Event Rules

Hosted by the Nevada Esports Education League (NEEL)

Giving Tuesday Tournament – Supporting Esports Education in Nevada

  1. Overview

Welcome to the Nevada Esports Education League Giving Tuesday Teamfight Tactics Tournament! This casual competition highlights strategy, community, and charity — supporting Nevada’s growing esports education programs.

50% of all entrance fees will be donated to the NEEL Esports Career Program, funding scholarships and career opportunities for students. The remaining 50% will be entered into the player prize pot.

If fewer than 16 players register, the tournament format will be adjusted accordingly (for example, smaller lobbies or fewer rounds). If fewer than 10 players enter the tournament, it will be canceled and any entrance fees refunded.

  1. Eligibility

Open to all registered participants with a valid Riot Games account on the North America (NA) server.

Each participant may only register once.

Account sharing, smurfing, or the use of another player’s account is prohibited.

Players must have TFT unlocked and a stable internet connection.

  1. Tournament Format

Mode: Standard Teamfight Tactics (8-player lobbies).

Server: North America.

Structure:

Players will be divided into multiple lobbies of up to 8 players.

Points are awarded each round based on placement.

After the preliminary rounds, the top players (based on total points) will advance to the final lobby.

Scoring System:

Placement Points 1st 8 2nd 7 3rd 6 4th 5 5th 4 6th 3 7th 2 8th 1

Tiebreakers:

Highest average placement across all rounds.

Most 1st place finishes.

Head-to-head performance.

Tournament staff decision.

  1. Match Setup

Players will be invited to private lobbies hosted by tournament staff.

All players must be present within 10 minutes of the match start time.

Players who miss their lobby without notice receive 0 points for that round.

No external tools, scripts, or automation software are allowed.

  1. Conduct

Players are expected to demonstrate sportsmanship and respect at all times.

Toxicity, harassment, griefing, or collusion (intentionally feeding or manipulating placements) will result in disqualification.

No account sharing, scripting, or cheating is permitted.

All communication should remain professional and appropriate.

  1. Technical Issues

If a player disconnects before Round 1-1, the lobby may be re-hosted.

Once the game passes Stage 2-1, the match will continue unless the issue affects multiple players.

Staff may decide to restart or adjust scores only for verified server-wide issues.

  1. Streaming & Media

Players may stream matches with at least a 2-minute delay to prevent ghosting.

NEEL staff may broadcast or record matches for educational or promotional use.

By participating, players consent to being featured in event photos, videos, or livestreams.

  1. Prizing

Thank you for joining our Nevada Esports Education League Giving Tuesday Tournament!

50% of entrance fees will go to the NEEL Esports Career Program (scholarships & career development).

50% of entrance fees will go into the player prize pot for top finishers.

If fewer than 16 players register, the tournament format will be adjusted (example: fewer rounds or modified finals).

If fewer than 10 total players register, the event will be canceled and entrance fees refunded.

  1. Reporting Results

Results are verified by screenshots or staff observation.

Players must submit a screenshot of their final placement screen after each game.

Tournament staff will update leaderboards after every round.

  1. Forfeits

Players may be forfeited if they:

Fail to join their lobby after 10 minutes.

Use unregistered accounts or third-party software.

Repeatedly delay matches or ignore staff communication.

  1. Staff Authority

Tournament officials have the right to:

Adjust the tournament structure to fit player turnout.

Restart or delay matches due to technical issues.

Penalize or disqualify players for rule violations.

Make final decisions on disputes or unclear results.

  1. Spirit of the Game

This Giving Tuesday event is about fun, learning, and giving back. Play with integrity, support your fellow players, and help grow Nevada’s esports education community through positive competition.

Match Rules
  1. Match Start

Players must be present and ready in the designated lobby at least 10 minutes before the scheduled match time.

Tournament staff will invite players to private lobbies through their Riot IDs.

Players who fail to appear within 10 minutes of the lobby start time will receive 0 points for that match.

Once all players are confirmed, staff will begin the lobby countdown.

  1. Lobby Settings

Game Mode: Teamfight Tactics (Standard)

Map: Default TFT Board

Server Region: North America (NA)

Players per Lobby: 8

Spectators: Tournament staff only

Cheats: Off

Reconnect: Allowed (Riot default settings)

  1. Match Format

Each match consists of one full TFT game (up to Stage 6-7 or Nexus explosion).

Players are ranked based on final placement (1st through 8th).

Points are awarded after each game according to the official scoring system:

Placement Points 1st 8 2nd 7 3rd 6 4th 5 5th 4 6th 3 7th 2 8th 1

Multiple rounds may be played depending on player turnout and time.

The Top 8 players (based on cumulative points) will advance to the Final Lobby.

The Final Lobby winner will be determined by total points earned in the final rounds.

  1. Disconnects & Technical Issues

If a player disconnects before the first carousel, the lobby may be restarted once (staff discretion).

If a disconnect occurs after Stage 2-1, the match continues.

Players who disconnect mid-match may reconnect and continue at any time.

Tournament staff may remake a match only if multiple players experience a verified server-wide issue.

  1. Pauses

TFT does not support in-game pausing.

If a lobby error or major issue occurs before Round 1 begins, players should notify staff immediately via Discord or event chat.

Matches will not be restarted once the first full combat round has begun.

  1. Tiebreakers

In the event of a tie in total points, placement will be determined by:

Highest average placement across all games.

Most 1st place finishes.

Highest placement in the final round.

Tournament staff decision.

  1. Substitutions & Replacements

TFT is an individual event, so substitutes are not permitted mid-tournament.

If a player withdraws before the start, staff may replace them with a waitlisted participant.

Once the first game begins, rosters are locked.

  1. Prohibited Behavior

The following behaviors are strictly forbidden:

Collusion: Intentionally losing rounds or coordinating strategies with other players to influence standings.

Toxicity: Harassment, verbal abuse, or disrespectful behavior toward other players or staff.

Cheating: Use of unauthorized third-party software, scripts, or automation.

Stalling: Purposefully delaying readiness or match start times.

Any violations may result in point deductions, disqualification, or removal from the event.

  1. Results & Reporting

Match results will be verified through screenshots or staff observation.

Players must take and submit a screenshot of their final placement screen immediately after each match.

Tournament staff will post verified results and standings after every round.

  1. Forfeits

A player may be forfeited if they:

Fail to appear within 10 minutes of match start time.

Use an unregistered or alternate Riot account.

Are caught cheating or violating sportsmanship rules.

Forfeited players will receive 0 points for that round and may be removed from the event.

  1. Staff Authority

Tournament staff have the authority to:

Adjust lobbies, reschedule matches, or modify format for fairness.

Penalize or remove players for misconduct or rule violations.

Make final rulings on all disputes, placements, or technical issues.

All staff decisions are final and binding.

  1. Spirit of the Game

This Giving Tuesday event emphasizes community, education, and fun. Please compete with integrity, encourage others, and remember — the goal is to support Nevada’s esports education while having a great time. Win or lose, your participation helps grow opportunities for the next generation of esports professionals.

Tournament Rules
  1. Purpose & Spirit

The Nevada Esports Education League (NEEL) Giving Tuesday Tournament is a charity-focused, community-driven esports event. Our mission is to promote education, opportunity, and inclusion in esports while providing a fun and competitive space for players of all skill levels.

All players are expected to compete with integrity, respect their opponents, and represent the community positively.

  1. Eligibility

Open to all players with valid accounts for the respective titles (League of Legends, Valorant, or TFT) on North American servers.

Players must register through Start.gg before the event deadline.

Participants must be 13 years or older or have parental/guardian consent.

All competitors agree to follow tournament rules, staff directions, and NEEL’s community guidelines.

Players may only register under one team or entry per game.

  1. Registration & Check-In

Registration closes once tournament capacity is reached.

Players must check in before their scheduled start time on Start.gg or via Discord.

Late check-ins (more than 10 minutes past start) may result in disqualification or forfeiture.

Substitute players (if applicable) must be registered before tournament start.

  1. Match Conduct

Players must maintain respectful behavior at all times — no harassment, threats, or hate speech.

Toxicity, griefing, or verbal abuse toward players, staff, or spectators will not be tolerated.

Cheating, smurfing, stream-sniping, or use of third-party programs (aimbots, scripts, macros, etc.) will result in immediate disqualification.

Any disputes must be reported to staff immediately after the match.

Tournament officials’ decisions are final and binding.

  1. Technical Rules

All games are played on North American servers.

Players are responsible for ensuring a stable connection and functioning equipment before matches begin.

If major technical issues affect multiple participants (server crash, disconnects, etc.), staff may restart or reschedule the match.

Pauses are only allowed for technical or emergency reasons and must be communicated to staff.

  1. Game-Specific Adjustments

Each featured game will follow its own individual ruleset and structure:

🧠 League of Legends – 5v5 Summoner’s Rift (Tournament Draft)

🎯 Valorant – 5v5 Standard (Plant/Defuse)

♟️ Teamfight Tactics – Standard TFT Lobbies (Points Format)

If participation is below expected thresholds:

<16 players/teams: Format may be adjusted (smaller lobbies, shorter rounds, or alternate modes).

<10 players total per title: That game’s tournament will be canceled and refunds issued.

  1. Prizing & Charity

Thank you for joining our Giving Tuesday Tournament!

50% of all entrance fees will support the NEEL Esports Career Program, providing scholarships and educational resources for Nevada students.

The remaining 50% will go into the player prize pot for winners.

Prizes may include scholarships, digital gift cards, or other community-based rewards.

Donation Link: https://donorbox.org/supporting-nevada-esports-education-league

  1. Results & Reporting

Match results must be reported immediately after completion.

Screenshots or confirmation from both captains/players may be required for verification.

False reporting or tampering with match data is strictly prohibited.

  1. Disputes & Appeals

Players must raise any dispute within 10 minutes after a match concludes.

Staff will review evidence and issue a final ruling.

NEEL staff reserve the right to adjust match results or issue penalties for misconduct or unsportsmanlike behavior.

  1. Code of Conduct

All participants are expected to:

Show respect and professionalism both in-game and in communications.

Refrain from any offensive, discriminatory, or disruptive behavior.

Follow the spirit of fair play and uphold NEEL’s values of education and community leadership.

Violation of these standards may lead to warnings, disqualification, or removal from future NEEL events.

  1. Staff Authority

Tournament officials have complete discretion to:

Modify brackets or schedules to ensure fairness.

Restart or cancel matches due to unforeseen issues.

Enforce rule violations, issue penalties, or remove players.

Make final decisions on all event matters.

  1. Community & Media

Players consent to be featured in photos, videos, and livestreams.

Streams may include player names and gameplay footage.

Personal livestreams must include at least a 2-minute delay to prevent competitive advantage.

  1. Final Notes

This event is about fun, fairness, and giving back. By participating, you’re helping grow esports education in Nevada while competing alongside other passionate players. Thank you for supporting Giving Tuesday with NEEL!