Technical Issues and Fair Play
This section outlines the guidelines for handling technical issues and glitches during tournaments, ensuring fairness, transparency, and a seamless player experience.
Policy on Technical Issues and Fair Play
1. Purpose of the Policy
This policy ensures fairness, integrity, and transparency when addressing potential technical issues or glitches that may occur during tournaments. It provides clear guidance to players and organizers for both automated and online supervised events, ensuring a positive and competitive experience for all participants while discouraging gamesmanship or unfair play.
This policy will be updated periodically, especially during the alpha stage, to account for emerging challenges. All reported incidents, both internal and external, will be logged and investigated. Where applicable, technical solutions will be incorporated into our roadmap. For issues arising from third-party partners, we collaborate with them to resolve the problem or implement alternate solutions as needed. We appreciate player feedback as we continue to refine our workflows and perfect the system.
2. Fair Play Policy
2.1 Camera Usage and Player Visibility for Online Supervised Events
Mandatory Camera Use: Players are required to keep their cameras on, ensuring their face is visible at all times during the game. This helps maintain transparency and a fair competitive environment.
Camera Off Situations:
If a player’s camera is not operational or fails to show their face clearly, the game may proceed but may be flagged for further review.
Game results will stand unless there is evidence of foul play.
Intentional Camera Obstruction:
If it is determined that a player intentionally obstructed their camera:
The player will be disqualified, and their results nullified.
Responsibility of the Player: It is the responsibility of the player to ensure that they are visible at all times during the game. Technical issues, such as insufficient lighting or improper camera placement, are not valid excuses.
Arbiters' Notification Rights: Arbiters reserve the right to notify all players of a technical issue impacting a limited number of participants. This notification is to ensure transparency and discourage any attempt to exploit the situation as a window for unfair play.
2.2 Reporting Suspected Cheating
Players are encouraged to report concerns about potential unfair play promptly via the in-game chat or designated communication channels (e.g., Discord).
All reports must include specific details about the suspected behavior. Frivolous or repeated baseless reports may result in warnings or penalties.
2.3 Fair Play Reviews
If unfair play is confirmed, the offending player will be disqualified, and their results nullified.
Previously eliminated players will not be reinstated to preserve the tournament's progression.
Results will remain final unless clear evidence of fair play violations is identified during review.
Publication of Reports and Resolution: All reports will be published, and resolutions will be provided within 72 hours of the report submission
3. Policy on Technical Issues
3.1 General Approach
Technical glitches can occur. This policy ensures fairness for all players by handling these situations transparently. Our tournament systems are designed to prioritize accuracy and maintain the competition’s integrity.
3.2 Clock Latency
What is Clock Latency? Clock latency refers to cases where the clock may appear out of sync due to local delays or network latency, even though it remains accurate on the backend.
How We Handle Clock Latency:
Players must report concerns about clock discrepancies immediately via in-game chat or Discord.
The game may proceed, and the backend clock will be used as the authoritative reference for time usage.
Impact on Game Results:
If the backend clock is accurate, results will stand.
If discrepancies are identified, the arbiter may offer a rematch or adjust results based on the situation.
3.3 Camera or Communication Issues
Unintentional Camera Failures:
If a camera feed is disrupted due to technical issues, the game may proceed but will be flagged for review.
Players must report the issue immediately. Failure to report promptly may result in penalties.
Communication Challenges:
If arbiters cannot communicate with players due to technical issues, updates and instructions will be shared through in-game chat or Discord.
All incidents will be documented and reviewed after the game to ensure transparency and fairness.
3.4 Repeated Glitches
If repeated glitches occur:
Games will proceed under real-time monitoring wherever possible.
Arbiters may consider additional measures, such as game replays or rematches, based on the circumstances.
Persistent technical issues that disrupt the competition may result in player disqualification.
4. Appeals Process
Players may appeal decisions within 24 hours of the tournament’s conclusion. Appeals must include evidence supporting the claim.
Appeals based on technical issues will only be considered if the player reported the issue promptly during the game.
Decisions made by the fair play team and arbiters are final and binding.
5. Tournament Continuity
5.1 No Rerun Policy
Tournaments will not be rerun except in exceptional cases at the sole discretion of Checkmate Live.
If a Rerun is Required:
A new date will be determined, and players unavailable on that date will not be eligible for participation.
5.2 Validity of Results
Game results will stand unless significant evidence of fair play violations or technical issues is uncovered. Backend systems and logs will serve as the final reference for resolving disputes.
6. Transparency and Communication
6.1 What Players Can Expect
Real-Time Monitoring: Games are continuously monitored to ensure accurate results and fair play compliance.
Clear Communication: Updates regarding technical issues or decisions will be provided promptly through in-game chat or Discord.
Thorough Reviews: Any flagged incidents will be reviewed thoroughly, and decisions will be communicated transparently.
6.2 Player Responsibilities
Players are responsible for maintaining their internet connection and ensuring their devices, including cameras, are operational.
Any technical issues should be reported immediately via in-game chat or Discord.
7. Preventative Measures
7.1 Pre-Tournament Preparation
All players will undergo onboarding to confirm camera functionality, internet stability, and compliance with fair play requirements.
A test module has been added to the Checkmate Live roadmap to allow players to test their set up in advance.
7.2 Support During the Event
A dedicated team will monitor the tournament and assist with technical issues in real time.
Alternative communication channels, such as Discord, will be available for emergencies.
8. Our Commitment to Fair Play
At Checkmate Live, we strive to create a fair and competitive environment for all players. This policy applies to both automated and online supervised events, ensuring a consistent approach to technical challenges. While technical issues may occasionally arise, we are committed to resolving them swiftly and transparently to provide the best possible tournament experience.
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