Minimum Expectations for Players for all DSE events
Scrim Expectations
When signing up for any DSE event, you should expect to scrim a minimum of 1 to 2 times per week. If a player cannot commit to this or is consistently unavailable to scrim, they will be replaced and removed from participation.
Core 6 + Substitutes
Each team is made up of 6 core players, with optional subs. Subs are not part of the core 6 and are not expected to play unless a core player is unavailable. (This means if a draft doesn't go a team's way, a core player cannot get subbed out) Subs will get priority to join the next DDS or DSL event.
Point of Contact (PoC)
The PoC is responsible for:
- Coordinating with the opposing team to set up the match
- Making sure the full team is ready and available on match day
- Acting as the liaison between their team and league admins for any scheduling or match-related issues
Important: PoCs are NOT team captains
PoCs do not have authority nor are expected to be:
- IGL / Shot caller
- Strategist
- Team leader/administrator/manager
- Does not give them any power over other players
That person or persons is expected to naturally arise from the core 6 players. It is encouraged that a team selects an individual to act as a team leader, any issues or questions shall be directed from the PoC.
All players MUST use the alias registered to discord/DSE while competing in-game to make sure the proper players are competing. It also eases the burden on our dev team for data collection and record keeping.
Overview
This is an ongoing document that is subject to change at any point. If changes are made an announcement will be posted to hold everyone accountable.
The following set of expectations, player conduct, competition rules and any other content contained within this document are applicable to any Death Slam Event (DSE), Deathy's Death Slam (DDS), Death Slam League (DSL) and any other future events produced by Death Slam Events. This set of rules also pertains to the discord, within reason.
Any teams, players, organizations, etc. are expected to follow this set of rules while operating within the scope of the discord as well. This means any 12-mans (pugs/pick-up-games), practice/scrims, ringing for a team or any other activities related to Death Slam Events in any capacity - are expected to follow these rules.
By signing up to play in any Death Slam Event, you consent to follow all rules, regulations and expectations in this document.
0. Mission Statement
We will empower everyday gamers with a structured, team-based competitive experience designed for those who love gaming but are not chasing the pro or elite grind. Our ecosystem will provide the excitement of organized play within a casual and inclusive environment, unlocking deeper engagement, stronger communities, and more meaningful matches.
We aim to eliminate complex setups, making it easy for first-time competitors to participate while still offering the structure and depth to challenge experienced players. We aim to integrate high level coaches into this ecosystem (such as Deathy) to provide guidance to the participating teams through coaching sessions - with usually the first one free, and further sessions available through payment based on the coach's pricing.
This will be a space where teamwork and friendships matter as much as the game itself, and where anyone can thrive without the pressure of elite-level play. That being said, we encourage anyone with an interest in elevating their game to use this space to develop their skills, and grow as a competitive gamer. Establishing a positive and productive mindset early in their foray into competitive play - with the intention of creating a fun environment in competitive gaming.
1. Competition Expectations
All participants are expected to:
- •Form or join a team with the help of league organizers. Teams are encouraged to commit to growth together, regardless of skill level.
- •A point of contact or POC will be self-appointed to each team at the start of the league, they are intended to be the default liaison between admins, other teams, setting up matches, etc.
- •A team captain/IGL should be designated organically within the team, they assume no other responsibilities beyond play.
- •Practice regularly (recommended: 1–2 sessions per week) to develop game sense, strategies, and team chemistry. If a player cannot commit to this or is consistently unavailable to scrim, they will be replaced and removed from participation, or moved to a substitute position.
- •Coordinate and play in a weekly match with punctuality and communication. The discord admins will create channels for teams to communicate.
- •Drafting will be in the tournament format. This means each team gets 6 picks and 2 bans. Totally 16 decisions for the draft. Draft timing is set to 60 seconds per decision.
- •Report matches as soon as they have completed in the designated #match-reporting channel. This must include a screenshot of the draft and final match scoreboard, for each game. We encourage both teams to do this but only the winning team is required to submit it.
- •Encourage a growth mindset, where wins and losses are both seen as opportunities to improve.
- •Uplift teammates with positive reinforcement and collaborative feedback. Providing feedback for your teammates should be reserved for after the match is completed, not in the middle of a match as it's distracting, could be perceived negatively and normally does not improve a situation.
- •Everyone involved should enjoy themselves and if that's not the case, please talk to your tournament or league admin to explain your issues. We will do our best to rectify your problems to the best of our ability.
In some cases players will rank up or down after an event has started. We encourage growth and situations where rank becomes a concern for people is understandable, however we will never penalize players for their rank after registration is completed. In some cases we may have to reevaluate a player after a DSE has completed and they may be placed in a different division.
2. Code of Conduct
2.1 Sportsmanship
- •Treat all players, opponents, and DSE staff with courtesy and respect.
- •Win with humility and lose with grace. Taunting, rage quitting, or trash talk beyond light-hearted banter is not acceptable.
- •Acknowledge good plays and effort on both sides.
- •No racist, homophobic, or otherwise socially derogatory words, phrases or insinuation.
- •Keep it friendly and mature in voice chats. Don't start fights and scream at each other.
- •Light hearted banter in game banter is encouraged but will be monitored closely. We want to keep things fun and light-hearted, but we also know there's a line between playful teasing and outright disrespect.
- •If your opponent types "GG," it doesn't necessarily mean they've forfeited. It can mean different things depending on context. Don't use it in a disrespectful or sarcastic way.
- •Friendly banter and harmless teasing is expected. We will not punish people for poking fun at friends. That being said, it is up to the players to discern if they are pushing buttons too far. If you feel like you're towing a line, don't do it.
2.2 Inclusivity and Respect
DSL has zero tolerance for any form of discrimination or harassment. This includes but is not limited to:
- •Racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism and any other form of ignorance towards a set of minorities.
- •Harassment or targeting of any player based on identity, skill level, voice, or background.
- •Dismissive or toxic behavior toward newer or less skilled teams/players.
2.3 Communication Standards
- •In-game and out-of-game communication must remain constructive.
- •No trolling, griefing, or baiting teammates or opponents.
- •Keep all league chats and Discord channels free from personal attacks, slurs or inflammatory language.
- •If a conflict arises, screenshot it, report it to an admin rather than escalating it in chat.
3. Competition Rules
To ensure fair and enjoyable competition, all participants must adhere to the following rules during league matches and practices (scrims).
3.1 Match Format and Scheduling
- •DSL match weeks will start on Sunday and official matches must be scheduled by Wednesday to avoid any issues with player schedules.
- •Drafts are mandatory, the draft will be tournament format, 16 decisions total, 6 picks and 2 bans per team, 60 second timer per decision.
- •Every standard match will be played in a best of 3 format, the first team to win two games wins the match. For some event stages, a best of 1 format will be played.
- •Teams must report results within 24 hours. This includes screenshots of the draft for each game, a screenshot of the post game summary and a pasted MatchID in the designated #match-reporting channel in discord, per region/division.
- •Teams unable to play a match must give at least 24 hours notice to reschedule. No-shows may result in a forfeit.
3.2 Cheating and Unfair Play
Strictly prohibited:
- •Use of cheats, hacks, macros, or any third-party software that provides a competitive advantage.
- •Stream sniping, accessing an opponent's communication channels or gameplay in real-time.
- •Exploiting game breaking bugs and/or mechanics for significant and deliberate unintended gain.
- •Any player or team found guilty of cheating will face penalties including forfeiture of matches, suspension, or permanent removal from the league.
- •Smurfing or sandbagging will not be tolerated. This includes alt accounts of a similar rank.
While we aim to maintain a level playing field, we will never penalize players for ranking up during any event.
3.3 Substitutions and Rosters
- •Each team must maintain a core roster of six players and may register one sub. Substitutes may play in a match if a 6th player cannot make the match time for unforeseen circumstances.
- •If a player needs to leave a roster for personal reasons, we require admins to be notified immediately. Any other changes to a roster require admin approval. This means kicking a team member, recruiting a team member or adding a substitute must be processed before committing to a match.
- •We want to avoid roster swapping as much as possible, and in most cases try to work together to keep a roster intact, if possible. Most issues can be resolved through mature, respectful communication. Kicking a teammate without first making a genuine effort to address the problem is not acceptable.
- •Ringers may be sought out if only 5 players (including substitutes) cannot make a predesignated match time. If a ringer is needed to complete a match, anyone can be selected by the team in need, BUT the opposing team MUST APPROVE the ringer to play against them. Failure to do so may result in a forfeit.
- •If more than one ringer is needed for a match, a reschedule may be proposed if the match window (match week) allows it, however if the opposing team cannot reschedule, then the team that failed to commit will forfeit the match.
- •Major concerns about a player(s) on a roster must be brought up with an admin to determine the appropriate actions necessary to improve a situation. Roster changes are discouraged but may be necessary on a case by case basis.
When in doubt, contact your admin and explain the situation, we are here to help.
3.4 General Rules
- •During a match all players must have their steam name set to the name registered to the discord/DSE. This is to ensure the proper players are competing in a match but also to give our devs an easier time collecting data for statistics and record keeping.
- •A forfeited match will be an automatic 0-2 loss for best of 3 format. For a best of 1, the match will be scored as a 0-1 loss.
- •Mid game/match forfeiting is not allowed. We expect all teams to finish matches once they've started and to play competitively until the end, regardless of the likelihood of a comeback. Barring any emergencies, matches may need to be postponed or forfeited at both teams' leisure.
3.4 Broadcasting and Content
- •Matches may be streamed or cast by league staff.
- •Players are welcome to stream their own matches unless otherwise specified.
- •Stream delays are recommended to avoid competitive integrity issues.
- •Viewers and commenters on the DSE Twitch Stream should abide by all rules listed in this document.
3.5 Consequences
Teams, players and discord users that are found breaking any rules will be subject to punishment. The punishments will be, but not limited to: verbal/written warning, suspension from play, forfeit of matches, banning from play and all future events, expulsion from discord.
4. Reporting Issues
If you encounter violations of these guidelines:
- •Direct message an admin with evidence.
- •League staff will investigate impartially and aim to resolve issues swiftly and fairly.
- •Repeat or severe offenses will result in escalating consequences.
This league exists to promote a safe, fun, and competitive environment for all players. We are here to grow together — as teammates, competitors, and a community.
Welcome to DSE. This community is driven by you, the players and we are honoured to do this with you.