ZEALOTS FIELD CODE OF CONDUCT
This Code of Conduct is to be followed by owners of all Zealots Field owners, whether in the pro or college leagues. Czars, commissioners and vices are expected to enforce this Code without exception.
A. Participation
Participation is the lifeblood of a fantasy football league; more than fresh FAs, more than rivalries, even more than stats. If there is no sense of community going on between owners -- no trade talk, no trash talk, no football talk -- there will shortly be no ZFL because there will be no fun. So owners are actively encouraged to go out there and start a new rivalry or talk up some trade bait, not only for their own enjoyment, but also for the good of the league.
B. Preparedness
It goes without saying that preparedness is the key to long-term success in a fantasy league. Owners who come to the draft prepared, keep abreast of the free-agent market, and do their homework when it comes to researching players and studying league rules have the success from year to year that makes them the teams that everybody else is gunning for. On the other hand, nobody wants to play week to week with a roster full of scrubs. So owners are actively encouraged to stay on top of NFL happenings and read the fantasy football message boards year-round, not only for their own enjoyment, but also for the good of the league.
C. Communication
Perhaps the most overlooked facet of fantasy football is communication. Players and commissioners alike need to be timely, complete, and accurate with the information they provide to each other. Because in a virtual game like fantasy football, based on statistics and one level removed from reality, communication is the only way that everybody can share the construct that is collectively built. Chuck Noll always stressed to his players that they had to all “be on the same page” to be successful. So owners (and commissioners) are actively encouraged to over-communicate rather than under-communicate whenever possible, not only for their own benefit, but also for the good of the league.
1-Any communication that contains spam (multiple copies in one area or the same communication in multiple areas), which does not directly pertain to Zealots Field is not allowed.
2-Material that advocates illegal activity or discusses illegal activities with the intent to commit them, will not be allowed.
3-Unauthorized copyrighted material, is not allowed.
4-No advertising or any form of commercial solicitation, without first obtaining the approval from the Zealots Field Staff. .
D. Competitiveness
A. Participation
Participation is the lifeblood of a fantasy football league. If there is no sense of community going on between owners -- no trade talk, no trash talk, no football talk -- there will shortly be no Zealots Field because there will be no fun. Owners are encouraged to promote and engage in healthy rivalries, not only for their own enjoyment, but also for the good of the league.
B. Preparedness
It goes without saying that preparedness is the key to long-term success in a fantasy league. Owners who come to the draft prepared, keep abreast of the free-agent market, and do their homework when it comes to researching players and studying league rules usually experience success from year to year. On the other hand, nobody wants to play week to week with a roster full of scrubs. Owners are also encouraged to stay on top of NFL happenings and read the Field House message boards year-round, not only for their own enjoyment, but also for the good of the league.
C. Communication
Perhaps the most overlooked facet of fantasy football is communication. Players and Commissioners alike need to be timely, complete, and accurate with the information they provide to one another. Because in a virtual game like fantasy football, based on statistics and one level removed from reality, communication is the only way that everybody can share the construct that is collectively built. Chuck Noll always stressed to his players that they had to all “be on the same page” to be successful. Owners and Zealots’ leaders are encouraged to over-communicate rather than under-communicate whenever possible, not only for their own benefit, but also for the good of the league.
1) Any communication that contains spam (multiple copies in one area or the same communication in multiple areas), which does not directly pertain to Zealots Field is not allowed.
2) Material that advocates illegal activity or discusses illegal activities, with the intent to commit them, will not be allowed.
3) Unauthorized copyrighted material, posted without permission of the author, is not allowed.
4) No advertising or any form of commercial solicitation, without first obtaining the approval from the Zealots Field Staff is permitted.
D. Competitiveness
Competitiveness is the keyword in fantasy football. Any of the following types of behavior are strictly prohibited and will be dealt with quickly and decisively by the Commissioner or Czar with responsibility over the league in question.
1) Collusion
Two or more owners making arrangements to influence the results of league activities, such as auctions, player availability, draft standing or game outcomes. Any unsportsmanlike conduct coordinated between two or more owners is considered collusion.
2) Tanking
An owner who fails to submit a quality lineup, either intentionally or through indifference. It is understandable and expected that owners will play hunches on who to play and won’t always start the players who score the most points. On the other hand, employing tactics such as benching “must start” players with no injury concerns for more questionable choices, starting players who have been hurt, suspended or benched for weeks, or starting players who are on their bye weeks is unfair to the rest of the league and will draw a warning from the Commissioner or the Czar. If the behavior persists, the commissioner may take more serious action to resolve the situation in accordance with the selected penalties listed below, up to and including expulsion from the league.
3) Indifference
An owner who fails to submit starting lineups, or change their existing lineups to replace players who are out due to injury, suspension or bye weeks will receive a warning from the league Commissioner. If they fail to respond or resume their participation, the Commissioner will have no choice but to impose what he deems an appropriate penalty.
4) Dumping players
An owner who, for any reason, cuts players from his team who are obviously valuable will receive a warning from their league Commissioner or Czar to cease. If the owner continues to dump, the Commissioner can put the owner up for a removal vote by the league. Obviously, there are always going to be a few borderline cuts made, such as the starting quarterback who is a perennial injury risk and has a highly drafted rookie waiting in the wings. On the other hand, cutting obvious fantasy starters, or large quantities of average players in an obvious attempt to increase draft position, make players available to others by way of collusion or to sabotage the integrity of the league will not be tolerated.
Penalties
1) Loss of ZBucks
2) Loss of draft positioning
3) Loss of draft pick
4) Expulsion from the league
Each commissioner will weigh his unique circumstances with his league vices, keeping fairness and appropriateness in the forefront. Syndicate Czars MAY be used if necessary.
E. Sportsmanship
Sportsmanship, a much maligned value these days, helps make fantasy football a much more pleasant experience for everyone. True enough, the FF environment is dog-eat-dog competitive, as it should be, but sportsmanship is knowing where to draw the line. Every Owner has had the guy in one of his leagues who no one wants to trade with because he will try to peddle his injured players for your healthy ones. Then there is the guy who can’t stand to lose without whining about it. Similarly, there is the blowhard who may go 1 – 13, but the one owner he manages to beat will never hear the end of it. Any FFer will tell you that it’s the loser’s privilege to cite the “could haves” and that the greatest benefit of winning a game is getting to rub it in. But owners are encouraged to temper these natural inclinations every once in a while, so that by raising the bar a little they also raise the enjoyment level for all the owners in the league.
F. Decency
Many owners have a moral standard which finds foul or course language offensive. Others may not personally mind off-color humor, but have children looking over their shoulder, and do not want them to see words, phrases or jokes that violate their innocence. Therefore, the ZFL will strictly enforce a code of decency regarding the language used in this league.
1-Offensive Humor
Many posts thought to be in jest, may very well offend the recipient. While trash talking is acceptable, the manner in which it is delivered should be considered. In addition, with a vast array of individual backgrounds here at Zealots Field, the inclusion of race, religion, and or gender jokes will not be allowed.
2-Foul Language
No swearing, cursing or off-color remarks will be tolerated. Furthermore, playing with the letters to change their appearance, while still conveying the intent will not be allowed. All efforts will be towards making this a family friendly site. Young children, and some adults do not wish to read such indecent words. Keep it clean, it is that simple.
3-Personal Attacks
While bringing attention to how bad anothers team is, or laughing at their QB group, is acceptable, calling the owner an idiot for drafting them is not. All personal attacks should be left out of your posts.
4-Inappropriate Images
When selecting your avatar, or graphics for a signature, please follow these guidelines:
a-No nudity, whether full or partial. No shots of unclothed people hiding behind objects which cover their respective parts. Also, no simulated sexual activities will be allowed in images.
b-No indecent words. Keep it clean.
c-Shock value is not a point to consider when choosing your avatar either. Keep away from graphics which display violence, drug use or images to disturb others.
G. Process
The Czars of Zealots Field will routinely review all banners and avatars for approval. Owners do not need to submit their designs in advance, but should know that anything questionable may be pulled or deleted by a Czar without warning. Notification will then be given the owner explaining the reason for the deletion.
The process of warnings/owner removal is up to the discretion of the Czars and that many factors, which can differ from owner to owner, may come into play. The disciplinary process is to remain confidential.
If there is something that you find is not in the best interest of Zealots Field and/or has crossed the lines of decency, please send a detailed e-mail to us at
[email protected]. Once a complaint has been received, it will be brought to the attention of the Czars who will then discuss the issue and deliver a finding.
If this is a problem for an owner, he should not even petition for entry into the league
