Game Format & Rule Book
CXBL™ EDITION
Revised February 8, 2012

1.1. FIELD DESIGN

1.1.1. All game fields shall be free from anything that would pose an unnecessary risk to players.

1.1.2. Players and judges should be able to move freely on game fields. Game fields should not contain significant wet or swampy areas, dense undergrowth, or other obstructions likely to be an impediment to free movement or the safety of players and judges. This does not include acts of god.

1.1.3. Fields will contain a team station centered at each end, and a center flag station.

1.1.3.1. The center flag station will be placed at midfield in such a manner as to assure that players from either team station can reach the center flag station in the same amount of time. The flag will be hung at the center flag station at the start of each game.

1.1.3.2. The team stations will serve as the starting point for play as well as the final destination of a flag hang.

1.1.4. Taking into account terrain, cover, ability to move, fire lanes and topography, game fields shall be balanced.

1.1.5. The field size for a 5-player game should be 125 feet wide by 150 feet long.

1.2. FIELD STAFFING

1.2.1. Each game field shall be staffed by a minimum of six (6) field judges.

1.2.2. Only judges authorized by the Ultimate judge may actually make calls on that field.

1.2.3. There shall be a minimum of two (2) chronographs available on each field.

OFFICIATING

2.1. STANDARDS

2.1.1. All judges shall be thoroughly familiar with the rules and regulations contained herein and shall put forth their best efforts in discharging their duties as judges.

2.1.2. All judges shall perform their duties and shall make decisions in an unbiased manner.  If a judge is determined by the Ultimate and/or Commissioner to be biased in his/her judging activities for or against any team, such person shall be removed from the judging team for the remainder of the event.

2.1.3. Judges will wear shirts and pants of bright colors that will distinguish the judges from the players.

2.1.4. Clerical or mathematical errors may be corrected at any time upon approval by the CXBL Committee.

2.2. INFORMATION

2.2.1. If necessary, pit areas/starting stations will be determined by coin toss prior to the start of the game.

2.2.2. Judges will not provide information to teams regarding the location of flag stations, terrain, boundaries, game time, or progress of a game during the game, except with respect to safety concerns.

2.2.3. Judges will not, through action or inaction, deliberately reveal or conceal the locations or actions of players during the course of a game.

2.2.4. Judges will not deliberately impede the progress of the game.

2.3. MATCH CONTROLS

2.3.1. When the time-out clock reaches zero (0), the game will start by a signal such as a buzzer, whistle, air-horn, siren, or verbally so that each team may hear.

2.3.2. A game will end with a signal such as a buzzer, whistle, air-horn, siren, or verbally so that each team may hear.

2.3.3. In the event of an emergency situation, the judge discovering the emergency will halt game time for the duration of the emergency.

2.3.4. Interference with the game start mechanism in any form such as but not limited to yelling over a buzzer sound will be deemed an obstruction in game mechanics with the appropriate penalty applied.

3. MATCH STRUCTURE

3.1. START PROCEDURES

3.1.1. Each team is expected to report to the entry point of the game field at least 20 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the game.

3.1.1.1. Players must sign in for their match at least 5 minutes prior to match start. Any player that does not sign in within this timeframe will not be allowed to play that match.

3.1.1.2. Players that do not sign in and are found by field officials to be playing a match will be assessed a Match Misconduct penalty.

3.1.2. Players will be stationed in a controlled area adjacent to the game field. A judge or other tournament official will supervise this area. Players may not leave this area, except to enter the field. Any player that leaves this area without permission from the Ultimate will not be allowed to re-enter for the duration of that match.

3.1.3. Players are responsible for removing old hits or bringing the same to the attention of a field judge so that they may be dealt with in a manner that would not result in an elimination of the player.

3.1.4. Players are not allowed to bring tools or other prohibited equipment on the game field. Presence of such equipment may result in a penalty and/or disciplinary proceedings against the offending players and/or teams.

3.1.5. Players must have the barrel of their marker touching the net of the team flag station below their waist prior to the start of play. Any player without their barrel touching the net of the team flag station below their waist at the start of play will be eliminated.

3.1.6. Players that are approaching the starting station at the signal of game play and continue to the starting station and shoot their markers will be assessed a minor penalty.

3.2. SCORING

3.2.1. A team will receive one (1) point for the following reasons:

3.2.1.1. A successful flag hang.

3.2.1.1.1. A successful flag hang occurs when a player touches the team flag station with the flag.

3.2.1.1.2. Flag hangs may be awarded to the team that is not in possession of the flag when it is hung.  The team station where the flag is hung determines which team receives the point for the game.

3.2.1.1.3. Points will not be immediately awarded upon the flag touching a team flag station.  The status of the flag carrier will first be verified before a flag hang is considered official.

3.2.1.2. The coach of the opposing team “throws in the towel”

3.2.1.2.1. No flag carrier checks will be performed when a point is awarded to a team in this manner.

3.2.1.3. The opposing team is assessed a penalty that results in a 4^th player in the penalty box

3.2.1.3.1. No flag carrier checks will be performed when a point is awarded to a team in this manner.

3.2.1.4. The opposing team is assessed a major penalty in the final 90 seconds of the game.

3.2.1.4.1. No point is awarded if both teams are assessed a major penalty at the same time in the final 90 seconds however the time clock will be stopped

3.2.2. The team with the most points at the end of regulation time will be declared the winner of the match.

3.2.2.1. If the score is tied at the end of the regulation time one standing point will be awarded to each team.

3.3. PRE-MATCH CHRONOGRAPHING

3.3.1. Referees may chronograph players’ markers prior to or during play.

3.3.1.1. Players are responsible for ensuring that their markers are operating at or below the posted field limit of 300 feet per second (fps).

3.3.1.2. Any marker found to be in excess of the field limit (300 fps) cannot be used until adjusted.  No penalty will be assessed at this point.

3.3.1.2.1. Players whose markers are found to be in excess of the field limit can:

• Change markers if time permits
• Play without a marker
• Change player and marker if time permits

4.1. REGULAR SEASON

4.1.1. A complete schedule for the year, consisting of field numbers and scheduled game times, will be distributed prior to the launch of the season.

4.1.2. Each CXBL team will play 8 matches in their appropriate conference during the regular season.

4.1.2.1 Each match won will result in the addition of 2 points to the winning teams overall match points

4.1.2.2 Each match tied will result in the addition of 1 point to both teams the overall match points

4.1.2.3 Each match lost will result in no points being added to the losing teams overall match points

4.1.3. At the conclusion of the regular season the bottom seeded CXBL Elite team will be relegated to the MXL for the following season.

4.1.3.1 The relegated CXBL Elite team will inherit the position of the promoted MXL Team in the conference the MXL team originated from.

4.1.4. Final team standings will be determined by overall match points. In the case of a tie, the following tie breaking procedures will occur.

4.1.4.1 In the case of a tie in overall season points, the team with the highest plus/minus score will be ranked higher

4.1.4.2 In the case of a tie in plus/minus, the team with the lowest points against (PA) score will be ranked higher

4.1.4.3 In the case of a tie in points against (PA) score, the team with the most games won will be ranked higher

4.1.4.4 In the case of a tie in games won, the highest ranked team will be determined by coin toss.

4.1.5. In the event a match is cancelled due to inclement weather or other circumstances, that match will be, if time permits, rescheduled for a later date during the regular season.

4.1.5.1. In the event a match is cancelled for the above reasons and cannot be rescheduled during the regular season, each team will be awarded  two (2) standing points and a 0 to 0 score.

4.2. NAX CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND

4.2.1. The Top 6 CXBL Elite teams will advance to the NAX championship round.

4.2.2. These teams will have the chance to win the Richmond Cup (CXBL). The Championship Cup will feature the winning team’s name and player’s names displayed on it. The Championship Cup will remain in the possession of the league and a Championship trophy will be given to the winning team.

4.2.3. NAX Championship matches utilize a double elimination format (fig. a) with the exception of the Richmond Cup match which is single elimination.

4.2.4. If there is a tie at the end of regulation time, we will go to a 5 minute sudden death overtime period; in the event of the match remaining tied we will then go to a one on one shootout. Each team will have one (1) rostered player representing and belonging to their team compete in a shootout. There will be one (1) minute entered on the official scoreboard. If after the one (1) minute time a winner is not determined, teams will choose different rostered players to compete in the one on one shootout. This will continue until a winner is determined. The winning team will advance to the next round.

4.2.4.1. All penalties in progress at the end of regulation time will be carried over into the over-time period.

4.2.5. If a major penalty is assessed in the over-time period a point and the victory will be awarded to the team that did not receive the penalty

4.2.6 All teams advancing to the Richmond Cup Finals are allowed up to 3 MXL guests. To be eligible to guest, MXL players must have played a minimum of 4 regular season matches as an MXL player during the current season. MXL players who have previously guested 2 regular season matches in the CXBL division remain eligible to guest at the Richmond Cup finals.

4.3. PLAYING FIELD REVIEW

4.3.1. All playing fields will be available for review by any team competing in the event prior to play.

4.3.2. No team or member thereof shall in any way alter the playing field.  The penalty for a player modifying a field prior to the start of play or during the event days will result in a suspension from that event and fine.

5. EQUIPMENT

5.1. CLOTHING

5.1.1. Each player may wear only one layer of underclothing consistent with the weather of the day for all but unseasonably cold weather. Extra layers for unseasonably cold weather must be approved, in advance, by the Ultimate.

5.1.2. Players may not wear oversized clothing.  If a judge deems that a player's clothing is oversized, the judge may require new attire or make temporary adjustment using tape, pins, etc.

5.1.3. Players may wear forearm, elbow, shin, knee pads and headbands/headgear provided that the padding on such is not excessive and has not been modified from the manufacturers’ original form. Such articles must be worn under clothing with the exception of headbands/headgear. A player may only wear a total of 2 layers of clothing including official league jersey and above mentioned articles of clothing. A player may only wear 2 layers of headbands/headgear.

5.1.4. Players may wear a single pair of gloves, with or without full fingers.

5.1.5. Players may wear neck protection of a single layer.

5.1.6. Padded chest protectors are prohibited for use except those that have been tested and approved by the CXBL rules committee.

5.1.7. Players may wear headgear that does not extend excessively beyond the collarbone or below the shoulder blades and is left to the discretion of the Ultimate.

5.1.8. Orange and pink are protected colors and are not allowed on players’ equipment or exposed clothing. Faded and variations of the colors may not be allowed and are at the Ultimate’s discretion.

5.1.9. Any modification of any sort brought to an official CXBL players’ jersey is strictly forbidden. If a player chooses to do so, he/she will be suspended for an undetermined period and a fine will be given to the player in question.

5.1.10. Players must wear the official current years CXBL jersey to be allowed to participate in an event. If a player and/or team chooses not to wear the official CXBL jersey, they will not be allowed to participate in the event.

5.1.10.1. CXBL players are issued jersey numbers by their respective team owners prior to the start of play of the season. That jersey number is attached to the corresponding player for the remainder of the season. In the case of a misplace/lost/stolen jersey, an unassigned spare jersey can be used with prior notification to the league officials. An unassigned spare jersey is a jersey that has not been assigned to a player during the current season.

5.1.10.2. Team owners that give the CXBL Committee thirty (30) days’ notice will be able to purchase a replacement official CXBL jersey for a $250 fee. Only registered team owners will be offered this option and must contact the CXBL Committee within the timeframe stated. Jerseys will be of the same number that is being replaced and will be ordered only when paid in full.

5.2. PROTECTIVE GEAR

5.2.1. Players, coaches and pit staff must wear goggles manufactured for use in paintball games in good repair and with lenses that are not damaged while in live areas.  Goggles must meet or exceed ASTM Standard F1776.

5.2.2. Players, coaches and pit staff must wear full-face protection as it comes from the manufacturer in original form while in live areas.

5.2.3. Players, coaches and pit staff must wear ear protection that is part of the goggle system that was made by the manufacturer for that goggle system while in live areas.

5.2.4. The Ultimate has the right to refuse any article of protective clothing deemed unsuitable for the event.

5.3. MARKERS

5.3.1. The definition of a trigger is a device operated by the user of a marker that is typically a movable lever or button that comes in contact with the finger.  The contacts of a switch will not be considered to be a trigger.  A trigger cycle is the movement of the trigger through the discharge position and returning to a reset or recycle position.  A trigger cycle usually requires an exertion of force by the finger on the trigger and a release of force by the finger on the trigger during every firing cycle.  Markers may operate at a discharge rate to a maximum of fifteen (15.4) balls-per-second (bps).

5.3.1.1. The rate of fire is determined by the time between any two (2) consecutive paintballs only.

5.3.1.2. Markers must operate in a semi auto or ramping mode only. Modes such as but not limited to full auto, breakout mode, etc. will be prohibited.

5.3.1.3 Electronic enhancements made to a marker on or off the field are forbidden. Enhancements will be judged as unsportsmanlike behaviour

5.3.2. Players may use a single paintball marker that consists of a single barrel and a single trigger.  Double action triggers are prohibited.

5.3.2.1. Markers must not discharge a paintball after the trigger has been released.

5.3.2.2. If a trigger has been at rest for more than one second, only one ball per trigger cycle is allowed until AFTER the third trigger pull.

5.3.3. All markers with any form of external velocity adjusters must be made in such a way that the velocity adjuster is not readily accessible during the course of the game. All regulators require tournament caps such that they cannot be adjusted without a tool with the gun gassed or degassed. All hand adjustable regulators will require a tournament cap.

5.3.4. All markers are subject to inspection at any time by league officials.  A team or player found to be using a marker in violation of Rule 5.3 will be suspended.

5.3.5. Gun barrels may be equipped with porting, slots, rifling, but may not have a sound suppressor attached or integral to the construction of the barrel.  A player may only have one barrel on the field.

5.3.6. Players may not use cloth, neoprene, or other material to cover the paint loaders on the marker.  Cloth and neoprene tanks covers will be allowed.

5.3.7. At all times in a goggle-off area or designated areas, markers must have a barrel blocking device capable of preventing an intact paintball or shell fragments greater than 3mm by 5mm from exiting the barrel or barrel blocking device.

5.3.7.1. A player committing such infraction (5.3.7) shall be assessed a five (5) minute penalty. The team in question shall play short-handed for five (5) minutes of game time. If the infraction occurs during the two (2) minute time-out, the team in question will start the next point short-handed. If the infraction occurs during match play, the team in question will start the next point short-handed. If this infraction occurs during the last ninety (90) seconds of play, a point will NOT be awarded to the opposing team.

5.3.8. Markers may not be Orange or Pink as they are protected colors.

5.3.8.1. Faded and variations of the colors may not be allowed and are at the Ultimate’s discretion.

5.4. PAINTBALLS

5.4.1 Paintballs used at any CXBL Division match must be from a paintball manufacturer who is CXBL league approved. Paintball brands used must be named manufacturer brands that has certified compliance with ASTM standards and meet CXBL non-staining criteria. Use of non authorized paintballs will result in the forfeit of the match and suspension of the offending team’s players.

5.5. OTHER EQUIPMENT

5.5.1. Loaders or stickers may not be Orange or Pink as they are protected colors.

5.5.1.1. Faded and variations of the colors may not be allowed and are at the Ultimate’s discretion.

5.5.2. A referee can require a player to remove stickers or objects that can interfere with the ability to properly see paint hits including but not limited to stickers on goggles, exposed battle swabs, stickers on loaders, etc. including those bearing the same color as the protected paint colors.

5.5.3. Any player found to be using a Co2 and/or Compressed air tank whose test date is expired will be assessed a Match Misconduct penalty.

5.6. PROHIBITED EQUIPMENT

5.6.1. Prohibited equipment includes whistles, voice amplifying devices, listening devices, communication devices and any form of electronic surveillance device, incendiary devices, smoke producing devices, toxic paint, non-biodegradable paint, and paint that has a shell, fill or both altered or augmented in any way from the manufacturer’s original form.

5.6.2. Anything not specified in Sections 5.1 through 5.4 inclusive, shall be prohibited unless allowed by the ultimate judge.

5.6.3. A player’s footwear may not contain metal or ceramic cleats or spikes. The ultimate has the right to refuse any type of footwear deemed as dangerous or unacceptable to the league.

5.7. POSSESSION AND EXCHANGE

5.7.1. Live players may exchange equipment.

5.7.2. Players who are eliminated must exit the field with all equipment they were carrying when they were eliminated.

5.7.3. Players must carry all paint, gas and equipment to be used during the course of the point on them at the start of the point.

      5.8. USE OF GOPRO® CAMERA

6. TEAMS

6.1. TEAM ROSTERS

6.1.1. Team rosters consist of active registered players.

6.2. PLAYER

6.2.1. Team may have up to 15 players on their roster, but may field a maximum of five at any time.

6.2.1.1. Teams will be eligible to make 3 changes to their roster throughout the regular season.

6.2.1.2. Changes to rosters must be submitted via Xball.com no later than 10:00 AM EST the Monday prior to the following event.

6.2.1.3. No changes to the roster can be made for the Championship round.

6.2.1.4. Rosters for the Championship round must include players previously on or added to the team’s roster during the regular season, eligible players must have been present and played at least 1 match during regular season play.

6.2.1.5. Teams must sign in a minimum of 5 players to begin a match. This can include the allowed number of guest players as defined in section 6.3.

6.2.1.6. Players will be required to show an official XtremeID player card prior to play at each event. Any player failing to show such ID will not be allowed to participate in that event. Temporary ID cards will be available for an extra charge at each event from the commissioner and are only valid for that event.

6.2.2. No player may appear on more than one CXBL roster.

6.2.2.1. No player may sign in for or play for multiple teams that are playing on the same field and/or at the same time.

6.2.2.2. To prevent unfair advantages (“Sandbagging”) all players rostered on an Eastern Conference team for Event 1 may not be rostered on a CXBL Elite team for the 1^st event, this rule does not include or affect the guesting program as per Section 6.3.

6.2.3. All players under 18 years of age must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian to play. It is the responsibility of the team owner to verify parent or legal guardian signatures for any player he/she is submitting a player contract for. Failure to verify and/or falsifying a player contract constitutes an illegal roster and will result in a forfeited match.

6.2.4. All teams must submit complete rosters prior to play.

6.2.4.1. Team rosters for an event will only be accepted after all fees have been paid in full.

6.2.5. Players may assist the pit-crew between points.

6.2.6. Players will be allowed to “throw in the towel” to cause stoppage of play. In doing so, the opposing team is awarded a point and the time-out clock will begin a 2-minute countdown.

6.2.7. Towel buzzers activated by players, pit or coach staff accidentally hitting or activating the buttons will be considered official and will result in the opposing team receiving a point.

6.2.8. All players are required to shake hands with members of the opposing team immediately following the conclusion of each individual match. Players/Teams that refuse to do so will be penalized and or fined upon a review by the CXBL committee.

6.3. GUESTING PROGRAM

6.3.1. CXBL teams may have up to two MXL rostered player guests per match. A CXBL roster may have a maximum of 17 players per match (15 CXBL and 2 MXL).

6.4. RANKING SYSTEM

6.4.1. Players appearing on rosters of PSP Pro, Millennium Pro or USPL/NPPL Pro are considered “Advanced” if they have been rostered anytime within the current and previous 2 seasons.

6.4.2. CXBL players that are not considered “Advanced” players are allowed to drop one division in ranking during the off season (i.e. CXBL players may be rostered on a MXL team the following season). No advanced players will be allowed to drop a division of ranking during the season.

6.5. PIT-CREWS

6.5.1. Pit staff in the active pit area can consist of a maximum of three (3) persons.

6.5.2. Pit staff are responsible for the preparation and maintenance of equipment and supplies required by the players including and not limited to:

6.5.2.1. Replenish paint and air as required.

6.5.2.2. Clean and/or replace goggles.

6.5.2.3. Remove splatter and marks on players and equipment.

6.5.2.4. Provide players penalized with markers over the posted field velocity limit with new markers or adjust faulty markers.

6.5.3. Players can assist pit staff members.

6.5.4. Pit Staff will be allowed to “throw in the towel” to cause stoppage of play.  In doing so, the opposing team is awarded a point and the time-out clock will begin a 2-minute countdown.

6.5.5. Towel buzzers activated by players or pit staff accidentally hitting or activating the buttons will be considered official and will result in the opposing team receiving a point.

6.5.6. Only 1 member of the Pit Staff or Team can be assigned as “Coach” at any given time.

7. CHRONOGRAPHING

7.1. CHRONOGRAPHING

7.1.1. Chronographing on the field may be done at any time at the discretion of any field judge to determine if a marker's muzzle velocity is above the legal limits.  Judges can seek to perform field chronographing with minimal interference to the play.

7.1.2. Players with markers chronographed on the field during a game at the legal limit (typically 300 fps as determined by the CXBL) or less (one, two or three shots at the discretion of the field judge) will continue to play without penalty.

7.1.3. Players with markers shooting over the legal limit will be assessed the appropriate penalty.

7.1.4. Any judge can take a marker from a player during stoppage of play or upon elimination of the player, and inspect it for the following:

7.1.4.1. The presence of foreign matter in the barrel, feed port or loader;

7.1.4.2. Tightness of screws, barrel, tank and other working parts which can increase or decrease velocity;

7.1.4.3. Presence of valves or expansion chambers which can be turned on or off; all valves will be placed in the fully open position,

7.1.4.4. Presence of external velocity adjusters which are not covered or fixed in place; and

7.1.4.5. Any other device, part or item which would enable a player to increase the muzzle velocity of the marker on the game field without resorting to the use of tools.

8. MATCH PROCEDURES

8.1. MATCH TIMES

8.1.1. A match will consist of two (2) 25-minute halves.

8.1.2. The match time will continue to run at each flag hang, a “towel thrown in”, assessment of the 4^th consecutive penalty, or elimination of the last player(s) on the field.

8.1.3. The match time will stop upon the occurrence of:

8.1.3.1. a point awarded as per section 3.2 with less than five (5) minutes to play in a half

8.1.3.2. in case of an emergency as per section 8.6

8.1.3.3. at the conclusion of regulation time for a half.

8.1.3.4. the use of a time out

8.1.4. A two (2) minute time-out will intercede each point or elimination of the last player(s) on the field.

8.1.5. There will be a five (5) minute time-out between the first and second halves.

8.1.6. Play will end at the earliest of:

8.1.6.1. A flag hang

8.1.6.2. End of regulation game time.

8.1.6.3. A coach/pit staff/player “throws in the towel”

8.1.6.4. Assessment of 4^th consecutive penalty to a team

8.1.6.5. Assessment of a major penalty in the final 90 seconds of a game (including overtime) that results in a point being awarded per section 12.1.2.2

8.1.6.6. Elimination of last player(s) on the field

8.1.6.6.1. Players in the penalty box are not considered live players “on the field”.  When play stops, the penalty time stops and will resume with play.

8.1.7. When a condition described in 8.1.6 occurs, "Time Out will be communicated by a buzzer, whistle, air-horn, siren, or other suitable means.

8.1.8. The ultimate judge, a field judge appointed by the ultimate judge, or an official timekeeper, will keep the official match time. In the event that a match is to be interrupted because of a medical emergency, or otherwise, the match time will be stopped.  The ultimate judge will restart the match by resetting the remaining live players at their respective team flag station.  The time-out clock will begin a two (2) minute countdown to resume play as specified in Section 2.3.1.  Time will begin to run from the point of interruption upon such restart.

8.2. TIME-OUTS

8.2.1. Each team will have available, one (1) two-minute time-out per half to use at their discretion.

8.2.1.1. Unused time-outs do not carry over to the next half or the next match.

8.2.2. A Time-out stops the match time and resets the time-out clock to two minutes and can only be called during a two-minute timeout. Time-outs cannot be used before a match begins or during half time of a match in progress.

8.2.3. Only one Time-out can be used by either team at any time.

8.2.4. When requesting a time out, the team in question must do so with at least twenty (20) seconds remaining on the time out clock, cannot be called in advance and cannot be withdrawn.

8.3. GAME ENDING PROCEDURES

8.3.1. Game play will end at the earliest of:

8.3.1.1. A successful flag hang

8.3.1.2. End of regulation time.

8.3.1.3. A coach/pit staff/player “throws in the towel”

8.3.1.4. Assessment of a penalty resulting in a 4^th player in a team’s penalty box

8.3.1.5. Elimination of last player(s) on the field.

8.3.1.6 Play will end as described in Section 2.3.2

8.4. CHECKOUT PROCEDURES

8.4.1. Eliminated players must immediately exit the field via their entry point by the most direct route or as directed by a field judge.  Players that take routes that are not the most direct and conceal such player's elimination from the other team or players that refuse to follow a judge's direction on leaving the field constitute playing-on and will be assessed the appropriate penalty.

8.4.2. Players, coaches and/or pit staff may not re-enter the playing field without the permission of a field judge.

8.4.3. Players, coaches and/or pit staff entering the playing field from the designated staging area before a point is complete or during active play constitute too many players on the field and will be assessed a minor penalty.

8.5. FORFEITS

8.5.1. A team will forfeit their match for one of the following reasons:

8.5.1.1. A forfeit will be declared for each match that a team fails to report in a timely fashion for its pre-game check-in, or for any match in which a team refuses to take the field, as long as its opponent is willing to and/or does take the field.  In the event that both teams fail to show for a match or both teams are unwilling to take the field, both teams will have forfeited that match.

8.5.1.1.1. A team scheduled to oppose a team that has forfeited a match is declared the winner of the match.

8.5.1.2. A forfeit will be declared if a team fails to dress the minimum required players as defined in section 6.2.1.5.

8.5.2. Once a forfeit has been declared, the circumstances for the forfeit will be reviewed by the Commissioner to determine if the forfeited match will be rescheduled due to unusual circumstances such as and not limited to Acts of God.

8.5.2.1. A forfeited match will result in an 8-0 score. If your overall average goals for/goals against is more than 8, your team will be awarded the difference in the score. If your overall average goals for/goals against is less than 8, your team will be awarded 8 points.

8.5.2.2. A match forfeited once play has begun will be reviewed by the CXBL Committee for its validity and the reasoning behind the stoppage of play. If the forfeit is deemed acceptable by the CXBL Committee, the score of the match will be the greater of either (a) an 8-0 score OR (b) the score of the match at the point the stoppage occurred.

8.5.3. If a team does not present themselves for a scheduled match without a valid reason, as determined by the CXBL committee, the team and players in question will be expelled from the league for the remainder of the season. There will be no refunds to a team or player under these circumstances. Any team or player expelled for this reason that requests to purchase or play for a team for the following season must be approved by the CXBL committee.

8.6. MATCH STOPPAGE

8.6.1. Match stoppages will only occur in case of an emergency, dangerous weather conditions, other "acts of God" or a physical altercation on the game field.

8.6.2. All field judges will note the locations of the players at the time that the match is stopped.  Once the match has been stopped, the field judges will insure that players remain in those locations. Judges will check all players and will remove any players who were eliminated prior to the match being stopped.  Judges will confer to review the sequence of events prior to the match stoppage.  If penalties need be assessed, they will be assessed at such time.  Players with hits may be reinstated into the match if the field judges determine, in their discretion, that a player was eliminated as a direct result of illegal actions that led directly to the match stoppage.  Once the condition causing the match stoppage has been resolved the ultimate judge will restart the match by resetting the remaining live players at their respective team flag station.  The time-out clock will begin a two (2) minute countdown to begin the match as specified in Section 2.3.1.  Time will begin to run from the point of interruption upon such restart.

8.6.3. At the time the match is stopped, all players currently on the field must immediately turn off their markers, replace their barrel blocking device, place the marker on the ground with the barrel aimed at the nearest inflatable and back away from their position. Once verified by a judge the player can then exit the playing field.

9. PAINT CHECKS

9.1. WHEN PERFORMED

9.1.1. Paint checks are performed by judges for the purpose of determining if a paintball has broken on and marked a player.

9.1.1.1. Paint checks are performed by a judge when the judge has observed a player taking fire in an area that the judge cannot directly observe or when the judge is directed to do so by another judge.

9.1.1.2. Judges may, but are under no obligation to, make a paint check after a player has requested one.

10. ELIMINATIONS

10.1. OBVIOUS HITS

10.1.1. Obvious hits are those that impact and break on easily observable and verifiable places on the body or equipment being carried or those that likely have been felt by the player.  A judge will determine whether a player felt a hit by where that paintball impacted his/her body and/or whether they reacted upon being hit.

10.1.2. Players who are hit in an obvious location are expected to immediately signal their elimination by announcing, "HIT" or "OUT" at the time of such elimination and hold one hand above their head.

10.1.3. Such players must then install their barrel condom, hold the marker in the air above the head, and exit the field immediately by the most direct route or upon the instructions of a field judge.

10.1.4. Players with obvious hits may not call for a paint check. Calling for a paint check under such circumstances constitutes continuing play.

10.1.5. Players who are in motion with an obvious hit will immediately turn their motion away from the opposition and stop play.

10.1.6. Players with obvious hits in areas that are not easily verifiable, such as the back must immediately call on a teammate who can easily verify whether or not the paintball broke to indicate if the player was eliminated.  The teammate must respond immediately.  If the hit player is eliminated, they must cease play, signal their elimination and exit the field pursuant to the provisions of Section 8.4.1.  Failure to call a teammate for verification or failure of a teammate to immediately respond constitutes playing-on by the hit player.

10.1.6.1. If a teammate is not available for verification, the player must immediately call for a paint check by a field judge.  Failure to call for such a paint check immediately will constitute playing-on by the player.

10.2. UNOBVIOUS HITS

10.2.1. Unobvious hits are those that impact and break on players or equipment in areas not easily observable or hits that players receive and give no indication or knowledge of them having occurred.

10.2.2. A player with an unobvious hit becoming aware, through his/her own actions or through information provided by teammates, that he/she has been validly marked, shall consider the hit to be an obvious hit.

10.3. OTHER TYPES OF ELIMINATIONS

10.3.1. A player is eliminated if a paintball shot by a live member of the opposing team or a player's team strikes that player or anything he/she is wearing or carrying and such paintball breaks upon the object struck.

10.3.1.1. If the paintball strikes the player or anything he/she is wearing or carrying but does not break and leave a mark, such player may not eliminated, to the discretion of the judge.

10.3.1.2. If a player is hit and marked by a paintball shot by an eliminated member of the opposing or player's team, such player may not be deemed eliminated.

10.3.1.3. If a judge does not see a paintball shot by a live member of the opposing or player's team strike that player or another object, but that player has paint on himself/herself or anything he/she is wearing or carrying that resembles a hit, such player will be eliminated by such judge.

10.3.1.4. If the paint marking is reasonably solid and the size of a quarter (approx. 1”) or larger, it will be considered a valid hit.

10.3.1.5. If two opposing players are simultaneously hit and marked, or if the judges cannot determine which player was hit and marked first, both players will be eliminated.

10.3.1.6. No player will be allowed to continue play with paint that is considered non-valid until it is wiped clean by a judge.  Judges will wipe splatter or non-valid hits off a player at the time they are inspected.

10.3.2. Players will be eliminated if any part of their bodies or anything that they are wearing or carrying breaks the plane separating the field from the out-of-bounds area.

10.3.2.1. Such elimination will take place immediately upon the breaking of such plane.

10.3.3. Players that separate from any piece of equipment or clothing that they brought onto the game field, by more than five (5) feet, except squeegees or pods used in holding paintballs, will be eliminated.

10.3.4. Players will be eliminated and/or penalized for engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct, including, and not limited to:

10.3.4.1. Failure to obey a judge's directions,

10.3.4.2. Deliberate avoidance of a judge in a manner to prevent a judge from chronographing a marker or prevent him/her from making a call,

10.3.4.3. Shooting at judges,

10.3.4.4. Shooting at an eliminated player, coaches, spectators, game officials,

10.3.4.5. Requesting of paint checks or using judges to locate opposition players,

10.3.4.6. Verbal or physical abuse of opposition players, judges, League officials, or spectators

10.3.5. Players that take action which would cause members of the opposing team to reasonably believe that such players have been eliminated, including but not limited to calling themselves out or hit, holding the markers in positions above the shoulders, or placing objects in the barrels of the markers and carrying them in view of members of the opposing team, will be eliminated.

10.3.6. Eliminated players will immediately exit the field via their entry point or according to a judge's directions.

10.3.6.1. Dead Man Walks are prohibited. Any player that takes action that would cause a member of the opposing team to believe that he/she is eliminated when not actually the case will be eliminated.

10.3.7. CXBL players may only jump/pass bunkers that make up the “snake”.

11. FLAGS

11.1. FLAG CARRIERS

11.1.1. Players carrying flags must carry them in full view.  Players cannot attempt to hide or disguise the flag in any way.

11.1.2. Flags may be passed from live players to live players.

11.1.3. A player eliminated while in possession of a flag will immediately drop the flag and leave the field as in section 8.4.1

11.1.3.1. If a judge recovers the flag from an eliminated player, the judge will proceed to the point of elimination and drop the flag.

11.1.3.2. A flag in transit by a judge or held by an eliminated player can be intercepted by another player from either team.

11.2. FLAG HANGS

11.2.1. When a player touches the flag to a team's flag station, the flag judge immediately calls time out and the time-out clock is started.  The flag judge then performs a paint-check on the flag carrier.

11.2.1.1. If the flag carrier is determined to be free of “HITS”, then the flag hang will be successful.

11.2.1.2. If the flag carrier is determined to be “HIT”, the hang and subsequent point for the game will be nullified, and a minor penalty will be assessed.  The time-out clock will not be stopped and game play will resume in the normal fashion.

11.2.1.3. A point will not be allowed if the player hanging the flag "crashes" the penalty box to hang the flag. "Crashing" the box is defined as recklessly careening into and/or past the penalty box limit with no regards to safety. The measure by which a player crashes the box will be obvious and left to the referee's discretion. A flag carrier exiting the field at any other point will still be considered an elimination.

11.2.1.4. A point will not be allowed if the flag is tossed or thrown at the flag station. The flag must be in the player’s possession while touching the flag base.

11.2.1.5. A point will not be allowed if the player hanging the flag is found to be wearing too many layers, as defined in section 5.1, and a minor penalty will be assessed.

11.2.1.6. A point will not be allowed if the player hanging the flag is found to be using a marker that is either illegal (section 5.3), shooting in excess of 15.4bps (section 5.3) or over the legal limit of 300 fps (section 7.1) and the appropriate penalty will be assessed.

12. PENALTIES

12.1. DEFINITIONS

12.1.1. MINOR PENALTY

12.1.1.1. An infraction for a minor penalty will result in the player committing the offence being confined to the penalty box for two (2) minutes of regulation time AND the closest player to the one committing the offense being eliminated.

12.1.2. MAJOR PENALTY

12.1.2.1. An infraction for a major penalty will result in the player committing the offense being confined to the penalty box for five (5) minutes of regulation time.

12.1.2.2. If a major penalty is assessed in the last 90 seconds of the game (including overtime), the penalty is served and a point is awarded to the team that did not receive the penalty

12.1.2.2.1. If simultaneous major penalties are awarded to each team, points will NOT be awarded.

12.1.3. MATCH MISCONDUCT

12.1.3.1. A player assessed a match misconduct will be suspended from play for a period time not to exceed:

12.1.3.1.1. The balance of the match if the infraction occurs in the first half of regulation time

12.1.3.1.2. The balance of the existing match AND the entire next match if the infraction occurs in the second half of regulation time.

12.1.3.2. A match misconduct does not result in short-handed play unless accompanied by a lesser penalty.

12.1.3.2.1. If a lesser penalty is assessed with a match misconduct, a player that was on the field with the offending player during the last play, is placed in the penalty box for the offending player and the substituted player will enter the match at the end of the lesser penalty time

12.1.3.3. The team of the offending player will be assessed a minimum of a major penalty.

12.1.4. SUSPENSION

12.1.4.1 A player that is suspended will not be able to play for a period determined by the League Committee.

12.2. OTHER INFRACTIONS

12.2.1. PLAYING-ON

12.2.1.1. Playing-on entails continuing to act as a player in the match after being eliminated. Playing-on includes but is not limited to, continuing to fire or otherwise engage the opposition, continuing to move, except with respect to exiting the field by the most direct route or at the direction of a judge, talking, signaling or otherwise communicating either to a judge, opposing players or teammates, except that a player may say "HIT" or "OUT" or something to that effect once, impeding the progress of opposition players or a judge, hampering a judge in making a paint check or a call, discharging or degassing the marker or providing teammates with paintballs or equipment.

12.2.1.1.1. “Spinning” is reactionary and occurs within a second of being hit.

12.2.1.1.2. “Advancing” is a deliberate attempt to play-on after being hit.

12.2.2. WIPING

12.2.2.1. Wiping is the active and deliberate removal of paint by a player in order to avoid elimination or avoid a judge's call.

12.3. DECORUM

12.3.1. Teams, Players and/or Officials will be subject to disciplinary action and fines for inappropriate behavior such as, and not limited to:

12.3.1.1. Wearing or otherwise displaying offensive pictures, words or logos at the site where matches are being played.

12.3.1.2. Engaging in any conduct that would bring the CXBL, the commissioner, or any sponsor into disrepute, including and not limited to tossing or throwing a marker or air system, the discharge of loaded markers in goggle-off areas, trashing a hotel room, the willful destruction of private property, engaging in physical altercations, or the commission of a criminal act.

12.3.1.3 The CXBL, their boards of directors, branches and its officers and/or divisions have the right to refuse admission to an event to any player, coach or pit staff that is found to be under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal substances. Players, coaches or pit staff are subject to disciplinary action and/or fines for such action.

12.4. ASSESSMENT OF PENALTIES

12.4.1. Judges will assess penalties in accordance to the following schedule:

12.4.2. Players in the penalty box at the end of play will return to the penalty box at the start of play (of the same match) to serve the balance of their penalties.

12.4.3. Penalty times will stop with the stoppage of play.

12.4.4. If, while a team is short-handed because of one or more minor penalties the opposing team successfully hangs the flag or the shorthanded team in question “throws in the towel” , the first of such penalties shall automatically terminate.

12.4.4.1. In the case where a player is serving two, consecutive minor penalties at the time the opposing team hangs the flag or the “towel is thrown in”, the first minor penalty shall be terminated

12.4.4.2. The player serving the terminated penalty shall return to the match if serving no other penalties.

12.4.4.3. In the case where the player that incurs the infraction is the last player on the field, that player must wait for the second point to be scored or completion of the penalty time to return to the field.

12.4.5. Players in the penalty box may not be substituted during time-outs.

12.4.6. Players in the penalty box may replenish supplies and equipment during a time-out.

12.4.7. Players serving time for a marker over the field limit must adjust their marker or receive a new marker before re-entering the field.

12.4.8. When a player is assessed both a minor and major penalty at the same time, the major penalty shall be served first.

12.5. MAXIMUM PENALTIES

12.5.1. A team may not serve more than three (3) consecutive penalties.  Assessment of a fourth consecutive penalty will result in immediate conclusion of play and a point awarded to the opposing team.

12.5.1.1. The offending team will start play with three (3) players in the penalty box to serve the balance of their time.

12.5.1.2. The player that caused the fourth penalty will not have to serve time in the penalty box.

12.5.1.3. A point awarded in this manner will not cause the oldest minor penalty to be terminated as is 12.4.4.

12.6. FINES

12.6.1. League Committee will assess fines in accordance to the following schedule:

12.6.2. Players and/or teams must pay any/all fine(s) to the CXBL commissioner prior to playing at the next scheduled event.

12.6.3. Any player and/or team with outstanding fines will not be allowed to participate in any further events until said fine(s) are paid in full.

DISCLAIMER

13.1. DISCLAIMER

13.1.1. The CXBL, its board of directors, branches and its officers and/or divisions has the right to make changes to this rulebook at any time for any reason with or without prior notice.

13.1.2. The CXBL, its board of directors, branches and its officers and/or divisions is not responsible for any typos, misprints, grammatical or mathematical errors.