Count me in.
Here's my old Ladder ROE from waaaay back. Edit it as you like; make whatever changes you like as it was written by me and I own it; I can give it freely.
Hang
****ATF (Advanced Tactical Fighters) H2H Challenge Ladder*****
Registration Info, Ladder Rules and Rules of Engagement
Date of Last Revision: July 29, 1996
Ladder Administrators: Steve "Hangtime" Anthony Wayne "Shortfork" Sagar
Chief Rules and Regulations Officer: Steve "Hangtime" Anthony 76035,444
Here we go!! This is what we've all been waiting for: an opportunity to join a list of eager ATF simulation enthusiasts with one goal in mind....to prove once and for all who's "The Best of the Best"!! The ATF ladder will give participants a chance to face their friends Head to Head in modem play, and attain unquestionable bragging rights in one of the most popular, multiplayer jet fighter simulations to come along in a long while!
In case you're not familiar with how a challenge ladder works, it is simply a list of players competing with each other in a continuous, ongoing competition. The seeding of the ladder will be done "top down". The first person to sign up will be seeded at the top, and all others will follow according to the date/time of their registration. This list is arranged vertically with participants representing "steps" of the ladder. Climbing the ladder to the top "step" requires that you issue and win challenges against fellow players placed above you, with the ultimate goal of attaining the top position. Meanwhile, however, players below you on the ladder will be challenging YOU to take away your position, leaving the players at the top of the ladder with the "real" challenge of KEEPING their lofty status!!
In order to join the ATF Challenge Ladder, all players must have a copy of Jane's Advanced Tactical Fighters. As of this writing, the most current version is 1.03F and no patches or fixes have been released at this time. Use of other "cheats", add-ons or TSRs are forbidden for match play.
It is assumed that all participants in the ladder have had successful modem-to-modem connections with ATF.
As a participant in the ATF Ladder, you will be expected to be an "active" player....that is...you should issue and accept challenges "regularly". If you must be absent from participation for an extended period of time (one week to 30 days), submit a private forum message to Shortfork or Hangtime and your "plight" will be given consideration. Players that are granted this "voluntary-inactive" status will have the word "PASS" next to their name and challengers may simply "ignore" or "skip" them when challenging up to 3 players above themselves. Under these circumstances, the "voluntary-inactive" player will maintain their current ladder position (this position may change due to others challenging from below to above, and winning, but there will be no arbitrary lowering). On the other hand, inactivity for any extensive amount of time beyond 30 days will be cause to place you on the "involuntary-inactive" list or, more simply put, you will be removed from the ladder. Notice of this action will be forwarded to you if it should occur. Reinstatement from this list will require a reasonable amount of begging and groveling and naturally require that you are placed at the bottom of the ladder! <BG>
*****WHO CAN I CHALLENGE AND HOW IS THIS DONE?*****
1. Players may issue challenges up to 3 positions above them (i.e. player "5" may challenge player "2", but not player "1"). Players may not challenge or skip players that have pending matches. Only inactive players may be skipped.
2. The order in which these matches will be played will be based on a "first made, first played" rule....that is, if you receive more than one challenge, you must accept the one that appeared first in the Section 20 forum. Likewise, if you receive a challenge AND issue a challenge, THE CHALLENGE THAT APPEARED FIRST IN THE FORUM WILL BE THE ONE THAT IS PLAYED. The message clock in Section 20 "H2H Air Combat" and the most recent ladder update will provide the final verdict in settling challenge disputes. If necessary, a judgment by FSFORUM staff will be the final deciding voice in such decisions.
3. The ATF Challenge Ladder will be edited and updated on an as-needed basis, as frequently as (but no more than) once per day with current challenges and results. These updates will be posted in the order that they occur. Changes in Ladder position will be included on the updates.
4. You may not re-challenge a player that you just played until you have both played a match against another player, or one week has elapsed since your previous match with that player. You must still be within three rungs of the player you intend to re-challenge when the other conditions are met.
5. You may NOT have or place multiple challenges. You MUST settle any pending defense prior to placing a challenge. ONE MATCH AT A TIME; but you may re challenge and fly another opponent as soon as the next ladder update appears showing the results of your previous match.
6. You must wait to place a new challenge until the results of your most recent match has been posted via ATFR, and these results have been reflected on the updated ladder. NO EXCEPTIONS!
7. Once an challenge has been posted via ATFC, the affected players are ineligible for participation in any other ladder activity until the match has been played. The next update will reflect the ATFC; and the defender has one week from that update to respond via ATFA with match arrangements. The match must be flown within two weeks of the challenge being logged on the ladder; the default date will be posted on the ladder.
8. Players who fail to respond to an ATFC with an ATFA within one week from that challenge being reflected on the ladder will be considered to be defaulted, and the slot will be awarded to the challenger, if he so requests. Challenger has the right to refuse advancement via default, and may re-issue a challenge to another player within range. Challenger shall notify the ladder administrator of default action, and his intent with an ATFR/DEFAULT post. Challenger is expected to make every reasonable effort to contact his opponent prior to default. (e.g. three posts; unanswered, is considered 'reasonable')
9. Inactive requests are to be considered valid with the following criteria:
a. The player requesting inactive status voids pending challenges
b. The player requesting inactive status voids pending defenses
NOTE: If a player requesting inactive status has a defense pending; and his challenger does not wish to void the pending match; then the defender/player requesting inactive status must either fly or default. Voids are mutual decisions ONLY!
10. VOID Definition: BOTH players involved in a challenge/defense mutually agree to cancel a pending match. Both players are required to notify Ladder admin of the VOID status.
*****HOW WILL WE KEEP TRACK OF ALL THESE CHALLENGES AND RESULTS?*****
The Ladder Administrative Staff has come up with five IMPORTANT "codes" that you should use when issuing or accepting OFFICIAL LADDER challenges OR when posting results. Please DO NOT use these codes for other friendly, "unofficial" matches. These "codes" will enable ALL of us to keep track of the progress within the Ladder. FAILURE TO USE THESE CODES *MAY* RESULT IN FAILURE TO RECOGNIZE YOUR MATCH!!! We recommend that you keep them handy for reference until you are at least familiar with them.
These IMPORTANT "codes" are described below:
1. "ATFC"---All CHALLENGES shall be issued publicly in the Flight Simulation Forum, Section 20, "H2H Air Combat", with the Subject header beginning with "ATFC".
2. "ATFA"---Use this code to publicly ACCEPT your challenge. It is recommended, however, that you only disclose phone numbers in a "private" message to your opponent. The "public" acceptance of the challenge is done so we can all applaud your "macho" willingness to defend your ladder position!!! Deciding on dates and times for your match may be discussed privately. Once decided, you will publicly post your match time and date.
3. "ATFR"---Subsequently, once the match has been completed, the winner shall PROMPTLY post a public message addressed to Wayne "Shortfork" Sagar, User ID# 102146,1512, or Steve "Hangtime" Anthony 76035,444, with the RESULTS of the match using a Subject header beginning with "ATFR". REMEMBER that it is VERY IMPORTANT that these results are posted to the ladder Admin ASAP after the match.
4. "ATFL"---Likewise, each new LADDER will be posted by the ladder administrative staff to the forum with the Subject header "ATFL". THIS CODE IS *RESERVED* FOR USE BY LADDER STAFF ONLY!!! PLEASE do not post messages using this code, as it will only "clutter" the important ladder update information thread. (errors in ladder notwithstanding) Observing this policy will enable all players to easily find the most recent copy of the ladder.
The use of these codes is vital to enable ladder administrative staff to easily search daily for all messages in regards to the ladder as well as enable all the participants or "spectators" to search for the specific ladder information that they are looking for.
An example of a valid challenge might look like this:
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Subj: ATFC Billy vs. Short Section: H2H Air Combat
To: Wayne "Short" Sagar 102146,1512 Saturday, June 15, 1996 1:12:11 p.m.
From: Billy 75554,3053 #987654
Hey "Lawn Dart"!! waaaaaaa.... What say you give me a chance to take away that #4 ladder position that you "obviously" acquired from some unsuspecting Girl Scout?!?! <BFSEG>
Post your brave acceptance publicly to me in H2H Air Combat ASAP so we can privately exchange phone numbers and arrange a time and date to play!
Looking forward to examining the tail section of your favorite plane up close!!! (hehehe)
Billy
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As you can see, the proper subject line is as such:
<code> <your callsign> vs. <opponent's callsign>
So! There you have it!! This is what the ATF Ladder is all about!! If you have not already joined us, we hope you will do so really soon!!!
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Below are the specific "Rules of Engagement" for our ATF Challenge Ladder. Read them carefully....a lot of discussion and "experimentation" has gone into developing these "ROE" to make for fun, challenging and fair play!
*****RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (ROE) FOR FORUM LADDER COMPETITION*****
1)- Following items should be set by both the challenger and opponent *BEFORE* call is initiated!
a-Detail levels will be set to no sky, water or ground texture and at medium detail. If both players have adequate hardware to support higher detail settings then this can be negotiated beforehand and will be at players' discretion. Both parties must agree to this though.
b-No cheats of any kind will be enabled. PERIOD!!
c- Authentic radar and laser targeting WILL NOT be checked. If this item is normally checked by either opponent for UNOFFICIAL, non-ladder play, it must be unchecked now. If it is left on by the calling player it will force the challenged player into the same setting and cause the loss of the off screen xxx marker. The use of this marker is *not* considered a cheat.
2)- Challenger initiates all calls, and will bear the costs of all calls pertaining to the match at hand. Players will be expected to have a good working modem that has shown to be compliant in connecting with other players in ATF matchups. Special circumstances, such as out of country calls, or modems incapable of receiving calls may require the defender to place the call. If this is acceptable to both parties; then 'play on, doodes'. <gg>
3)- Once successful connection is made, caller (challenger) will start match by clicking "CREATE QUICK MISSION". Caller (challenger) will then choose "friendly" side and opponent (defender) will choose "enemy" side. This will bring players to the quick mission creator screen. The caller (challenger) will then set up the mission as follows:
A.)- Vladivostok Peninsula
B.)- Altitude 10,000 feet
C.)- Clear weather
D.)- Neutral position
E.)- 10 mile separation
F.)- Custom weapons load
G.)- Guns only
NOTE: Mission setting choices on the right half of the screen do not affect the missions as flown so will be left at the default values.
4)- First round will be defender's aircraft choice and the challenger will pick the same plane. Both players will verify plane choices and settings, then click on "FLY". This brings you to the arm plane screen where players will dump all armament except the gun, then click on "OK". This will take players to the battlefield. A "round" will be played until either player has three kills, or, in other words "best of five" kills. The first player to achieve this will have won the "round" and one point. A "match" will consist of a "best of 3 rounds" format. In the event of a 1 round to 1 round tie, a "single kill" tie breaker will be played. Otherwise the "match" will consist of two "rounds" and be considered completed if either player wins the first two "rounds". More information on this "tie-breaker" is available below in rule 8.
5)- Immediately after entering the battlefield at the beginning of the round, the calling player will hit "ESC" and make sure that the multi-player options with the exception of "Show Player Scores" are unchecked. The called player will then verify the settings once the caller returns. The called player cannot engage any options that affect the calling player so the called player will check his multiplayer options last. Players should attempt to do this as quickly as possible. A few practice missions before actually competing in the match will familiarize you with this process and thus help in keeping the long distance charges down.
IMPORTANT NOTE: For the purposes of this contest, a "kill" will be defined as when either player is shot down, crashes, ejects, crash lands, or in any other way is unable to continue the fight. Confirmation of a "kill" is verified by the vanquished player; ONLY THE VANQUISHED PLAYER MAY END THE MISSION! The surviving opponent is to be observed still airborne, under control, for a period of NO MORE than 10 seconds after the vanquished player has hit the 'enter' key to view the survivor's status. Vanquished player will hit the ENTER key IMMEDIATELY upon his destruction. Absolutely NO RIDING THE WRECKAGE TO THE GROUND!
6)- After each kill, both players should confirm the score of the current round through use of the chat feature. SEE IMPORTANT NOTE ABOVE! After this is done, players will exit to "choose activity screen" and until the round is complete will select "REPLAY LAST MISSION". This will bring them to the armament screen where all weapons except the gun will be off loaded, exactly as in the first time through. NOTE: Fuel load outs can be modified to enhance turn performance! First round victory will go to the first player with three kills. The winner of round one will then be awarded one point.
7)- The second round will be Caller's (Challenger's) choice of aircraft and the Defender will choose the same plane. Round 2 will be played the same as round 1....first to three kills wins.
8)- In the event of a tie after the second round, another "One Kill Round" in the "Weekly Random Choice Aircraft" will be flown and this sudden death playoff will then decide the match. As the name implies, the "Weekly Random Choice Aircraft" or "Plane of the Week" will be chosen weekly at random by Gunner or Bandit; and posted in the forum on Friday's under the heading ATF POTW SELECTION, and its content will be added to the subsequent ladder..
9)- All "official" scoring will be done manually and agreed upon by both players *before* starting a new match, and the recently vanquished player has had an opportunity to confirm his opponent still has control of his aircraft! Remember; ONLY the vanquished player may 'end' the mission. It is suggested that both players have a pen and piece of paper handy in their "cockpit" for this purpose at the start of their match.
10)- The surviving player must be in control of his aircraft at the time of battlefield exit. (No more than 10 seconds following vanquished players destruction) Following the killed party into the ground a split second after the kill, Midairs, and Survivors that fail to make the 10 second; in control guideline will not be scored as a kill. It will be scored as a 'Draw' or 0-0; and the combat is to be reflown.
11)- Any broken connection or system lock ups will result in a "no score" for either opponent for that kill. If there is an obvious kill about to occur and the system locks up....tough luck, no score. Connection will be re-initiated and the kill will be played over. There is room here for someone to escape being killed by deliberately causing a dropped connect. If this occurs more than once in any match the entire match will be voided and must be rescheduled at a later time when the connection might be better. If this happens it should be reported in the forum in the same manner as would a completed match. A record will be kept of these lock ups and lost connects and if a pattern should develop whereby any given player has a history of being "saved by the bell", STRICT disciplinary measures will be taken!!
12)- The first pass is "free" and fight will commence when the opponent's aircraft passes your '3-9' line.
a. 3-9 line definition: An imaginary line passing thru both wingtips and extending above and below you; outwards in all directions.
b. 3-9 line verification: In most cases; the opponents aircraft passing from view off the side of your hud is adequate. Aircraft coming to the merge at very low speeds may render this 'off the hud' method unworkable. Be advised; most players view the merge using the F7 view; and are watching both the veracity of the 3-9 conditions being met; and are making their decision for their own initial turn based on which direction you choose to go.
NO WEAPONS ARE ALLOWED until the "free pass" is complete. Opponents should attempt to pass 'close aboard' to each other; altitude separation no greater than lateral separation, wings level, aircraft upright. Under these Rules of Engagement, each fight starts in a Head to Head alignment at similar altitudes, and as such, NO MANEUVERING (i.e.; vectoring; ruddering, or any other control inputs that effect aircraft track or heading) prior to the merge will be allowed.
13)- No taunting is allowed!! No calling for eject or use of any of the function key radio messages will be allowed during ladder competition. Only the use of the F-2 key to call "I don't like this" is allowed. If you hear that message, your opponent is claiming a "fouled merge" and the merge is canceled. When this happens, do not fire at the opponent. Rather, a new merge should be negotiated by both players.
14)- Protests. It is expected that players are to work out any disputes regarding their match between themselves. First suggestion: Fly the disputed combat again; immediately. Second Suggestion; be courteous, and reasonable in your pursuit of the matter; & treat yer fellow pilot and his views with respect in your after action report. If in doubt; or an action or procedure is questioned; fly the combat again; immediately. <g> If formal protest is lodged with staff; staff will DISALLOW the match, and rule # 4 from "Who Can I Challenge" will be in place. "You may not re-challenge a player that you just played until you have both played a match against another player, or one week has elapsed since your previous match with that player. You must still be within three rungs of the player you intend to re-challenge when the other conditions are met."
15. Unsportsmanlike Conduct. All players here have a right to fly and enjoy the camaraderie of like minded pilots who are also here to fly. They also have the right to NOT be subjected to vindictive abuse for any perceived error or omission in flying a match. Any pilot who abuses these rules; repeatedly forces protests; or in any way maligns the character of his fellow competitors in a vindictive manner via use of the keyboard in this forum will be placed at the bottom of the ladder. By participating in this ladder you also accept the rules pursuant to its operation; including this one!
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So, those are the rules! We hope that all participants will abide by them and compete in the ATF Challenge Ladder in the spirit of good sportsmanship!
GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU!
*****LEGAL MUMBO JUMBO*****
IMPORTANT NOTICE: These rules may not be used in whole or in part for use in any other competition without written permission from the author. In any case where such permission has been granted, recognition of their origination as well as mention of this notice must be included in any complete or modified version of the same.
Steve 'Hangtime' Anthony, Forum Ladder admin; June 1996
