BDML - Personal Conduct Rules

Personal Conduct & Etiquette Rules – Best Damn Madden League 2024

1. Trash Talk is certainly allowed however do not cross that line and resort to making personal insults and instigating or carrying on fights.  In this game, arguments can quickly get heated and out of hand.  If it becomes necessary, step away from the discussion altogether and contact a Commish.  There is a difference between debating and being a dick trying to piss people off. I promise you we know the difference.  We’re a Madden family here.  Always remember that.  If you choose not to keep it on the up and up then you will not last long here.

2. The rules are the rules.  Follow the rules in place as written.  Do not make up or play by your own rules.  There are no exceptions until said rule is changed, IF it’s changed; and NOT before that.  If you have an objection to a certain rule, contact a commish and explain why while handling it in a proper way, and we’ll take any positive suggestions that make sense for our league under consideration.  We will not tolerate calling commishes out on rules and creating controversy within the group.  If we previously discussed a rule and it’s been determined to keep it the same or it’s been voted on, that’s the rule – end of story.  Rules will always be in the group avatar for reference or type /rule in chat. 

3. Be respectful to your opponent and show some sportsmanship.  You may find yourself with a substantial lead on your opponent however don’t go for a 2-point conversion when up more than 3 scores; when the game is in hand do not call hurry up when up by more than 3 scores in the 2^nd half, no lining up in onside kick mode at inappropriate times, mix up play calling, etc.  Put in back up players when up substantially late in the game and grind it out if it’s out of reach.  You get the point. Use common sense, play it right, and keep it real as the game is played.  Intentional boosting will be result in player suspensions.  Don’t do something that would unnecessarily piss off your opponent leading them to want to contact a commish or quit.  Win or lose, maintain some integrity.    

4. No politics, racially charged, or religious posts.  Let’s just keep off these hot topic and controversial subjects.  There are other forums for that.  Use them instead.  Not negotiable.

5. No Spamming. Excessively posting pictures/memes or the same words or phrases over and over is considered spamming.  Also, do not recruit in main chat. 

6. We use GroupMe for all league contact. When scheduling, use DM/PM to contact your opponent within the first 12-20 hours, and again within the 24-40 hour period if they do not respond.   Contacting in the main chat will NOT be a form of proof for a FW.  If attempting to reach your opponent by @’ing them in the main chat, immediately use DM/PM to contact your opponent. You’ll need to show you’re attempting to play with reasonable effort to get a FW decision.  While badgering isn’t necessary, one “what’s up” or one “when’s good” will not suffice.  The schedule is always posted in the chat so there’s no excuses. 

7. Keep posts SFW (Safe For Work).  People view material from here on their phones from work & class.

8. If you break any of the above rules, punishment will be determined by Commishes depending on severity (immediate expulsion if needed) and if there’s multiple infractions. As with any rule, if we have to ask or warn you 3 times we operate under the 3 strikes you’re OUT policy. 

9. Finally, If you’re going to be on vacation or away where you can’t play your game, let a Commish know so we don’t think you went MIA and boot you.  Saving us the effort of trying to hunt you down is most appreciated.