The-Circle

League Rules & Settings

This page is the “source of truth” for how the league is run: expectations, policies, roster settings, and scoring. It’s meant to keep things fair and keep the season moving.

Quick nav: Policies · Conduct · Communication · Trophy · League Size · Commissioner · Roster · Scoring

Policies

Inactive manager policy

  • Inactive Team Identification: A team is considered inactive if no lineup changes are made for two consecutive weeks without prior notice to the Commissioner.
  • Auto-Lineup Setup: If a manager is inactive, the Commissioner reserves the right to set the team’s lineup using the highest projected players.
  • Chronic Inactivity: Persistent inactivity without communication may result in the team being permanently removed from the league.

Goal: keep weekly matchups fair for everyone.

Penalty policy

  • First offense: Written warning from the Commissioner.
  • Second offense: Roster lock for one week.
  • Third offense: Possible removal from the league, based on a league vote.

Manager replacement policy

  • Finding a replacement: The Commissioner will work to find a new manager to take over the team.
  • Interim management: Until a replacement is found, the Commissioner may set lineups or freeze the team to ensure fairness.
  • Keeper eligibility: Teams managed by a replacement manager remain eligible for keepers or prizes.

Dispute resolution policy

  • Initial review: Disputes should be submitted to the Commissioner in writing, including the issue and suggested resolution.
  • League vote: If unresolved, disputes may be put to a league-wide vote. A majority decision is final.
  • Appeals: Once a decision is made, it cannot be appealed further within the same season.

Conduct guidelines

Trash talk is fine. Being a problem isn’t. Keep it fun and keep it readable.

Active participation

Set your lineup weekly to ensure fair competition.

Respectful communication

No personal attacks, discrimination, or harassment.

Fair play

No collusion or intentional actions that compromise league integrity.

Sportsmanship

Win without rubbing it in. Lose without melting down.

Violations may result in warnings, lineup adjustments, roster locks, or removal at the Commissioner’s discretion.

Communication policy

  • Primary platform: League communications are conducted via Discord.
  • Response expectations: Managers are expected to respond to Commissioner or league-wide messages within 3 days.
  • Notification of absence: Managers should notify the Commissioner if they plan to be unavailable for an extended period (vacation, work travel, etc.).

League trophy policy

  • Responsibility: The winner is responsible for keeping the trophy safe, clean, and in good condition while in their possession.
  • Damage or loss: If the trophy is damaged or lost while in the winner’s care, they are liable for the full cost of repair or replacement.
  • Transfer of trophy: The trophy must be returned to the Commissioner before the start of the next season.
  • Display: The trophy may be displayed at the winner’s discretion, provided it remains protected from potential harm.
  • Acknowledgment: By accepting the trophy, the winner agrees to these terms.

Failure to comply may result in penalties, including forfeiture of future eligibility to hold the trophy.

Expansion / contraction policy

  • Adding teams: Expansion can only occur in the offseason, with majority approval of current managers.
  • Reducing teams: If participation decreases, the league may contract with a majority vote. Managers of removed teams will be refunded entry fees (if applicable).

Commissioner transition policy

  • Proposal for vote: Any league member can propose a change in Commissioner by submitting a formal request to the current Commissioner and notifying all league members.
  • Vote of confidence: A vote will be held among all league members. At least 75% of active members must agree for the change to be implemented.
  • Transition period: The outgoing Commissioner assists the incoming Commissioner during a two-week transition period to transfer settings, responsibilities, and league materials.
  • New Commissioner expectations: The incoming Commissioner commits to maintaining league integrity, enforcing rules, and keeping the league enjoyable.
  • Re-election option: The league may review the Commissioner role at the end of each season.

Roster settings

Starting positions

  • QB: 1
  • WR: 2
  • RB: 2
  • TE: 1
  • Flex (WR/RB/TE): 1
  • K: 1
  • DEF: 1
  • Bench: 6
  • IR: 2

Scoring rules

Offense

  • Passing yards: 1 point per 25 yards
  • Passing TD: 4 points
  • Interceptions: -1 point
  • Rushing yards: 1 point per 10 yards
  • Rushing TD: 6 points
  • Receptions: 0.5 points (Half-PPR)
  • Receiving yards: 1 point per 10 yards
  • Receiving TD: 6 points
  • Fumbles lost: -2 points
  • 2-point conversions: 2 points

Kickers

  • FG 0–19: 3 points
  • FG 20–29: 3 points
  • FG 30–39: 3 points
  • FG 40–49: 4 points
  • FG 50+: 5 points
  • XP made: 1 point

Defense / Special Teams

  • Sack: 1 point
  • Interception: 2 points
  • Fumble recovery: 2 points
  • Defensive TD: 6 points
  • Safety: 2 points
  • Blocked kick: 2 points
  • Kickoff/punt return TD: 6 points

Points allowed

  • 0: 10
  • 1–6: 7
  • 7–13: 4
  • 14–20: 1
  • 21–27: 0
  • 28–34: -1
  • 35+: -4

If the host platform settings ever differ from this page, the league should update one of them so they match.