LTS League Rules 4th Revision

Hello Everyone,

Below are the proposed rules for the Usaac LTS League. Please look them over and let me know your comments good or bad.

Thank you,

Skydancer

Usaac LM

Last Team Standing League

Rules:

Last Team Standing League is sponsored by the USAAC and adheres to all COC of the AA and the USAAC. The League operates a policy of one pilot, one squad. This means no ?ringers?, no multi squad pilots. C/Os it is your responsibility to ensure that all pilots in your squad are registered with the USAAC League Manager. This will ensure that all pilots see the arenas.

General

Last Team Standing will be played on the 1.5 short tactical map, squads will fly US camp (home) and GB camp (visitor) with all planes available. Teams must not move from their spawned positions until the Scramble order is given. There will be no altitude limit, the map limit is base-to-base square. Players going outside the map limit will result in an immediate loss of the round. There is no need to swap camps after 1st half.

A match will consist of 8 rounds with a 5 minute break between 4th and 5th round. In the event of both teams each win 4 rounds, a 9th round will be flown to determine the winner.

Scoring will be 1 (one) point per round awarded to the Last Team Standing for that round.

Referee will give the scramble command and both teams will take off and grab for altitude. At the scramble the ref will begin a 2 (two) minute countdown until the engage command is given. At that time planes will be free to engage. All planes should engage, if the Referee can visibly see that a plane is not engaging he will make an announcement to the appropriate team to engage. If the pilot still will not visibly engage he will be counted as dead and must crash. Once you are shot down you can not take off you must wait for the next round. When round is over pilots must crash, no landing. (This speeds up the game.)

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Match Start Time:

All matches will start at the scheduled time. Teams are encouraged to be present 15 minutes prior to start time. No ?grace period? or delay will be allowed 2 minutes past the start time. Either team may request a ?grace? prior to the 2 minute mark. Matches will start no later than 7 minutes past the scheduled start time. In no case will more than ONE grace be allowed, regardless of which team calls for the grace. In the event a Ref arrives late, the match will start within 5 minutes of the Ref?s arrival.

Team/Pilots:

1. Teams will be a 6 x 6 format base.

? A given team may fly 4 or 5 pilots; however the opposing team will fly with six pilots max.

2. Six pilots is the maximum.

? Six pilots is the format unless both teams elect to fly additional pilots and the assigned referee approves. Teams must fly even numbers of pilots if flying more than 6 example 7 vs 7, 8 vs 8, etc. (However if a team drops a pilot during the round the other team does not have to drop a player. If a match started with 8 vs 8 and team only has 6 for next round the opposing team must drop 2 players. Players that can not fly due to their team has too many may sit on the GE runway at the Refs discretion. Players sitting on GE must not flood coms, and will be removed at the Refs discretion.

3. Four pilot minimum.

? A team may not fly with less than 4 pilots for any round, grace periods will not be allowed at the scramble time for any round. No exceptions.

? If a given team has less than 4 pilots present at 1st round scramble time, the full match (all rounds) will be forfeit. No exceptions. If both teams have less than 4 pilots at first round, both teams will register a total round loss. Both teams will receive a ?0? (zero) score, both teams forfeit and the match is over.

? Each round must have 4 pilots minimum. Any given team that does not have 4 pilots at scramble time for any given round will forfeit that round and any remaining rounds. Zero points are awarded to a forfeit round (s) team, the opposing team is awarded the forfeit round (s) point.

KIA

1. Once a pilot takes off from the runway upon the scramble order, said pilot cannot take off again.

? If a pilot is shot down, crashes or is ordered to crash by the ref they are dead and cannot continue for that round. Pilots must stay on the runway with engines off. Exception: If a pilot crashes on take off for any reason within the first 30 seconds of the scramble order, the said pilot may take off again. The referee may make an exception if warranted. Pilot needs to ask if any doubt.

Dropped Pilots

2. The dropped pilot rule only applies once the round starts (after scramble order). Prior to start there is no dropped pilot rule. The term dropped pilots is defined as: When a pilot during the game dropped out of the game for any reason. Once a round starts a dropped pilot is considered dead and may not take off and or re-enter the battle for a given round. There is no forfeit for a dropped pilot or dose the opposing team need to drop a pilot.

Tags:

3. The LTS is a fun league, to promote friendly banter all tags will be identifiable tags only.

? The first 6 spaces will be squad identification only. Example: FD_Skydancer, Tkfm_Vipor, BSS_Joker, etc?

Behavior:

Squads will restrict themselves to friendly / internal comms and will heed the commands of the referee at ALL TIMES. Referees will be instructed to penalize (forfeiture of the round or possibly the match) any squad that disrupts the other team by flooding the comms or refuses to obey the referees commands.

? Pilots that cause disruptions will be asked to stop. If they continue they will be counted as dead and not allowed to play the remainder of the match, and will not be allowed to fly the next weeks match. (No Exceptions)

? This league is intended to be fun for all teams playing in it, consequently teams must be seen to be playing the game fairly. It is the referees discretion as to whether he/she feels that a squad have been deliberately unsporting and the can award the game to the opposition.

? The referee must not be rammed, shot, stabbed, run over, mutilated, burned, covered in tar and feathers, beaten, battered, verbally or physically abused, or ignored.

Disputes/Complaints:

In the event of a complaint regarding one of the teams, or a referee, the C/O only will Email the USAAC League Manager at LM@www.airattack.us. It is advised that at least one member of each team as well as the referee records each game to help clear up any possible disputes. (Complaints will not be heeded with out evidence)

The USAAC League Manager reserves the rights to change or edit the rules of the LTS at any time. Said rule changes would be posted publicly with notice on the USAAC Forums. Where possible LM's of other communites would also be sent notice of the posting via Email or CLP notice.

Reckon you need an alt limit.

Match Start times? Not mentioned. Days to be played on? This after the 2xsquad league or during?

Tags, so no numbers and letters? E.G Usha_d5 turns up, thats bad? As stil first 6 characters Squad.

Is AA off? Should be anyway. I do love this format though =)

Trying to get all the questions that people may ask out the way

Hi Noodles,

Thank you for your comments m8.

The no alt limit is due to it is very hard to enforce a alt limit. The 2 minute to engage was put into help keep the alt to a reasonable level. We tried it out today in a test and it seemed like the average alt at the engagement was about 15 - 18k, not too bad. But this is why I posted this here to get everyones input before the league runs.

As far as the start times I would guess the times would be about the same as 2 squad on the same day. We will not run this league until it is the Usaac's turn to host a league. We want to get the rules finalized long before the league runs so there will no problems or questions then.

AA on or off it should not matter for all fighting should be completed in the middle of the map area.

I think this will be a lot of fun and a very good league.

Thank you,

Skydancer

Usaac LM

This reply is not 'official'.. but gives an indication of where things might go.

AA on or off it should not matter for all fighting should be completed in the middle of the map area.

AA will be off. No running into AA to avoid a death. AA is OFF.

Start times will be appropriate for US vrs US; and UK vrs UK; and GE vrs GE teams. When the time zones mix .. USAAC will post a time range (default time) the match should be held, but the two teams can work out a co-op time so long as the USAAC LM has that info "1 WEEK. 7 days" in advance.

Days the match's will be on again will be default Sundays, but can be changed via the teams involved.. again USAAC will post the 'default time".

Default Time... what is it? Default time is the time and date the USAAC post for the match to take place. If the teams involved work at a day and time within that week .. that is acceptable to both teams .. AND USAAC can assign a Ref that can also commit .. then you can change the time and date. Caution: USAAC LM "must" have the info 7 days prio. If you do not have the info submitted properly within with the 7 days .. then the USAAC LM does not have to honor the change in date/time.

The League will start on the date/time we publish.. which may or may not be run concurrently with another league events taking place. At this time it is the plan of the USAAC NOT to conflict and wait for a clean and open time span. The practice in the past is for each community to take a 'turn' at hosting a league. This 'turn concept" may not work in the future as we have more league activity now .. and more pilots.. and more squads.

Comments:

>> Starting times will be 'strictly' enforced. A Team can loose a match because a pilot did not show on time.

>> Rules will be 'strictly' enforced. The League is for 'squads and teams'. These types of groups are 'trained' pilots. The are prepared for war and know what to do. Therefor the rules are expected to be known by all pilots and a breach of the rules can result in a forfeit for a round ..or the whole match. There is simply no excuse for breaking the rules. Don't even ask the Ref for exception.

>> Ref's are being 'trained' for LTS rules, etc. Ref's will be given more latitude in calling 'gray' areas. Ref's decisions are final at game time.. right or wrong. Disputes and Contests must be submitted to the LM within 24 hours of the given match. LM's decisions are final.

Tags. The first six spaces must contain the squad ID. The fist six spaces may contain numbers etc, so long as the squad ID is presented as 'registered' at USAAC. During the League sign up period the Squads/Teams must present their intended 'tag' as well as the pilot names. Tags and pilot names not registered will NOT be able to fly at match time. ( A Squad may submit a statement that there pilots and tags will be flown as registered on the CLP system... bugs here.. still working this part out).

Tags as a 'discussion' are not part of the topic here .. the topic is the rules. No debates on Tags please.. you can start another thread for that if you wish.

Teams. This detail is not worked out perfectly at this time .. but .. it is the intention that a group of pilots can form a 'team' for the purpose of competing within the LTS League. Yes, 'team' pilots can be part of an existing team competing .. but may NOT fly for more than one team or squad throughout the entire league competition. Teams must register same as a squad, however a 'team' must also 'qualify to be included' in the LTS League by having 7 'valid' pilot names submitted. More on 'teams' in a post of that topic at the appropriate time as this is not yet worked into the USAAC League system as yet.

Sky, just realised, this is a "league" ??? Doesn't that defeat the object of LTS? Last time it was played was a Knockout comp with a 15k alt limit. It can be easily enforced. Check replay after, if someone goes above, they loose the round.

Just don't see it working aswell as a league, but thats my opinion. Not many UK pilots check this board.

<-- So everyone needs to sign up to this site because? Keep it to the CLP...

Not 'official' answer but here goes anyway.

The CLP is not perfect. The CLP registration does NOT require any format of the 'tag'. CLP registration is 'instant' therefor pilot can hop from one squad/team to another. Granted .. CLP would be simplest of answers. We will have to use a combination of CLP and Registration.

Registration will probably be a URL type of thing. Yes, you might have to register at USAAC .. so what? Links can be provided on UK and GE board .. it will appear to be a one stop type of thing. They will NOT have to register on our forums of or site .. just a CO/XO type of registration with lists of pilots. At MOST the CO's and XO's might have to register at USAAC Forums to offer input make requests etc on the behalf of their squad/team. This is most likely the process that will be used. The LM's of both GE and UK communities will be advised in advance of the public notices. LM's of all communities will post and display the 'Registration/Invitations and announcements of LTS.... as they see fit. So in particular the LM of UK will be contacted by the USAAC LM .. they will meet most likely on TS and work out anything needed for 'registration' etc. The rules .. are the rules however, and that is not up for debate. If a squad/team does not like the rules .. they do not have to participate, that simple

The questions and comments you make Noodles are good ones, excellent, thank you! This rule set is here for the exact reason you mention in one of your replies: .. address concerns in advance ..not after the League starts. I encourage you to continue and offer input. We do care on how things affect UK and GE Squads/Teams .. so we do communicate with the LM's of each community as they know the needs/concerns of said community and how best to present things to their audiences and members.

just realised, this is a "league" ??? Doesn't that defeat the object of LTS? Last time it was played was a Knockout comp with a 15k alt limit. It can be easily enforced. Check replay after, if someone goes above, they loose the
round.

Object of LTS: Last man standing wins for his team. Object is simple. It does not matter if LTS is a fun event or a league, object is the same. Does not matter that there is slight difference in rules sets between a fun event and a league event.

Alt Issue: We could have no limit. Its not really about checking films later. The Alt issue is an issue considerate of the Referee's that have to be present .. what they can actually 'enforce' when they can't actually see 'real time' the infraction at that time. The objective with our rule is so the Ref's don't have to spend a lot of time looking at .. films... and can make a call during game play .. not later by films.

Alt limits cannot be 'easily' enforced. If two pilots meet at 15k .. one loops up and over, the other loops down and under .. is the first pilot automatically "out of bounds" ? How does the Ref 'see' this? He has to go look at a film?? Lets keep this in the hands of the Ref. during game play as much as possible .. no time for 'film'. Eliminate Alt limit .. no questions, no problems. There is a Maximum time that will be allowed per round. So in the event a given pilots just plays the 'runner' card .. the Ref within the rules can order an "engagement" via Ref command .. which would require the 'runner' to turn and engage .. or forfeit the round. Go ahead.. go to 30k while your team mates are engaged down below .. cut your odds of winning I don't think .. ALT will be any issue at all. An Objective: Don't have a rule the Ref's cant deal with during game play and give those Ref's the 'power' to make a call.

Just don't see it working aswell as a league, but thats my opinion. Not many UK pilots check this board,....

This format of LTS has been tested in actual 'competition' via very serious 'friendlies'. It works. It is fun. It moves quickly..lots of action and good fights. REF: BSS vrs BBC, Popgun, Tbar, Skydancer, and more. Please talk with them We at the USAAC have some fine experience having been sponsoring LTS ever Wed Night for a good long time. This LTS Rule set has been in the works for a year. Its now time to present to the general audience this rule set.

Notes and Side Bar

Referee's

1) This Rule set for LTS League has as one object to 'empower' the Referree(s) assigned by the USAAC to act as 'judge' during any USAAC match with all the backing and support of the USAAC BoD. It is the intention by the USAAC to sponsor a 'professional' run League. Disputes are sent to the USAAC League Manager (LM). Referree decisions are considered correct and final, unless the USAAC LM after review deems otherwise. The USAAC LM has the right to differ any ruling until such time as said film can be reviewed by the Corp Referee group to advise the USAAC LM on proper action(s) to take. AA CoC and ToS rules to be strictly enforced. All violations of AA CoC and ToS and/or USAAC CoC and ToS will be made public record.

Contesting the USAAC LM Rulings may be made to the USAAC Director. USAAC Directors rulings are final and not disputable.

2) Referee(s).

> Must be trained for LTS Referree duties.

>> Must be a member of the general AA Referree's Corp.

>>> Must be approved by the USAAC Head/Lead Referee

3) Match Schedules.

Referee(s) are assinged to match's by a process set forth by the USAAC Head/Lead Ref. During match's the Referee assigned are fully empowered. Referree assingments should be posted on fixtures, as those assingments are filled/confirmed.

==== End Side Bar=====

WE as the USAAC .. have to start someplace ..and we welcome input from the general membership and visitors alike. All voices and opinons are appreciated and solicited.

Question??

Once a squad roster is submitted, can, will, or may it be changed due to new members being added to or removed from a squad during league play?? IF additions to or removal from squad rosters are allowed, in what time frame should the LM be notified in order for the new member to fly in the nearest event or removed from the roster??

It's probably not important, but just for clarification

JoKeR

CO/BSS

P.S. Darn Skydancer, this is kinda like work maybe you should be getting paid to do all of this. lol

The LTS has been run as a knockout comp before, never a league. The alt limit will be an issue. You think im going to sit at the same alt as the opposition? You think TKFM, FD, TS will not use the alt freedom with a full team of k4's?

As for the two pilots at 15k. If its first engagement, then first breaks the rules. If in a fight, and one accidently loops and hits above the alt limit once or twice, its different, its an accident.

Like Football. Hand ball is a foul. Ball to hand is not penalized. Ref would have to judge the circumstance.

Well I guess that knocks out the forward pass and touchdowns. Someone inform the NFL no more hands on FOOTBALLS!!

lol

Just funning with you Noodles. I'm pretty sure we know that you are talking about Soccer, But really, we tried it out yesterday. Altitude won't become and issue when you have a time engagement rule like we have. They can go high but if the want to win they have to come down to fight or be disqualified.

JoKeR

Once a squad roster is submitted, can, will, or may it be changed due to new members being added to or removed from a squad during league play??

If the League LM.. does not see a problem.. it will probably be ok. Removed is probably NOT an issue. A new member being put on is the real question? It will probably be ok .. but notification to the LM the change has been made and asking for approval is the right thing to do via forums in the apporpriate area. My guess is that it will be approved. The LM has 'friends' that can tell him if the pilot is a 'ringer', etc.

AS to Noodles comments.. I've answered already .. time for the LM or others to address the alt.

/tbar