WireLS Ladder Rules

The Leaderboards have been created to put a bit of fun competition into playing Links on WireLS. They are dynamic and updated automatically, but please conform to the Local Rules below to ensure the smooth running.

LOCAL RULES:

How Do The WireLS Divisions Work?:

When you join the club you start off with 10 points.

You score the following points for ladder games:

5 Points minimum for a WIN

1 Point for LOSING

There have been a couple of occasions of the automated ladder screwing up after games: specifically when two losers are logging their losses at the same time. This is because the system looks at the winner's details to decide what points to allocate before updating them.

Consequently, if more than one loser is logging against the same winner, the times may overlap and the winner might only recieve one victory :-( It is therefore vital that you submit your match report - even if you don't fill in any game details.

If you think the ladder hasn't recorded your victory, check the MATCH REPORTS menu above to see if all your opponents have logged. If they have, but the time they logged is close, it's possible this overlapping problem has occured. Contact us and we'll adjust your score if this is the case .

Bonus Points

After you have played at least 5 games, you will qualify for Bonus Points. These are, quite simply, half the points difference between the winner and loser.

This partially emulates the "jump rungs" system that many other clubs use, ie. Cases, and will enable newer players a chance to rapidly close the gap on the leaders.

How Does The Log Loss System Work?

When you select the log ladder loss link, this tees up an automated score reporting system it does not matter which game you played ie stroke, stableford, skins etc. Once started you MUST complete the 8 steps.

The system has been simplified so that the only thing needed is who won the match.

What Games Do We Play?

There are many various MOPs (Mode of Play) and swing types that you can use. We won't restrict people to anything specific - as long as all players in a match agree on the format. There are some official Club MOPs we will design for Official Tourneys, and these will be available for download when necessary.

However, for ladder games you MUST play the minimum requirements... 9 Holes Minimum (Front or Back) Professional, Champ or Elite Ability RTS, Powerstroke or Classic Swing (basically, NOT Easyswing!) Wind at least Breezy

It's been noted that disabling mulligans can cause problems if you suffer a disconnection - for example; re-creating a decent shot you made just before the crash. With this in mind, feel free to use mulligans - JUST NO CHEATING, OK?!!

Your Registration/Account Details:

To play on the Leaderboards you must be registered to do so.

You are only allowed one account and one name on the Leaderboard, partially as a security measure and also as a way of keeping the Leaderboard fair and dynamic. The Leaderboard will only work if you enter your details correctly and truthfully.

To register, select the "Registration" link on the Main Menu and enter your information.

You will also have the option to enter your MSN Messenger details, typically players arrange games by meeting in MSN.

It is vital you enter a valid e-mail!

The Membership Secretary will contact you to confirm you are eligible to join. You have our absolute guarantee that your e-mail will not be published by US without your permission. The only way people will be able to contact you via e-mail is if you have decided (like most people have) to enable this option in the WireLS Forum. The Forum is 128bit encrypted for your security.

If you are found to be entering any inappropriate or obscene information, or imitating another player, you will be thrown off the ladder. Simple.

Who Can I Play?

Play anybody you want, even the dog. Just try and take on everybody and not just the same three mates - everyone deserves a chance to move up the leaderboards.

How Many Times Can I Play a Leaderboard Match?

You can play as many people as you like in a given day - in fact it's advantageous to play as many different members as possible. However, you can only REGISTER one ladder game per day with the same player. (eg: you beat Gow911 once, Bill Seiko twice, and Reg three times on the same day - Gow, Bill and Reg will log only one loss each, giving you three victories)

We appreciate that people may find it difficult to find alternative partners, so this law is flexible - just make sure that you don't play the same person an average of more than twice a day.

Challenges:

You can challenge a player in many ways, but the more popular ones are:

Post a message on our FORUM

Contact him via his details in the Forum or via e-mail)

Hang out in the mIRC chat room

Arrange a mutually convenient time and date to get a game on. If it's a bit difficult to arrange for any reason, tell each other to stop any falling out.

If a person doesn't respond don't get upset or angry - there are many genuine reasons why someone might not get back to you. Its only a game, after all, and he may have real life issues to deal with. Remember, if he doesn't want to play then that's his loss - you can pick up points in other games and overtake him on the ladder!

How Do We Play?

Ideally, once a time of play has been set, the Challenger should set up a game proposal. Many club members prefer MSN to swap "IP" numbers.

The Challenger has choice of which course to play on, and whether the front 9, back 9, or all 18 holes will be used.

How Should I Behave?

With dignity, valour, and respect. Anyone caught trying to disrupt the ladders, continuously dropping from games when they are losing, or generally being a bad egg will be barred from the Club.

Likewise, if you suspect someone of cheating or using a false nickname we will investigate this. Registering false losses to move yourself up the board will not be tolerated and if we smell a rat, you'll be kicked off and NO rewards will be forthcoming!

If you feel this is taking place, seek the advice of the Club Captain.

Yeah, But What If I Drop Out Through Technical Error? OK, here's where it gets tricky...

Links has a very handy RESUME function, which causes it to save the sate of play if there is a crash. It may take a while if you lose connection, but log back in and if necessary re-prop the game with the same players. The host may be able to re-start the game and use the RESUME facility. Every effort should be made to continue the match, but if this is not possible a gentlemen's' agreement must be made between both players as to who is the winner.

It's hard to tell the difference between a yellow belly and good old-fashioned disconnection, so if this occurs and you can't discuss it there and then, the player who dropped out or was unwilling to continue should log the loss.

If there is no clear agreement, then both players should either agree to play again at some point, or report the situation to Web Admin who will make a FINAL ruling.

Remember guys, its ONLY A GAME.

How Do I Know I've Won?

You have won the match when your opponent has been wiped from the face of the Earth, crying like a baby; or has resigned and is begging on their knees for mercy! Or as the case is more likely :-

Match Play:

5 Up with 4 Holes to Play (5&4)
4 Up with 3 Holes to Play (4&3)
3 Up with 2 Holes to Play (3&2)
2 Up with 1 Hole to Play (2&1)
1 Up at end of match

Stroke Play:

Lower Score at end of match

Skins:

More Money at end of match

Stableford:

More Points at end of match

Any match that is tied should be decided by sudden death or by a rematch. This should be agreed before play commences.

Are There Any Special Rules?

The game mimics the Rules of Golf very well, though if disputes or problems arise the Club Officials will decide on a ruling and these will be added here:

Chipping on the Green You can chip on the green ONLY if there is a hazzard in your line (ie. fringe, bunker, water). Note that chipping on the green is generally frowned upon by most Linksters - and you won't get away with it in games on the Zone!

Putting Assistance The use of the putting assistance facility within the game is "outlawed" in all competitions within WireLS, this includes games on the ladders and as such this facility must be "disabled" for any game within WireLS.

Mulligans Though mulligans are allowed, you should only take them to re-create your previous shot if you have a crash, and not because you played a poor shot. You may take a mulligan after a mouse fart but only with the express permission of all other players.

"Drop" Rule If your ball lands in a hazzard and you need, either by choice or by necessity, to make a "drop", you can take on one of these options:

a) Use the 50 feet back-up option, or b) Re-take your shot from its original position, or c) Move your ball back an unlimited distance in a straight line from the pin.

We try and mimic The official R&A Rules regarding drops as closely as possible, though unfortunately it is not accurate enough to utilise Rules 28.a or 28.b and move your ball 2 club lengths from the position it landed. To save any post-game arguements, although you are able to do this in the game, this option is not allowed. This prevents players from smashing their shot into a hazzard, then simply dropping out left or right on the fairway.

SO UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE YOU ALLOWED TO DROP OUT TO THE SIDE - YOU MUST GO BACK IN A STRAIGHT LINE.

With Links 2003 the drop option has been improved, so generally you are safe to drop anywhere in the allowed "box" that appears. 

Oh Damn! I Got Beat...What Do I Do Now?

Once you have lost, we request that you rub salt in your own wounds by reporting the loss ASAP. This is done by simply clicking the Log Loss button, and going through the various menus.

If you play in a multi-player game (eg. a 3 ball, 4 ball etc.) you must register a defeat to all the players who finished above you!

For example:

A five hander game finished thus:

PLAYER	PAR
AJJD4	- 4
Dave L	- 3
Bogie-Gert	- 3
Skeggy	Level Par
Donkey Reg	+ 2

Donkey Reg must log 4 losses (takes time I know, sorry), one each to Skeggy, Bogie, Dave and AJJD4. Skeggy must log 3 losses, one each to Bogie, Dave and AJJD4. Bogie-Gert logs just one loss to AJJD4. Dave L also logs just one loss to AJJD4. AJJD4 sits back and laughs ! However:

In Team games (eg. Ryder Cup Style 2x2, 3x3 etc) each "team" should be treated as single entities and played thus:

TEAM	PAR
AJJD4 / Dave L	- 4
Bogie-Gert / Skeggy	- 3
Donkey Reg / Jono	- 2

Bogie-Gert and Skeggy must log a loss to either AJJD4 or Dave L.

Doesn't matter WHO logs to WHO, as long as the losers DON'T LOG TO BOTH WINNERS.

eg: Bogie logs a loss to AJJD4, and Skeggy logs a loss to Dave L.

Donkey Reg and Jono must log losses to BOTH teams, again not doubling up...

eg. Donkey Reg logs to AJJD4 and also to Bogie-Gert; and Jono logs to Dave L and Skeggy.

Hope thats clear as mud ;-)

Grrrr....My Opponent Hasn't Reported His Loss!

Most unreported losses are simply a case of forgetfulness on the part of your opponent - or our server may be playing up. Give them a few days and then MSN them, or send them a polite e-mail as a reminder.

If you still aren't having any success and you have a genuine case, tell us and we will pursue your claim further.

What If I'm A Top Placed Player, And My PC Blows Up, Or I Go Away On Holiday?

It's a cruel world, but you'll simply have to battle your way up again - but that shouldn't be too difficult for someone of your calibre, eh?

I've Spotted A Flaw In Your Rules! Nobody is perfect!

We always appreciate feedback. If you have any questions, or simply want to hurl abuse, then contact us - as any long standing member knows WE WILL LISTEN AND MAKE CHANGES IF NECESSARY.