Klutch Esports Bylaws

Klutch Esports was founded to create an opportunity for student-gamers to play other teams locally, across the country, and soon around the globe in a competitive environment. Just like in traditional sports, our teams play in-person at our LAN Center inside []. We have weekly practices and league matches culminating over a 12-week season that includes playoffs and a championship. We host events throughout the year, including leagues, tournaments, instruction and training, and event hosting.

General League Information:

Divisions
Our esports are divided into three skill level divisions: Recruit, Gold, and Elite. Skill level primarily determines which division a player belongs in. These divisions ensure equitable and competitive match play.

Day of Play
In-Game Protocols
The home team is always responsible for creating the lobby/custom match. The home designation is determined by being on the left side of the matchup. For example, “Team A vs. Team B” means Team A is the home team and must create the lobby/custom match.

All teams must clarify their custom match conventions in the Discord server channel at least 24 hours before match time and no later than two days prior to ensure transparency.

If the home team has not created the lobby/custom match within 10 minutes of match start time, the away team should take a screenshot as evidence and submit it to the league Director. If the away team does not enter the custom match within 20 minutes of match time, the home team should take screenshots as evidence and report it in the appropriate score reporting channel with a brief explanation.

Due to the age sensitivity of our athletes, no correspondence between players on opposing teams is permitted except for the following phrases:

  • Good Luck/Have Fun (gl, hf, glhf, gl hf)
  • Good Game (gg, good game, good games)

Violations will result in the following penalties:

  • First Offense: 2-game ban for the violating player
  • Second Offense: Season-long ban for the violating player
  • Third Offense: Season ban for the team if offenses continue from alternate players

Recurring Forfeitures
Klutch Esports’ mission is to create a professional platform for student esports athletes; thus, we take a strict stance against repeated forfeits. Two consecutive forfeits without proper communication with the league and/or opponents may result in a season ban. No refunds will be given for league entry fees in cases of removal due to consecutive forfeits.

BM/Toxicity Policies

Overview

Klutch Esports maintains a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct among players and coaches. Our mission is centered on safety, professionalism, and sportsmanship. Any behavior deemed inappropriate by Klutch Esports may lead to disqualifications, forfeits, and/or bans.

This document outlines Klutch Esports’ stance on toxic behavior, bad manners (BM), and our response policies. All instances of misconduct will be reviewed and investigated by the Klutch Esports team.

What is “BM”?

Bad Manners (BM) includes any nonverbal communication or in-game actions meant to disparage, criticize, or harass an opposing team member. Examples include but are not limited to:

  • “Teabagging” (repeated crouching and standing over an eliminated player)
  • Spraying gunfire at a defeated opponent’s body
  • “Dancing” or bunny-hopping repeatedly over a defeated opponent
  • Any unsportsmanlike use of emotes over an opponent’s body
  • Graffiti/sprays used in a disrespectful or unsportsmanlike manner

What is Toxicity?

Toxic behavior includes any typed or verbal communication meant to disparage, criticize, or harass an opposing team member. Examples include but are not limited to:

  • Insults such as “ez,” “ezwin,” “diff,” “int,” “noob,” “l2p,” “you’re bad,” etc.
  • Foul language is strictly prohibited at all times.
  • Racist, sexist, or other discriminatory language will result in an immediate permanent ban for the player and a possible season ban for the team at Klutch Esports’ discretion.

Consequences for Violations

  • First Offense: 2-game ban for the violating player
  • Second Offense: Season-long ban for the violating player (if this reduces the team roster below the minimum, the coach and Klutch Esports staff may coordinate a resolution)
  • Third Offense: School or club ban for the entire season (if a new player from the same team commits an offense)

Appropriate and Encouraged Language

The following phrases are acceptable in-game:

  • gg, ggs, glhf, gl, nice, nice shot, etc.

Note that all rules in the Klutch Esports rulebook are subject to change upon review by the Klutch Esports team.