Since Tournament Policy documents require ongoing updates and amendments to keep pace with Organized Play, we are pleased to present you with Version 2.2 of the Official KDE-US Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Infractions and Penalties Policy.
We have made a few changes in this latest version – you will find clarification of existing policy, re-structuring of previous information to make it easier to understand, some new additions and some changes from previous policy.
You will need to know all this information to properly prepare for tournament play, but don’t worry! We have prepared an article about the major changes and what they mean for you. While it isn’t a list of each and every change, it will explain the more significant changes. As you read through this article, have a copy of the policy document open too, and refer to it as you go – reading this article by itself instead of reading the policy document won’t provide you with all of the information you need to be ready for tournament play.
Most of the sections in the policy document itself will have example charts that will help you understand how the policy works
Let’s take it
section by section!
Some of the previous subsection designations have changed in this new version, so keep that in mind as you go.
Section I. Philosophy
This section explains
the purpose behind the Tournament Infractions and Penalties
Policy:
- Outlines the appropriate code of behavior for persons at a tournament.
- Instructs judges and tournament officials how to identify infractions and assign correct penalties.
- Helps ensure a fair and consistent tournament experience, by explaining the various types of infractions along with the penalties assigned to each infraction.
Changes to this section include:
Subsection A. Persons Attending a Tournament
What changed?
We separated Appropriate and Not Appropriate judge calls into separately-labeled sections, to better explain the difference between the two.
We have also provided some newer examples to help clarify.
What does this mean?
Judge calls (these are questions or issues about gameplay or policy which arise during a match) are intended to maintain a fair and consistent tournament. Judge calls should not be used as an exploitative tool to gain an unfair advantage or target another person.
Section II. Investigation Procedure
This section explains how to investigate issues regarding policy, properly identify infractions, and apply penalties.
Changes to this section include:
Subsection E. Time Extensions
What changed?
We clarified the example table by adding a title for each example, to reiterate each rule and make it easier to retain.
We also added an additional example to clarify when time extensions begin (when the judge arrives at the table).
What does this mean?
There are specific rules for applying Time Extensions, understanding how they work will help you understand the policy.
Subsection F. Game State
What changed?
We separated Irreparable, Reparable, and Accepted Game States into separate sections, to make the differences easier to understand.
We added a section to clarify Significant Advantage, which was not a widely understood concept.
We clarified some of the examples in the Misrepresenting the Game State example table.
What does this mean?
It is each Duelist’s
responsibility to maintain an accurate Game State, and to call over a judge immediately
should any disruption to the Game State occur.
Disruptions to the Game State should be
evaluated carefully to determine whether the Game State is Irreparable, Reparable,
or Accepted and whether or not the disruption has created Significant
Advantage.
Misrepresenting the Game State is a serious offence and can happen in a variety of ways – be aware of this and avoid doing it.
Section III. Penalties
This section covers information about the 4 types of penalties (previously 5) which can be administered.
We have one significant change to this section!
The Caution penalty has been eliminated entirely.
A Warning is now the only penalty that can be given for Minor Infractions.
Changes to this section include:
Subsection E. Upgrading and Downgrading Penalties
What changed?
We separated the Upgrade and Downgrade examples into separate tables, to make the information easier to process.
What does this mean?
Head Judges should follow correct policy when determining whether or not to upgrade or downgrade a penalty.
Section IV. Infractions
This section covers information about the
different types of Infractions that can be committed.
Changes to this section include:
Subsection B. Procedural Error
2. Procedural Error (PE) – Major (Game Loss)
What changed?
We have added a new Procedural Error – Major: If the Duelist responsible for submitting the
Match result for a Match that has concluded has not done so before 5 minutes
have passed from the official end of the Round, that Duelist will receive a PE
– Major (Game Loss) Penalty.
What does this mean?
Typically, the Duelist who wins the Match is responsible for submitting the Match results. If this Duelist fails to submit the result for a Match that has concluded within 5 minutes after the end of the Round, that Duelist will receive a Game Loss penalty, applied to their next Match.
This is intended to cut down on delays created by missing Match results in between Rounds.
Matches with Time Extensions must submit their Match result immediately after their Match has concluded.
Which Duelist is responsible for submitting the Match result?
The winning Duelist is responsible for submitting the Match result.
Subsection G. Slow Play
What changed?
We clarified there is not a set amount of time for actions.
We added some examples for appropriate upgrades.
What does this mean?
Slow Play is frequently misunderstood, study this section carefully to better understand it.
Subsection H. Unsporting Conduct
3. Unsporting
Conduct (UC) – Severe (Disqualification)
What changed?
We have added some new examples in the example chart, including intentionally
misgendering another person, refusing to wear a mask when instructed to do so,
submitting fraudulent vaccination information, behaving inappropriately on
camera at a Livestreamed event, and anyone other than an official vendor
attending a Sanctioned event for the purpose of buying and/or selling.
What does this mean?
Unsporting Conduct – Severe infractions are
serious, and it is your responsibility to understand policy and avoid these
actions.
4.
Unsporting Conduct (UC) – Cheating
(Disqualification)
What changed?
We re-organized the examples, to put similar offenses next to one another. We also provided clearer scenarios for some of the more vaguely worded examples.
What does this mean?
This information should be easier to understand now.
Section VI. Suspension and Suspended Persons
This section covers information about the process of Suspension from Organized Play, and information regarding Suspended Persons.
Changes to this section include:
Subsection A. Suspension for Infractions Occurring at
Sanctioned Events
What changed?
We added the line “Persons who are suspended from KDE Organized Play will be included on the Suspended Persons list.”
What does this mean?
You should be aware that if you are Suspended from KDE Organized Play, your name and CARD GAME ID number will be included on the Suspended Persons list.
Subsection B. Suspension for Infractions
Outside of Sanctioned or Official Events
What changed?
We added the line “Persons who are
suspended from KDE Organized Play will be included on the Suspended Persons
list.”We have also expanded the examples
list.
What does this mean?
You should be aware that if you are
Suspended from KDE Organized Play, your name and CARD GAME ID number will be
included on the Suspended Persons list.
Unsporting Conduct – Severe/Cheating
infractions are serious, and it is your responsibility to understand policy and
avoid these actions.
We’re excited about these updates to the document, and hope you found this article helpful and informative! Tournament Policy is often overlooked as Duelists focus on card text and rulings, but it’s every bit as important a part of tournament preparedness.
Please make
sure to review this current version (2.2) before attending an event, regardless
of whether it’s an in-person tournament or a Remote Duel tournament!
