TOURNAMENT RULES

TEAM CAPTAINS

Each team must designate a Team Captain prior to the beginning of the tournament. Each Team Captain will be the sole acting voice of that team, and all issues directed towards the Tournament Coordinator and staff must come directly and individually from the Team Captain. One or more areas will be designated for these discussions and all such conversations should take place exclusively in these areas.

Team Captains are expected to be fluent with the rules, language, content and intent of this rule book and should have any questions, comments or concerns definitively pointed out prior to the beginning of the tournament.

A final Captains' meeting will take place prior to the beginning of the tournament. However, seriously concerned Team Captains should have had all their issues resolved before this time. Team Captains will be responsible for passing any and all tournament information on to their teammates. Team Captain's presenting new and controversial ideas in the final Captains' Meeting should not be surprised to hear their ideas shot down. However, ours is a "living" rulebook, and subject to change at any moment in the best interest of the tournament as a whole.

Team Captains must keep their team focused on the next game, and not the game previous. Complaining about past circumstances will not only undermine a team's ability to focus, it can result in bad attitudes, poor motivation and possible removal from the tournament.

Team Captains should be calm, respectful and constructive when stating their opinions. Individuals incapable of polite behavior should not be Team Captains.

TERMINATIONS

There will be NO WARNINGS at NATIONALS. Any violations of the rules as outlined in this booklet will result in a Level:1 Termination. Any player receiving a Level:1 Termination will experience the following:

1. 1,000 points deducted from their score
2. 30 second removal from game play
3. Eligibility for permanent removal from the game

(based on the discretion of the GameMaster making the call.)

Any player receiving a second Level:1 Termination (referred to as a Level:2 Termination) will experience the following:

1. Complete removal from the game
2. A "0" score for the game
3. Eligibility for permanent removal from the tournament

(based on the discretion of the Tournament Coordinator.)

Two Level:2 Terminations during the tournament may (but not necessarily will) result in that player's disqualification from the rest of the competition, (based on the Tournament Coordinator's discretion). Players disqualified from the tournament may be asked to leave the premises for the duration of the tournament. Disqualification will be based on the severity of the infractions. Generally speaking, only blatant disregard for authority and/or safety will result in a disqualification from the tournament. Disqualification from any tournament may (based on the Tournament Coordinator's discretion) result in disqualification from ALL tournaments. Players asked to leave the premises may also abandon any claim to honors won earlier in the tournament, including (but not limited to) any trophies already awarded.

ACCIDENTAL TERMINATIONS

In the event of an accidental Level 1: Termination, all GameMasters will be alerted to the situation and +1,000 points will be added to that player's score. An additional +500 points will be added to that player's score as both apology and compensation for the "lost time" and any possible loss of tactical advantage. In the software currently being used at UZ Alhambra, Role Playing features ARE canceled by Level:1 Terminations. Players suspected to be intentionally getting "accidentally" terminated will NOT get the additional +500 point bonus. Players obviously trying to get "accidentally" terminated will receive no point adjustments whatsoever, and may be eligible for removal from the game.

Players accidentally Terminated will have their alias transmitted to all GameMasters in the arena. In the event of an additional termination, the player being terminated should simply repeat his or her alias to alert the GameMaster to his or her present status. Once realized, the GameMaster can reverse the previous point adjustment, "shield" the player's pack for 5 seconds, and send them back into the game.

In the unfortunate event of a second, unintentional termination, that player will receive his or her teams' average score for that game, as printed on the scorecards from that game. The abilities of this player, whether good, bad or indifferent will not be considered when providing the double terminated player with a new score. This rule will also apply in the event of equipment anomaly, resulting in the loss of a player's score.

The current software in use at the Alhambra site does not reduce a players score to "0" after a Level: 2 Termination. However, a player receiving a Level: 2 Termination is still considered to have a "0" score as concerns the outcome of the game. It is therefore, entirely possible that, after joyously screaming out their victory, a team may realize they have actually lost due to the reduction of a teammate's score following a Level:2 Termination.

APPEALS

Appeals against any decision made by a GameMaster during the game should be directed solely for the purpose of future reference and should be done so only after the completion of that game. An appeal can only be lodged with the Tournament Coordinator - by the Team Captain! Players are not permitted to argue with a Game Master - however, players are allowed to calmly and logically present their case via their Team Captain directly to the Tournament Coordinator. An appropriate amount of will be allotted after each game for discussions of this nature.

By entering this tournament, all players have agreed to abide by the decisions of the Game Masters and the Tournament Committee.

RULES OF CONDUCT

All standard rules of conduct and behavior at Ultrazone will apply during this tournament. The following are explanations and expansions of only some of these rules. If you have any questions concerning a rule that is not covered here, you must contact the Tournament Coordinator before the beginning of the tournament.

ALL GAMEMASTER RULINGS ARE FINAL! This cannot be over emphasized. Arguing with a referee is not permitted, under any circumstances. Any violation of any existing Ultrazone rule, whether listed in this booklet or otherwise, will result in a Termination. By entering this tournament, all players agree that they understand the rules as stated, as well as all general rules of conduct, posted or not. All players waive their right to be considered an "innocent" or "uninformed" participant upon entering the tournament.

Unsports-person-like conduct exhibited at any time during the course of the tournament, whether in or out of the arena, will not be tolerated. Players incapable of exhibiting proper sports-person-ship during this tournament will be asked to leave the premises. No refunds will be made.

Players exhibiting unseemly conduct outside of the Ultrazone premises may also be asked to leave, based on the nature of the behavior. Actions which reflect poorly on the Ultrazone establishment, or endanger the reputation of future tournaments will not be tolerated. Once again, no refunds will be made.

Players wishing to express their concern over a particular call should do so only through their Team Captain - only after the game - and only in the areas and times designated for such discussions. Discussions of this nature should take place for the express purpose of preventing any future concerns and should under no circumstances be intended to reverse a GameMaster's decision.

The Tournament Coordinator will outline all rules of conduct concerning these discussions during the Captains' Meeting. As always, discussions with the Tournament Coordinator are to be requested, not demanded. For more information concerning Team Captains and their specific responsibilities, see the hand out entitled "A DISCUSSION WITH TEAM CAPTAINS".

SITE-SPECIFIC RULES

Each site has specific rules and tolerances that may seem strange to visiting players. While these rules may not be part of the Official Zone Laser Game Tournament procedures, they will be strictly enforced during this tournament, nonetheless. Team Captains are expected to thoroughly understand the rules in this booklet and should contact the Tournament Coordinator prior to the beginning of the tournament with any questions or concern. It is the Team Captain's responsibility to bring attention to any issue which may not be covered in this booklet.

BASE EVAC RULES

Players deactivated within a Base must use either their Role-Playing "quick-up" feature (in the case of a deactivation) or "Energy Reload" feature (in the case of depleted energy) or leave that Base immediately. As a general rule of thumb, players will be given less than 5 seconds to get their entire body out of and clear of the Base station interior. Players may choose to be silent when quicking up, but should be aware that a GameMaster may not hear the quick-up and therefore assume that the player came up "naturally" and seek to administer a termination.

QUICK-UPS

Alternately, players wishing to quick-up or Energy Reload must make their intention to do so clear and evident to the observing GameMaster. While calling out "quicking-up" may seem silly, it is sometimes the safest way of avoiding a termination for "seeming" to be just loitering in a Base with an inactive pack.

ENTERING THE BASE

Players are not permitted to be in or enter any Base unless their packs are active. Stunned players may enter a Base and remain within until their stun effect elapses or they are deactivated. A player's pack must be active before entering a Base and no "mid-leap quick-up" maneuvers will be permitted. No portion of any player's body or equipment may pass through the doorway of any Base unless that player's pack is active.

VESTING ROOM

All games will begin approximately 30 seconds after the last player enters the vesting room. A final 10 second count will take place just prior to game start. Players requiring additional time must announce their need to the GameMaster immediately. GameMasters are instructed to begin the games as quickly as possible, and some delays may be deemed unnecessary. Teams will enter the vesting room in order of team color.

GAME START

All teams must start the game from within their own Base. Players failing to do so will receive a Level:1 Termination. A signal will sound and all packs will become active at approximately the same time. Only after this signal has been sounded may players leave the confines of their Base. Teams will be assigned Bases prior to the start of the tournament, and may not trade with another team.

LASER HAND-HOLDS

Some laser hand holds, such as many upside-down-and-over-the-head styles may be considered covering if the lights on the laser and/or shoulders are not suitably visible. Some "spread finger" holds may also be considered covering, for the same reasons. Any questions concerning individual handholds should be brought to the attention of the Tournament Coordinator prior to the start of the tournament. Certain "questionable" but approved handholds, when executed may appear quite different and result in a Level: 1 Termination. Again, players uncertain of the exact dividing line should veer as far to the "fair" as possible.

ONE-HANDED LASER TECHNIQUES

Players must use two hands when firing their lasers. No "one-handed laser techniques" will be permitted.

ELECTRONICS

No electronic devices will be allowed in the arena with the exception of personal pagers. Walkie-talkies, portable phones and other electronic devices are strictly prohibited. Glowing or flashing items may also be restricted.

SMACK-TALKING

"Smack Talking" will be considered part of regular game play, but should be done with a smile whenever possible. Belligerent, threatening, and/or overly abusive verbiage will not be tolerated. Players should attempt to refrain from using action verbs suggesting threats and ultimatums. "Friendly intimidation" for the sake of style and comedy may be permitted, however, the GameMasters will have the final word. Players determined to be speaking in an unacceptable and inappropriate manner will be asked to refrain or be terminated, depending on the circumstances.

CALLING FOR A GAMEMASTER

Players needing the assistance of a GameMaster should raise their laser high above their head and call out "GameMaster" in their loudest voice. If possible, a location should be given as well, such as "Yellow Base" or "Reload 2". Players wishing to use their "shield" feature may do so - but only in the event of an actual pack problem. "Shields" used in any other manner may result in a Termination. GameMasters are instructed not to terminate players for "accidentally" going into shields, however, the authenticity of the event is solely up to the GameMaster present.

PROPER ATTIRE

Players must wear a shirt & shoes on the Ultrazone premises at all times. No piece of a player's wardrobe may cover any part of a player's pack at any time. Hoods, loose sleeves, dangling jewelry or other questionable attire is worn at the risk of the player. Terminations may be given out at the sole discretion of the GameMaster. No form of head gear will be allowed in the arena unless previously authorized by the Tournament Coordinator. Baseball hats (turned backwards) and several other "form fitting" pieces of headwear will be permitted. All sleeves, short or long, must be rolled up before and during each game. Players found in the arena with improper sleeves will receive a 20 second "yellow" warning. GameMasters will carry rubber bands or safety pins for players to use in securing their sleeves.

LANGUAGE

No form of obscene, abusive or offensive language will be tolerated during this tournament. All rules of proper conduct enforced during regular business hours will be in effect during the tournament. Players needing a more concrete list of what words are considered obscene or offensive should contact the Tournament Coordinator prior to the start of the tournament. All offensive language (as judged by the GameMaster hearing such language) will receive a "yellow" 20 second warning. Any language considered to be "beyond simply offensive" will receive a Level:1 Termination or more.

LATE FIRING

If packs stay "active" a few seconds after the siren sounds to end the game, players should exploit this opportunity to its fullest potential. Generally speaking, no more than one or two shots can be fired during this time, and the challenge becomes finding another target to hit. This situation should be considered "bonus time" since any player being hit during this time must also be capable of firing back.

LASER REPLACEMENTS

Players who suspect their laser to be less accurate than any other laser should immediately report this to the nearest GameMaster. A replacement laser will be obtained as quickly as possible. Points will not be awarded as compensation for the lost time, regardless of how much time or how many lasers are replaced.

PACK SWITCHING

Players believing their packs to be operating at less than optimal performance may choose to have their pack removed from play and obtain a new pack (as may be available). Any player choosing this option, will (a) receive no Role Playing features on the new pack and ( be capable of scoring no more than 2 Bases during the game (with points being deducted for any Base destroyed twice by that player). A +500 point "compensatory" gift will be awarded for that player's down time, but the decision to switch packs lies solely with the player in question. Any player in this situation who chooses not to switch packs, surrenders his or her right to lodge a complaint. Regardless of the situation or the circumstances, no points will be awarded for "suspected" performance problems.

BASE ANOMALIES

In the event that a player is unable to score a Base due to a suspected pack performance issue, that player should immediately attract the attention of a GameMaster and demonstrate the problem (under the GameMaster's protection). In the event this phenomena can be verified, the pack will be removed from play (before or after the game, at the player's discretion) and an adjustment of points will be made equal to the value of the Base. Any player expected to receive a point adjustment for a Base Anomaly will have their scorecard checked for destroyed Bases prior to requesting the GameMaster's presence. If the player had, indeed, already destroyed the Base in question, no point adjustments will be awarded to that player. In the event that a player attracts a GameMasters attention and no performance issues are apparent, that player will sent outside of the Base and no point adjustments will be made.

TAUNTING GAMEMASTERS

Players may not taunt, harass or otherwise attempt to influence a GameMaster's performance in any way. This includes subtle "hints" announced to other players with the intent of being overheard by a GameMaster. GameMasters should be considered necessary components of a competitive game and their performance should not be manipulated, abused or personalized in any way. GameMasters should be addressed only by the ID code on their uniform or by the title "GameMaster". This somewhat militant procedure is the result of frequent player attempts to undermine the GameMasters' abilities.

CORKING - THE SLOW WALK

Players will not be permitted to "cork" opponents within the striking range of a Sentinel or Base retaliation by walking too slowly and/or hemming in opposing players. This rule should not be limited to the Sentinel's effect and should be regarded as a general rule governing player movement in the arena. Players should, whenever possible, allow other players to freely move from one part of the arena to another.

STALKING

Rules concerning "stalking" shall be disregarded for the duration of the tournament. "Stalking", as a rule, is intended to protect the innocent new player from overly aggressive opponents. Any player registering in this tournament shall immediately lose their claim to be an "innocent new player".

GAPS IN WALLS OR PARTITIONS

Players are allowed to fire through existing holes or gaps in walls and partitions. However, players are not permitted to poke their lasers through existing holes or gaps, or use their bodies to create new holes or gaps.

FIRING OVER LEDGES AND RAILS

Players are permitted to fire over ledges but are not permitted to lean over a railing or ledge. Players will be allowed to reach over railings, however, as a rule of thumb, no more than one shoulder blade should be extended over the edge.

STANDARD GAME RULES

RUNNING

Players are not permitted to run under any circumstances. Running will be defined by the GameMaster making the call, and should take into account both leg speed and length of each step. The easiest way to avoid a judgment call on running is to keep your foot movement unquestionably slow.

FREE MOVEMENT

No player, or group of players are allowed to intentionally restrict or block the movement of another player or team during game play. However, players cannot be expected to leave a given position simply to allow another player to assume that position. This rule should be considered only in regards to "safe passage" to points beyond. Deactivated players should make every effort to be unobtrusive. In these instances, the "active" player is considered to have the right of way. Players occupying an area which is not considered a traffic area, such as a corner of space against a wall, should not be expected to give up their position simply because another player wishes to occupy it. The "active" player should have the right to occupy the position if so desired. Deactivated players needing to reload should be considered "active" and allowed to move freely in the most direct route to the nearest Reload station.

DEACTIVATED PLAYERS

Deactivated players are not to be used as shields or for cover. Deactivated players are not permitted to intentionally maneuver their bodies in a manner which is considered blocking, nor should any active player seek refuge behind a deactivated player. If an active player is already positioned behind another player when that player is deactivated, this positioning may be exploited. However, continued maneuvering on the part of either player may be considered unsportspersonlike. Active players should steer clear of inactive players whenever possible.

PHYSICAL CONTACT

Players are not permitted to physically strike or push any other person in any way, whether with lasers, body parts, arena elements or otherwise. Unintentional and casual contact (such as occurs in regular game play) is expected, however, repeated instances by the same player may result in a Level: 1 Termination. Tournament players are expected to play with "safety first" always in mind.

PHYSICAL VIOLENCE

ANY physical violence, threatened or otherwise will result in the removal of that player from the tournament. Any act of actual physical violence will result in police action.

ARENA MOVEMENT

Players may not climb or jump over any railings or fixtures that may exist in the playing area; fire their laser over the top of any wall, partition or fixture not designed to be fired over; or move any features in the playing area. In the event that a player is exceptionally tall, that player may exploit their advantage by firing over a low wall. However, under no circumstances will a player be allowed to jump or blind fire to take the shot.

VIOLENT MOVEMENT

Players may move their bodies in various forms of defensive maneuvers, provided this movement is controlled. "The worm" is a legal and stylistic way to play the game, however, leaning or bending more than 90 degrees (from vertical) may result in a Level:1 Termination. No form of dangerous movement or play will be permitted. Questions concerning certain risqué' maneuvers should be discussed prior to the beginning of the tournament.

BALANCE & CONTROL

Players must maintain balance and control during all game play. Players failing to maintain control may be terminated. Some allowance for "no fault" slippage may be made at the GameMaster's discretion.

ALLIANCES

Players are not permitted to form alliances with opposing team players for any reason whatsoever. The forming of any alliance may result in the involved teams' complete disqualification from the tournament. This rule could apply to many circumstances and should not be limited to Bases or Sentinels.

BLIND FIRING

For safety reasons, players should look around any corner before firing. Players should not jab their lasers around corners or through existing holes, gaps or railings. Players should "identify" their targets before firing. Circumstances do allow for players to fire around corners where a known target, previously identified may exist, but "fishing" or blind firing at random will not be permitted. As a guideline, players must maintain control of their equipment at all times, which includes the ability to see your equipment. A laser swung around a corner, out of that player's sight will be considered "out of control" and will result in a termination.

STAND-OFFS

Stand-offs between active and deactivated players are considered normal parts of the game. However, a safe distance must exist between the two players. This distance should include - but not be limited to - the distance from a player's laser to an opposing player's pack. Laser jabbing is only one example of a safe distance violation. As a general rule, a minimum distance of two feet should exist in all but a few heavy traffic situations.

NEUTRAL PLAYERS

Any player talking to a GameMaster during game play is considered "neutral" and may not fire or be fired upon. Players talking to a GameMaster must have a valid reason to do so. Whenever possible, GameMasters will attempt to "shield" a neutral player, and will generally announce their intention to do so. It is the responsibility of each player to specifically ask for such shielding, and to allow such time as is necessary for the GameMaster to do so.

CROUCHING

Crouching and/or squatting will be permitted. However, sitting, lying down and/or kneeling will NOT permitted. Crouching and squatting (in certain postures) may be considered "covering" by GameMasters. In the event that a player crouching or squatting places their hand on the ground for support, that player will receive a termination (see THREE POINT LANDINGS and ONE HANDED LASER TECHNIQUES below).

POSTURE

Kneeling, sitting or lying down are not permitted. Kneeling will be defined as any portion of a player's legs touching the ground, except the feet. Players losing balance while leaning or bending will receive a Level: 1 Termination.

THE 90-DEGREE BEND

Leaning or bending at an angle of over 90 degrees (from vertical) will not be permitted. GameMasters will make their calls based on a simple equation: bending 91 degrees is considered illegal, and coming close to 91 degrees is coming close to being illegal, and will be called as the GameMaster sees fit. Since arguing with the GameMaster's ability to properly calculate angles is not permitted, players are strongly advised to stay within the safe limits of roughly 0 to 45 degrees. Players bending or leaning on a ramp will have their 90 degrees calculated from the flat surface of the earth and not the angle of the ramp.

JUMPING & THE "1 FOOT" RULE

One foot should be on the ground at all times. Jumping will not be permitted. Players "popping" their leg up before or after firing risk termination, especially if by doing so, they violate another player's personal space.

WALL-HUGGING

In regular play, players are expected to use arena elements as obstacles and defense when confronting an opponent in front of them. However, players should not use the flat surface of a wall to cover their sensors, especially when their opponents are to their flank. Certain circumstances will allow the use of walls as cover (i.e.: leaning back into a wall, leaning one shoulder against the wall, etc.,) but the intentional use of forward wall hugging to cover selective sensors and/or speakers will not be permitted.

COVERING SENSORS

Players may not cover their sensors or speakers during game play. Covering will be judged by the individual GameMaster viewing the situation and will not be an issue of discussion during a game. Covering could include any obvious and intentional shielding maneuvers and/or physical contact between a player's arms or clothing and their pack. Players with "tight" postures run the risk of termination and should seriously consider modifying their play style prior to the tournament.

COVERING IN GENERAL

Players are not permitted to use any part of their body, clothing or equipment to intentionally block another player, Base or Sentinel. Players uncertain of the exact dividing line should veer as far to the "fair" as possible.

TAMPERING WITH EQUIPMENT

Players will not be allowed to tamper, modify or alter any pack, arena element or other piece of property belonging to the Ultrazone site in question in any way. Any adjustments to a player's pack will be administrated by a Certified Tournament GameMaster on duty at that time. Players determined to be tampering with equipment may be disqualified from the tournament.

FACE, HAND & LASER BLOCKING

Players will not be permitted to "face block" shots by way of intercepting laser fire with their heads, nor will blocking shots with a players hands be permitted. Furthermore, any obvious and intentional maneuvering of a player's laser with the sole purpose of intercepting a shot, even for the purposes of a stun will not be permitted.

BEAM BLOCKING

While it may seem obvious to some, blocking the laser beam from your own laser is not in the spirit of the game and even includes "blocking"' in its description. As such, any efforts to conceal your own beam from an opponent's view will result in a Level:1 Termination.

SENTINELS

A single Sentinel will be active in the arena ONLY during the Team games, and will be scored at +1,000 points. Sentinel hits will result in a loss of -100 points for each hit. The Sentinel cycles in and out on a random basis.

BASES

Bases will be scored at +4,500 points each (less 500 points per hit).

NUMBER OF PLAYERS

All teams must have a minimum of X players to participate in any given game. Players may not be rotated or replaced once teams have entered the vesting room. If a player is removed from the game for any reason, that player's pack will remain dormant until the end of the game. In special circumstances, teams may be permitted to play with less than 8 players, but this must be approved by the Tournament Coordinator well in advance.

ALTERNATES

Each team will be allowed up to X alternates. Alternates must be designated prior to the beginning of the tournament and may not be substituted at any time during the tournament. The administration of alternate playing order and frequency of play is under the sole discretion of the Team Captain, and should in no way concern any member of the tournament staff. The label of "alternate" simply represents a team's ability to hold one or two registered players in reserve during any given game.

ADDITIONAL RULES

Rules concerning ALLIANCES will be strictly enforced. Players suspected of "giving points" or being "sent" to keep another player down will receive a Level:1 termination. Players clearly being involved in an alliance will be removed from the tournament.

ADDITIONAL RULES: DOUBLES & ELIMINATOR TOURNAMENTS

Doubles & Stratego partners MAY intentionally score points off their partners' packs. GameMasters will not concern themselves with such actions as the nature of the game should preclude such strategies from being successful.

BUMPING AND JABBING

Player who bump, jab or otherwise initiate a contact between themselves and another player will also receive a Level:1 Termination (or worse). In this event, as in all other Ultrazone, and Ultrazone Nationals events, the safety of the players and staff (not to mention the equipment!) must be of the highest priority.