SFDL Rules

[movethechains11]

SFDL is a sim league that has been running for 7 years now. Myself (Chains), along with other long-time OS users (N0s, Kiddlex, and Loc) work hard to put together the top No Switch League. We believe in making Madden as sim as possible and providing a league that is for adults that enjoy playing Madden for gameplay and for roster management. We are always open to discussing issues and recommendations on improving the league, and use Discord as our primary means of communication.

In order to fully develop a league and get deeper into a franchise we will play 2 seasons consecutively and then (with some discretion) sim 1 allowing owners to truly develop their rosters.

Bottom line, SFDL values a sim team building experience over a win at all cost mentality.


Overview


Rosters: NFL Opening Day, with authentic college draft classes the first few years (depending on quality of rosters)
Sliders: Custom All-Madden/Pro (Not 100% locked in for ’21 yet)
Playbooks: Can use any stock playbook. Must declare (3) Stock pbs for the season, can change one per offseason. (2Off +1Def or 2Def+1Off) with the only caveat that the D playbook/s match Defensive scheme
Schemes: Cannot change scheme during season.
Quarter Length: 12 mins
Accelerated Clock: Yes, 16 seconds
Visual Aids – Can be on to help see Defensive assignments
72 Hour Advances (Advance will be after all user games are complete, 72 hours is the deadline)



Scheduling Games

Spoiler

* Your opponent must respond in the same thread within 24 hours or they will be put on auto pilot for that game. If you do not post available times in the scheduling thread it will not count as an attempt to schedule. Frequent non scheduling will result in removal from league.

*You must post your own availability in the first 24 hours after league advance in the Discord weekly schedule thread. (Example of scheduling post, Mon-Wed after 7 pm est, not "hey let me know when you can play") All times should be posted in EST.

*All games scheduled for advance day MUST be told to committee prior to last user game before

* Super Simming is NOT allowed!

*All games MUST be started 2 hours before advance time

* No shows will result in a force loss

* Three consecutive auto pilots by a team will result in removal from the league unless discussed with the Office beforehand.

* You must broadcast and archive ALL GAMES via twitch, or youtube. Remember to activate the archive option. Away Team should stream unless home team prefers.

Game Disconnects / Blowouts

Spoiler

* You must take a screenshot of the disconnect message and DM to the Office on discord. A decision will be made depending on how and when the DC happened.

* There are NO restarts versus CPU or autoed teams. See above if you get disconnected.

*If you quit a user game, you will be removed from the league immediately.

*Depending on score/time/adv schedule committee may advise force win/replay/sim

1. If you are winning big . . .
1. Be respectful. Don’t stat pad for XP and awards. Madden is a flawed system and taking advantage of easy XP or stats for awards XP is prohibited.
2. If your opponent is running the ball, chewing clock, and telling you he is going to run it out, respect that. Do not be calling verts and passing up big.
3. If your opponent is still passing/trying to fight back, by all means continue to run your normal offense.
2. IF you are losing big you have two options . . .
1. Inform your opponent that you would like him to run “chew clock” and get the game over with.
1. If you do this, do not attempt to make a comeback
2. Keep fighting and attempt a comeback.
1. If you do this, do not whine if your opponent tries to drop 50+ on you.
3. Do not keep players in the game that are throwing 7 interceptions . . . this kills stats and immersion. If you are losing 37-14 and you have just thrown your 4th or 5th interception, it may be time to pull your QB.

When on Offense

Spoiler

* Mix your play calling up on offense and do not abuse money plays. The same plays should not be called more than 2 to 3 times a game total.

* No quick snapping, you must allow the defense time to get set. At least 4 FULL seconds must lapse after your qb is 100% set. This includes when you break the huddle late.. if you have to use a TO to avoid quick snapping use a TO

* The user is not allowed to switch players while ball is in the air on offense or defense. You may not select the catch type. Wideouts will play to their style this way.

* Once your QB throws the ball, no buttons should be hit by the Offense until after the catch is made.

* Back up HBs must receive at least 2 carries per 10 carries by your starting HB. (20%)

* WRs may NOT play in a HB position on any play formation.

* You may only hot route up to 2 players. Do NOT hot route your whole team and Do Not hot route every single play. No reason for multiple audibling. If you pick a play and hot route every WR/HB that is excessive and won't be allowed. O-Line slide protections and hot routing RB to block do not count.... DO NOT hot route more than 2 actual WR/HB/TE routes.

* Goal line play calling should only be called within the goal line (Red Zone)


Quick Game Release Time (Credit 4th & 1)
1. On slant patterns you must throw it on time. These are plays that are meant to be quick hitting routes. Not long developing routes.
2. See figure GG for a visual guide
Figure GG: In the figure below we will break down when the latest point you can throw the ball is. NOTE that if you are in places other than the middle of the field you adjust the points of the last chance to throw a slant based on how far off from the middle of the field you are.
Hogan: Middle of the field
Edelman: Right Hash
Gronkowski (if he were on a slant to the inside): Left hash
1. If he were a true attached TE, it would be slightly outside the left hash
Dorsett: Middle of the field



Running Gameplay Rules (Credit 4th & 1)
Article 1: Zig zag running is prohibited. Do not make sharp cuts that allow you to take advantage of the AI pursuit angles. Change of Direction/zig zag has always been an issue.
Green = A realistic motion by a back, no loss of momentum, no special moves needed
Yellow = A realistic motion by a back, small loss of momentum, a special move is needed
Red = A realistic motion by a HB,but a lot of momentum lost, so it is unacceptable in madden due to AI
Figures A, B, and C below with detailed explanation:




Figure A



Figure B

Figure C


Examples of what change of directions are acceptable
1. A dive to the A gap can go to either A gaps or the play side B gap
2. An inside zone to the B gap can go to the play side A, B, or C gaps
3. An outside zone to the C gap can go to the play side B, C, or D gaps

Examples of what change of directions are not allowed
1. A dive to the A gap is bounced out to the C gap without a “special move
2. A stretch to the D gap is bounced inside too fast to the B gap without a move
3. A counter is instantly cut to an A gap without a move.
4. A power run that is cut away from the pulling guard(s)

* Do not immediately roll the pocket with the QB. If it is a designed roll out that's fine. If your under pressure you can roll out to avoid sacks.

Fourth down/No Huddle Rules

*If it makes sense to go for it then do so. Rule of thumb, do not go for it on 4th down inside your own 45 yard line unless you’re down late (4th qtr) in a game. Inside your 45 you should be punting most of the time. Within the 45’s if its 4th and 3 or less you may go for it if you choose. Inside the opponents 45 yard line it is 100% your call.

* No huddle should only be used within 2 minutes of half. You may no huddle in the 4th quarter if you are down by 17 or more. Also when down 2 scores with less than 7 minutes to go. Remember the rule to wait to snap until after the QB is 100% set applies here. A full 4 second count after the QB is 100% set.

When on Defense

Spoiler

* Mix your play calling up on offense and defense do not abuse zero coverage. You may stay in your base D every play so long as that base D includes at least a Cover 1 or greater. Cover 0 can be called only a handful of times (5 times or less) per game.

* No manually moving players on defense. You must use man align etc. except for the player you’re controlling can be moved if he is not blitzing or on the line. For instance, a SS in the flat coverage can be moved into box to help cover the run. If you move a player u must stay on that player.

* On defense you will control one player throughout the whole play. That means you cannot switch to another player to make the tackle. This rule is to make defenses use their playbooks and call plays to stop specific types of offensive styles.

Player Movement Post Snap/Playing Your Assignment

You must always play your assignment. You are never a freelancer who does whatever he wants. If you are a mid read in cover 2, you don't go chase an out route because he is open. Play your coverage assignment. Don't know what that is? Ask!

Do not look at the play art and think that is your assignment. Cover 4 quarters is not four deep blue zones that you follow. It uses match coverage principles. Learn what the concepts are and what your football assignment is.

If you are using a player who has the assignment of a QB Spy you must stay within 4 yards of the LOS or rush the passer. You cannot drop into coverage.

Commit to your decision. When you make your coverage decision you need to stick with it. Committing to an in route? Don’t jet underneath to a drag to bait an INT.

* Must have at least 3 guys rushing each play.

Line shifts
1. Line shift rules
1. You will always be allowed to spread your DL
2. You may ONLY pinch your DL inside the 5 yard line (either side of the field); OR if it is 3rd/4th down and less than 2 yards to go
3. You may only slide your DL left or right IF you run out in a formation like the 335 odd where your end is inside the offensive tackle and the DL is very unbalanced; OR if the offense is in a quads look (four ball eligible players to one side of the QB)

Special Teams Gameplay Rules

* On special teams and turnovers you may switch once to get off the kicker. After that you must stay on that player for the duration of the play. This switch must be immediately and NOT right before the return man catches the ball

Formation/Set Usage/Personnel

You must match personnel in all situations where it makes sense.

2 WRs = 2 CBs = 43, 34, bear, 44, 52
3 WRs = 3 CBs = Nickel/Big Dime
4-5 WRs = 4-5 CBs = Dime/Dollar/Quarter

In the modern NFL teams are running more nickel sets; even vs 12/21 personnel.. This is okay to a degree.. As Long as you are not breaking the position sub guidelines.

You may never substitute a db in a linebacker spot. Formation subs, right stick subs, and depth chart spots. No exceptions.(edited)
You do not have permission to send messages in this channel.

Roster Management

Spoiler

TRADES

* You cannot trade rookies or players on the first year of their contracts. Exceptions may be approved by Office request/vote...

* Trades that are agreed on by both parties involved are to be posted in the "trade approval" thread in the proper format and will be voted on by the trade committee.

* Once trade is posted on forums and both parties have agreed, neither party can change their mind and withdraw from trade.

* There will be NO trades with a CPU team

FREE AGENCY/RESIGNS/RESTRUCTURES


CONTRACT RESTRUCTURE
Each team will be able to restructure 1 player contract to get some cap relief. Doing so will automatically add 2 years to current contract.
Players eligible : Any players with a current muti-year deal with 1 year left on contract AND 29+ years old. Players with 2 years left remaining on their contracts are only eligible if their current contract is at least 5 years.
*NOTE 3 : K and P excluded
*NOTE 4 : The same player cannot be restructured more than once.

RESIGNS (IN-SEASON AND OFF-SEASON) (Credit TFGO)
* NEW RESIGN MINIMUM SALARY CHART (Discord #quicklinks )
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rOj...ew?usp=sharing

* NEW MUST APPLY +20% TO MIN SALARY TOTAL FOR PLAYERS WITH X-FACTOR
* All players signed to a 3 year or longer deal must get at least a 20% bonus per year deal. If you don't give him a 20% bonus you will release the player and rework contract next year.
* If contract is 2 years and under you don't have to give a bonus
* You can only offer a player the amount of years he wants or plus/minus one year.
* The bonus offered can not exceed 50% of the total deal
UPDATED RULE M21 If player wants more than 50% Bonus, Contract will be reviewed accordingly.
If Coach/GM plans to release or trade starting QB (or trade), new QB starter to have contract reworked to fit the salary chart. (subject to Office vote in certain situations)
ALL RESIGNS MUST BE POSTED IN DISCORD #deleted-channel & ACCEPTED BY @The Office
- You can add or subtract 1 year from the players asking. Cannot add when player is asking for 5 or more years.
Free Agency

* It is forbidden to release a player and sign him back on your roster during season. May only do so in offseason where every team has an opportunity to bid
* If contract is 2 years and under you don't have to give a bonus

* You can only offer a player the amount of years he wants or plus/minus one year.

* No Low Balling players, you must offer a player a deal worth at least 50 points at stage 1, 40 points stage 2, and 30 points stage 3.

* The bonus offered cannot exceed 50% of the total deal

* You CANNOT bid on a player you have not already bid on during the advance period window. You may only bid on players you have already bid on OR players with no other bids. This advance period window is 1-2 hours and prevents sniping
*You cannot decrease your bid when the person you outbid withdraws to spend points elsewhere


ROSTER REQUIREMENTS

* Must have 53 players on roster
* Must have at least...
8 offensive lineman
5 WR
4 DE's
3 RB's
2 NT's or 3 DT's
3 TE/FB
2 QB's
7 LB's in 3-4 6 LB’s in 4-3
5 CB's
4 safeties
1 kicker and 1 punter
* Do not play players out of position without approval
* Do not switch players in offseason to different positions without approval/ message

*Use position approval thread for any changes
4-3 DE’s can play 3-4 OLB and likewise
3-4 DE’s can play 4-3 DT and likewise
Lineman can be swapped from left to right
CB to FS must weigh 190+ lbs and have lost the required speed/ACC to play CB.
4-3 DE must weigh 250+ lbs
4-3 DT must weigh 280+lbs
3-4 DE must weigh 280+lbs
3-4 DT must weigh 310+lbs
3-4 OLB must weigh 250+ lbs
(these are all subject to Office approval)

**This is only to move players. If you draft a 245lb 4-3 DE then he is eligible at that position, if you draft a 255 pound DE he can't play 3-4 DE, obviously must play 3-4 OLB.
**If a player IN Real Life plays at a position underweight ^^ he is allowed to stay there.

DRAFT

*If you cannot make the draft you will be allowed to trade picks to future draft picks or have someone (if available/able) to draft for you

*You cannot go into a draft with more than 3 first round picks.

*After the first 2 rounds the pick time will be decreased in order to prevent a 4-hour draft

*Draft day trades are allowed with pre-approval, meaning before that traded pick is on clock... For Example:

Jets Have Pick 8, Jets want QB Trevor Lawrence
Jaguars Have Pick 12 want RB Sidney Crosby

Pending Trade - Jets Receive pick 12 and 2nd round pick Jags receive pick 8. If Lawrence is on board Jets pick him, if not the trade can be made.

LEAGUE CONDUCT

Discord: Be reasonable to one another, especially in the live game thread. We are all competitive, but must always remember this is just a video game and we are all here to have fun and enjoy the game.
Suspensions/Cap Penalty: Coaches who break Gameplay/Conduct rules will be subject to player suspensions, team cap penalty’s, and possible removal from the league.
Off-Season Training Program (Credit TFGO)
Each offseason, following the draft, each member will have the option to do a specialized offseason training. Each member has a total of 5 points to spend on the following programs:
*Rookies are not eligible for Off-Season training – see detailed list in Discord #off-season-training

[RawGod32]

I agree with the rules and ready to ball man

[caribsociety]

read and signed

[KayOtic723]

Read and sign

[2smoove7]

Read and signed

[MrTMoney1993]

Read and signed


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[SaundCo87]

Read and signed! Thanks for the invite

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[mscarantino]

I agree to the rules and look forward to some fun.