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RULES & POLICIES

The FFRL is a PG-13 league and the overall goal is to bring friends and family together, have some fun, make new friends and experience some good, competitive racing. The FFRL hasn't forgotten that drivers are here to compete and race hard against each other. That's a big part of the fun of sim racing and it's encouraged in the FFRL. These rules are not intended to muzzle drivers' instincts or discourage hard, clean racing and respectful competition. Just the opposite, they are here to ensure that drivers understand what is expected.

The admins and members of the review committee are here to enjoy sim racing, too. They are volunteers who have lives and better things to do than review replays for cautions and argue with drivers over grievances and penalties. In an effort to minimize their work and the impact on their time, all drivers are reminded to exercise discretion, race with respect and remember the rules.

1.0 SCORING

Scoring will be based on the 2011 Nascar points system for each stock car series. Additional series added to the lineup may introduce a different points system which would be added here if need be.

In the event of a tie, the championship will be decided in the following order of consideration; most wins, most top 5's, most top 10's, most races participated in. If a tied condition still exists, the championship will be determined by a head-to-head race off between the tied drivers. The league administrators will determine the track and settings used for the race off.

CUP Points System

Position

Points

Position

Points

Position

Points

Position

Points

Win Bonus

3 pts.

Led One Lap

1 pt.

Led Most Laps

1 pt.

1.1 Provisional's - Provisional points are equal to that of 20th position or 1 position beyond last place (the lesser applied). "Cup" series are permitted 5 prov's a yea. Alternate "Series" are permitted 3 prov's a year. To request a provisional, a driver must post the request within the designate area within the FFRL Forums.

2.0 GENERAL POLICIES

2.1 FFRL Server/Voice Communication/Driver - Information such as server IP's, passwords, voice communication passwords, driver(s) emails, or personal information regarding the FFRL or it's drivers is strictly confidential to the FFRL and it's drivers. Giving out such information is a ban-able offense.

2.2 Driver Name - The "handle" that you input on your application will be used throughout the FFRL. This "handle" is to be widely used as your login server name, forum account, and voice communication software.

2.3 Forum Account - All drivers will be registered to the forum boards upon approval of membership. Account creation will be made once approval of your application. Your "handle" on the application will be used as your login name.

2.4 Membership - Membership with the FFRL is of no charge. Drivers who miss 5 consecutive races in a row without posting in the provisional threads of absence, will be moved to inactive status. Drivers inactive may not rejoin when the first "Chase" race begins.

2.5 Replays - All league participants are expected to export and retain the race replay at the end of league events for at least 48 hours. The administration may request specified laps for validation. Failure in submitting a requested replay will cost the driver 50 championship points and alter their finishing position. Replays are also needed if contesting incident points or defending a driver complaint.

2.6 Punctual - Each event starts with 90 min practice followed by qualifying. Servers will not be reset for late comers nor for those not ready at the start of the race. *Rfactor - drivers who are dropped by the software prior to the race start, 1 reset will be put in place for 5 min to allow the driver to rejoin.

2.7 Connection quality - It is the responsibility of each driver to assure the league and his/her fellow driver the best possible connection. If any driver has been informed by the Race Administration that he/she is warping, the driver either has to go to the rear of the field and discontinue close racing and wait for the connection quality to improve. The race administration has the right to eject a driver if they persist in competitive racing or refuse to leave the event.

2.8 Conduct - Driver will not flame (yell at and/or insult) another driver before, during, or after any event. If a driver feels another driver has acted inappropriately, they should contact the admin through private email. Flaming, offending and disrespecting another member or potential member will not be tolerated. Private messages in the game, forum or email to insult or threaten another driver could call for an instant dismissal.

During Event Penalties: (Public Chat)
1st offence - Black Flagged
2nd offence - Ejected & Benched following event in that series.
Repeat occurrences can result in removal.
After Event Penalties: (Whisper Chat, PM's)
1st offence - 50 championship points
2nd offence - 2 week suspension
3rd offence - removed from series

In 2004, the Team IROC Series was won by 1 point by Team Pink over Team Red

2.8.1 Language - Foul and/or abusive language will not be tolerated.

2.9 Car Files - All drivers are allowed to start with 1 car file per series. A maximum of 4 Cup and 2 Thursday Series are available with the purchase of driver salaries. All car files are posted on the weekend. Submission of car files on Sunday will be posted the following weekend. Any car files submitted with nudity or artwork in bad taste will be refused at the sole discretion of the FFRL staff. Please submit car files to admin@ffrl.org. Files are to be named "FFRL11_#_A", B, C or D.

2.10 After Event Contact - We request that all drivers withhold making contact with other drivers, whether it's a congratulations rub or a friendly contact, until at least 1 lap past race finish.

2.11 Website - It is the responsibility of each driver to check the website for updates and schedules.

3.0 Gentlemen's Rule - The "gentlemen's rule" is in place to deter against over aggressiveness when the yellow flag appears. Once the caution is brought out, drivers are to hold their positions. The leader is to continue at their present speed until they cross the start/finish. This is to reduce the chance of a bottleneck. It is recommended, but not mandatory, that when the leader reaches the pace car, he/she signals the field of the position. Drivers passing under caution will be given an EOLL penalty. In the event two drivers are side by side, an honor system must be used. Exception to this rule: If the yellow appears and there are cars in front of you who were involved in the wreck or spin, you may pass, but with caution. If they are up to present speed, fall in behind. (N2003) In the event two or more drivers are side by side, the race administrator must be notified immediately for quick review on the first lap of caution. The driver not ahead will be required to give up the position even if it entails to pit 2nd or 3rd time by.

4.0 Lucky Dog - The "Lucky Dog" recipient is the driver who is the first 1 lap down or more at the time the caution flag waves. If the recipient is the reason for the caution or is a lap down due to a FFRL penalty, he/she is not eligible. The "Lucky Dog" does not apply during the last ten laps of the race. Instructions - (N2003) Driver is to pit 3rd time by. Lap awarded when session returns to green. (Rfactor) Driver is given EOLL penalty. Lap awarded prior to going green.

5.0 RACE RULES & POLICIES

5.1 Event Practice - Practice session prior to the events race runs from 7:15 pm to 8:45 pm EST. “Hot lapping” is only permitted in the first ½ hour of practice, 7:15 pm to 7:45 pm EST. The remainder of that time, drivers are encouraged to adjust their setups (if an open setup series), tire wear runs, and practice running in traffic. All drivers should exercise courtesy and caution as if under race conditions. Drivers causing grief by continuing to “hot lap” through the remaining hour of practice may be told to park their car for the remainder of the session by the race administration.

5.2 Server Restarts - A race will only be restarted; (1) if within or on the first 6 laps 25% of the field is out of the race due to accident (damaged or retired cars do not count toward the 25% ), (2) if the race server crashes, (3) or 50% or more of the drivers are disconnected. If one or more drivers suffer from any form of connection troubles that can result in loss of track position or individual disconnection, but the aforementioned criteria for a restart are not met, the results of that race are final and cannot be disputed. A caveat to this rule is that an administrator can decide to restart a race at any time solely for the sake of playability and enjoyment for all.

5.3 Chatting - Chatting, whether in type or vocal, should be kept to minimal race related topics while under green and final lap of yellow. No chatting while qualifying is in session.

5.4 Blocking - Allowed only in the last 3 laps of an event. Blocking is described as changing your line to match the movement of the car behind you, thus preventing that car from attempting a pass. Blocking is not the same as guarding your line. If a driver is found blocking by the race administration, a warning will be given. Continued blocking will result in a penalty.

5.5 Your Pit Box - When entering and exiting your pit box, you are permitted to use the pit box before and after yours. At no time may drivers drive through the entire line of pit boxes to reach their own, or to exit the pits. Not following correct procedure to enter/exit your pit box may cause you to have to re-pit under yellow or serve a drive-through penalty. After exiting their pit box, drivers should use the far right lane for exiting pit road.

5.6 Using the Apron - On ovals, cars are not allowed to use the apron as a racing lane or as a passing lane. On most ovals there is a yellow or white line that designates where the racing line ends and the apron begins. All cars must stay above the line except when qualifying, when it may be used to run fast lap for pole position. Instances that may force you below the line, avoiding an accident, etc.. will be judged by the Race Administration.

Penalties:
1st offense – sacrifice position
2nd offense – black flag
3rd offense – park car

5.7 10 Laps to Go - All drivers 1 lap down or more must pit the 2nd or 3rd time by to allow lead lap cars to race for the finish. Failure to pit by the drop of the green will result following the pace car in or an admin penalty. On restarts, passing is permitted prior to turn 1. All drivers must hold their current position, and line, until after crossing the start/finish line. Any forward progress or moving out of your line will result in a "stop and go" penalty.

5.8 Intentional Wrecking - Flagrant and intentional wrecking at any time during an official league event will not be tolerated. This is otherwise known as "punting". Using this type of system to gain on the field, or payback a driver, is considered as unsportsmanlike conduct.

Penalty:
1. Driver is ejected and DQ’d from race without provisional points.
2. Driver benched the following race WITHOUT provisional points.
3. Void of receiving ROTY award.
4. Void of receiving Sportsman award.
5. Driver put on probation for the remainder of the season with all Series in the FFRL.
6. Further aggravation could lead to ban.

5.9 No Passing until Backstretch - At the drop of the green, there will be "no passing or forward advancement" on the car in front of you until after exiting turn 2. If a two wide start, both sides must hold their position (lead lap car on high side, lapped cars on the inside). If single file start, the field may drop to the inside through turns 1 and 2. Making a pass prior can result in giving back position or falling back to end of line.

Drivers that wish to allow a pass must move to the inside lane to signal the field for the pass. A driver moving down to allow 1 driver to pass may not move back in to prevent others.

Passing on the start prior to turn 1 is permitted if that start falls into the last ten (10) laps of the race. (See Rule 5.7)

Drivers or Teammates abusing the rule by allowing a driver in front to gain a jump on the field will result in the driver being issued a black flag for "setting" the race and placed on probation for the remainder of the year for all series within the FFRL. The driver may be required to submit a replay showing their throttle/brake input. Failure in submission of the replay falls into the rules and guidelines of "2.5 Replays".

5.10 Jumping the Start - Accelerating faster than pace speed before the drop of the green is considered as "jumping the start". Another example of "jumping" is staying back in the field and timing it so that when the green drops, you're on top of everyone. Both methods are illegal moves in the FFRL and in NASCAR. Pace speed is announced on the opening laps of the race. The Race Administration allows a 5 mph buffer due to internet and replay. If found over the 5 mph safety zone, you will be considered as jumping the start.

5.11 Pacing - Under pace, the field should maintain at least 1 entire car length between the cars. It is recommended to take your pace laps in 4th gear to avoid sudden speed bursts. Your actions under yellow have a direct effect on the drivers around you! The field may line up in a zigzag formation until the final lap of caution. At no time may a driver burn their tires or weave back and forth under pace. Not maintaining proper pacing guidelines can result in penalties directed by the race administration depending on the situation. Contact under caution/pace; see "Incident Points".

5.12 Fake Pitting - Fake pitting, or faking not pitting is not permitted in the FFRL. Entering the pit road access, crossing the first white line or commitment cones is considered as commitment to pit. Failure to follow through will force a re-entry.

5.13 EOLL - "End of Longest Line" drivers should move to the far inside of the track as a visual confirmation for others to pass. (N2003) Drivers receiving "EOLL" should state in chat of their position.

5.14 Admin thrown penalties - A black flag thrown by the race administers is defined as a "stop and go" penalty for both N2003 and Rfactor. Drivers receiving an 'admin black flag' are not eligible for Lucky Dog.

5.15 Incident Points - The definition of an incident is, “Any contact, wreck, or spin that brings out the yellow flag”. We want to offer the cleanest league racing that can be found on the internet right here at the FFRL. Mutual respect and consideration for your fellow drivers will result in this league being at its very best.

Each division will have a maximum incident limit before action is taken; Magnum Cup Series (7), Sportsman Cup Series (8), Thursday Night Series (7). Once a driver reaches the limit in the division they are racing in, they will be forced to forfeit the next race without the benefit of provisional points. Once their bench has been served, their point total is reduced to 25% of the maximum allowed point total plus any points gained beyond the maximum.

There are three (3) possible results if a caution is brought out; 1) driver is charged, 2) incident is deemed a "racing incident" which no driver is charged, 3) incident is deemed 'undetermined at time' in which the incident will be reviewed after the race and charged accordingly.

The FFRL Pitstop is an annual get together that has taken place 8 times over 11 years.

5.15.1 Removal of Points - Performing a clean race will have points removed from your total (see chart below). Removal points cannot be saved for a "rainy day". Instant removal of 1 IP point can by purchased for 1 million if the drivers salary has such funds. Only 1 IP can be bought per event.

Incident Point Breakdown	IP	Champ Points			Add'l Penalty
		Mag	Spo	Thu
Spins
1st solo spin	n/c*	0	0	0	EOLL
2nd solo spin + following spins	1.0	1	1	1	EOLL
Stopping on Track (solo spin)	1.0	1	1	1	EOLL
* Though no IP charge is applied, the driver voids removal of IP's
Spins with contact are considered as "incidents"
Pacing w/contact
Turning another, minor touch, or without causing damage (admin discretion)	1.0	1	1	1	repit, EOLL
Aggressive contact causing damage	2.5	4	4	4	BF
Incidents
Incident	1.5	2	2	2	EOLL
Incident on Restarts	2.0	3	3	3	EOLL
Incident on opening/closing 5 laps	2.5	4	4	4	EOLL
Late Hit
Driver receives points equal to the driver who brought the caution. (Incident Min.)	1.5+	2+	2+	2+
Clean Races
+50% race finished	-2.0
-50% race finished (retired or dnf)	-1.0
-50% race finished (damaged)	-1.5

(Rfactor) Last 5 laps - The 'last 5' is defined by the set amount of laps for the event. Any laps added to the set amount by a GWC (green, white, checkered) are also included in 'last 5'.

5.15.2 Multiple Incidents at same time - Two incidents that happen under the same caution that are not directly in relation to each other will be looked at as two separate incidents.

5.15.3 Three and Out - A driver charged for bringing out a combination of three cautions will be asked to park his/her car.

5.15.4 When and Where are points posted? - IP (incident point) totals are posted on the community forum under the series "victory thread" after the event has come to it's conclusion. Full IP history is posted on the website under the Series of the navigation menu.

5.15.5 Contesting IP's - You are given 48 hours to protest an incident once the IP's have been posted for that nights event. Any protest beyond the 48 hour mark will be rejected. Drivers must send a replay including one lap prior and after the incident with an enclosed explanation. Do not send an entire replay. All protests should go directly to admin@ffrl.org. Any protest/discussion within the forums will be quickly removed. Each driver is granted two (2) "free" contests per season/Cup series and one (1) per season/Thurs series. Contests beyond the "free", if the driver is still determined to be at fault, there will be a charge of 1 IP.

5.15.6 Who reviews the incidents? - Incidents are reviewed by the Race Administration who do NOT race in the selected series. If a third party opinion is needed, a race administrator from another series steps in for the review.

5.15.7 Your responsibility - It is the drivers responsibility to keep up with their own IP totals from the 'series' section on the website. At times, the admin staff will notify a driver if they are within 2 points of the maximum limit. If a driver goes beyond the maximum limit, an email will be send notifying the driver and team owner if aligned with the FFRL VMS.

6.0 COMPLAINTS & GRIEVANCES - Complaints alleging violations must be made within 24 hours after race completion in order to be considered by the administrators. Complaints are only accepted via email at admin@ffrl.org. A detailed explanation of events is to be provided, including the lap numbers in which the incident took place.

The league administrators will rule on all violations. All judgments made by the administrators are final. All penalties will be assessed at the discretion of the administrators. To be able to reach a fair judgment the participants will be responsible for providing a replay of the incident in question. As such it is advisable for all race participants to retain a replay of each event for a minimum 48 hours. The replay submitted should show two laps prior to the incident through two laps following the incident. Do not submit an entire race replay. If a full-length replay is provided to the administrators, it will be discarded and not used in reaching a final judgment.