Elder Rift League Rules
1. Introduction
Welcome to the Elder Rift League.
A league created by the community, for the League of Legends community.
The Elder Rift League was born out of a desire to offer players a place to rediscover the beauty of competition without the pressures of extreme professionalism. Here, teams of real friends or those known on the platform compete in an environment balanced by age, respect and sportsmanship.
The goal is simple: recreate the excitement of big tournaments like LEC or LCK, but in a healthy, amateur and, above all, fun environment.
Winning is important, sure ... but the real triumph is building a healthy and lasting environment together.
Get ready to join a league where passion meets challenge.
Get ready to write your own history on Rift.
2. Participation
Requirements
To enter the Elder Rift League arena, each team and each summoner must abide by some simple rules:
2.1 No age limit (excluding the Over 30 division)
For the Diamond, Gold, Silver, Bronze and ARAM Cup competitions, everyone can enter. For the over-30 division, designed for a mature audience: every participant must be at least 30 years old at the time of registration. Violation of this rule will be severely punished by disqualification of the team and exclusion of all its members from the league.
2.2 Registration
Each team and each player on the roster must be duly registered through the official website www.elderiftleague.wixsite.com/elder-rift-league using the appropriate forms you will find on the website.
For players: Simply register on the site.
For teams: Go to the ‘'Register your team’' section and fill out the form. On this form at the time of registration you will be asked:
1) Which division you wish to join. (NB. In case of need or lack of teams to start the division the organizers reserve the right under notice to move a team to another category in order to allow the competition to run smoothly).
2) Team label. (TAG abbreviation of team name.)
3) Team name.
4) Team captain. (Person in charge of organizing the various matches, lobbying and in charge of communication with other captains in the same division and with the organizers).
5) Name of each member's summoner and role.
6) Official team logo. (NB. in case you do not have a team logo the Elder Rift League will provide you with one. If you would like to change it with one of your own making just write to elderriftleague@gmail.com indicating LOGO TEAM NAME as the subject).
Registered teams will have a dedicated page, just like in professional leagues, in this section will be: Team Logo, Brief description, Social links (if you have any always communicate them via email to elderriftleague@gmail.com with subject LINK SOCIAL TEAM NAME), Name of each team member and assigned role and direct link to the player's OP.GG site.
2.3 Team composition.
Each team must consist of a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 9 players (including any substitutes).
Each player may only be registered on one team. It is strictly forbidden to play on more than one team or in more than one division, except the ARAM Cup and the Over 30 Division being parallel leagues are not subject to this rule.
2.3.1 Player Substitution
A team player may be replaced with an outside player not previously registered with the team during the course of the competition only in these cases:
1) The player no longer wants to play in the league or with the team he/she belongs to for any reason (NB. the substitution is permanent until the end of the season).
2) The player is permanently unable to play (injury longer than 6 weeks or no longer has a PC).
If the team still has valid slots in the RESERVES area they can register new players to the team at any time by having the player fill out the form they can find by clicking in the teams section under your description
For more details see item 7 of the regulation
2.4 Single Registration (Scouting) or Create Your Team
Under Scouting those who do not have a team can register as a Single Player on the Scouting page by filling out the appropriate form, then they will be placed by the Elder Rift League team on a list where teams can select players to implement the team.
In Create Your Team, on the other hand, those who do not have enough players to create a team to enter the competition can register by filling out the appropriate form and will be placed on a list where players can apply to join your team.
3. Championship
structure
3.1 Divisions
Teams are divided into four main divisions:
Diamond Division - The league's elite: only for the tightest and most strategic teams.
Gold Division - Experienced teams aiming for the top or fighting not to relegate.
Silver Division - Teams on the rise, hungry for glory and ready to challenge the veterans.
Bronze Division - The starting point: this is where new champions are forged.
Each division is independent and currently consists of 6 teams in each division, with the possibility of expansion based on demand, but is tightly bound by a system of promotions and relegations:
Promotions:
1) Direct promotion
2) Playoffs.
3) Playoffs.
4) Playoffs
5) Playoffs
6) Direct relegation
3.1.1Playoffs and Playout
At the end of the championship, the second and third ranked teams will face each other in the
Playoffs to move up in category ''Best of 3 games Bo3 series''.
At the end of the championship, the fourth and fifth ranked teams will face each other in the
Playout to avoid going down in category ''Best of 3 games Bo3 series''. (NB. playouts are only present for the Silver, Gold and Diamond categories).
3.2 Regular Season
During the regular season:
Teams face each other in a round-robin format (one-way only). The teams face each other once a week (NB. the organization of the matches is the responsibility of the captains of the teams who must agree on the day and time of the matches, which can be from MONDAY to SATURDAY before the maximum deadline for the communication of results, which is SATURDAY AT 11 p.m.)
.
Each win or loss contributes to the standings: Victory (1 point) Defeat (0 points).
In case of a tie at the end of the regular season we will look at the direct clashes, if again the ranking is not defined we will have a playoff between the teams involved (Bo1 to be organized strictly in the week before playoff and playout).
3.3 ARAM Cup and Over 30 Division
Separate from the main divisions, the ARAM Cup and Over 30 Division are independent and unique championships:
3.3.1 ARAM Cup
Teams compete in the mystical Howling Abyss. Teams face each other in a round-robin (one-way) format. Teams face each other once a week (NB. the organization of the matches is up to the captains of the teams who must agree on the day and time of the matches, which can be from MONDAY to SATURDAY before the maximum deadline for results announcements, which is SATURDAY AT 11 p.m.).
Each win or loss contributes to the standings: Victory (1 point) Defeat (0 points).
In case of a tie at the end of the regular season we will look at the direct clashes, if even then the ranking is not defined a playoff will be made between the teams involved (Bo1 to be arranged)
3.3.2 Over 30 Division
Teams face each other in a round-robin format (one-way only). The teams face each other once a week (NB. the organization of the matches is the responsibility of the team captains who must agree on the day and time of the matches, which can be from MONDAY to SATURDAY before the maximum deadline for communication of results, which is SATURDAY AT 11 p.m.).
Each win or loss contributes to the standings: Victory (1 point) Defeat (0 points).
In case of a tie at the end of the regular season we will look at the direct clashes, if even then the ranking is not defined a playoff will be made between the teams involved (Bo1 to be arranged)
3.5 Seasons
The Elder Rift League is divided into two macro blocks the winter season (October to December) and the summer season (March to May) in the breaks between league sessions stand-alone events such as themed tournaments and more will be organized by both the Elder Rift League and outside Collaborators.
3.6 Elder Rift: Total Annihilation
Between the winter and summer seasons, the best warriors of the Rift will compete in a special tournament: the Elder Rift: Total Annihilation.
The top two ranked teams from each division from the season just ended will participate. (NB. If any of the qualifying teams cannot participate for any reason, they will advance in the standings: third-, fourth-, and fifth-ranked teams, and so on, will be invited, until the board is completed).
The format will be knockout: each clash will be a battle with no return.
Final:
The final will be played best of 3 games (Best of 3 - BO3), for an epic clash that will leave no room for chance. The winner of Total Annihilation will win not only glory... but also a place of honor in the Wall of Fame as the absolute ruler of the Rift.
4. Match creation rules
and draft phase
4.1 Setting up the lobby
The game lobby should be created with the following settings:
1) Map: Summoner's Rift.
2) Game name: ERL-TAGvsTAG-Division (Example: ERL-ABCvsXYZ-Gold)
3) Team size: 5v5
4) Mode of play: tournament selection
5) Spectators allowed: Optional (but welcome, it's always nice if someone comes to watch our game).
Important. The captain responsible for creating the lobby is the captain of the home team (left side of the site board).
Important! matches must be played until the destruction of the opponent's Nexus, it is not possible to concede the match at minute 15 (NO FF15).
4.2 Organization of the pre-draft and ban/pick phase.
The captain of the home team decides whether to play on the blue side or the red side.
Entry of all players in the draft and start of the game.
4.2.1 Draftlol (optional)
One of the two captains creates a virtual draft at https://draftlol.dawe.gg/. (The link of the draft is shared with the other captain.)
The two captains perform the simulation of the ban and pick phase following the official order of the tournament selection mode.
Only after correctly completing the pre-draft, repeat what was chosen on draftlol in the real draft.
4.3 Communication Result
At the end of the match, the captain of the home team should send the result via email and/or through the captains' group to:
📧 elderriftleague@gmail.com
The email should contain:
1) Subject: ERL-TAGvsTAG-Division (Example: ERL-DRKvsBLD-Diamond)
2) Email text: Name of teams, Final result (Ex: DRK 1-0 BLD)
3) Required attachment: Screenshot of the result, you can find it in the Game History section of League of Legends.
4.3.1 Submission Deadline:
The result must be reported by 11:00 p.m. on Saturday of the game week. Failure to report by both teams will result in both teams forfeiting (0 points each).
5. Behavior and
Sanctions
5.1 Rules of Behavior
In Elder Rift League we strive to create a healthy, respectful and fun competitive environment.
All participants must:
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Respect opponents, teammates, and organizers.
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Avoid toxic behavior (insults, flame, taunts, discrimination of any kind).
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Maintain appropriate language both during games and in official chats.
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Play with the utmost commitment and fairness, avoiding unsportsmanlike behavior (such as intentional AFK, intentional feeding, or other).
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Adhere to schedules and show up for games on time.
5.2 What is considered misconduct
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Direct or indirect flaming toward opponents, teammates or referees.
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Intentionally trolling official matches.
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Surrendering without team consent during official matches.
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Unexcused delays of more than 15 minutes beyond the agreed-upon time.
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Repeated disconnections without justified reason.
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Spam or flood in official league chats.
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Unsubstantiated accusations or argumentative behavior without basis.
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Anything that in evaluation the Elder Rift League Team deems improper or inappropriate.
5.3 Sanction System
Sanctions will be applied according to the severity of behavior and recidivism:
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In the case of particularly serious behavior (e.g., threats, racism, discrimination, etcc..), the immediate expulsion of the individual or team will be carried out directly.
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Final decisions rest with the league administrators.
5.4 Complaints
If a team believes it has been subjected to misconduct, it must:
Send within 1 hour of the end of the game a documented report (screenshots, recording, etc.) to an administrator via the email elderrftleague@gmail.com with subject name COMPLAINT - TEAM (running it) AGAINST WHO (team, player, etcc..).
Complaints without evidence will not be considered.
5.5 League Spirit
Remember:
Elder Rift League was created to provide a competitive but peaceful experience.
We want to see passion, competition, but always with respect for others. Be the legends the league deserves.
Infraction | First Violation | Second Violation | Third Violation |
|---|---|---|---|
Failure to comply with draft or lobbying rules | Repetition of the phase | Game lost by forfeit | - |
Frequent disconnections | Official warning | - | - |
Unexcused delay | Official warning | Game lost by forfeit | - |
Troll/ Intentional Feeding | Immediate match disqualification | Expulsion from league | - |
Flame/Insults | Official warning | Disqualification by 1 match | Expulsion from league |
6. Time and
Presence
The regularity of the competition is a fundamental value for the success of the championship. The following are the rules that ensure the proper conduct of the matches in terms of timing, punctuality and communication.
6.1 - Week of play.
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Each official day takes place Monday through Saturday.
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Teams are responsible for making their own arrangements to set match day and time within this interval.
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Sunday is considered a day off or possible make-up only in exceptional cases authorized by the staff.
6.2 - Timetable and punctuality
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The time agreed upon between the captains must be adhered to accurately.
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There is a maximum waiting time of 15 minutes beyond the agreed time. After this time has elapsed, the late team will forfeit by forfeit unless timely communication and agreement is reached between the two teams.
6.3 - Postponing a match
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Postponements are possible only for exceptional causes and must be reported to the staff within 24 hours before the game by email to elderriftleague@gmail.com with the subject of the email SUBMITTAL (Team Name) (Division in which they play).
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Postponement will be accepted only if both teams agree and if the match can be made up by Saturday 11:00 pm of the same week.
6.4 - Mandatory communication.
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In case of inability to play the match during the scheduled week, it is the captain's obligation to notify the staff and the opposing team of the issue in a timely manner.
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Failure to communicate is considered an unexcused absence and will result in automatic forfeiture.
6.5 - Shared Responsibility.
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Both teams are responsible for organizing the match: failure to show up or respond to messages may result in automatic loss or penalty.
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In case of disagreement on the responsibility for not showing up, the staff will judge, based on the evidence provided (screenshots, chat, etc.).
7. Team Formation
and Roster
The organization of teams and the management of one's roster are essential to ensure fairness, continuity and competitiveness throughout the season. These regulations clarify the limits and possibilities of team composition.
7.1 - Initial composition
Each team must consist of a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 9 players, i.e. 5 starters and up to 4 substitutes (reserves).
At the time of registration, all members' details must be clearly communicated: nickname, main role.
The team captain will be solely responsible for official communication with the staff and other teams.
7.2 - Roster
Once the official season begins (first day of the calendar), the roster will be locked and no more changes can be made without the permission of the staff. Instead, you will be able (if you still have slots available in the reserves) to sign reserves until the maximum roster is completed (9 players)
It will only be possible to make changes (player substitutions) in market sessions between the winter and summer seasons and vice versa (at the end of one regular season and the beginning of the next), or in exceptional cases (see section 7.4).
7.3 - Use of reserves
Reserves may be used freely on any day, but it is mandatory to notify the opposing team before the game (giving the name of the substituted and playing player).
Reserves must be included in the initial roster. New players may not be added during the current season unless you have more reserve slots (maximum 4 reserves per team).
7.4 - Extraordinary substitutions.
If a player leaves the team permanently for serious reasons (prolonged absence, toxic behavior, etc.), the team may submit a written request to the organization to replace the player.
Each request will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
If approved, the new player may be placed in place of the one who left the team without exceeding the limit of 9 total players on the roster.
7.5 - Penalties for irregularities.
The use of an unregistered or unauthorized player will result in the automatic forfeit of the game and, in serious cases, additional disciplinary sanctions.
Teams attempting to circumvent the rules through fictitious or improper substitutions will be subject to review and possible exclusion from the league.
8. SCORE SYSTEM AND
CLASSIFICATION
The scoring system is designed to reward wins, encourage active participation and keep the competition balanced throughout the season.
8.1 - Weekly Scoring
Match result Points awarded
Win 1 point
Defeat 0 points
Win by forfeit 1 point
Defeat by forfeit 0 points
8.2 - Standings
Division standings will be updated weekly based on results reported by Saturday night (11:00 p.m.). The sorting criteria are as follows:
In case of a tie at the end of the regular season we will look at the direct clashes, if again the ranking is not settled a tiebreaker will be made between the teams involved (Bo1 to be arranged)
8.3 - Penalties
In case of misbehavior, severe tardiness, failure to communicate or repeated forfeits, the organization reserves the right to:
1) Give forfeits
2) Reset the points to zero
3) Exclude the team from the championship
8.4 - Promotions and relegations
At the end of the regular season, based on placement in the standings:
1) Direct promotion (except in Diamond Division).
2) Playoffs to move up a division
3) Playoffs to move up division.
4) Playout to go down division (except in Bronze Divisional)
5) Playout to go down division (except in Bronze Divisional)
6) Direct relegation (except in the Bronze Divisional)
9. Complaints
and Support
The smooth running of the competition is based on respect for the rules and the possibility for participants to report misbehaviour, technical problems or questionable situations. The Elder Rift League provides an official channel for handling complaints, clarification requests and support (Discord channel).
9.1 - When to file a complaint
You can file a complaint in the following cases:
1) Unsportsmanlike behaviour, flame, insults or abuse in chat.
2) Serious technical problems affecting the game.
3) Irregularities in team composition (e.g. unregistered players, unauthorised substitutions).
4) Serious delays or no-shows by the opposing team.
5) Disputes over results or decisions.
9.2 - How to submit a complaint
All complaints must be sent by e-mail to:
📧 elderriftleague@gmail.com Subject of e-mail: COMPLAINT - [Division] - [Team Name] - [Day/Match]
Example: COMPLAINT - Gold Division - StormWalkers - Day 4
In the body of the e-mail you must include:
1) A brief description of the problem.
2) Screenshots or supporting evidence (mandatory).
3) Any attempted contact or resolution made with the opposing team.
9.3 - Response time and handling.
The administrators will attempt to respond within 48 hours of receipt of the complaint. Any decision will be made impartially and based on the evidence provided and testimony. The staff may seek further clarification from the parties involved before deliberating. Staff decisions are final and unappealable.
9.4 - General support requests
For doubts, organisational problems or help in managing matches (schedules, drafts, technical difficulties), participants can contact the staff directly through the following official channels:
📧 Email: elderriftleague@gmail.com
The use of the Discord server is strongly recommended for a complete experience and direct contact with the organisation.
9.5 - A project born from the community
Elder Rift League is not an initiative promoted by big companies or corporations, but a project created and run with passion by a small community of League of Legends players, for other players.
All organisational work - from rules and match management to communication and social media support - is done by volunteers who dedicate their free time to the project.
For this reason, response times to requests and messages may vary depending on the work or personal commitments of staff members.
We trust in the understanding and cooperation of all participants to maintain a peaceful, respectful and fun atmosphere.
10. Changes to
theRules and
Regulations
10.1 - Flexibility and updates
The rules of the Elder Rift League are subject to possible changes during the course of the season, should corrections, clarifications or adjustments be necessary for the smooth running of the league.
10.2 - Reasons for changes
Changes may be introduced to:
1) Resolve ambiguities or gaps that have arisen during the tournament.
2) adapt to technical, managerial or organisational problems
3) ensure fairness, clarity and respect for fair play
4) to introduce improvements suggested by the community or experience on the field
10.3 - Official communication
Any rule changes will be officially communicated through the league's main channels:
1) Announcement on the Discord server
2) Post on Instagram
3)Update on the official website
4)Direct mail to teams, if necessary
10.4 - Entry into force
Changes will only come into force after the official communication and cannot have retroactive value on events or matches already played, except in exceptional and well justified cases.
10.5 - Collaboration with participants
The Elder Rift League staff is committed to maintaining transparent and collaborative management. Any changes will be guided by the principle of providing a fair, fun and sustainable experience for all teams.