing, intentionally losing, or influencing results outside the laws of the game
- Disseminating false, harmful, or misleading information about teams, players, or management with the intent to disrupt operations or create instability
- Any form of team interference or misconduct will be subject to disciplinary action. Sanctions may include suspensions, multi-season bans, competitive penalties, or removal from the league for the individuals and/or teams involved.
STATS, CHEATING & EXPLOITS
- Using a glitched pro or exploiting in-game bugs results in a default loss + ban.
- Suspected glitches must be reported with video evidence.
- Stat boosting is punishable if proven.
- Stat screenshots must show the entire screen, or they will be rejected.
Examples of prohibited behaviour include (but are not limited to):
- Using speed-up lag or connection abuse to gain an advantage
- Knocking over players deliberately on set pieces to create free goals
- Intentionally blocking or abusing the goalkeeper in unfair ways
- Abusing pauses or in-game menus to disrupt attacks or defend set pieces
- Playing on an account while banned or suspended
- All bans are subject to head admin discretion and must be approved by league directors or higher.
SEEDING STAGE PROGRESSION & FORFEITS
Early Withdrawal
- If a team quits early, the match score stands.
- If standings are significantly affected, all results may be converted to 1–0.
Tiebreaker Order (Rankings)
- Number of Wins
- Goal Difference
- Goals For
FAIR PLAY & CONDUCT
The league operates a zero-tolerance policy towards:
- Bullying
- Harassment
- Hate speech or discrimination of any kind
Serious offences (e.g., racism or discriminatory abuse) may result in permanent bans.
All incidents should be reported to league staff through the official channels (e.g., Discord tickets, email, or site support), with as much evidence as possible.
ENFORCEMENT
- All rules in this ruleset are enforced at the discretion of the Head Admin Team and League Directors.
- Penalties, bans, default losses, and disciplinary actions may be applied when evidence supports a violation.
- The league prioritises fairness, integrity, and player safety. Rules are enforced consistently across all teams and competitions.
- Admins may request additional evidence when needed. Failure to provide evidence may result in claims being denied.
- Staff members with any conflict of interest will not participate in decisions involving the affected team(s) or players.
- Final decisions rest with the League Directors, and all parties are expected to comply with rulings.
- Repeated or severe violations may result in escalated sanctions, including multi-season bans or removal from the league.
- Attempts to exploit loopholes, manipulate rules, falsify information, or abuse the dispute system will be treated as rule violations.
- The league reserves the right to amend, update, or clarify rules at any time, with changes announced publicly before enforcement.