2023 ROWDIES GAMING OFFICIAL RULES (“OFFICIAL RULES”)
- NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. THIS IS A CONTEST OF SKILL. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. The 2023 “Rowdies Gaming North American Championship” and “Rowdies Gaming Regional Championship” (the “Tournaments”) are esports tournaments for players of Electronic Arts, EA SPORTSTM FIFA 23 video game on the PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 (“PlayStation”) or the Xbox Series S or Xbox Series X (“Xbox”) consoles (each, a “Console”).
- The Tournaments are sponsored and administered by both Rowdies Soccer LLC (“the Rowdies” or “Sponsor”) and Grilla (“Grilla”) (together, the “Administrator”).
- The Tournaments are only offered to legal residents of the United States, Mexico, and Canada (including Quebec) (the “Tournament Area”). Void outside the Tournament Area, including without limitation Puerto Rico, all other U.S. territories and possessions and overseas military installations, and locations where prohibited or restricted by law. IF ANY PLAYER (DEFINED BELOW) IS FOUND TO BE INELIGIBLE OR IS DISQUALIFIED AT ANY STAGE (DEFINED BELOW) OF THE TOURNAMENT HE OR SHE WILL NOT PROCEED TO THE NEXT ROUND OF THE TOURNAMENT AND, IF APPLICABLE, MAY BE REQUIRED TO RETURN ANY PRIZE AWARDED AND RECEIVED, OR ITS CASH EQUIVALENT, IN FULL WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS OF NOTIFICATION BY THE ADMINISTRATOR.
- Note: If you are a Regional Finalist (defined below), you must be willing and able to attend the Regional Championship Event in person at your own expense to remain eligible. In the event that the Rowdies conclude that the health, safety or well-being of participants, employees of the Rowdies, Rare Drop, Grilla, or the general public weighs against requiring in-person participation in or presence at the Regional Championship Event (defined below), the Rowdies reserve the right, in their sole and absolute discretion, to determine whether and how the Regional Championship Event may be conducted so as to most preserve the fairness and integrity of the Tournament. In such case, the Rowdies in their sole and absolute discretion may allow remote or virtual participation by some or all otherwise eligible participants during the Regional Championship Event (e.g. to convert the Regional Championship Event to a completely virtual event or to a partially virtual or “hybrid” event) and/or to suspend, postpone or otherwise modify the Regional Championship Event as the Rowdies, in their sole and absolute discretion, deem fair and appropriate under the circumstances. Participants acknowledge and agree that the decisions of the Rowdies in all such respects shall be final and finding. Any such changes will be communicated via the Tournament Page (defined below), and participants will still be required to comply in all other respects with the participation and other requirements set forth in these Official Rules. This paragraph does not limit in any way the Rowdies’ right or ability to suspend, modify or terminate the Tournament under any other provision of these Official Rules.
- The Tournaments are subject to all federal, state, provincial, and local laws. The Administrator shall be entitled to interpret these Official Rules as the Administrator, in its sole and absolute discretion, deems it necessary, including but not limited to rules regarding registrations, game play or other deadlines, Finalist or winner determination, prize restrictions, and eligibility, and all its decisions are final and binding in all Tournament-related matters. By participating, you (or your parent/guardian if you are a Minor (defined below) irrevocably, fully, and unconditionally agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Administrator and waive any right to claim ambiguity in these Official Rules or any other Tournament-related advertising or materials.
GENERAL
- All participants (each, a Player) will use the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X|S console for game play. The Regional Final Event will utilize only the Play Station 5 for gameplay.
- The Tournaments will commence with two separate tournaments (the “Rowdies Gaming North American Championship” and “Rowdies Gaming Regional Championship”), each available to all persons. The semifinal winners (each, a “Finalist”) of the “Rowdies Gaming Regional Championship” will compete in a final tournament (the “Regional Championship Event”) to determine the winner. The Regional Final Event will consist of a live competition in St. Petersburg, Florida, United States of America. A finalist must attend the Regional Championship Event to remain eligible to win.
- Grilla will organize and administer the Online Rounds with oversight by the Rowdies. The Rowdies will organize and administer the Regional Championship Event with assistance from Grilla.
PRIVACY
9. The Tournament is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Microsoft Corporation (“Microsoft”), Sony Interactive Entertainment, Inc. (“Sony Interactive”) or Electronic Arts Inc. (“EA”). If you participate in the Tournament, you will be providing information to the Administrator and EA, Microsoft, or Sony Interactive. The information you provide will only be used for administration of the Tournament and as otherwise set forth in these Official Rules. Any questions that you have about the Tournament must be directed to the Administrator and not to EA, Microsoft, or Sony Interactive.
10. Grilla will collect the information necessary for it and the Rowdies to operate the Tournaments at the time a Player registers his/her Grilla Account (defined below) and Game Account (defined below) and information collected from each Player will be shared with the Rowdies. Without limiting the Rowdies and Grilla’s rights under their respective Privacy Policies (defined below), the Rowdies and Grilla may use such information to contact a Player for matters and events related to the operation of this Tournament and future Rowdies gaming initiatives. By participating in the Tournaments, you agree to the terms of the following privacy policies, which may be updated from time to time and to the extent necessary under applicable law, and you further consent to the sharing of personal data between the Rowdies and Grilla as described in these Official Rules:
a. Rowdies Soccer LLC: Visit HERE to review the United Soccer League current privacy policy (the “USL Privacy Policy”)
b. Grilla: Visit HERE to review Grilla’s current privacy policy (the “Grilla Privacy Policy”).
ELIGIBILITY
- To be eligible, each person registering for the Tournaments (each, a “Player”) as of the date of registration and at all times during the Tournament, must:
c. Be at least Thirteen (13) years, a legal resident of the Tournament Area (above), and physically located in the Tournament Area;
d. A valid account on PlayStation®Network (“PSN Account”) and an associated PSN ID or a valid account on Xbox Live (“Xbox Live Account”) and an associated Gamertag (“Xbox Live Gamertag”), All players must have access to a Play Station 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, or Xbox Series S|X console.
e. A valid subscription to PlayStation®Plus if competing on a PS4 or PS5 console or a valid subscription to Xbox Live Gold if competing on Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S.
f. Have a current Grilla account (a “Grilla Account”) in good standing and access to the Internet;
g. Own or have access to an authorized copy of the Electronic Arts EA SPORTSTM FIFA 23 (“FIFA 23”) for the Console. Next-Gen version (Xbox Series X or Xbox Series X version) or (PlayStation 5 version).
- These Tournaments are only open to legal residents physically located in the North American Region who meet the criteria set forth above and as follows. Any Player who has not yet reached the age of majority in such Player’s state/province/country and is at least the age of thirteen (13) (each, a “Minor”) will need to have created an account on the platform on which they would like to compete and must have created this account in accordance with their chosen platform’s Term of Service. Prior to entering this tournament, a minor must obtain the permission of their parent/legal guardian in order to enter and play, and must be accompanied by their parent/legal guardian (a “Guardian”) in the event of any in- person activities, and if the Player wins a Prize, that Prize will be awarded in the name of such Player’s Guardian.
- Administrator recommends having a valid Twitch® handle and that each Player stream their games for verification. A Player’s use of Twitch is subject to the Twitch terms and conditions relating to service, data, and privacy (Twitch Terms, Twitch Privacy Notice). Further, your participation is subject to the applicable Xbox® or PlayStation® terms of service and privacy policy published by Microsoft or Sony Interactive. For more information, visit https://www.playstation.com/country-selector/index.html or https://www.xbox.com/en-US/legal/community-standards select your country of residence (if applicable). Your participation also is subject to the applicable Discord.com terms of service and privacy policy published by Discord.
- There are no fees or service charges to create or maintain a Grilla Account, which you may create for free by visiting https://www.grilla.gg/users/register hand following the provided instructions. By participating, you agree to be bound by Grilla terms of service (the “Grilla Terms”) and the Grilla Privacy Policy and Grilla Fair Play Policy (collectively the “Grilla Policies”).
- Administrator reserves the right at any time during the Tournaments to disqualify any Player or Finalist from further participation or eligibility for prizes, and/or to require the return of any prizes received, if Administrator determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, that such Player’s or Finalist’s Grilla Account has been suspended or is subject to suspension based on Player’s or Finalist’s violation of applicable Grilla Terms, including (a) providing false information or bypassing any age gate or similar restrictions to create a Grilla Account; (b) harassing other Grilla players and/or Grilla employees; (c) engaging in suspected or confirmed fraud or unfair gameplay; (d) Third (3rd) party software that actively interacts directly with the game and its file system is NOT allowed; (e) Modded keyboard, mice, and controllers that have hardware macros or turbo buttons are not allowed; (f) Any form of Denial of Service (DoS) attack is STRICTLY forbidden.. You agree and acknowledge that such disqualification may be declared at any time during the Tournament, even if you have proceeded through one (1) or more matches (each a “Match”) or Stages. In addition, Administrator reserves the right in its absolute discretion to refuse registration or participation by any Player whom it reasonably believes is engaged in or has previously directed abusive, hateful, racist, threatening, harassing or other offensive conduct at other Players or persons, which conduct Administrator determines would reflect negatively on the proper operation or reputation of the Tournaments or on the goodwill or reputation of any of the Released Parties (as defined below).
- Employees, officers, and directors of Rowdies Soccer LLC, Sony Interactive, Grilla, and any entity directly involved in the development or administration of the Tournaments, and the members of their immediate families (defined as spouses, parents, siblings, and children) and households, are not eligible to participate or win. The term “household” includes all persons residing together (part-time or full-time) in a single residence, whether or not related.
- Administrator reserves the right to require any Player (including any Finalist) to present proof that he or she meets (or continues to meet) all eligibility requirements above, to disqualify any such Player or Finalist who does not present adequate documentation, as determined by Administrator in its sole discretion and at any time during the Tournaments.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE GAME PLAY
18. All Tournament play will be hosted and conducted in English, and all Players are expected and required to have sufficient command of English to participate.
HOW TO ENTER
19. A person desiring to participate in the Tournaments must create a Grilla account by registering for the Tournaments on the tournament landing page accessible at grilla.gg/user/Rowdiesgaming [“Tournament Page”] and during the registration period for the Rowdies Gaming North American Championship, beginning on June 30th, 2023 at 12:01AM EST and closing on Friday July 7th at 11:59PM EST or at max entries of 64 participants. The registration period for the Rowdies Gaming Regional Championship begins on August 11th, 2023 at 12:01AM EST and closes on Tuesday August 15th at 11:59PM EST or at max entries of 64 participants. All participants must provide the following information: date of birth, PSN ID or Xbox Liver Gamertag, Email Address, Twitch handle (optional) and Discord Username (each Promotion entry, an “Entry”).
HOW TO PLAY
- Visit the Tournament Page, accessible at https://grilla.gg/g/rowdiesnac, to access the Tournament schedule and PSN ID of each Player. For each round of the Online Qualifier Rounds, to play against the correct opponent, you must first queue up for a match on Grilla on the scheduled day and accept the match. Once a match is accepted, each Player must add the assigned opponent as a friend and play each other in FUT Friendlies with the Classic Match mode. Players can add opponents cross-platform by typing in their opponent’s PSN ID or Xbox Live Gamertag. Once opponents are added on each other’s friends list, all games will be played in the FUT Friendlies Classic Match mode using the required settings set forth below or under “Host Player and Game Settings”. To invite your opponent via Crossplay, make sure to have your EA ID via the social menu. Add your opponent as a friend with their EA ID. Then, proceed to the online friendly menu as normal and an invite will come through to your opponent and then play through the matches.
- The following settings (“Game Settings”) are to be used in all match play:
• Game Mode: FIFA Ultimate Team
• Match Duration: 12 minutes (6 minutes per half)
• Controls: Any
• Game Speed: Normal
• In case of draw (Knockout Stage Only): Extra Time and Penalties (if needed)
• 2 Loan Players per Squad (Max)
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
- The dates set forth below will apply to the Tournaments. All times in these Official Rules refer to Eastern Time (“ET”) unless otherwise indicated. All dates, times, and locations are subject to change, including without limitation, the venue and conduct of the Regional Championship Event as set forth in these Official Rules. If there is a change to the date, time and/or location of any aspect of the Tournament, the Administrator will use reasonable efforts to notify all Players at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the relevant date. The Administrator’s computer is the official time-keeping device for the Tournament.
*As noted above, the Regional Championship Event is intended to be a live event. However, the Tampa Bay Rowdies reserves the right to suspend or modify the Regional Championship Event if it deems necessary. See above.
PRIZES
23. Finalist Prizes (2): Opportunity to compete in the Regional Championship Event of the Tournament on September 9, 2023 at 6:45 PM ET at Al Lang Stadium, 230 1st St SE St. Petersburg, Florida, United States of America (“Al Lang Stadium”). Note that the Tampa Bay Rowdies reserves the right to change the Regional Championship Event timing and/or format if deemed necessary by the Rowdies in their sole and absolute discretion (including but not limited to holding the Regional Final Event in a virtual format), in which case the new timing and/or format will be communicated via the Tournament Page.
- First Prize (1): $800.00 USD (cash). ARV: $800.00 USD.
- Second Prize (1): $200.00 USD (cash). ARV: $200.00 USD. 26.
- The likelihood of winning will depend on the skill of each Player and the number of Players registered to participate.
PRIZE RESTRICTIONS
- All prize values referenced in these Official Rules shall be in USD. All prize details shall be at the Rowdies’ sole and absolute discretion. Each prize consists only of those items specifically listed in these Official Rules. Each Regional Finalist and required Guardian (if any) assume sole responsibility for all expenses and incidental costs associated with the prize not explicitly outlined above, including without limitation, all applicable federal, provincial, state, and local taxes (if any), VAT taxes or fees, surcharges, fees, and Internet access. Actual value of any Regional Finalist Prize or any component thereof may vary depending on departure cities, seasonal or industry fluctuations, and whether Finalist is a Minor who must travel with a Guardian, dates and/or options selected, location of Finals Event, and other contingencies. If the actual value of any Finalist Prize awarded is less than the ARV stated above, Finalist will not be entitled to any compensation or reimbursement for difference in value.
- Any Minor Finalist must be accompanied by a Guardian who is above age of majority in his or her jurisdiction of residence.
- Prizes do not include any transportation and Regional Finalists and Guardians (if any) are solely and exclusively responsible for scheduling and paying for any transportation arrangements. Regional Finalists and Guardians (if any) are solely responsible for obtaining, at their own expense, any picture identification, valid passport, visa, immunization, where applicable, or other requirements associated with travel as well as any travel insurance or any other form of insurance desired and to be in possession of all necessary travel documents at the time and point of departure. Carrier may deny boarding to any passengers without proper documentation. No refund or compensation will be made in the event of the cancellation or delay of any air or ground transportation.
- Prizes are subject to change or cancellation without written notice or warning. Should an act of God, hurricane, war, fire, riot, earthquake, act of public enemies, actions of governmental authorities, epidemics, pandemics and the spread of infectious diseases, including without limitation COVID-19 (as defined by the World Health Organization and any of the strains, variants or mutations thereof), and any related governmental or judicial actions, including but not limited to travel restrictions, taken in connection with, or as a response to, any such event, or any other event beyond the reasonable control of a party, whether or not existing, known, foreseen or foreseeable at the time the Finals Event occurs, render the fulfilment of all or a portion of the prize delayed, hindered, adversely affected, impracticable, or impossible, Tampa Bay Rowdies, in its sole and absolute discretion, reserves the right to evaluate, make modifications to, and restructure the fulfilment processes and timelines for the prize, or portion thereof. Tampa Bay Rowdies may modify and/or restructure the prize or portions thereof to comply with government orders or guidelines and Tampa Bay Rowdies health and safety requirements. In addition, Regional Finalists and any Guardians should be aware of and comply with government guidelines regarding travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines before traveling.
- Rowdies Soccer LLC. will furnish an Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Form 1099 to a winner or Player who is a United States Citizen or Resident (as defined by the IRS) or an IRS Form 1042-S to a winner or Player who is not a United States Citizen or Resident for the ARV of the prize provided hereunder with an ARV of $600 USD or greater for the year in which prize was won. Where applicable and as required by United States law, Tampa Bay Rowdies shall withhold and remit to the IRS a tax equal to 30% of the gross ARV on payments to the foregoing winners/Players. Further, such winners/Players will be required to provide the Rowdies with IRS Form W-9 (if United States Citizen or Resident) or IRS Form W-8 BEN (if not). Winners will be required to provide Tampa Bay Rowdies with bank account information to receive a wire for the payment of prizes.
- Any and all remaining applicable country, federal, provincial, state, and local taxes and all fees, costs and expenses related to acceptance and use of any Prize hereunder not specifically stated herein as being included as part of the Prize, including but not limited to, VAT taxes and/or other expenses, are the responsibility solely of winning Players. All US and local tax reporting, including the filing of relevant tax returns, is the responsibility solely of the winning Players. Prize cannot be substituted, assigned, or transferred by winning Players; however, the Rowdies reserves the right to make equivalent prize substitutions.
33.
All cash prize values are listed in USD. Cash prizes will be paid directly to and in the name of the winners (or their Guardian, as applicable) and will not be paid to any third party, including but not limited to agencies, agents, or representatives of winners. - Non-cash prizes or prize components are not exchangeable or redeemable for cash, may not be sold, bartered, or auctioned, and must be accepted as awarded, without substitutions. The right to receive any prize is not transferrable. Any prize or portion thereof not used or accepted by any Finalist/winner is forfeited and no cash or substitute will be offered or permitted, unless required by law. Prizes may not be substituted except that Tampa Bay Rowdies in its discretion may substitute a prize, or portion thereof, with a prize or portion of equal or greater value if it deems necessary. Any such changes will be announced.
- Prizes or prize components will be distributed to the winners within forty-five (45) days of verification by Administrator. Additional information regarding prize distribution may be provided to the Finalists/winners at the time of notification. 36. Prizes offered are provided “as is” with no warranty or guarantee either express or implied by Released Parties. Merchandise prize components (if any) carry no warranty other than that offered by manufacturer. Released Parties have neither made nor are responsible or liable for any warranty, representation, or guarantee, express or implied, in fact or in law, relative to any prize, including but not limited to its quality, mechanical condition or fitness for a particular purpose. Other restrictions apply. The Released Parties (defined below) are not responsible if any prize cannot be awarded due to cancellations, delays, or interruptions due to acts of God, acts of war, natural disasters, weather, public health emergencies (e.g., pandemics), or terrorism.
- Prizes or prize compenents will be distributed to the winners within forty-five (45) days of verification by Administrator. Additional information regarding prize distribution may be provided to the Finalists/winners at the time of notification.
- Prizes offered are provided “as is” with no warranty or guarantee either express or implied by Released Parties. Merchandise prize components (if any) carry no warranty other than that offered by manufacturer. Released Parties have neither made nor are responsible or liable for any warranty, representation, or guarantee, express or implied, in fact or in law, relative to any prize, including but not limited to its quality, mechanical condition or fitness for a particular purpose. Other restrictions apply. The Released Parties (defined below) are not responsible if any prize cannot be awarded due to cancellations, delays, or interruptions due to acts of God, acts of war, natural disasters, weather, public health emergencies (e.g., pandemics), or terrorism.
TO PARTICIPATE
The Tournaments will consist of three (3) stages (each a “Stage”), described in greater detail below:
Stage 1: Registration Period:
Eligible individuals may register to participate as Players during the Registration Periods (below). Registration will be open from June 30, 2023 – July 7, 2023 or at max entries of 64 participants for the Rowdies Gaming North American Championship and from August 11, 2023 – August 15, 2023 or at max entries of 64 participants for Rowdies Gaming Regional Championship.
Stage II: Online Group and Knockout Round(s):
Registered Players will compete in the Online Group Stage, best-of-two (“BO2”) game (“Game”) format. Players will be randomly placed by Administrator into different groups. The total number of teams and size of groups will be determined by the total # of registered players. The Online Knockout Rounds will play a two-leg series following the UEFA Champions League Format where each Player will play one game as the home team to determine the winner who will proceed to the next round until reaching the Grand Final.
Stage II: Finals Event:
For the Rowdies Gaming Regional Championship, a live Finals Event will determine the winners. The Regional Championship Event will be held at Al Lang Stadium, 230 1st St SE, St. Petersburg, Florida, on Saturday, September 9th at 6:45 PM EST (unless changes to the Regional Championship Event timing and/or format are deemed necessary by Tampa Bay Rowdies in its sole discretion due to the effects of the COVID-19 global health crisis, in which case the new timing and/or format will be noted in these Official Rules and/or at the Tournament Page). Regional Finalists must attend the Regional Championship Event in person to remain eligible. The First and Second Prize winners will be determined based on the outcome of the Finals Event, which will be structured as a single, one game competition. The 2 winners from the Rowdies Gaming Regional Championship Semi Finals will compete for the live finals.
Stage 1: Registration Period
Registrations will be accepted as outlined in the table(s) above (the “Registration Period(s)”). All registrations must be completely submitted and received by Administrator no later than the times outlined above. Proof of sending is not proof of receipt by Administrator. Administrator will not accept screen shots as proof of entry.
To register, visit https://grilla.gg/g/rowdiesnac for the North America Region (the “Tournament Page“) and log into or create your Grilla Account. Then, follow the instructions to complete an official registration form with all required information, which may include your name, e-mail address, phone number, and age or date of birth and identify the Game Account you will be using in the Tournament (the “Required Information”). This is the only method of registration. Registrations will not be accepted via U.S. mail, e-mail, or any other method.
You must use the same Game Account and Grilla Account for all Tournament play. The use of any Game Account/Grilla Account other than the one identified in your registration form may result in your disqualification. By registering, you authorize Administrator to verify that your name is registered to the Game Account/Grilla Account listed on your registration form. If Administrator is unable to conclusively verify that the name of a Player matches the Game Account/Grilla Account used to register for the Tournament, that Player will be disqualified.
IMPORTANT: DATA RATES MAY APPLY TO USE OF MOBILE PHONE/DEVICE TO REGISTER. WIRELESS SERVICE MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN ALL AREAS.
Limit one (1) registration per Player per Tournament. All participants from the first tournament (Rowdies Gaming North American Championship) are eligible to participate and compete in the second tournament (Rowdies Gaming Regional Championship). Additional registrations received from or for any such Player thereafter will be subject to disqualification. Any use of artificial intelligence, robotic, repetitive, automatic, programmed, mechanical, script, macro, or any other automated means or similar entry methods or agents (including, but not limited to, contest-entry services or multiple or different e-mail addresses, or the submission of false contact information under multiple or different e-mail addresses, identities, registrations, accounts or logins) or any other devices or artifices to participate or encourage, directly or indirectly, multiple or false registrations are prohibited and suspected or detected registration method violations may void some or all registrations submitted by that Player, in Administrator’s sole discretion. No group registrations will be accepted.
Registrations must be associated with a valid Grilla Account and e-mail address for the Player. Administrator is not responsible for electronic communications that are undeliverable because of any form of active filtering of any kind or failure to enable device to receive “push” or other notifications or settings that prevent receipt of “push” or other notifications. In the event of a dispute as to the identity or eligibility of a Finalist or winner based on a Grilla Account, the entry will be deemed made by the “Authorized Account Holder” of the Grilla Account used for entry. The Authorized Account Holder is the natural person who is assigned to the Grilla Account by Grilla. In the event of a dispute as to the identity of any Player, the potential Finalist or winner agrees to furnish requested documentation confirming his/her status as the Authorized Account Holder.
Players who fail to provide any Required Information may be disqualified without further notification by Administrator. Administrator is not responsible for registrations that are lost, misdirected, undelivered, garbled, distorted, truncated, incomplete, illegible, incorrect, or late for any reason, and all such registrations are void. Administrator reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any registration at any time that in its opinion does not comply with these Official Rules. Registrations become the property of Administrator and will not be returned or acknowledged.
Stage II: Online Qualifier Round
There will be a total of three (3) Online dates for the Rowdies North American Championship as well as two (2) Online dates and one (1) LAN Final for the Rowdies Gaming Regional Championship. As outlined above, there will be matches each day until a final two is set for the Event Finals. Match play length will solely be determined based on the number of entries.
Event Check-In: The players must check-in, at least 24 hours prior to the start of the first match. The Player will select the Match and click the green “Check-in” button on the Tournament Page Once checked-in players will be matched with their opponent. In the case of both players not showing up within 15 minutes after the originally scheduled time, a double forfeit will take place. A double forfeit results in both teams being given a defeat.
Players are solely responsible for checking the Tournament Page to determine the start time for each Match and acknowledge that Players may be required to play from July 8, 2023 through July 9, 2023, and July 15, 2023 through July 16, 2023, and July 22, 2023 for the Rowdies Gaming North American Championship as well as August 19, 2023 through August 20, 2023, August 26, 2023 through August 27, 2023, and September 9, 2023 for the Rowdies Gaming Regional Championship. Failure to timely check in and confirm participation in a scheduled Match (within fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled start time of such Match) may result in that Player’s forfeiture of the Match.
The timeline and format for the Rowdies Gaming North American Championship is as follows:
• July 8 – (Day 1) Group Stage
o 6-14 matches (depending on group size)
• July 9 – (Day 2) Round of 16
o 2 matches against same opponent home and away
• July 15 – (Day 3) Quarter Finals Part 1
o 2 matches against the same opponent home and away
• July 16 – (Day 4) Quarter Finals Part 2
o 2 matches against the same opponent home and away
• July 22 – (Day 5) Semi Finals & Finals
o 2 matches against the same opponent home and away
o 1 match (final) if applicable
The timeline and format for the Rowdies Gaming Regional Championship is as follows:
• August 19 – (Day 1) Group Stage
o 6-14 matches (depending on group size)
• August 20 – (Day 2) Round of 16
o 2 matches against the same opponent home and away
• August 26 – (Day 3) Quarter Finals
o 2 matches against the same opponent home and away
• August 27 – (Day 4) Semi Finals
o 2 matches against the same opponent home and away
• September 9 – (Day 5) Final
o 1 match (LAN)
The initial groups and brackets will be seeded on a random basis as determined by Grilla. The Tournaments will follow the format and rules of the UEFA Champions League tournament and can be viewed here: https://documents.uefa.com/r/Regulations-of-the-UEFA-Champions-League-2022/23/II-Competition-System-Online.
The format and tie breakers for the Group Stage is as follows:
- 6-14 matches (depending on group size)
- Each Player plays one home and one away match against each other player in their group
- Three (3) points are awarded for a win, one (1) for a draw, and none (0) for a defeat
- The eight (8) group winners and eight (8) runners up qualify for the round of 16
- If two (2) or more teams are equal in points on completion of group matches, the following criteria are applied in the order given to determine their rankings:
A. Higher number of points obtained in the group matches played among the teams in question;
B. Superior goal difference from the group matches played among the teams in question;
C. Higher number of goals scored in the group matches played among the teams in question;
D. If, having applied criteria a) to c), teams still have an equal ranking, criteria a) to c) are reapplied exclusively to the matches between the remaining teams to determine their final rankings. If this procedure does not lead to a decision, criteria e) to k) apply in the order given to the two or more teams still equal;
E. Superior goal difference in all group matches;
F. Higher number of goals scored in all group matches;
G. Higher number of away goals scored in all group matches;
H. Higher number of wins in all group matches;
I. Higher number of away wins in all group matches;
J. Lower disciplinary points based on yellow and red cards received by players in all group matches (red card = three (3) points, yellow card = one (1) point, expulsion for two yellow cards in one match = three (3) points
The format and tie breakers for the Knockout Stage is as follows:
- Group winners will be drawn against runners-up from a different group
- Runners-up play the first leg at home
- The eight (8) winners of the round of 16 contest the quarter-finals
- The four (4) winners of the quarter-finals contest the semi-finals
- The round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals are played under the knockout system, on a home-and-away basis (two legs)
- The team that scores the greater aggregate of goals in the two matches qualifies for the next stage. Otherwise:
A. If two teams involved in a tie score the same number of goals over the two legs, two 3-minute periods of extra time are played at the end of the second leg. The team which scores more goals during extra time qualifies for the next stage. If both teams score the same number of goals or no goals are scored during extra time, kicks from the penalty mark determine which team qualifies for the next stage
All Match play is subject to monitoring by Administrator. Only head-to-head matches played through the Online Rounds will count towards a Player’s qualification for the Final Event. Matches that are not played through the Online Qualifier Round will not count towards a Player’s qualification.
The procedures set out below in Match Procedures will apply to all Match play during the Online Rounds except where otherwise noted.
Stage III: Finals Event
On September 9, 2023 at 6:45 PM EST, the two (2) Regional Finalists will compete in a live Finals Event competition at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida. You must attend the Regional Championship Event in person to remain eligible.
COVID Restrictions: Finalists and any Guardians must adhere to Tampa Bay Rowdies policies, CDC guidelines, and the recommendations of health officials and should be aware of and comply with government guidelines regarding travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines before attending the Regional Championship Event. As noted above, any public location where people are present provides an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19, and Tampa Bay Rowdies cannot guarantee that any person will not be exposed during the Regional Championship Event. By attending the Finals Event, Finalists and any Guardians expressly assume the risk of contracting COVID-19, the Coronavirus that causes COVID-19, or other communicable and/or infectious diseases. Regulations are rapidly changing and Finalists may be sent a communication prior to the Regional Championship Event with the current regulations and requirements. If required, Finalists and any Guardians must cooperate with Tampa Bay Rowdies inquiries related to public health matters and follow Tampa Bay Rowdies’ related rules and processes, including, but not limited to, disclosures or processes recommended or required by public health authorities to protect the health and safety of Finalists, Guardians, Regional Championship Event staff and others. Finalists and any Guardians may be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and may be subject to health screenings (which may include, but are not limited to, temperature checks, symptom screening, lab testing, and/or other medical exams) to be conducted by Tampa Bay Rowdies or their respective designee(s) prior to or during the fulfilment of the prize and related activities. Failure to fully comply with such requests or requirements may result in removal from the Regional Championship Event and forfeiture of the prize or portions thereof, as determined in Tampa Bay Rowdies’ discretion. Prior to and/or after the Regional Championship Event or otherwise on request by Tampa Bay Rowdies or its designee(s), Finalists and any Guardians may be required to inform Tampa Bay Rowdies or its designee(s) about matters relating to communicable illnesses including, without limitation: (a) medical symptoms; (b) travel history; (c) recent contact with others who have displayed symptoms of or have otherwise been confirmed to have a communicable illness; and (d) active public health orders issued by a civil authority or any similar public health mandate (e.g., order to quarantine, order to stay at home, order to disclose communicable illness) to which Finalists and any Guardians are subject.
Match play during the live Regional Championship Event will be a single game. The procedures set out below in Match Procedures will apply to all Match play during the Regional Championship Event except where otherwise noted.
Subject to verification of continued eligibility and compliance with these Official Rules, the top ranked Finalist at the conclusion of the Finals Event will be declared the First Prize winner followed by the Second Prize winner.
MATCH PROCEDURES
All procedures and details below (“Match Procedures”) are subject to change at the discretion of the Administrator. Any material changes to the Match Procedures will be communicated to each participating Player or Finalist, as applicable, and posted on the Tournament Page as early as possible.
By participating, you agree that all disputes will be resolved by the Administrator strictly in accordance with these Official Rules and any other rules and procedures put in place during each of the individual Stages and that such decisions shall be final, conclusive, and binding in all respects.
EQUIPMENT
Except as set forth below, Players must use their own hardware, software, monitor, headset, and any other additional hardware/accessories for the full duration of all Matches during the Tournament.
In the event of equipment failure during any Game, the affected Player may stop the Game in progress to obtain a replacement. In that event, the Player must obtain a suitable replacement and resume Game play within five (5) minutes or will forfeit that Game.
Hosting Player and Game Settings
The hosting Player (“Hosting Player”) will be determined at random for each Match. The Hosting Player is responsible for ensuring the proper Game Settings (below) are in use before the Match begins. Failure to ensure Game Settings may result in forfeiture by the Hosting Player.
In any Match, if both Players agree, the lobby may be re-hosted by other Player, who then will become the Hosting Player.
The following settings (“Game Settings”) are to be used in all Match play during the Online Rounds and Finals Event:
• Game Mode: FIFA Ultimate Team
• Match Duration: 12 minutes (6 minutes per half)
• Controls: Any
• Game Speed: Normal
• In case of draw (Knockout Stage Only): Extra Time and penalties (if needed)
In-Game Names/Avatars
Players are solely responsible for ensuring that their in-game names or avatars (“Avatars”) are (a) consistent with general standards of decency, (b) not derogatory to Administrator, (c) not profane or offensive, and (d) not in infringing on any third-party proprietary or other rights e) does not promote another soccer club outside of the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Players acknowledge and agree that Avatars shall be subject to change as required by Administrator in its discretion.
Apparel
All apparel worn by Finalists while on camera in connection with the Finals Event shall be subject to approval by Administrator in its sole discretion, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Further, Administrator may require that specific apparel be worn by Finalists on camera during the Finals Event. In such event, such apparel will be provided by Administrator. By participating, Finalists agree to wear such required apparel, if applicable.
Brand Sponsorship or Promotion
Finalists may not visibly or public display or promote any third-party brands during any Finals Event or other Tournament-related activities without prior approval by Administrator.
Connectivity and Readiness
Each Player is solely responsible for ensuring his or her readiness and ability to play his or her Match prior to the start of the Online Round or individual Match, as applicable, including: (a) ensuring a stable Internet connection; (b) confirming his or her ability to connect to his or her Game Account; (c) possession and proper functioning of all hardware or other items required to play FIFA 23 on his or her Console; and (d) timely check-in to and completion of, all Match play. Failure to do so may result in that Player’s forfeiture of the relevant Match.
Match Check-In: You must check in and confirm your participation within fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled start time of each Match. Failure to do so will result in automatic forfeiture of the Match, unless specified by an Administrator. If both Players meet up and play their respective Game, this is considered a “Check-In”. The Administrator’s decisions are final and binding in all matters relating to the Promotion.
Match Room Creation and Start
Upon creation of a match room (a “Match Room”) for the two (2) Players in a Match, both Players must commence “Online Versus” play within fifteen (15) minutes. Failure to do so by either Player may result in his or her forfeiture of the Match in Administrator’s sole discretion based on these Official Rules.
Administrative Assistance
During Match play, either Player can request assistance of the Tournament official (“Grilla Admin”) via the official Grilla Discord (“Grilla Discord”) under the “Help Desk” channel. To access this channel:
• Point your browser to this discord invite:
• https://discord.gg/grilla
• Login to discord and join the Grilla Discord
• In the Discord server, look for the category titled “Rowdies Gaming”
• Under the “Rowdies Gaming” category, look for the channel titled “Help Desk”
• Post in this channel and a tournament support team member will assist you with your request
An alternate option, is to go the Grilla Discord channel and click on “support-tickets” under the “Support channel”.
Disconnections and Pauses
If a Player is unwillingly disconnected from a Game, the following rules apply:
• Restart the match and play out the remainder of the game using the existing time, score, and settings that were used, prior to the disconnect.
o For example, if player ‘A’ disconnected from the game while losing 0-1 in the 52nd minute, the rematch would be reset and the 1st minute would serve as the 53rd minute, meaning there would be 37 minutes to be played. The score of the previous game should be noted to administrator to play out the remainder of the game.
• If the player who disconnects was losing by 5 or more goals, the match is over.
• Players must give their opponent 5 minutes to attempt and restart the match.
o For example: Player A disconnects in the 52nd minute. Player B must give player A, five (5) minutes to re-enter the game and continue from that same spot.
A Player may pause Game play (each, a “Pause”) no more than twice in any Game and no Pause shall last longer than two minutes seconds (2:00). In the event of a violation of this rule, the other Player should alert Rowdies Admin to such violation via the Rowdies Discord and Administrator will address the violation in accordance with the Rules and Violations section (below).
Bugs or Glitches
If a Player suspects that a bug or glitch (a “Glitch”) has affected Match play, the Players must complete the entire Match. After the Match has concluded, the affected Player or Players must use the help channel in the Grilla Discord to notify the Grilla Admin of the Glitch and provide any related evidence or documentation of such Glitch (together the “Glitch Report”).
Based on its review of the Glitch Report, and subject to the Rules and Violations section (below), the Grilla Admin will decide whether or not the Match must be replayed and/or whether any violation occurred (such as abuse of such Glitch) that requires forfeiture or disqualification. The results of any Game or Match that is replayed in full thereafter will be final.
If any technical issues arise, Matches should be continued as normal by the Players once such issues are resolved; in the case of a server crash, difficulty in contacting the network or other unforeseen circumstances, it is the Player’s responsibility to contact the Administrator for assistance.
Any other technical issues on the day of the tournament will be addressed in the tournament discord channel (https://discord.gg/grilla).
Match Result Reporting and Disputes
AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE MATCH, BOTH PLAYERS MUST CAPTURE SCREENSHOTS
(“SCREENSHOT”) OF THE MATCH RESULT (“MATCH RESULT”) IN ORDER TO ADDRESS ANY
DISPUTES. Failure to provide proof of the Match Result (defined below) on request may result in forfeiture by one or both Players.
The winning Player must manually enter the Match Result into the Tournament Page and the other Player then will have ten (10) minutes to dispute the Match Result. Failure to dispute the Match Result within ten (10) minutes signifies that Player’s confirmation of the Match Result. In the event of a dispute regarding the Match Result, the disputing Player should notify the Grilla Admin via the Grilla Discord.
DISQUALIFICATION
The following procedure will apply in the event of disqualification in whole or in part:
Players: If a Player is disqualified for any reason before the start of the Online Round, he or she will be eliminated from the pool of registered Players. If a Player is disqualified after any groups or brackets have been set, any such group or bracketed matches will be treated as “byes” or as forfeited in favor of the opposing Player.
Finalists: If a Finalist is ineligible, declines or is unable to participate in the Finals Event or is otherwise disqualified and if time permits prior to the Finals Event, the Administrator may, but is not required to select an alternate Finalist (see below) from the remaining Players based on their standings at the end of the Online Round.
Winner: If a winner is ineligible or disqualified for any reason, the Administrator will select an alternate winner from the remaining Finalist, or from the remaining Players based on their standings at the end of the Online Round.
Administrator will notify any alternate Finalists or winners, who will be subject to all verification requirements and deadlines in these Official Rules (see Notification and Verification).
Administrator reserves the right to declare fewer than the stated number of Finalists in the event of an insufficient number of timely registered and eligible Players. All Matches during the Online Round must be completed no later than as outlined in the table(s) above.
RULES AND VIOLATIONS
This section provides examples of potential violations of the Official Rules and their possible consequences. If a Player believes that his or her opponent has engaged in violating this section or the Official Rules, he or she must alert Administrator as set forth below (see Reporting Violations). Failure to do so may result in waiver.
Prohibited Actions
The following actions are strictly prohibited during any Game and may result in disqualification from further participation in the Tournament and/or suspension of your Grilla Account:
• Using any form of external script;
• Using bugs that change the Game or FIFA 23 principle;
• Using any third-party software that is not expressly allowed by the Game or FIFA 23 publisher and that can give any Player an unfair advantage;
• Using any communicative device;
• Using any Game Account other than the one identified on your registration form, including guest accounts, to compete;
• Not having an authorized and complete license or copy of FIFA 23;
• Actions against Grilla Fair Play Policy
• Engaging in any conduct that is designed or intended to give one Player a competitive advantage over another Player (“Cheating”). Cheating includes, without limitation:
i. Collusion or Match fixing, i.e., agreeing with one (1) or more other Players to disadvantage other Players;
ii. Hacking or modifying any Game or FIFA 23;
iii. Using any prohibited class, team, weapon, item, or action during a Game;
iv. Spectating the monitor or live streams any opposing Players;
v. Using restricted hardware or equipment during any Game;
vi. Intentionally disconnecting from any Game prior to its official conclusion;
vii. Exploiting known in-game bugs, glitches, and unintended game or software features to disadvantage other Players; or
viii. Knowingly exploiting a Glitch (above) or other bug or glitch in the software.
Sanctions
If Administrator determines a Player has engaged in any of the following prohibited conduct, the Administrator in its sole discretion may caution (warn) or disqualify such Player:
• Shows dissent by word or action towards other Players or Administrator;
• Uses insulting language and/or gestures towards other Players or Administrator;
• Unsportsmanlike behavior during a Match;
• Grieving/trolling;
• Ghosting (i.e., watching video streams and/or listening to live coverage of Player’s own Match while the Match is still in progress);
• Spamming;
• Misleading of live or online support admins, including any Rowdies Admin; or
• Any other actions or conduct that is detrimental to or incompatible with the brand standards of Grilla or the Rowdies.
Reporting Violations
For the activities referenced above in Prohibited Actions and Sanctions, violations must be reported to Grilla Admin via the Moderator Button, accompanied by video or photographic evidence, if available, or other documentation to validate the claim.
Administrator will address each claimed violation on a case-by-case basis. If Administrator concludes that a violation has occurred and depending on the nature and severity of the violation, Administrator will determine the appropriate penalty, which may include:
A warning (first offenses only);
Forfeiture of current Game or Match by violating Player (the “Violator”);
Immediate disqualification of Violator from the further participation in the Tournament and eligibility for prizes;
Disqualification of Violator from participating in future events or tournaments; and/or
Suspension of Violator’s Grilla Account.
Administrator reserves the absolute right in its discretion to make determinations about intentional actions by Players used to gain an unintended advantage.
You agree that all such decisions by Administrator in enforcing these Official Rules, including the Match Procedures and Rules and Violations (above) are final and unappealable and will be executed without delay in Administrator’s discretion.
NOTIFICATION AND VERIFICATION
Potential Finalists and winners will be notified as set forth below and may be required to present valid photo identification and/or to execute and return an affidavit or declaration of eligibility, liability waiver, publicity release (where legal), tax forms and/or other legal documents (collectively, the “Verification Paperwork”) to Administrator as a condition of receiving any prize and, as applicable, continuing eligibility in the Tournament, as set forth below. Administrator in its sole discretion may allow for transmission of Verification Paperwork from any or all Finalists and/or winners via e-mail.
Finalist Deadlines
Administrator will contact each potential Finalist by telephone, e-mail and/or in game using the information supplied by Finalist at the time of registration on his or her Grilla Account. Each Player is solely responsible for ensuring that his or her Grilla Account reflects the up-to-date contact information.
Each Finalist must respond to Administrator within forty-eight (48) hours of initial notification and may be required (or if a Minor, his or her Guardian may be required) execute and return any required Verification Paperwork to Administrator within forty-eight (48) hours of initial notification. Finalists will receive instructions on coordinating travel and accommodations for, and other information relating to, the Finals Event.
Alternate Finalists: If any potential Finalist (a) cannot be contacted directly by, or does not respond to, Administrator within the time stated above, (b) fails to satisfy any eligibility or verification requirement herein, (c) declines or is unable to participate in the live Finals Event, or (d) is otherwise determined to be ineligible, Administrator in its discretion may disqualify that Finalist and an alternate Finalist will be selected in accordance with previously described method (above) as soon as reasonably practicable after such disqualification.
Alternate Finalists are subject to all eligibility requirements and restrictions of these Official Rules and must respond to initial notification and provide any requested verification materials within deadlines If time permits, Administrator will attempt to verify up to four (4) alternate Finalists for any Finalist slot.
If Administrator cannot verify a Finalist after four (4) alternate attempts or there is not enough time remaining prior to the Finals Event to verify such Finalist, no further attempts will be made for such Finalist slot, and the number of Finalist slots will be reduced accordingly, and the corresponding Finalist prizes will not be awarded.
Winner Deadlines
Potential winners will be notified at the end of the Finals Event. Each potential winner must respond to initial notification within forty-eight (48) hours and may be required (or if a Minor, his or her Guardian may be required) to execute and return any additional required Verification Paperwork to Administrator within three (3) business days of notification.
If any potential winner (a) cannot be contacted directly by, or does not respond to, Administrator within the time stated above, (b) fails to satisfy any eligibility or verification requirement herein, (c) declines to accept the prize, or (d) is otherwise determined to be ineligible, Administrator in its discretion may disqualify that individual and an alternate winner will be determined from the remaining eligible Finalists in accordance with the previously described method (above) as soon as reasonably practicable after such disqualification.
Alternate winners: Alternate winners are subject to all eligibility requirements and restrictions of these Official Rules and must respond to initial notification and provide any requested Verification Paperwork within the deadlines above. If Administrator cannot verify any winner from remaining eligible Finalists, no further attempts will be made, and that prize will not be awarded.
Administrator may, in its sole discretion, post the verified Finalists’ and/or winner’s names on the Tournament Page and/or any of the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Grilla’s respective websites, including http://www.Rowdiessoccer.com and https://www.grilla.gg, and raredrop.co and on or in any of the Rowdies’ and Grilla’s or Rare Drop’s respective social media pages or channels. Except as provided in these Official Rules or otherwise required by law, Administrator is not responsible for entering any correspondence or discussion regarding any Tournament results.
Upon fulfilling any prize, the Rowdies will be deemed to have awarded the prize to the Finalist/winner and such Finalist/winner assumes full responsibility for the prize.
PUBLICITY RELEASE
Participation in the Tournament and acceptance of a prize, as applicable, constitutes a Player’s (or if a Minor, their Guardian’s) agreement and consent to Sponsor’s, Grilla, and their affiliates’, agents’ or affiliated third parties’ use of the Player’s names, gamer tags, nicknames, image or likenesses, photographs, voices, opinions and/or city, state, province, country, game footage (including, but not limited to, that from any game that has been live streamed, broadcast, or recorded), biographical information and/or prize information in connection with the Tournament for promotional, advertising or other purposes in any media now known or hereafter devised including the internet, worldwide, without further payment or consideration, notice, review or approval. Notwithstanding, if requested, Player will sign, (or if a Minor, will cause their Guardian to sign), any documentation required by Sponsor to perfect or otherwise with respect to the foregoing consent. Furthermore, Players understand that Sponsor and/or its agents will record, photograph and otherwise document the Tournament (“Footage”). Player agrees and consents that, as between the parties, Sponsor shall own the Footage and all materials provided by Player to Sponsor, Grilla, and/or their respective agents in connection with the Tournament (“Submissions”), including copyright, trademark and other proprietary rights associated therewith, and Sponsor, its successors, assigns and licensees, shall have the right to edit, exploit, adapt, sublicense, distribute, post, create derivative works from, copy, store, operate with computers and other data processing equipment (e,g. mobile phones, smart phones, tablet PCs, e-pads or e-readers), use, offer and distribute by all means of transmission (known or unknown), make publicly available via all means, use the Footage or Submissions, in whole or in part, and in combination with other materials, in any manner, for any advertising, promotional, trade, commercial or other purposes in any and all media, now known or hereafter developed, worldwide in perpetuity and, to the extent allowed under the applicable laws, without further payment or consideration, notification or permission. Notwithstanding this paragraph, such Player may be required to sign an affidavit to confirm the foregoing.
Each Player will indemnify the Released Parties and any licensee of the Rowdies and/or Grilla against all claims, damages, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and legal expenses) arising out of any breach of these terms.
RELEASE; INDEMNIFICATION; DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
The term “Released Parties” shall refer collectively to the Rowdies Soccer LLC, Grilla, Rare Drop LLC, any other company involved in the development or administration of this Tournament, their respective parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, representatives, consultants, contractors, legal counsel, advertising, public relations, promotional, fulfillment and marketing agencies, franchisees, promoters, prize suppliers, website providers, web masters, and their respective officers, directors, employees, volunteers, representatives, agents and related persons.
By participating in this Tournament, each Player (or if a Minor, their Guardian on behalf of the Minor) agrees to release, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Released Parties from any and all liability for any loss, harm, damage, injury, cost or expense of any nature whatsoever (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) (collectively, “Losses”) which may occur in connection with a breach or alleged breach of any representations, warranties or agreements of Player hereunder. Each further agrees to release, indemnify, defend and hold harmless each of the Released Parties from any and all Losses which may occur in connection with (a) the Tournament or any element thereof, including entry or participation therein, (b) delivery, possession, acceptance and/or use or misuse of any prize, travel package (only if applicable) or component thereof, or (c) participation in any Tournament-related activity or prize-related activity including without limitation in each case any Losses that may be caused or contributed to by (i) any wrongful, negligent or unauthorized act or omission on the part of any of the Released Parties, or any of their independent contractors or any other person or entity not an employee of any of the Released Parties, or (ii) any other cause, condition or event whatsoever beyond the control of any of the Released Parties. Each Player hereby acknowledges that the Released Parties have neither made nor are in any manner responsible or liable for, and hereby disclaim, any warranty, representation, condition or guarantee, express or implied, in fact or in law, relative to the prize, travel package (only if applicable) or any components thereof and that, except as prohibited by applicable law, the prize is provided “as is” without warranty or condition of any kind, either express or implied. The Released Parties are not responsible if any prize cannot be awarded due to cancellations, delays, or interruptions due to acts of God, acts of war, natural disasters, weather, public health emergencies (e.g., pandemics), or terrorism. By participating in this Tournament, Player agrees that the Released Parties will not be responsible or liable for any damages, or losses of any kind (other than personal injury or death), including direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages to persons or to property arising out of access to and use of any website associated with this Tournament or the downloading from and/or printing material downloaded from such site, however provided that no member of the Released Parties acted intentionally or with gross negligence.
As noted above, Finalists and any Guardians must agree to observe all applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, orders and directives at the time of the Finals Event Released Parties cannot guarantee that Finalists or Guardians will not be exposed to and/or contract COVID-19 or other contagious diseases. Finalists and any Guardians agree that (a) all who attend the Finals Event and/or other prize-related activity do so at their own risk, that (b) Finalists and Guardians accept the risk of being exposed to, contracting, and/or spreading COVID-19 or other contagious diseases along with all related consequences, and that (c) Finalists and Guardians waive all right to bring any claims, including but not limited to claims of negligence.. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and notwithstanding the risks associated with COVID-19, all Finalists and Guardians acknowledge and fully assume the risk of any illness, disease, personal injury, death, bodily harm, emotional distress and/or psychological harm that any Finalist or Guardian may suffer or incur as a direct or indirect result of attending the Finals Event or participating in any prize-related activity, including without limitation, contracting COVID-19.
LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY
Without limiting anything set forth above in these Official Rules, Sponsor and/or Grilla and their agents are not responsible for (a) any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by Players, printing errors or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Tournament; (b) technical issues or failures of any kind, including, but not limited to malfunctions, interruptions, or disconnections in phone lines or hardware, software or internet issues; (c) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the Tournament;
(d) technical or human error which may occur in the administration of the Tournament or the processing of game play or registrations; (e) play entered through the use of any robotic or automated device/computer program or any other non-human mechanism, entity, or device; (f) play in excess of the stated limits; (g) any technical or human error which may occur in the creation, submission, assignment or processing of games and/or leaderboards in the Tournament, including any technical or human error in connection with any social media platforms, Tournament website and/or the hosting thereof; (h) plays, prize claims or notifications that are not received by the intended recipient due to transmission, technical, computer or human failures or error of any kind, including any plays, prize claims or notifications that are delayed, misdirected, or undelivered as a result of any failure or problem with the availability, functionality, operability or use of any network, server, ISP, website, computer, internet connection, hand-held mobile device, social media platform, or any other equipment or
connection used in connection with the Tournament; (i) changes in a Player’s (or if a Minor, their Guardian’s) information which affects the ability to contact such Player (or, where applicable, their Guardian); (j) typographical errors in Tournament promotional material; (k) cancellations and/or delays or any change by any company or any other persons providing any of components of the prize due to reasons beyond the control of any of the Released Parties; (l) any interruptions/postponement/cancellation of Tournament; (m) human error, incorrect or inaccurate transcription of Player information; (n) any technical malfunctions of the computer
on-line system, computer dating mechanism, computer equipment, software, any social media platform, or internet service provider utilized by any of the Released Parties or by Player; (o) interruption or inability to access the Tournament, any Tournament-related web pages (including the Tournament website), any social media platform, or any on-line service via the
Internet due to hardware or software compatibility problems; (p) any damage to Player’s (or any third party’s) computer and/or its contents related to or resulting from any part of the Tournament; (q) any lost/delayed data transmissions, omissions, interruptions, defects; and/or
(r) any other errors or malfunctions, even if caused by the negligence of any one or more of the Released Parties. For clarity, in the European Region, the foregoing will not apply to the extent due to Sponsor’s and/or Grilla gross negligence or willful misconduct or to the extent resulting in a Player’s bodily injury or death.
MISCELLANEOUS
Administrator reserves the right to cancel, suspend, terminate and/or modify this Tournament, or any part thereof, if Administrator determines, in its sole discretion, that the security, administration, fairness and/or operation of the Tournament has been corrupted or impaired by any non-authorized intervention, network failure, information storage failure, telecommunications failure, regularly-scheduled maintenance, malfunction, fraud, virus, or other technical problem, or any other cause beyond
Administrator’s control. In such an event, Administrator will post notice of same at the Tournament Page and, in its discretion, void any suspect registrations or plays and (a) modify or suspend the Tournament to address the impairment and then resume the Tournament in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules; or (b) select the Finalists or winners from all non-suspect registrations received prior to the suspension, cancellation or termination of the Tournament in accordance with the above selection criteria or in such other manner as Administrator, in its sole discretion, deems fair and appropriate under the circumstances.
Administrator reserves the right to disqualify any individual from further participation in the Tournament if Administrator concludes, in its sole discretion, that such person (a) has attempted to tamper with the entry process or other any operation of the Tournament, (b) has exploited or attempted to exploit a bug or glitch in the software; (c) has caused another Player to be dropped or disconnected during Match play; (d) has repeatedly disregarded or has attempted to circumvent these Official Rules, or (e) has acted towards Administrator or any other Player or other participant in an unfair, inequitable, deliberately annoying, threatening, disrupting or harassing manner. Tampering includes attempting to register or participate more than the number of times permitted herein, including by using any prohibited device or method.
Any failure by Administrator to enforce any of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of such Official Rules. Any failure by Administrator to comply with any provision of these Official Rules due to an act of God, hurricane, war, fire, riot, earthquake, terrorism, pandemic, epidemic, act of public enemies, actions of governmental authorities outside of Administrator’s control (excepting compliance with applicable codes and regulations), or other “force majeure” event will not be considered a breach of these Official Rules.
ANY ATTEMPT BY ANY INDIVIDUAL TO DEFRAUD, TAMPER WITH, OR DELIBERATELY UNDERMINE, THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE TOURNAMENT MAY BE A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND/OR CIVIL LAWS AND ADMINISTRATOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO PURSUE ANY AVAILABLE DAMAGES OR REMEDIES AGAINST SUCH INDIVIDUAL AND/OR REFER SUCH MATTERS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR PROSECUTION TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
YOU ARE NOT A FINALIST OR WINNER OF ANY PRIZE UNLESS AND UNTIL YOUR ELIGIBILITY HAS BEEN VERIFIED AND YOU HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED THAT VERIFICATION IS COMPLETE, REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE GAME PLAY MAY INDICATE. All activity arising out of and relating to the Tournament, including any reference to the status of any person as a “Finalist” or “winner” is subject to verification and/or auditing for compliance with the Official Rules. If Administrator determines, in its sole discretion, that verification or auditing activity evidences non-compliance of an entry and/or Player with the Official Rules, Administrator reserves the right to disqualify such entry and/or Player from the Tournament and any prize at any time. Administrator reserves the right to conduct a background check on any or all potential Finalists/winners and to disqualify any individual based on such background check if Administrator determines in its sole discretion that awarding a prize to any such individual might reflect negatively on the Rowdies or Grilla. Each Player (or his or her parent/legal guardian, if a Minor) agrees to cooperate with Administrator and its representatives in connection with all verification, auditing and/or background check activities.
Administrator reserves the right to correct typographical, printing or clerical errors in any Tournament- related materials. No more than the stated number of Finalists and winners will be selected. If production, technical, seeding, programming or any other reasons cause more than the stated number of prizes as set forth in these Official Rules to be available and/or claimed, Administrator reserves the right to select only the stated number of Finalists and winners as applicable from among all legitimate, un-awarded, eligible Finalist and/or winner claims in accordance with the previously described selection method or as it deems fair under the circumstances.
DISPUTES
Except where prohibited, Player agrees that: (a) any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Tournament or any Prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the state courts situated in St. Petersburg, Florida, or the federal courts situated in Tampa, Florida, as the case may be; (b) any and all claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of- pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering this Tournament, but in no event solicitors’/attorneys’ fees or other costs of bringing a claim; (c) under no circumstances will Player be permitted to obtain awards for, and Player hereby waives all rights to claim, indirect, punitive, incidental, exemplary, and consequential damages and any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket expenses, and any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased; and (d) in no event shall Players rescind his or her agreement to these Official Rules or seek injunctive or any other equitable relief. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, and/or the rights and obligations of the Player and Sponsor and/or Grilla in connection with the Tournament, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Florida, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules, which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than that of Florida.
In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between any terms or conditions of these Official Rules and any disclosures or other statements contained in any other Tournament-related materials, including but not limited to the Tournament entry forms, or point of sale, television, print, mobile or online advertising, the terms and conditions of these Official Rules shall prevail, govern and control. If any provision of these Official Rules is determined to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable or illegal, these Official Rules shall otherwise remain in effect and be construed in accordance with their terms as if the invalid or illegal provision were not contained herein.
TRADEMARKS
EA, Microsoft, and Sony Interactive are not sponsors or endorsers of this Tournament or of Administrator. Any third-party trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective trademark owners and the use or mention of any such third-party trademarks in these Official Rules or in the Tournament is solely for descriptive purposes and shall in no way imply an endorsement or sponsorship of the Tournament. Tampa Bay Rowdies trademarks, service marks and copyrights are proprietary to the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
WINNERS’ LIST/OFFICIAL RULES
For a copy of the Official Rules or the final Winners’ List, visit the Tournament Page or mail a SASE to: 2023 Rowdies Gaming, 1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 specifying either “Winners’ List” or “Official Rules.” Winners’ List will be available after September 9, 2023.
Administrator: Rowdies Soccer LLC (Sponsor) and Grilla.