NFL Performance Rules, Guidelines, and FAQ

[FLAxWLESS]

Here is a main thread for questions regarding the overall format of NFL Progressions Leagues.

-------------
GENERAL FAQ
-------------

How do you handle disconnects or resets?
- Here are the guidelines on how to handle network errors/disconnects. This is an NFL performance league so these rules will allow for stats to be accumulated in a fair manner, yet still keep the intent of winning the game the primary focus.

If it is a NETWORK/X-BOX LIVE error the game will be reset and replayed, no matter the score/stats with the score intact, the game will be replayed to get stats.

If it is a DISCONNECT there are 3 options:

(1) If the score is TIED and play gets disconnected in the:

- 1st - 3rd quarters - the game is reset and replayed
- with OVER 2 minutes left - the game is reset and replayed
- with UNDER 2 minutes left - the team WITH POSSESSION of the ball at time of D/C can agree to (i) reset and replay the entire game or (ii) play out the remaining 2 minutes with same score, possession, and TOs.

(2) If the score is NOT tied and a D/C happens in the:
- 1st half - the game is reset and the entire game is replayed with the same point differential, ball possession at D/C, AND proper 2nd half possession in tact. (ie. Team A has the ball when D/C occurs and they are slated to return in the 2nd half. In the reset game, Team A will kick [to get 2nd half return] and Team B will receive the kick AND THEN PUNT back to Team A)
- 3rd quarter - the game is reset and entire game is replayed with same point differential and ball possession. When the 2nd half begins the team with possession of the ball at the end of the 1st half should get the 1st offensive series (unless they scored to end the half).
- 4th quarter OVER 2 minutes left - the game is reset and entire game is replayed with same point differential and ball possession. When the 2nd half begins the team with possession of the ball at the end of the 1st half should get the 1st offensive series (unless they scored to end the half).
- 4th quarter UNDER 2 minutes left - the team WITH THE LEAD at time of D/C can agree to (i) reset and replay the entire game as if the D/C occurred in 3rd quarter (ii) play out the remaining 2 minutes with same score, possession, and TOs.

(3) If it is a playoff game that is disconnected... the game will be reset and RESUMED with the same time, score, and possession from the D/C.

(4) Any other arrangement the two side can make.

***If you choose to reset and play out the remainder of the game your game, you are responsible for recording and post the stats totals of the game.***

How many games do you need to play?
- You need to play 13 games in order to be considered for the following season AND to qualify for playoffs. Also you only earn performance stats for GAMES THAT YOU PLAY!!

How do you get into playoffs?
- Only teams that play AT LEAST 13 games will qualify for playoffs. Playoff spots will be determined based on league size, but for an 20 team league it will be 8 playoff spots: 5 division winners and 3 Wildcards based on best records

What do the divisions look like?

NFLP 4 Divisions

West Coast

1. Oakland
2. San Diego
3. San Francisco
4. Seattle

Gulf Coast

1. Dallas
2. Houston
3. Arizona
4. New Orleans

Middle America

1. Minnesota
2. Chicago
3. Denver
4. Kansas City

South

1. Tennessee
2. Miami
3. Tampa Bay
4. Atlanta

North East

1. New England
2. Pittsburgh
3. Philadelphia
4. Indianapolis

How are the winners for unplayed games determined?
- If BOTH teams are UNDER 13 games or BOTH HAVE PLAYED at least 13 games it will be randomly assigned.
- If one team is UNDER 13 games and another is OVER 13 games the team that plays 13 games will get the win.

How does trading work?

- You can trade players with other teams to fill needs. Created legends are traded are locked into their current tier and/or must declare tier if optional progression is applicable.

Another benefit of trading is if a player traded is slated for regression; the receiving team has the option of keeping the player in the same tier w/ restrictions (see next paragraph) due to change of scenery or accepting the regression.

A minor tweak has been made to trading a regressing player. If you are trading a "regressing" Gold player the receiving team can accept the regression OR keep the player at GOLD tier but they can only have 3 out of the 5 abilities they previously had. If you are trading a regressing Silver player they do not lose abilities but their abilities MUST REMAIN THE SAME

You can trade for draft picks and different tiered players.

How does the rookie draft work?

- The league will hold a 1 round rookie draft on fictional rookies. There will be a scouting report that will help you determine what player to pick.
- The "lottery teams/non-playoff teams" will be divided into 2 groups: The half with the worst records will have their drafted rookie be a 2 ability silver. The 2nd half of the non-playoff teams will have their rookie be a 1 ability silver. The rest of the league will have their rookies be a bronze.
- Picks can be traded HOWEVER only picks originally slotted for NON-PLAYOFF TEAMS can be silver.
- You can ONLY trade draft picks for that current off-season. You cannot trade future draft picks... this prevents teams from trading away their future, if they decide to switch teams, or drop from the league.
- After the draft the PRE-CREATED ability list will be revealed.

How can 2008 NFL Rookies be added to the roster?

- 1st round picks - 1 ability silver (they get 2nd ability in 2nd season if they maintain silver)
- The rest - bronze

What roster will unused team have?

- New franchises to NFLP can use players on the most to date NFL Roster as long as a player is not currently on an NFLP Team.

How will NFL roster moves affect NFLP Rosters?

- If the NFL Roster move does not impact any currently active NFLP Teams it will be reflected on the roster.
- If an NFL player moves from an inactive NFLP Franchise to an active NFLP Franchise in real life... the NFLP franchise can add that player BUT THEY WILL BE A BRONZE NO MATTER WHAT TIER THEY COULD BE ADDED ON.
- If an NFL player moves from an ACTIVE NFLP Franchise to ANY NFLP Franchise... then the player STAYS ON THE NFLP FRANCHISE.

[FLAxWLESS]

-----------------------------------
Player Progression FAQ
-----------------------------------

Can you optionally regress/downgrade a player?

Yes, BUT ONLY during the soft validation can you downgrade a player (unless they are an **STP**). However, once they have been downgraded they can only elevate tiers via the progressions system. So if you have a gold... think twice before downgrading them.

How does Soft Validation Work?

Soft validation is to establish player values for trading. Once a player is Soft Validated IT IS PERMANENT and can only be changed during the following off-season. The only exceptions are regressing gold players or optional progression players.

What is special about optional progression players?

With the optional progression teams have two choices at soft validation:

1) They can "soft" validate a tier level which will be PERMANENT for the season, however these players CAN be traded and moved from active roster or bench.

2) They can designate the "optional progression player" as a "Special Training Camp Project" this allows the team to "soft" validate at their current tier, but allows the flexibility to apply optional progression for FINAL VALIDATION. However, the trade off is the player MUST BE on you ACTIVE ROSTER for the entire season AND CANNOT BE TRADED. Just mark with **STP** when submitting soft validated roster.

What happens if you have 3 or more mandatory golds?

After further inflection if you have 3 mandatory golds you can choose to downgrade 1 HOWEVER they can only be made as a silver. This is only the case when a team has 3 MANDATORY GOLDS... if a team has a silver that becomes a MANDATORY GOLD, but none of their other golds are mandatory they MUST downgrade a gold player.

Do players drop tiers if they head to the bench?

No, with the 7 pt. bench system it is not needed for players to drop tiers to maintain balance. However, YOU MUST fit the 7 pt bench AT ALL TIMES!!

How many attributes can I change each off-season for returning players?

For real NFL players you can only change 1 ability each off-season.

What attributes/combos are banned?
Workhorse + Speed Burner
F&P (unless you are 3 star gold)
Branching Tackles for Gold RBs
Only 4 out 5 between Speed Burner, BAB, Quick Feet, Cutback, & Finessee

How do you fill the void of a regressing Gold player?
Amended 11/5/08

If you have a regressing gold and do not have a progressing GOLD you have 3 ways to fill that void.

1) Trade for a gold (which is already in place)

2) You keep your gold as is BUT HE WILL GET NO ABILITIES. So what's the downside to this if your player keeps his gold status? The player will be on "Retirement Watch" as he can no longer play at the level he is used to and no one wants him (as you are unable to trade him away).

On the roster they will be marked with [RW]. Once RW status is earned it sticks with the player even if they are traded... so basically even on a new team must face the same limitations with the player.

-- Any mandatory regression results in retirement and the player is out of play.
-- The player can be optionally regressed once BUT afterward (1) can never progress and (2) any further regression optional or mandatory results in retirement.

3) If you do not trade for a gold or wish to designate a player RW you can choose a 1 ability gold kicker or punter to take the gold spot.

[FLAxWLESS]

--------------------------------
GAMEPLAY MECHANICS FAQ
--------------------------------

When can you go for it on 4th down?

These ARE THE ONLY SITUATIONS YOU CAN GO FOR IT ON 4th DOWN!!

(1) 4th and 1 or less in your opponents 49 yard or less.
(2) 4th down and any distance when you are between your opponents 30-40 yard line.
(3) Anytime and anywhere when you are down by 3 scores (20 pts is considered 3 scores).
(4) Anytime and anywhere during the 2 minute warning UNLESS Anti-Running the Score Rule is in effect.

Who can return punts or kicks?

Any player who had returned at least 10 punts or kicks in the 2007 NFL Season is eligible to return for that category, even without the kick return ability.

What plays are banned?
Double Bump Man/Double Trouble

Do you accept late hit penalties?
ALL late hit penalties MUST BE DECLINED unless (1) the late hit injures the player tackled (2) occurred as a method to stop the play clock.

Otherwise, most late hits are accidental and happens just fractions of a second too late.

What about other penalties?
All other penalties can be accepted or declined at the coach's discretion.

Can LBs play DE?
Yes, if they are subbed in at DE in the NFL AND only in packages where there are 2 LBs or less on the field (nickel or dime, NOT 3-3 nickel) AND THEY MUST HAVE PASS RUSH BONUS AS AN ABILITY!!!

How can you use motion?
You can hike the ball while a man IS IN MOTION if it is a running play. If it is a passing play you MUST WAIT UNTIL the player is set.

Is cadence allowed?
NO, cadence IS NOT ALLOWED AT ALL. If use cadence YOU WILL FORFEIT YOUR GAME!!

Can I manually block FG/PATs?
No, you cannot manually block FG/PATs....even out of field goal block formations. You must put the controller down or control one of the two players offline to stay off the line. IF YOU MANUALLY BLOCK A PAT/FG YOU WILL FORFEIT YOUR GAME!!

Can I sideline kick kickoffs so that it causes the ball to land where the CPU player will field it and fall out of bounds?
NO! If you do this you WILL FORFEIT YOUR GAME!

How do I report any in game abuse of cadence, PAT/FG blocking, or passing motion?
Send me a PM and only a PM with the complaint. Do not bring it to the boards or start any flame wars. I will take note of the incident and will fix all games at the end of the season. Basically, I will look to see if anyone else files a complaint through out the course of the season and at the end forfeit games accordingly.

By doing it this way it will be fair to everyone and we can catch those who do it constantly and kick them out of the league. THIS IS A GAME PEOPLE! Win it fair and square, win it with integrity. If you have to resort to cadence abuse, manual PAT/FG blocking, or exploiting motion in the passing game I DO NOT WANT YOU IN MY LEAGUE!!

What is the consequence of doing those things?
In addition to losing the game if you accumulate 3 strikes (compliants) YOU WILL BE INELIGIBLE for playoffs and may not be invited back into the leagues.

What happens when my opponent's pause timer runs out?

When your opponent's pause timer runs out due to pausing related to constant replays, substitutions, stat viewing, or other reasons deemed excessive YOU MAY END THE GAME AND ACCEPT THE VICTORY.

Please, use you judgment and if your opponents has 1 long pause assume they have taken a dump, helping unload groceries, tending to a child, or other reason feel free to do the honorable thing and reset the timer.

To put it in black and white terms.... if a timer runs out you can end the game, but I hope people see the spirit of the rule and use it in the proper situations. Everyone in the league is honorable and likes to win on their own merit so it shouldn't matter.

Can I run up the score to get stats?

The spirit of the league is to see how you perform and what stats you earn through the natural course of the game. Running up the score is bad sportsmanship and against the spirit of the rules. See this seems to be a gray line here is the rule:

BOTH teams MUST continue to play hard until it is possible for the offense to kneel out the clock.

Can I run up the score to get stats?

The spirit of the league is to see how you perform and what stats you earn through the natural course of the game. Running up the score is bad sportsmanship and against the spirit of the rules. See this seems to be a gray line here is the rule:

BOTH teams MUST continue to play hard until it is possible for the offense to kneel out the clock.

A team is considered running up the score if they DO NOT KNEEL THE BALL when:

(1) The opposing/losing team has ZERO timeouts left or PMs you to kneel the ball.
AND
(2) You have: 1st down and < 2:00 mins left, 2nd down and < 1:20 min, 3rd down and < 0:40 seconds left (simply multiply # downs left x :40 seconds)

ALL 3 COMPONENTS MUST BE MET IN ORDER FOR IT TO BE CONSIDERED RUNNING UP THE SCORE. So if you have TOs left and did not PM the winner that you will not be using your remaining TOs... the opponent can continue running plays.

If you are caught running up the score you will receive 1 warning. If you do it a 2nd time - STAT FOR THAT GAME WILL NOT COUNT TOWARDS YOUR SEASON TOTALS. If you do it a 3rd time - YOU WILL BE KICKED OUT OF THE LEAGUE!!

[FLAxWLESS]

From Val and 2kfs.com

IF THERE ARE CONFLICTS BETWEEN THIS AND GAMEPLAY FAQ... GAMEPLAY FAQ TAKES PRECEDENCE OVER THESE RULES!!

NFL Simulation Rules
The NFL Simulation rules can be used as league rules, or they can be used as the starting point for league rules. The rules listed are a culmination of rules provided by various members over at the 2K All Pro Football forum. They are by no means definitive! Use the rules that the members of your league are willing to abide by in order to enjoy the game.
Section 1: Kick Offs

Article I. On-Side Kicks
Rule 1. On-Side Kicks are not allowed at all in the first half of play.
Rule 2. On-Side Kick can be done in the 3rd quarter if you are behind by 3 touchdowns (21 points or more).
Rule 3. On-Side Kick can be done any time in the 4th quarter if you are behind.

Article II. Kick Off Return Rules
Rule 1. No side kicking to exploit the run out of bounds or returner cannot catch ball bug.
Rule 2. All kick offs are to be down the middle or slightly to the left/right in such a manner that it does not violate Rule #1.
Rule 3. Kickoffs can be kicked short or intentionally out of bounds after an opponent has run a kick off back for a touch down.
Rule 4. At the end of the half, or game, if a player is up by a single possession then the player may kick it short to avoid the primary kick returner in order to avoid a KR that would intentionally tie up the game, or give their opponent the victory.

Article III. Kick Off Returners
1. Any type of player may be subbed in for for he Kick Returner regardless of their position (QB, TE, LB, what have you) or thier Star Rating (Gold, Silver, Bronze, or generic).

Section 2: Offense

Article I. 4th Down Play
Rule 1. A team may go for it on 4th down and inches at any time in the game, whether they are leading, tied, or trailing.
Rule 2. A team may go for it on 4th down and 1 yard if they are past the 50 and inside their opponents territory, at any time int he game, whether they are leading, tied, or trailing.
Rule 3. A team may go for it on 4th down and any number of yards from anywhere on the field if they are trailing in the 4th quarter by any amount.
Rule 4. A team may go for it on 4th down if it's the end of the 2nd quarter and time will expire on the last play.
Rule 5. A team may go for it on 4th down regardless of yards to go or location if it's under 2 minutes in the 4th quarter.
Rule 6. A team must punt the ball or kick a field goal if it is 4th down and Rules #1 through Rule #5 do not apply.

Article II. 2 Point Conversions
Rule 1. A team may go for a 2 point conversion if it will tie the game.
Rule 2. A team may go for a 2 point conversion if it is the 4th quarter and the 2 point conversion will give them a 3 or 7 point lead.
Rule 3. A team must kick the extra point unless Rule #1 or Rule #2 apply.

Article III. No-Huddle Offense
Rule 1. No huddle may be used after the 2 minute warning in the 2nd quarter and the 4th quarter.
Rule 2. A team may no huddle if they are behind by more than 21 points at any point in a game.
Rule 3. A team may no huddle if they are losing by any amount in the 4th quarter.
Rule 4. A team must huddle normally if Rule #1 through Rule #3 do not apply.

Article III. Depth Chart Substitutions
Rule 1. No improper substiutions. No WR's lined up as TE or WR's lined up as HB.
Rule 2. HB and FB may be interchanged.
Rule 3. TE/HB/FB may be substitued as a WR in 4 WR and 5 WR sets.

Article IV. Gadget Plays
Rule 1. All gadget plays are limited to a max of once per half. Plays like the flea flicker, HB option, TE or WR around the end, Double reverses, or Fake Reverses, Hail Marys, etc. That's one time per half, not one successful time per half.

Article V. Gameplay
Rule 1. A man that is sent in motion may not be thrown to unless he is set before the ball is hiked on all passing plays.
Rule 2. A quarterback may scramble at any time.
Rule 3. A team may only use quarterback cadence to obtain a penalty twice in a game.
Rule 4. A team may run or pass as much as they desire.
Rule 5. Bunny Hops (excessive use of Hops) may not be used.
Rule 6. Quick snapping is expressly forbidden, unless it's past the 2 minute warning and a team is using a no huddle offense.

Article VI. Clock Management
Rule 1. Play Clock can not be run down in order to run out the Game Clock for a given Quarter until after the 2 minute warning in the 2nd and 4th Quarter.
Rule 2. If an opponent tries for an onside kick in the 4th Quarter, then all bets are off and a player may run down the Play Clock as they wish until the end of the game.

Section 3: Defense

Article I. Depth Chart Substitutions
Rule 1. No improper substiutions. No CB's as LB, DE's as LB, or other invalid substiutions.
Rule 2. FS and SS may be interchanged.
Rule 3. OLB and ILB's may be interchanged.

Article II. Gameplay
Rule 1. Defensive Linemen may not be manually repositioned prior to the snap. They they may only be moved via the pre-set shifts provided by the game.
Rule 2. Linebackers may be repositioned, but not at the line if they repositioned wide. If a LB is moved wide, then the LB must stay back from the line a minimum of 5 yards.
Rule 3. No manual Punt blocks are allowed.
Rule 4. No manual Field Goal or Extra Point blocks are allowed.