Rules of Conduct for BuzzerBeater Users
We encourage all of our users to have fun with the site in any way they desire.
However, in the interests of keeping the game fun and fair for all users, there are a few very important rules to which all users must adhere.
Multiple Teams
Other than having an official second team in Utopia, it is against BuzzerBeater rules to own or operate more than one team or account for any circumstances. We have sophisticated tools for detecting this, and when you are caught, all of your accounts will be permanently banned without warning. You are not allowed to sign up for a second team while you already have access to a team.
Money Transfers
It is against BuzzerBeater rules to bid above market rates on a player. Our cheater tools may detect this as an attempt to transfer money between two accounts, and BOTH the buying and selling teams may be banned. It is also against the rules to bid above-market values in order to facilitate a "trade." In addition to our having tools for detecting overbids and collaborating groups, we strongly encourage our users to report any Transfer List overbids they notice.
Furthermore, if someone overbids on a player you have posted on the Transfer List, it is YOUR responsibility to report this overbid to the GMs. You can do this by clicking on the "Report Cheaters" link (in the menu) and filing a report on the transfer in question. If the transfer price was determined to be unreasonable, the GMs are authorized to fine your team by an appropriate amount – we very rarely revoke account bans, so it is still in your best interests to report the trade.
In most cases involving transfers between friends, relatives, colleagues, or other people who know each other well, the GMs will likely decide to take strict action against all teams involved. If you buy or sell a player from or to one of the aforementioned groups, you should expect the GMs to review the case in detail and don't be surprised if your team and the teams of the others involved are fined or even banned. Excessive and unfair transfers between teams are always going to be problematic and will typically lead to the teams involved being banned.
Babysitting
All users are responsible for keeping the password to their team private. The only person that should know your password is you, and you should not know any other user's password. It is not acceptable behavior to login to the accounts of others or have them log into your account. Doing so will likely result in a ban from the game for all teams involved.
Spam
We do not allow the spamming of other users, either through BB-Mail, Forum posts, In-game chat or Press Blogs.
Examples of spam include (but are not limited to):
- Asking for National Team votes via BB-mail or in the forums (except for in the designated forum thread). If you do this, you will be disqualified from the election and you will receive a fine
- Asking for a scrimmage
- Notifying people of players you have for sale
- Advertising another product or service on BuzzerBeater
If you spam other users, the GMs may issue a warning, or may temporarily remove your ability to send BB-Mail or post in the Forums. If you continue to spam users during this period or after the functionality is returned to you, your accounts will be permanently banned without warning.
Hacking the Site
Any attempt to hack the BuzzerBeater website, game modules, or infrastructure is clearly a bannable offense.
Be aware that there are certain programs floating around that are claiming that they can hack BB and give you an in-game advantage. This is not the case. These programs are designed to hack into your computer and steal your personal information. Do not be fooled by them.
Data Mining
The use of web-based data mining tools, “crawler bots,” or any other software designed to use our bandwidth intensively is strictly forbidden, and your account will be banned. If you really want access to large amounts of data, ask one of the BBs, and we’ll do what we can to provide it to you.
Account Bans
Account bans made by the GMs or BBs are permanent. Typically, we invite users to reapply for a new account after 30 days, at which point we will examine the situation again, and may or may not accept your application for a new account.
In the unfortunate situation that your account is banned, you may appeal the decision by sending an e-mail to appeals@buzzerbeater.com. All of these appeals are read, and each situation will be carefully reviewed again by the BB Staff. If your account is unlocked (this is VERY rare), you will receive an email letting you know; if you do not hear from us, it is because your appeal was denied.