SOPL Info

The SOPL league has been created as an accessory to the Starters Orders Series.  It's run by volunteer staff, for volunteer trainers.  It's a hobby to many of us, and just a game, so lets keep it like that.
 
We don't want to be creating tonnes and tonnes of rules, about conduct and what's a cheat and what's not.  We would hope that everyone conducts themselves maturely, an appropriatelly when playing in the SOPL.
 
Cheating - What is a CHEAT?  Well, common sense would apply here.  It can be described as adjusting the game, or horse files to give yourself an unfair advantage.
 
Modifications to your personal games, such as schedule alterations, jockey names, etc, are fine.  Most of those mods are cosmetic anyway and have no real bearing on how your stable performs.  But, adjustments to the coding of your games, or horse files, is a clearly un-acceptable practice for league play.

1. All horse files must be from a fully licensed version of Starters Orders.  Any exported from an illegal copy will show up in our league software, and the player will be removed from the league.
2. All horse files must be originals.
   1. They cannot be a renamed copy of another horse file.
   2. They cannot be an altered aged copy of another horse file.
   3. Any renamed/re-aged copies will be deleted, and DQ'd from all races they ran in.  The person suspended for one season. 
3. All horses must be named appropriately (remember - some of our trainers are still youngsters, so keep it clean and appropriate).
   1. No bad language
   2. No Sexual, suggestive, or inappropriately named horses
   3. Any that fall under the above criteria will be removed without hesitation.
   4. If a trainer uploads too many horses described under points 1 & 2, their stable will be removed for the remainder of the season.
4. Language on forums
   1. As I said above, some of our members are minors.  Keep this in mind when typing your messages.  We don't want angry parents withdrawing their children from the league because of language issues that could easily be kept under control
5. Abusive Behaviour and Personal Attacks
   1. Any abusive behaviour towards another member (staff or fellow trainer) will result in your posting privileges being revoked, and future posts being pre-approved for a period.
   2. If the attack is considered serious enough, we will suspend the trainer.
6. Geldings (Coming into force next season)
   1. Geldings are allowed, but once a gelding always a gelding.
   2. Races will be adjusted to reflect real life, so, if you geld a horse, you can expect it to be ineligible for some big races.
   3. Any horses found with the "supposed" gelding in the bloodline, will result in the gelding and ALL of it's progeny being removed from your stable.

A repeat offence on any of the above, or offence on another rule, while on probation for a breach of another rule, will result in permanent ban from the league.
 
We want to keep the league a good, honest and fun place to be.  Banter amongst friends.  Remember, all this is virtual anyway, so the only thing you really win is bragging rights!!
 
If you feel that a member is in breach of the rules in some manner, and want it investigated, then please don't just post it on the boards.
 
Instead, I would appreciate if you contact a Staff Member, either through a Private message on the Yuku forum, through any of the chat applications, or through email.  We investigate each case and if the offence is proven, the person will be disciplined accordingly.
 
Thank you and good luck with your horses and racing..
 
Colm
SOPL International President.