Amateur Esports League

QR

Submitting proof

Every deadline in the ruleset

QR 1

How to report something

In shortWrong settings? Leave now. Anything else? Finish the map, then ticket it.

First, work out which kind of problem it is — it decides whether you stay in the game or leave immediately. Getting this wrong costs you the map.

Wrong game settings

Leave now. You must be out inside your mode's threshold or the result stands — Hardpoint under 120 combined, S&D before your score reaches 5 rounds, Overload before 2 points. Record it first, then leave. Rule 7 →

Someone disconnected

Depends on the mode. Inside the threshold the map or round restarts — and if the host won't end it, you may have to leave or change teams to force it. Rule 5 →

Everything else

Finish the map. GA breaks, trophies, conduct — play it out, don't leave, and don't try to settle it in the lobby. Rule 3.5 →

Then, whichever it was

1 · Gather your evidence before the window closes — times are below.

2 · Open a ticket in the AEL Discord, quote the rule number, attach the proof.

3 · Wait for the ruling. Staff decide — don't carry it on in match chat.

No proof, no ruling

Staff do not act on chat messages or word of mouth. Anything you want ruled on needs evidence attached to a ticket.

QR 2

How long you have to submit

In short10 minutes between maps, 20 after the last one. Miss it and the result stands.

Miss the window and the result stands, even when you were right.

Window	What you're submitting	Rule
Immediately	Wrong game settings — send to an admin as soon as you leave the game.	7.1
10 min	A GA or rule break, between maps. The clock starts when the map ends.	3.5
20 min	A GA or rule break, after the final map of the series.	3.5
1 hour	A trophy limit break, after the series ends.	3.6
24 hours	How long you must keep recordings available for staff. Minimum.	11.1

Window	Other clocks that aren't about proof	Rule
10 min	Host invites for every map after the first. Teams then have 10 min to join.	6.4
15 min	Host invites for map 1. Teams then have 15 min to join.	6.4
30 min	Request a monitor cam or PC reset, before the series starts.	11.3
30 min	Playoff emergency cancellation — the absolute minimum notice.	8.1
8 hours	Notice to move a confirmed group stage game.	8.1

QR 3

What counts as proof

In shortVideo or it didn’t happen. Screenshots only really work for scores.

Video / screen recording

The only reliable way to show a GA break or wrong settings.

Screenshots

Fine for scores and leaderboards. Rarely enough alone for a rule break.

A written description

Not evidence. Staff can't rule on what you say you saw.

Two things proof has to show

GA breaks: the player using the weapon with the GA'd attachment — not just owning it.

Trophies: more than two actively used — not three players selecting Trophy System.

QR

Forfeits & penalties

What every offence costs

QR 4

Match & map penalties

In shortMost breaks cost you the map — but Hardpoint GA breaks are a staff call on impact.

Staff call means the outcome depends on impact, and staff decide.

Offence	Penalty	Detail	Rule
GA break — Hardpoint	Staff call	Judged on impact — a smoke that changed nothing is not the same as a break that decided the map.	3.5
GA break — S&D / Overload, first	Staff call	One round forfeit, or the map.	3.5
GA break — S&D / Overload, repeat	Map FF	More than once in a round-based mode.	3.5
More than 2 trophies used	Map FF	Forfeits the maps in question.	3.6
Wrong settings — S&D, host	1 round FF	Map restarts with the other team a round up. Again after that forfeits the map.	7.3
Wrong settings — Overload, host	1 round FF	Again after the restart forfeits the map.	7.4
Not showing up, or not inviting, in time	Map FF	Applies to both teams, per map.	6.4
Refusing a valid stream request	Forfeit	Requested by the other team or by staff.	11.1
Refusing a moni cam when on the list	Forfeit	Anyone on the list cams every series.	11.1
Moving a game outside the notice window	Staff call	Not approved, and a forfeit may follow.	8.1
Repeatedly reporting scores wrongly	Forfeit	Repeated failure, not a single mistake.	10.1
Misleading on a pick-up's skill or division	Match replay	The whole series is replayed.	13.3
Caster breaking the casting rules	Replay or FF	The caster is also removed.	12.1

QR 5

Player & team penalties

In shortRingers, cheats and undeclared bans get you thrown out of the season, not just the map.

These follow the player or team beyond a single map, because they affect every result in the division rather than one series.

Offence	Penalty	Detail	Rule
Two rosters, or playing on someone else's account	Match FF or ban	Either, depending on what happened.	2.3
Switching to PC without telling an admin	Possible removal	You must also move up one division.	2.1
Not declaring a CMG ban on entry	All games FF + DQ	Forfeits every one of the team's games, and disqualification from playoff advances.	2.4
Using, or knowingly playing with, a ringer	Season DQ	Out of the current season, potentially longer.	9.1
Banned equipment — KBM, adapters, DMA, scripts, cheats, DDoS	Extended ban	Length set by AEL Management.	9.2
Unsportsmanlike behaviour	Warning to ban	Warning, suspension or ban, by severity.	14.1
Discrimination, hate speech, harassment or abuse	Removal + future bans	Severe breaches mean immediate removal and bans from future AEL events.	14.1

Management can vary any of this

A ruling, or the length of a punishment, may be changed under specific or special circumstances — in either direction.

01

Eligibility requirements

1.1

Eligibility

#

In shortEurope. Controller only. Xbox, PlayStation or PC.

Region

Every player must be located within Europe.

Platform

Xbox, PlayStation or PC.

Input

Controller only. Keyboard and mouse are not eligible to compete.

02

Team & player restrictions

2.1

Players

#

In shortOnly players on their AEL website roster count. Get changes approved before you play.

Only players listed on their team's roster on the AEL website (ameleague.com) count as official players for their team.

Submit changes in the league Discord. They need approval before a player is officially added — submitting is not the same as being registered.
Make changes in good time, before your match-ups and roster deadlines. Knowing your own roster is the team's responsibility.
Restricted players can be removed. Any player or team found to conflict with, or fall under, an AEL restriction may be removed from the listed team or the season.

Moving from console to PC

If you switch from console to PC you must move up one division — the level of competition on PC is generally considered higher.

You must tell an admin before you make the switch. Failing to do so may result in removal from the team.

2.2

Activision name changes

#

In shortChanging your name? Tell the league first, with proof, or it looks like a ringer.

Give notice of an Activision name change before any matches are played, through a ticket, with proof. A screen recording clearly showing the account and the change details is the strongest form.

Accepted proof	What it has to show
Twitch / YouTube VOD	Both the previous and the current (updated) Activision ID.
Email confirmation	Activision's own confirmation of the change.
Photo or video evidence	The Activision name change process itself.

2.3

Multiple rosters / account use

#

In shortOne player, one team. No alt accounts, no playing on someone else’s.

A player may not actively represent or play for more than one roster in the Amateur Esports League.

No playing for two rosters at the same time, in any division.
No playing on someone else's account, and no alternate accounts.
No letting someone else use your account to play any game under AEL.
Substitutes between maps are allowed — but they must already be listed on the official roster before the match, and must come in within the time limit between maps.

Penalty

Violating any of the above may result in a match forfeit or a player ban.

2.4

CMG account bans

#

In shortBanned on CMG? Declare it when you join. Hiding it forfeits your whole team’s games.

Players banned on CMG must notify the league upon entry to be given clearance or the stipulations they'll play under.

Penalty for not declaring

Consequences include, but are not limited to, forfeits for all of their team's games and immediate team disqualification from playoff advances.

The whole team pays for one undeclared ban — check your roster before the season starts.

03

CDL / GA restrictions, official rules & GA rule breaks

3.1

General

#

In shortAEL runs CDL rules plus GA's. Staff have the final say on any violation.

Gentlemen's Agreements (GA's) are additional rules Call of Duty players use aside from the official CDL ruleset. AEL strives for the same competitive integrity as the pro league, so the GA's listed must be followed. Some have exceptions or specific instructions for use. League staff have final judgement on whether a CDL or GA violation is enforced.

You must submit proof of any rule or GA breaks via a ticket.

3.2 & 3.3

The GA and settings lists

#

In shortThe full lists are on this page — settings, banned items and GA's.

3.2 — GA's

The full list of GA's AEL enforces.
GA's →

3.3 & 6.2 — Settings

In-game settings to change before a match.
In-game settings →

Banned items

The official banned list, by category.
Banned items →

3.4

Modes & maps

#

In shortCDL 2026 pool, plus Frequency in Hardpoint.

Hardpoint	Search & Destroy	Overload
Sake	Den	Den
Frequency	Gridlock	Gridlock
Den	Raid	Scar
Scar	Fringe	—
Gridlock	Sake	—
Hacienda	Hacienda	—

3.5

CDL & GA violations

#

In shortFinish the map first. Then you have 10 minutes to send proof.

Should a team violate the rules by breaking a GA, complete the current map. Each team then has 10 minutes after the map to gather evidence and submit proof in a ticket. Reports after the final map must be within 20 minutes.

Mode	First break	Repeat break
Hardpoint	Staff call	Judged on impact. A break that affected the game can forfeit the map; one that changed nothing may not.
Search & Destroy	1 round FF or map FF	Map FF
Overload	1 round FF or map FF	Map FF

What actually counts as a break

Players must be seen using the weapon with the GA'd attachment.

If a player is seen with a GA'd attachment but is not using that weapon, it is not a forfeit.

Management and admins have the right to make a relevant judgement call based on the GA break in question.

3.6

Trophy rules

#

In shortTwo trophies per team, max. Proof must show them used, not just selected.

There is a hard limit of two trophies per team in a league game.

Going over forfeits the maps in question. This applies to any team found using more than two trophies during a match.
You have one hour after the series concludes to collect and submit proof.
Proof must show trophies being actively used — not merely that three players selected Trophy System as their field upgrade. Selecting is not using.

04

Vetoes

Match veto process

4.1

Arranging vetoes

#

In shortHome team picks A or B. Then bans and picks run HP → S&D → OL, 11 steps.

Team roles

Home team

Picks whether they are Team A or Team B.

Team A

Hosts Maps 2 & 4.
Picks sides for Maps 1, 3 & 5.

Team B

Hosts Maps 1, 3 & 5.
Picks sides for Maps 2 & 4.

Veto order

Hardpoint HP

1ABans 1 HP map

2BBans 1 HP map

3APicks Map 1

4BPicks Map 4

Search & Destroy S&D

5BBans 1 S&D map

6ABans 1 S&D map

7BPicks Map 2

8APicks Map 5

Overload OL

9ABans 1 OL map

10BBans 1 OL map

11—Last OL map is played as Map 3

Maps played in order

MAP 1

Hardpoint

MAP 2

Search & Destroy

MAP 3

Overload

MAP 4

Hardpoint

MAP 5

Search & Destroy

Remember

Maps are selected from the remaining pool after each ban. The full map pool per mode is in 3.4.

05

Player disconnections

5.1–5.3

When someone drops

#

In shortUnder the threshold it restarts. Over it, you play on and it counts.

Every mode has a threshold. Inside it, the map or round restarts. Outside it, play continues and the result counts — so act quickly.

Mode	Inside the threshold — restart	Outside it — play on
Hardpoint	Disconnect at a combined score under 120: the map must be ended and restarted.	Past 120 combined: the match plays out while the player rejoins, and the map score counts towards the series.
Search & Destroy	Only if the disconnect happens within a few seconds and neither team has a kill. Then the round can be restarted.	Otherwise the round is completed and counted, and the game ends at the end of that round. If the game isn't ended and the next round is played a player down, that round counts too.
Overload	Disconnect within the first 2 minutes of the round: the host ends the game and the round restarts at the score from before those 2 minutes.	Playing the round out a player down counts.

If the hosting team won't end the game

Hardpoint: change teams, or leave the game, to force it to end. This must be done within a reasonable amount of time of realising the disconnect — otherwise the map is played out and counted.

Search & Destroy and Overload: leave the match to have it officially ended.

Restarting a Search & Destroy game

The game restarts at the current round score — you don't replay rounds already won.

If a player had a streak and the disconnect caused a restart, that player can earn the streak back before play continues at the score it was when the game ended.

06

Lobby hosting & game set-up

6.1 & 6.2

General hosting rules

#

In shortHost sets the lobby. 4 rostered players per team, nobody else.

The host must be on PlayStation, Xbox or PC.
Only 4 players listed on the roster from each team in the lobby, plus any approved AEL casters or admins for that match-up.
Settings: use the in-game settings list referenced in 3.3.
Hosting or set-up problems go in a ticket, with proof.

6.3

Invite only / players joining

#

In shortLobby must be Invite Only. Staff judge randoms on impact, not the fact they joined.

The hosting team must set the game lobby to Invite Only.

If any player besides a reconnecting player joins mid-game, the impact and scenario will be discussed by staff, and a ruling made based on the impact of the third party — not on the fact of the join alone.

6.4

Match starting times

#

In short15 minutes to invite and to join on map 1, 10 after that. Miss it, lose the map.

Stage	Host invites within	Teams join within
Map 1	15 min of the scheduled match time	15 min of the scheduled match time
Every map after	10 min	10 min to join and start

Missing either window

Failure to show up, or to invite, in each given time frame leads to a map forfeit. Staff have the right to extend time or force play given specific circumstances.

The scheduled match time is the time both teams agreed for the series. Both map 1 windows start from it.

07

Incorrect game settings

7.1

Proof & reporting

#

In shortRecord it, then leave — in that order. Send it to an admin immediately.

The non-hosting team must take video proof of the wrong rules for confirmation.
Send it to an admin or referee immediately after leaving the game, and raise a ticket.
Each team may choose CDL mode with killcams enabled for respawn modes, or custom rules.

A warning about custom rules

Using custom rules leaves you open to using incorrect rules, meaning you're more likely to get forfeited. CDL mode is the safer choice.

7.2–7.4

Thresholds by mode

#

In shortLeave before your mode’s threshold or the result stands, however wrong the settings were.

Mode	To get a restart or replay	Penalty, and what a repeat costs
Hardpoint	Host must end the game within 60 combined score to restart the map. Non-host must leave within 120 combined score to get a map replay.	If neither team leaves and the combined score passes 120, the result stands.
Search & Destroy	Non-host must leave before their own score reaches 5 rounds to get a round forfeit.	Host forfeits 1 round. The map restarts with the non-host one round up — from 2–2 it restarts at 3–2. If the host continues with incorrect rules, the map is a forfeit.
Overload	Non-host must leave before reaching 2 points to get a round forfeit. If identified within the first 2 minutes, the round may restart from 0–0 with correct rules.	Incorrect rules for the entirety of a round: host forfeits that round. If the host continues after a restart, the map is a forfeit.

08

Cancelling & rearranging games

8.1

Cancelling & rearranging rules

#

In short8 hours’ notice in groups, 30 minutes for playoff emergencies. Get it in writing.

Stage	Minimum notice	What else has to be true
Group stage	8 hours	The opposing team must be made aware 8 hours before the agreed time.
Playoffs	30 min	Emergency cancellations only, due to the shorter arranging window. The opposing team and admins must be told at least 30 minutes before. The game must be rearranged within the set playoffs schedule, with preference for rescheduling on the opposing team's side.

Outside the window

Any changes outside that period — or where the opposing team wasn't made aware — will not be approved, and a forfeit may be issued.

Submit proof of any change-of-game issues via a ticket.

09

Peripheral equipment & ringer accounts

9.1

Ringer accounts

#

In shortPlaying on someone else’s account — or knowingly against one — is a season DQ.

A ringer account is considered to be either:

Giving your account to another person to play in someone else's place.
Making a second account and pretending to be two different people — to represent two rosters at the same time, avoid bans, or play a division below your level.

Penalty

Using — or knowingly playing with — a ringer will immediately get you disqualified from the current season, and potentially a further increased amount of time.

9.2

Banned peripheral equipment

#

In shortController, unmodified, nothing in between. No adapters, scripts, DMA, cheat software or attacks on anyone's connection. Proven use is an extended ban.

Anything that gives an unfair advantage is banned. This list includes, but is not limited to:

Type	Not allowed
Input	Keyboard and mouse. Controller only — see 1.1.
Adapters & converters	Cronus (any model) · XIM · ReaSnow · Strike Pack · any other conversion or passthrough device.
Memory & hardware cheats	DMA cards and any other hardware that reads or writes game memory, including second-PC setups.
Scripts, macros & remapping	DS4 scripts · DS4Windows · reWASD and similar. This includes RC filtering to abuse aim assist, anti-recoil scripts, and anything that automates or alters your input.
Cheat software	Aimbot · wall hacks · ESP · radar · any other cheat.
Connection manipulation	Lag switching, packet manipulation, or anything that deliberately affects your own connection.
Attacking other players	DDoS attacks against an opponent, their network or the lobby · IP pulling · booting or stresser services · anything else aimed at another player's connection.

You will get found out

Everything in rule 11 exists for this. Anyone on the monitor cam list cams every series. PC resets are on request through playoffs and mandatory for Grand Finals. Opponents and staff can request a stream at any point, and refusing is a forfeit on its own.

Your recordings have to stay available to staff for 24 hours minimum, so a series can be reviewed after the fact — not just while it is happening.

It is not worth it. The ban outlasts the season.

Penalty

Using banned equipment, where proven, means disqualification from AEL for an extended period determined by AEL Management.

Submit proof of any suspicious gameplay via a ticket.

10

Score reporting

10.1

How to report a match score

#

In shortTeam names + score + a leaderboard screenshot of every map. All three, every time.

After finishing your game, report the score in the Discord. A valid report includes all three:

Both team names

As they appear on the AEL website.

The series score

For example: AEL Team A 3–1 AEL Team B

Leaderboard screenshots

For each map, showing the scores and all players' stats — kills, deaths, hill time etc.

Example Hardpoint match leaderboard showing both teams, final score and per-player stats — What an acceptable leaderboard screenshot looks like — both teams, the final score, and every player's stats.

Penalty

Repeated failure to do this can result in a forfeit.

11

Streaming, cams & PC resets

11.1

Requesting & required streams

#

In shortRefusing a valid request is a forfeit. Ask for cams or resets 30 min before.

Measure	When it's required	Notice
Game stream	Only if requested by opponents or league staff.	In good time before the match. Can be requested at any point if a cam or reset was asked for too late.
Monitor / hand cam	If you're on the monitor cam list, or staff request it. On request throughout playoffs; mandatory for Grand Finals on PC.	30 min before the series begins.
PC reset	On request via a ticket, including for players on the monitor cam list, or if staff request it. On request throughout playoffs; mandatory for Grand Finals.	30 min before the series begins.

Refusing a request

If the opposing team refuses a valid stream request, or refuses to monitor cam when on the list, the result is a forfeit.

Anyone on the monitor cam list is required to cam every series, with PC resets on request via a ticket.

Keep your recordings — 24 hours minimum

It's the team's responsibility to provide all appropriate documentation and proof. That includes keeping videos and recordings accessible for admins to review or share for at least 24 hours.

11.2–11.5

The detail on each measure

#

In shortKeep your recordings 24 hours minimum. Cam audio on if you cam instead of streaming.

11.2 · Game streaming. Required only on request. The stream must have audio of teammates and game sound. If a cam or reset was requested too late, a team stream can be requested instead at any point.
Accepted platforms: Twitch, YouTube or Kick. No other streaming platform counts, whether it is a match stream, a second channel or a caster stream.
11.3 · Monitor / hand cams. Required if on the monitor cam list or staff request it. On request throughout playoffs, mandatory for Grand Finals. If you cam because your internet is too poor to stream, the cam must have audio on. Requests must be made at least 30 minutes before the series — after that only streaming may be requested, unless there's genuine concern and proof of questionable play.
11.4 · PC resets. On request via a ticket (players on the monitor cam list included), or if staff request it, with the same 30-minute notice. Focus mode must be set to 100% once the game has reloaded after the reset.
11.5 · Console players. Must record their POV with full team voices enabled if requested by an admin — or stream to a second channel on Twitch, YouTube or Kick with all team voices enabled, and link the VOD after the match.

Management discretion

Management are allowed to change a ruling — including any punishment above, or its time frame — under specific or special circumstances.

12

Casting rules & requirements

12.1

Caster requirements

#

In short30-second delay, VODs on, in the caster call. No exceptions.

PC or a capture card, to enable the required minimum 30-second stream delay.
VODs on, or published straight after the stream.
Be in an AEL caster call (VC).

Penalty

Failure to comply with any of these can result in a replay or forfeit, and the caster being removed.

12.2

AEL casting pathway

#

In shortCast games, provide VOD proof, stay neutral — that’s how you get to Trial Caster.

01Unverified CasterStarting point

02AEL Trial CasterCast multiple games with admin VOD proof

03AEL Approved CasterCannot be denied without conflict of interest

04AEL Verified CasterCan cast any game they wish

Required to progress through the AEL caster roles:

Cast multiple games across the season, providing admin VOD proof if you're unverified, to become a Trial Caster.
Use production graphics to enhance the viewer experience — maps and modes graphics, in-game overlays, face cam screens. AEL can provide these should you need them.
Cast with an unbiased and non-derogatory attitude.
Cast with clear game knowledge or understanding while entertaining and engaging the viewer.

To move up to AEL Approved or AEL Verified Caster, you need all of these:

Casting across multiple seasons, in both group stages and playoffs.
Consistently high-quality casting: good game knowledge, good observing, and entertaining to watch and listen to.
Impartial casting, including when you cast your own org, team or friends.
Positive feedback from multiple teams.
No recent disciplinary issues.
Reliability shown over a sustained period.
Final approval from the AEL Admin & Caster Team.

12.3

Game casting approval / denial

#

In shortApproved and Verified casters can’t be refused without a conflict of interest.

Caster level	Can a team deny them?
Unverified	By agreement Teams may use unverified casters upon mutual agreement — both teams must then ensure the caster follows AEL casting rules.
AEL Trial Caster	Yes, with reason Generally should be accepted, but can be denied by a team with genuine reason.
AEL Approved Caster	No Unless there is a conflict of interest — raised in a ticket and refusal agreed with an admin.
AEL Verified Caster	No Have the authority to cast any game they wish.

The admin team hold the right to choose and use specific AEL Approved and Verified Casters when they choose, such as for Grand Finals.

13

Player transfers & pick-ups

13.1 & 13.2

Transfers

#

In short2 free in week 1, then £4 each. Playoff emergency transfers are £6.

When	You get	Detail
Group stage, week 1	2 free	During the first week from the league start date.
Group stage, after week 1	£4 each	Every transfer after the first week costs £4.
Playoffs	4 emergency	Per team. Emergency transfers cost £6 each.
Losers Semi Final or Winners Final onward	1 emergency	Once you reach either, you're allowed only one. £6.

Paying for transfers

Transfers after the first week cost £4. Playoff emergency transfers cost £6.

A transfer is not approved until it is paid. Until then the player is not on your roster — and playing someone who is not on your roster is a 2.3 breach, which carries a match forfeit or a player ban.

Failure to pay will result in action being taken against your team.

Bringing in a new or unknown player

If the player is new to AEL, or nobody knows what level they're at, check the website or open a ticket in the AEL Discord for guidance before you agree anything. Getting them placed wrong is what causes the problems in 13.3. How placement works is in 13.4.

If an admin removes your player

If a player gets removed or locked by an admin, that team gets a free transfer due to their player being removed.

13.3

Pick-ups (PUs)

#

In shortBoth teams must agree, and the pick-up must be the same skill level.

Both teams must agree on the pick-up before playing.
The pick-up has to be the same skill level as the player they are picking up for.
A player who can't be transferred onto a team can't be used as a pick-up either.
Admins step in after multiple denials. If a team denies more than three players playing as a pick-up, admins can step in to help the situation.
Leeway if they're mid-series. If an agreed pick-up is in another series beforehand, admins will give some leeway for the player to finish it.

Misleading the opposing team

Giving false information or misleading the opposing team on the skill level, approval or division of a player will result in a match replay.

13.4

New players & division placement

#

In shortUnknown player? Proof first. Management decides the division, and a player who is too good gets moved up.

Proof before placement. For a new or unknown player, the team provides their CMG account, their ranked skins or camos, and recent scrim screenshots, in a ticket.
Management has the final say. Admins review the proof and suggest a division. Nothing is agreed until Management signs off.
Watch list. Newly placed players are watched until staff are sure they are at the right level.
Too good for the division? The player is division locked and moved up, and their team gets a free transfer (13.2).

14

General conduct & rule updates

14.1

General conduct

#

In shortBe civil. Discrimination or abuse gets you removed and banned from future events.

Behave respectfully at all times. All players, teams, coaches, substitutes, staff and community members. Unsportsmanlike behaviour may result in warnings, suspensions or bans depending on severity.
Zero tolerance for discrimination and abuse. Racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, discrimination, hate speech, harassment or targeted abuse of any kind is strictly prohibited. Severe breaches may result in immediate removal from the league and further bans from future AEL events.
Players and teams must remain respectful towards league staff and admins at all times.
AEL can't manage issues outside the AEL server, or within personal direct messages between players.
Submit proof of any in-server rule breaks via a ticket.

14.2

Rule updates & staff decisions

#

In shortStaff have the final say — there is no appeal. Rules can change at any time.

AEL staff reserve the right to make final rulings in situations not specifically covered by the ruleset, in order to protect competitive integrity and fairness. Rules may be updated by staff at any time — it's a player's responsibility to understand and be up to date with the current set of rules.

Staff decisions are final

There is no appeals process. Once staff have ruled on something, that is the result — raising it again in match chat, in another ticket or in DMs will not change it.

If a ruling was made without a piece of evidence staff hadn't seen, say so in the original ticket. That is not an appeal, and staff are under no obligation to revisit it.

By entering the league, you accept all of this

By applying to this league you are thereby agreeing to all of these rules and acknowledge that they may change at any time with due notice.

In exceptional situations, such as a genuine mistake or something that goes against the spirit of a rule, staff can change a decision.

15

Playoffs

Who qualifies and how ties are broken

15.1

Who makes playoffs

#

In shortThe top of each group qualifies. Bigger divisions get bigger brackets.

Teams in the division	Playoff spots	Per group	Where they start
Up to 15	8	Top 4	All in the winners bracket
16 to 23	12	Top 6	1st–4th: winners bracket · 5th–6th: losers bracket
24 or more	16	Top 8	1st–2nd: bye to Winners Round 2 · 3rd–6th: Winners Round 1 · 7th–8th: losers bracket

Both groups go into the same playoffs.
Playoffs are double elimination. If the team from the losers bracket wins the Grand Final, a reset match decides the champion.
Staff can set a different number of spots for a division.

Other playoff rules

Emergency cancellations: 8.1 · Emergency transfers: 13.1 · Cams and PC resets: 11.1

15.2

Standings order & tiebreaks

#

In shortRecord, then map count, then map win %, then head to head.

Teams are ranked in this order. Only move to the next step if teams are still level.

Step	Compared on
1 · Record	Series wins and losses.
2 · Map count	Maps won.
3 · Map win %	Maps won as a share of maps played.
4 · Head to head	The result between the tied teams.

R1

In-game settings

Black Ops 7 · from the GA sheet

R1

Settings to change in-game

In shortUse CDL rules, killcams on for respawn, then match the table below.

Before anything else

Use CDL Rules, change team assignment, and put killcams on for respawn. Unless there's a known bug, follow the settings below.

Setting	Hardpoint	Search & Destroy	Overload
Game
Match Start Time	30 Seconds	30 Seconds	30 Seconds
Round Time Limit	—	1M : 30S	5 Minutes
Round Switch	—	Every Round	—
Input Swap Allowed	Off	Off	Off
Allow Callout Pings	Off	Off	Off
Manual Drop Carry Object	—	—	Off
Advanced
Initial Activation Delay	Off	—	—
Objective Team Spawn Delay	Off	—	—
Defuse Time	—	7.5 Seconds	—
Silent Plant	—	On	—
Reset Plant / Defuse Progress	—	On	—
Carrier Personal Radar	—	—	Off
Sudden Death H.A.R.P	—	—	Off
Possession Pauses Time	—	—	Off
Player
Weapon Mounting	Off	Off	Off
Team
Scorestreak Delay	10 Seconds	10 Seconds	10 Seconds
Equipment Protection	Off	Off	Off
Equipment Delay	—	Off	—
Battle Chatter	Off	Off	Off
Dynamic Map Elements	Off	Off	Off
Automatic Doors	Off	Off	Off

Standing notes

Over Clocks are allowed for the time being, but this is subject to change.

Snipers can be used every round, with a limit of one per team on S&D. CDL mode only, due to aim assist.

R2

Map pool & best sides

R2.1

Map pool

In shortCDL 2026 pool, plus Frequency in Hardpoint.

Hardpoint	Search & Destroy	Overload
Sake	Den	Den
Frequency	Gridlock	Gridlock
Den	Raid	Scar
Scar	Fringe	—
Gridlock	Sake	—
Hacienda	Hacienda	—

R2.2

Best sides per map

In shortWhich side is stronger on each map — guidance, not a rule.

Hardpoint	Good side	Bad side
Frequency	GUILD (Orange Side)	—
Den	JSOC	GUILD (Dojo)
Scar	JSOC (Blue)	GUILD (Church)
Sake	GUILD (P2 Side)	JSOC (P4 Side)
Gridlock	JSOC (P4 Side)	GUILD

Search & Destroy	Attack	Defence
Raid	JSOC	GUILD
Den	JSOC	GUILD
Gridlock	JSOC	GUILD
Fringe	JSOC	GUILD

Overload	JSOC	GUILD
Den	P2 Side	Dojo Side
Scar	Church Side	Blue Side

Guidance, not a rule

Which side tends to be stronger on each map. Nothing here forces a side — sides are decided by the veto in 4.1.

No side guidance yet for Hacienda (Hardpoint), Sake and Hacienda (S&D), or Gridlock (Overload).

R3

Banned items

Official banned list

R3

Official banned items

✕ Do not use

In shortDo not run any of these. Using one forfeits the map.

Category	Banned
Primary	All LMGs · All Marksman · All Shotguns · Snipers: Shadow SK, XR-3 ION · All Battlepass & DLC Weapons
Secondary	All Launchers
Attachments	All Lasers · Fire Mods: MFS 5.56 NATO FMJ, 5.56 NATO Overpressured · Muzzles: Greaves A-762, Monolithic Suppressor · Optics: All Thermals, Solaris Holo-IR, Bowen X-25 IR, VAS Strix 6x Thermal · Underbarrels: M336-X Frag, M336-X Cloak, M335-X Tempest, M335-X Drill Charge
Tactical	Pinpoint Grenade · Stim Shot · Hunter Bot · Decoy tactical
Lethal	Cluster Grenade · Needle Drone · Molotov · Point Turret · C4 · Combat Axe
Field Upgrades	Drone Pod · Echo Unit · Squad Link · Fear Trap · Black Hat · Scrambler
Perk 1	Tac Sprinter · Gung Ho · Ghost · Gearhead
Perk 2	Scavenger · Assassin · Close Shave · Vigilance · Blast Link · Engineer
Perk 3	Bankroll · Looper · Cold-Blooded · Tracker · Charge Link · Guardian
Streaks	Scout Pulse · UAV · Skewer · Care Package · Counter UAV · Napalm Strike · LDBR · Sentry Turret · Hand Cannon · Watchdog Helo · Gravemaker · Interceptors · D.A.W.G. · HKDS · Rhino · VTOL Warship · HARP · EMP Systems · Legion
Wildcards	Overkill · Tac Expert · Danger Close · Prepper · Flyswatter · High Roller · Specialist
Miscellaneous	All Core Combat Specialty Perks

R4

GA's

Addition to the CDL ruleset · all regions

R4

GA's

✕ Do not use

In shortBanned on top of the official list. Breaking one is a rule 3.5 violation.

On top of the official banned list. Breaking one of these is a rule 3.5 violation — finish the map, then report within 10 minutes.

Category	Banned
Primary	Assault Rifles: AK-27, MXR-17, X9 Maverick, Peacekeeper MK1 · SMGs: RK-9 · Snipers: Shadow SK, XR-3 ION · All Battlepass & DLC Weapons
Secondary	Pistols: Velox 5.7, Coda 9 · Melee: Flatline MKII, Additional DLC Melees
Attachments	All Suppressors · All rapid fire attachments · All minimap ping attachments · All damage increase attachments · Any 1x or above magnification optics · All recoil muzzles on M15 · All muzzles banned on MPC · No VAS convergence underbarrel on MPC & M15 · No flowguard foregrip on MPC · No Overpressured Rounds on MPC or M15 · No Quickdraw on MPC · No Mags on MPC · No Respire Handstop on MPC
Tactical	EMP Grenade · Psych Grenade · Smoke (HP/OL) · Flashbang
Field Upgrades	Assault Pack · Active Camo
Streaks	RC-XD
Wildcards	Gunfighter
Miscellaneous	Snaking · Stair Glitching · All Blueprints

R5

Allowed loadout

R5

What you can run

✓ Allowed

In shortThese are legal. Everything not listed as allowed should be checked against the banned lists.

Category	Allowed
Primary	M15 Mod 0 · MPC-25 · VS Recon (S&D x1) · Dravec
Secondary	Jager 45
Attachments	MUST use “Bullet Velocity Barrel 13.1” on MPC-25 · No attachments on pistol · CAN have an optic on pistol · MUST have an optic on ARs
Tactical	Stun Grenade · Smoke (S&D x1)
Lethal	Frag Grenade · Semtex
Field Upgrades	Trophy System (x2)
Perk 1	Ninja · Lightweight
Perk 2	Fast Hands · Tech Mask
Perk 3	Dexterity · Flak Jacket
Streaks	Cruise Missile
Wildcards	Perk Greed
Miscellaneous	Tactician

One combination rule

Tech Mask and Flak Jacket cannot be run together.

≡

Changelog

Every rule and GA change

v1.216 September 2026Current

In shortWhat it takes to become an Approved or Verified Caster (12.2).

Changed12.2 AEL casting pathway: "decided by AEL staff" is replaced by the requirements for moving up to Approved or Verified Caster: multiple seasons, quality, impartiality, feedback from teams, a clean record, reliability, and final approval from the AEL Admin & Caster Team.

v1.115 September 2026

In shortRule fixes and clarifications, plus new rules for division placement (13.4) and playoffs (15).

Changed4.1 Arranging vetoes: removed "unless there's a neutral host not playing in the series". Neutral hosts aren't a thing in AEL, so the home team always picks Team A or Team B.
Added13.4 New players & division placement: proof before placement, Management's final say, the watch list, and moving up players who are too good.
Added15.1 Who makes playoffs: playoff spots by division size, and where each place starts in the bracket.
Added15.2 Standings order & tiebreaks: record, then map count, then map win %, then head to head.
Changed11.1 & 11.4 PC resets: on request via a ticket, including for players on the monitor cam list. The table said they were required.
Changed2.1 & 10.1 Rosters and team names: come from the AEL website, not the league sheet.
Clarified6.4 Match starting times: both map 1 windows start from the scheduled match time.
Clarified7.3 Wrong settings in S&D: the non-host must leave before their own score reaches 5 rounds.
Clarified5.2 Disconnects in S&D: if the game isn't ended, a round played a player down counts.
ClarifiedR1 Snipers: can be used every round, with a limit of one per team on S&D.
FixedR2.2 Best sides: Scar removed from S&D (it isn't in the S&D pool), conflicting side labels on Den and Gridlock removed, and maps with no guidance yet listed.
Fixed12.2 Casting pathway: moving up to Approved and Verified is decided by AEL staff.
FixedWording: 3.6 and 14.2 reworded, Activision (2.2) and Tactician (R5) spelled correctly, and a repeated sentence removed from 13.1.

v1.09 September 2026

In shortFirst publication. No rule changes.

AddedFirst publication of the ruleset for Black Ops 7, Season 4, carried over from the league document. No rule changes at this point — wording and ordering only.

What gets logged here

Rule and GA changes only — anything that changes what you're allowed to do, how long you have, or what a break costs. Changes to how this page looks or works are not logged.

Second number (v1.1 → v1.2) for rule corrections and GA list updates. First number (v1.x → v2.0) for a new Call of Duty title or a season reset.

{{ pageHeading }}

Amateur Esports League Ruleset

Submitting proof

How to report something

How long you have to submit

What counts as proof

Forfeits & penalties

Match & map penalties

Player & team penalties

Eligibility requirements

Eligibility

Team & player restrictions

Players

Activision name changes

Multiple rosters / account use

CMG account bans

CDL / GA restrictions, official rules & GA rule breaks

General

The GA and settings lists

Modes & maps

CDL & GA violations

Trophy rules

Vetoes

Arranging vetoes

Team roles

Veto order

Maps played in order

Player disconnections

When someone drops

Lobby hosting & game set-up

General hosting rules

Invite only / players joining

Match starting times

Incorrect game settings

Proof & reporting

Thresholds by mode

Cancelling & rearranging games

Cancelling & rearranging rules

Peripheral equipment & ringer accounts

Ringer accounts

Banned peripheral equipment

Score reporting

How to report a match score

Streaming, cams & PC resets

Requesting & required streams

The detail on each measure

Casting rules & requirements

Caster requirements

AEL casting pathway

Game casting approval / denial

Player transfers & pick-ups

Transfers

Pick-ups (PUs)

New players & division placement

General conduct & rule updates

General conduct

Rule updates & staff decisions

Playoffs

Who makes playoffs

Standings order & tiebreaks

In-game settings

Settings to change in-game

Map pool & best sides

Map pool

Best sides per map

Banned items

Official banned items

GA's

GA's

Allowed loadout

What you can run

Changelog

No rules match that