Ibex Gaming League Official Rules

Revision 2.1
Last Modified: 06.08.2025
Effective Date: 07.08.2025


1. Introduction & Scope

1.1. Purpose and Authority

The Ibex Gaming League (IGL) organises competitive esports tournaments and leagues across various gaming titles. These competitions are governed by these Official Rules ("Rules" or "Rulebook"), together with game-specific rulebooks and competition-specific regulations, where applicable.

These Rules serve to:

  • Ensure fair, transparent, and consistent competition across all Ibex Gaming League events
  • Establish a clear legal framework and procedures for all stakeholders
  • Provide binding guidelines for competitors, teams, administrators, and other participants
  • Protect the integrity and reputation of competitive esports

1.2. Skill-Based Competition Declaration

IMPORTANT LEGAL DISCLAIMER: IGL competitions are skill-based competitive events that reward gaming proficiency, strategic thinking, teamwork, and competitive performance. These competitions are NOT games of chance within the meaning of the Swiss Federal Act on Money Games (AMG). Success in IGL competitions depends entirely on participant skill, preparation, and performance, not random chance or luck. Prize awards are based solely on competitive achievement and ranking.

1.3. Legal Framework and Binding Nature

By participating in any IGL competition, all participants ("Competitors," "Players," "Teams") unconditionally accept and agree to be bound by:

  1. These Official Rules
  2. Applicable game-specific rulebooks
  3. Competition-specific regulations
  4. All decisions made by IGL administrators and officials

Administrative decisions made by IGL officials regarding competition matters are final and binding, except where appeal rights are specifically provided in Section 8 (Appeals Process) or where prohibited by applicable Swiss law. This finality clause does not limit participants' statutory rights under Swiss consumer protection, data protection, or other mandatory legal provisions.

1.4. Applicability and Territorial Scope

These Rules apply to all games and competitions organised by the Ibex Gaming League, regardless of where participants are located, provided the competition or its effects occur within Switzerland or involve Swiss residents.

Each game title shall have its own specific rulebook, and individual competitions may introduce additional special regulations. Such special rules shall be published on the respective competition pages at ibexgaming.org prior to the commencement of the relevant competition.

1.5. Rule Hierarchy

In cases of conflict between rules, the following hierarchy applies (in descending order of precedence):

  1. Applicable Swiss Federal and Cantonal Law
  2. Competition-Specific Regulations (published per event)
  3. Game-Specific Rulebook (e.g., CS2, Rocket League, R6)
  4. Ibex Gaming League Official Rules (this document)

1.6. Administrative Structure

The administration of IGL competitions is structured as follows:

  • Game Day Admin: Responsible for operational decisions during live competition days
  • Game Admin: Oversees game-specific competitions and supervises Game Day Admins
  • Head Admin: Oversees all game competitions, manages the administrative team, and serves as the final authority on competitive decisions
  • IGL Esports Council: Independent body responsible for competitive governance (see Section 1.7).

Note: Individuals may hold multiple administrative roles depending on competition requirements and organisational structure.

1.7. Governance and Appeals

The IGL Esports Council operates as an independent oversight body responsible for:

  • Creating and maintaining rulebooks, formats, and fair play guidelines
  • Supervising referees, administrators, and competition officials
  • Evaluating formal proposals from participants
  • Managing competitive calendars and approving game-specific settings
  • Ensuring competitive integrity and governance

The Esports Council operates independently within its defined scope and does not have authority over financial, legal, or administrative matters of the IGL organisation . Its complete composition, authority, and procedures are defined in the IGL Statutes.

1.8. Rule Modifications

Ibex Gaming reserves the right to update these Rules, game-specific rulebooks, or competition-specific regulations at any time, subject to the following conditions:

  • Participants shall be notified in writing of any material changes no less than seven (7) days prior to implementation, except in cases of legal compliance or emergency
  • Changes that materially affect competition outcomes shall not be applied retroactively unless required for legal compliance, competitive integrity, or fairness
  • Minor clarifications or technical corrections may be implemented immediately with appropriate notice

1.9. Unforeseen Circumstances

Where circumstances arise that are not explicitly covered by these Rules, the Head Admin and IGL Esports Council have authority to make decisions in the best interest of competitive integrity, fairness, and legal compliance. Such decisions shall be documented and may form the basis for future rule amendments.


2. Eligibility and Registration

2.1. General Eligibility Requirements

2.1.1. Age Requirements

All competitors must be at least sixteen (16) years old to participate in IGL competitions.

Competitors under eighteen (18) years of age must provide:

  • Written parental or legal guardian consent using the official IGL consent form
  • Additional parental consent for data processing as required by Swiss data protection law
  • Parental acknowledgement of these Rules and competition requirements
  • Emergency contact information for parent or legal guardian

Parental consent requirements are mandatory and non-waivable for all participants under 18 years of age, regardless of the participant's legal capacity or emancipation status under applicable law.

Legal Basis: Compliance with Swiss youth protection laws, data protection requirements, and capacity to enter binding agreements.

2.1.2. Legal Capacity

All competitors must possess the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements under applicable law or have appropriate legal representation through parents or guardians.

2.1.3. Game Publisher Compliance

All competitors must:

  • Maintain accounts in good standing with all relevant game publishers
  • Comply with game publishers' Terms of Service and End User License Agreements
  • Possess valid licenses for all games used in competition
  • Refrain from using modified game clients or unauthorised software that violates the publisher's terms
  • Report any publisher-imposed sanctions (bans, suspensions, etc.) to IGL administration immediately

IGL reserves the right to disqualify participants whose game accounts are suspended, banned, or otherwise sanctioned by game publishers. Participants acknowledge that IGL competitions operate under license or permission from game publishers and must comply with all applicable publisher requirements. All competitors must register their primary gaming account(s) for each relevant game before participation, including:

  • Game identification and username
  • Legal name (for administrative purposes; confidentiality maintained where requested)
  • Contact information and emergency contacts for minors

Competitors are strictly prohibited from:

  • Using multiple accounts or "smurf" accounts in the same competition
  • Playing for multiple teams in the same competition
  • Sharing accounts with other individuals
  • Using accounts that violate game publishers' terms of service

2.2. Residency and Nationality Requirements

2.2.1. Standard Policy

Unless otherwise specified in game-specific or competition-specific rules, the majority of each team's starting lineup must consist of Swiss nationals or individuals holding at least a Swiss B residence permit.

2.2.2. Foreign Player Exceptions

Non-Swiss players may request exceptions by demonstrating:

  • Minimum twelve (12) months of continuous participation in Swiss esports community events
  • Current membership in a recognised Swiss esports organisation
  • Commitment to ongoing participation in Swiss competitive scene

Exception requests must be submitted to the administration with supporting documentation. Approved exceptions are non-transferable between teams and subject to annual review.

2.3. Team Composition and Structure

2.3.1. Team Formation

Team size, substitute limitations, and role designations are defined in applicable game-specific rulebooks. Each team must designate:

  • Team Captain: Primary liaison with administration, responsible for team compliance
  • Substitute Captain: Backup liaison when the primary captain is unavailable

2.3.2. organisational Representation

Teams may represent organisations subject to the following restrictions:

  1. Conflict of Interest Prohibition: Teams may not represent organisations with direct or indirect control over other teams in the same competition

  2. Required Information: Teams must provide:

    • Team name (maximum 16 alphanumeric characters)
    • Team abbreviation (2-5 alphanumeric characters)
    • Team logo and authorisation for use
    • Organisational affiliation details
  3. Compliance Requirement: All team names, abbreviations, and logos must comply with the Code of Conduct (Section 6)

2.4. Roster Management

2.4.1. Initial Roster Submission

Teams must submit complete rosters before competition commencement, including all substitutes as defined by game-specific rules.

2.4.2. Emergency Substitutions

Emergency substitutions require advance approval from tournament administration and are permitted only for:

  • Medical emergencies or health issues
  • Unforeseen travel or technical difficulties
  • Other circumstances deemed acceptable by the administration

2.4.3. Roster Locks and Transfer Windows

Competitions may establish roster lock dates and transfer windows as specified in competition-specific regulations. For teams advancing between competition phases, only a minority of the active roster may be changed after qualification, with specific thresholds defined per game.


3. Sponsorship, Branding, and Commercial Rights

3.1. Sponsorship Compliance

3.1.1. Permitted Sponsorships

Teams and competitors may accept sponsorships from third parties, subject to compliance with Swiss law and these Rules.

3.1.2. Prohibited Sponsorship Categories

The following sponsorship categories are strictly prohibited:

  1. Gambling and Gaming: Unlicensed gambling operators, fantasy sports, lottery services not authorised in Switzerland
  2. Controlled Substances: Alcohol, tobacco, prescription drugs, recreational drugs, or related paraphernalia
  3. Weapons and Military: Firearms, weapons, military equipment, or related products
  4. Adult Content: Pornographic or sexually explicit material of any kind
  5. Political and Religious: organisations promoting specific political parties or religious beliefs
  6. Illegal Services: Game key reselling, account trading, or other services violating publisher terms
  7. Cryptocurrency: Exchanges, NFT platforms, or blockchain promotion services
  8. Competing Interests: organisations directly competing with IGL partners (where applicable)
  9. Harmful Activities: Any entity promoting hacking, cheating, or activities detrimental to competitive integrity

Note: This list is non-exhaustive. IGL reserves the right to reject any sponsorship deemed inappropriate under Swiss law or these Rules.

3.2. Professional Presentation Standards

3.2.1. Live Event Requirements

At official IGL events, teams must maintain professional standards:

  • Matching attire or neutral clothing (plain black or white shirts as minimum standard)
  • Consistent team logos across all official appearances
  • Sponsor logo compliance with prohibited categories listed above
  • Professional conduct during interviews and public appearances

3.2.2. Logo and Branding Standards

All team logos and branding must:

  • Comply with the IGL Code of Conduct
  • Contain no offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate content
  • Respect the intellectual property rights of third parties
  • Maintain consistency across official IGL communications

3.3. Commercial Rights and Restrictions

3.3.1. IGL Rights Reserved

All commercial rights relating to IGL competitions, including marketing and media rights, are reserved by Ibex Gaming League.

3.3.2. Participant Restrictions

Participants may not:

  • Associate commercially with IGL without written authorisation
  • Use IGL intellectual property for commercial purposes
  • Engage in promotional activities at IGL venues without approval
  • Record or broadcast IGL content for commercial purposes without authorisation

4. Competition Structure and Formats

4.1. Supported Tournament Formats

IGL may utilise any of the following competition formats, as specified in competition-specific regulations:

4.1.1. Elimination Formats

  • Single Elimination: Teams eliminated after first loss
  • Double Elimination: Teams eliminated after second loss, with upper/lower bracket structure
  • Gauntlet: Progressive bracket with seeded entry points

4.1.2. Group Stage Formats

  • Round-Robin Groups: Each team plays every other team once
  • Bracket Groups: Groups using elimination bracket systems
  • Swiss System: Teams with similar records are paired for subsequent rounds

4.1.3. League Formats

  • Regular Season: Extended competition over multiple weeks/months
  • Playoff System: Elimination tournament among top-performing teams

4.2. Standard IGL Structure

Unless otherwise specified, IGL competitions typically follow:

4.2.1. Qualification Phase

  • Format: Single or Double Elimination brackets
  • Advancement: Number of qualifying teams specified per competition

4.2.2. League Season Structure

  • Premier/Challenger/Contender Divisions: Round-Robin format
  • Open Division: Swiss System format
  • Playoffs: Single or Double Elimination among top teams

4.3. Format Publication and Communication

Specific format details, including rounds, playoff structure, and tiebreaker procedures, shall be:

  • Published at ibexgaming.org no later than seven (7) days before competition start
  • Communicated directly to all registered participants

4.4. Rescheduling of Matches

4.4.1. Regular Season Rescheduling

In Regular Seasons of Leagues, matches may be rescheduled if both teams mutually agree on a valid date and time that meets the following requirements:

  • Matches generally must be played no later than the officially scheduled date and time
  • Matches cannot be played before the start of the competition week (Monday 00:00 Swiss Time)
  • Matches of the first week may be scheduled in the week after, but not before the official start of the season

4.4.2. Rescheduling Process

All rescheduled matches must be announced to the competition administration at least 48 hours before the new match time.

4.4.3. Rescheduling Limitations

If teams cannot reach an agreement on rescheduling, the match must be played on the originally scheduled date and time.

4.4.4. Emergency Rescheduling

In emergency situations (technical issues, medical emergencies, etc.), teams may request last-minute rescheduling by contacting the administration immediately.

Administration reserves the right to deny unreasonable rescheduling requests or those that may compromise the competitive integrity of the tournament. Matches which are planned to be streamed by the Ibex Gaming League are generally not allowed to be rescheduled.


5. Competition Rules and Fair Play

5.1. Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct applies to all participants at all levels of competition, both online and at live events. Violations may result in sanctions as specified in Section 7.

5.1.1. Professional Standards

All participants must conduct themselves professionally and respectfully toward:

  • Other competitors and teams
  • Spectators and community members
  • Event staff, referees, and administrators
  • Media representatives and the public
  • The broader esports community

These standards apply during competition, on social media, personal streams, and at all times when representing IGL or the esports community.

5.1.2. Prohibited Conduct

The following conduct is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate sanctions:

  1. Legal Violations: Any violation of applicable Swiss federal or cantonal law

  2. Competitive Integrity Violations:

    • Use of cheats, hacks, or unauthorised third-party software
    • Exploitation of bugs or glitches is prohibited unless explicitly permitted by the administration
    • Interference with other players' games or network connections
    • Match-fixing, betting on own matches, or other manipulation of results
    • Sharing confidential match information or access codes
  3. Harassment and Discrimination:

    • Harassment, threatening, bullying, or intimidation
    • Hate speech or discriminatory language based on protected characteristics
    • Abusive behaviour or verbal/written threats
    • Sexual harassment or inappropriate conduct
  4. Professional Misconduct:

    • Use of vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language in official contexts
    • Failure to attend scheduled matches without a valid excuse
    • Failure to participate in required communications (Discord, interviews, etc.)
    • Bringing IGL, partners, or esports into disrepute through misconduct
    • Impersonation or playing under another's account
  5. Communication Violations:

    • Leaking confidential information
    • Unauthorised communication during matches
    • Failure to maintain required communication channels

5.2. Fair Play Requirements

5.2.1. Competitive Integrity

All competitors must:

  • Play to the best of their ability at all times
  • Respect the competitive integrity of all games
  • Avoid exploiting unintended game mechanics unless explicitly permitted
  • Report known bugs or exploits to the administration

5.2.2. Technical Standards

  • Players must use appropriate usernames (no offensive, infringing, or inappropriate content)
  • All technical equipment must comply with game-specific requirements
  • Network manipulation or artificial latency modification is prohibited

5.3. Live Event Conduct

5.3.1. Venue Requirements

At live events, participants must:

  • Follow all venue and safety regulations
  • Comply with the administrator's instructions at all times
  • Treat equipment with care and report any damage immediately
  • Maintain a professional appearance and behaviour during broadcasts

5.3.2. Interview and Media Obligations

  • Participation in post-match interviews is mandatory for streamed matches
  • Interviews must be conducted professionally and respectfully
  • Medical or emergency exemptions may be granted with administrative approval

6. Media Rights and Broadcasting

6.1. Personal Streaming Rights

6.1.1. Player Streaming Permissions

Competitors may broadcast their own matches, subject to:

  • Minimum 2-minute delay for personal POV streams
  • Inclusion of "Ibex Gaming League" or "IGL" in stream title
  • Use of "IGL" tag where the platform supports tagging (e.g., Twitch)

6.1.2. Third-Party Streaming

Spectator or third-party streams require:

  • Written consent from both competing teams
  • Prior approval from tournament administration
  • Minimum 5-minute delay
  • Compliance with all title and tagging requirements

6.1.3. Limitation of Liability

IGL accepts no responsibility for technical issues, stream sniping, security breaches, or other problems related to personal or third-party broadcasts. Participants stream at their own risk.

6.1.4. Partnered Community Streams

The Ibex Gaming League reserves the right to grant special permission to "Partnered Community Broadcasters" through partnership agreements. These partnerships may include:

  • Reduced or waived delay requirements
  • Exclusive broadcasting rights for specific matches
  • Use of official IGL broadcast assets and graphics
  • Co-branding opportunities with the IGL
  • Revenue sharing arrangements where applicable

This list is illustrative and non-exhaustive, no aforementioned special permissions are guaranteed or required to be granted, and the specific terms and conditions of any such permissions shall be exclusively defined within the executed partnership agreement between the IGL and the individual Partnered Community Broadcaster.

Partners must adhere to quality standards and broadcasting guidelines as specified in their partnership agreement.

6.2. Official Broadcasting Rights

6.2.1. Content Rights Grant

By participating in IGL competitions, all participants grant IGL the unrestricted right to:

  • Record, broadcast, and redistribute all gameplay footage
  • Conduct audio recordings, including team communication ("Listen-Ins")
  • Create promotional content, highlights, and social media materials
  • Use participant names, likenesses, and team information in broadcasts

6.2.2. Listen-In Opt-Out Policy

Teams may opt out of Listen-In recordings by providing written notice to the administration before the streamed event begins. Requests made after event commencement may not be accommodated.

6.2.3. Post-Match Interview Requirements

For streamed matches, teams must provide one (1) participant for post-match interviews. Participation is mandatory unless exempted for medical or emergency reasons approved by administration.

6.3. Content Usage and Distribution

IGL reserves the right to create and distribute content, including:

  • Highlight reels and promotional materials
  • Social media content and memes
  • Educational and analytical content
  • Commercial promotional materials

Participants waive claims against IGL for such content usage, provided it relates to promoting IGL competitions or esports generally.


7. Sanctions and Enforcement

7.1. Enforcement Authority

IGL reserves the right to impose sanctions for violations of any provision of these Rules, game-specific rules, or competition-specific regulations. Sanctions may be applied at any time, at any level of competition, at the sole discretion of IGL administration.

7.2. Types of Sanctions

Violations may result in the following penalties, individually or in combination:

  1. Warnings and Reprimands

    • Written warning
    • Final warning
    • Public reprimand
  2. Competition Penalties

    • Forfeiture of a single match or map
    • Forfeiture of multiple matches
    • Reduction in match score or standings
    • Loss of ranking points
  3. Disqualification and Suspension

    • Disqualification from the current competition
    • Temporary suspension from future competitions
    • Permanent suspension from IGL competitions
  4. Financial and Material Penalties

    • Loss of prize money or awards
    • Forfeiture of paid travel or accommodation
    • Forfeiture of registration fees
    • Loss of future prize eligibility

7.3. Sanctions Procedure

7.3.1. Investigation Process

  • Reports of violations may be submitted via official Discord channels or the administration contact
  • IGL may investigate any suspected violations independently
  • Participants must cooperate fully with investigations
  • Evidence collection and witness interviews may be conducted

7.3.2. Due Process Rights

Before imposing significant sanctions, IGL shall:

  • Provide written notice of alleged violations
  • Allow opportunity for written response within a reasonable timeframe
  • Consider all relevant evidence and mitigating factors
  • Document the decision-making process

7.3.3. Immediate Action Authority

For severe violations threatening competition integrity, safety, or legal compliance, IGL may impose immediate temporary sanctions pending full investigation.

7.4. Public Disclosure

IGL reserves the right to publicly announce penalties and sanctions imposed on participants. By participating, competitors waive any right to legal action against IGL regarding such announcements.

7.5. Forfeit Consequences

Team forfeits result in the worst possible outcome for the forfeiting team, including:

  • Automatic loss with maximum score differential
  • Elimination from the bracket or league progression
  • Potential additional sanctions based on circumstances

8. Appeals Process

8.1. Right to Appeal

Participants may appeal sanctions through the official appeals process, subject to the limitations and procedures specified herein.

8.2. Appealable Decisions

The following decisions may be appealed:

  • Sanctions involving suspension or disqualification
  • Prize forfeiture decisions
  • Sanctions based on disputed factual findings
  • Procedural violations in the investigation process

8.3. Non-Appealable Decisions

The following decisions are final and not subject to appeal:

  • Match results and competitive rulings during gameplay
  • Administrative decisions on rule interpretations
  • Sanctions for clear rule violations with undisputed evidence
  • Decisions made by the IGL Esports Council in its governance capacity

8.4. Appeals Procedure

8.4.1. Filing Requirements

Appeals must be submitted in writing within seven (7) days of the decision, including:

  • Detailed statement of grounds for appeal
  • All supporting evidence and documentation
  • Appeal fee (if applicable, as specified per competition)

8.4.2. Appeals Review

Appeals shall be reviewed by:

  • IGL Esports Council (for sanctions imposed by the administration)
  • Independent panel (for sanctions involving IGL Esports Council members)
  • External arbitrator (for matters involving conflicts of interest)

8.4.3. Appeal Decision

Appeal decisions shall be rendered within seven (7) days and are final and binding. No further appeals are permitted within the IGL system.


9. Prize Distribution and Payment

9.1. Prize Information

All prize pools, structures, and distribution methods shall be:

  • Published at ibexgaming.org before competition commencement
  • Communicated to all participants during registration
  • Paid in Swiss Francs (CHF) unless otherwise specified

9.2. Prize Claim Process

9.2.1. Documentation Requirements

Prize recipients must provide within ninety (90) days of competition conclusion:

  • Valid government-issued identification (passport, national ID, or driver's license)
  • Banking information for electronic transfer (IBAN required for European transfers)
  • Tax identification numbers (Social Security Number, Tax ID, or equivalent)
  • Completed IGL tax withholding forms where applicable
  • Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, or official document)
  • Additional verification documents as requested by IGL or tax authorities

9.2.2. Minor Recipients

Prize winners under eighteen (18) years require:

  • Parent or legal guardian co-signature on all prize documents and tax forms
  • Proof of guardianship or parental authority (birth certificate, legal guardianship documents)
  • Tax identification for minor and parent/guardian, where required by law
  • Compliance with applicable youth protection laws and financial regulations

9.2.3. Tax Obligations and Withholding

All taxes, fees, and transfer costs are the sole responsibility of prize recipients.

Swiss Tax Requirements:

  • Prize winnings may be subject to Swiss withholding tax depending on the recipient's tax status
  • Non-residents: Subject to withholding tax rates as determined by applicable tax treaties
  • Swiss residents: Prize income must be declared on annual tax returns

International Tax Obligations: IGL is not responsible for:

  • Income or withholding taxes in the recipient's country of residence
  • International transfer fees or currency conversion costs
  • Bank charges, processing fees, or intermediary bank fees
  • Tax advice or assistance with tax compliance in any jurisdiction

9.2.4. Payment Processing and Timing

  • Prize payments are processed within sixty (60) days after receipt of complete documentation
  • Electronic transfer (SEPA, SWIFT) is the standard payment method
  • Currency conversion performed at prevailing exchange rates on payment date
  • Payment confirmations are provided via email with transaction references

9.2.5. Prize Validation and Verification

Before prize distribution, IGL may conduct:

  • Identity verification through government databases or third-party services
  • Anti-fraud screening to prevent prize claim fraud
  • Competition integrity review to confirm eligible performance
  • Compliance checks with applicable sanctions lists and regulations

9.3. Prize Forfeiture and Dispute Resolution

9.3.1. Grounds for Forfeiture

Prizes may be forfeited, subject to applicable Swiss law, in the following circumstances:

  • Documentation Failure: Required documentation is not submitted within ninety (90) days (with a 30-day written warning)
  • Rule Violations: Participant is disqualified or sanctioned for material rule violations
  • Legal Barriers: Swiss or foreign law prohibits prize transfer to the recipient
  • Fraudulent Claims: False information is provided in the claim documentation
  • Voluntary Refusal: Recipient refuses to accept prize under stated terms after reasonable opportunity to cure deficiencies

9.3.2. Forfeiture Procedure

Before prize forfeiture:

  • Written notice of deficiency or issue provided to the recipient
  • Thirty (30) day cure period for documentation or minor compliance issues
  • Opportunity to respond to allegations of misconduct or fraud
  • Final written notice before forfeiture with appeal rights information

9.3.3. Forfeiture Appeals

Recipients may appeal forfeiture decisions within seven (7) days by:

  • Submitting a written appeal with supporting evidence
  • Requesting review by the IGL Esports Council or an independent reviewer
  • Demonstrating compliance with requirements or mitigating circumstances

Forfeiture appeals are resolved within thirty (30) days, and decisions are final.

9.4. Prize Substitution

If advertised prizes become unavailable, IGL may provide:

  • Substitute prizes of equal or greater value
  • Cash equivalent at IGL's discretion
  • Alternative arrangements as deemed appropriate

10. Data Protection and Privacy

10.1. Legal Framework

IGL processes personal data in accordance with the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP) and applicable cantonal data protection laws. IGL uses Google Workspace services for data processing, which provides adequate data protection safeguards under Swiss law.

10.2. Data Collection and Processing

10.2.1. Required Information

IGL collects the following data for competition administration:

  • Identity Information: Full legal name, date of birth, nationality, identification documents
  • Contact Information: Email address, phone number, address, emergency contacts
  • Gaming Information: Game accounts, usernames, performance statistics, match records
  • Financial Information: Banking details for prize distribution (where applicable)
  • Legal Information: Parental consent forms, age verification documents
  • Technical Information: IP addresses, device information, connection logs (for integrity purposes)

10.2.2. Special Provisions for Minors

For participants under 18 years of age:

  • Enhanced parental consent is required for all data processing activities
  • Separate consent forms must be completed for:
    • Competition participation and administration
    • Broadcasting and media rights (including Listen-Ins)
    • Marketing communications (optional)
    • Statistical analysis and performance tracking
  • Parental access rights include the ability to request the deletion of a minor's data
  • Additional safeguards apply to public disclosure of minor participant information

10.2.3. Processing Purposes

Personal data is processed solely for:

  • Competition administration and integrity verification
  • Prize distribution and tax compliance
  • Communication regarding competitions and services
  • Broadcasting and media production (with consent)
  • Legal compliance and dispute resolution
  • Safety and security at live events
  • Statistical analysis and performance tracking

10.2.4. Data Minimization

IGL processes only data necessary for specified purposes and implements data minimisation principles throughout all processing activities.

10.3. Data Retention Policy

10.3.1. Standard Retention Periods

  • Competition Records: 7 years (for prize distribution, tax compliance, and dispute resolution)
  • Identity and Registration Data: 3 years after last competition participation
  • Financial Information: 10 years (Swiss tax and accounting requirements)
  • Communication Records: 2 years after last communication
  • Media Content: Indefinitely (for historical and promotional purposes, unless opt-out requested)
  • Marketing Data: Until consent is withdrawn or 2 years of inactivity

10.3.2. Extended Retention

Data may be retained longer where:

  • Legal proceedings are pending or reasonably anticipated
  • Ongoing investigations require data preservation
  • Statutory obligations mandate longer retention periods
  • Legitimate business interests justify extended retention (with appropriate safeguards)

10.3.3. Secure Deletion

Upon expiry of retention periods, personal data is securely deleted using industry-standard methods that prevent recovery.

10.4. Data Subject Rights

Participants have the following rights regarding their personal data:

10.4.1. Access and Rectification

  • Right to access personal data held by IGL
  • Right to correct inaccurate or incomplete information
  • Right to receive copies of data in a structured, machine-readable format
  • Right to explanation of automated decision-making (where applicable)

10.4.2. Deletion and Restriction

  • Right to deletion when data is no longer necessary for original purposes (subject to legal retention requirements)
  • Right to restrict processing in certain circumstances
  • Right to object to processing based on legitimate interests
  • Right to withdraw consent for consent-based processing

10.4.3. Special Rights for Minors

  • Parental exercise of rights on behalf of children under 16
  • Enhanced deletion rights upon reaching majority
  • Right to remove broadcast content featuring the minor (subject to editorial considerations)

10.4.4. Exercise of Rights

Data subject rights may be exercised by contacting: privacy@ibexgaming.ch

Requests will be processed within thirty (30) days unless extended for complex requests. Extensions will be communicated with reasoning.

10.5. Data Security and International Transfers

10.5.1. Security Measures

IGL implements appropriate technical and organisational measures, including:

  • Encryption of data in transit and at rest
  • Access controls and authentication requirements
  • Regular security assessments and vulnerability testing
  • Staff training on data protection requirements
  • Incident response procedures for security breaches

10.5.2. Google Workspace Processing

Data processing through Google Workspace includes:

  • Standard Contractual Clauses for international transfers
  • Data Processing Addendum with Google as processor
  • Data residency controls where technically feasible
  • Enterprise-grade security and compliance certifications

10.5.3. International Transfers

Personal data may be transferred outside Switzerland only:

  • To countries with adequate data protection as determined by the Swiss Federal Council
  • With appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses
  • With explicit consent for transfers to non-adequate countries
  • For prize distribution to participants' designated bank accounts

10.5.4. Data Breach Notification

IGL will:

  • Notify the FDPIC within 72 hours of becoming aware of high-risk breaches
  • Inform affected participants within 72 hours of breaches posing high risk to rights and freedoms
  • Provide detailed information about the breach, its likely consequences, and remedial measures
  • Maintain breach logs and conduct post-incident reviews

10.6. Lawful Basis for Processing

10.6.1. Primary Legal Bases

  • Contract performance: Processing necessary for competition administration and prize distribution
  • Legitimate interests: Competition integrity, safety, and business operations
  • Consent: Broadcasting rights, marketing communications, and optional features
  • Legal obligation: Tax reporting, regulatory compliance, and court orders

10.6.2. Consent Management

  • Granular consent options for different processing purposes
  • Easy withdrawal mechanisms via participant portal and email
  • Clear consent records maintained with timestamps and scope
  • Regular consent renewal for ongoing marketing communications

10.7. Cookie and Tracking Technologies

IGL websites use cookies and similar technologies as described in the detailed Cookie Policy available at ibexgaming.org/privacy, including:

  • Strictly necessary cookies for website functionality
  • Performance cookies for analytics (with consent)
  • Marketing cookies for advertising (with consent)
  • User preference settings and consent management tools

11. Media Rights and Publication

11.1. Participant Consent

By participating in IGL competitions, participants grant IGL the right to use:

  • Names and Gaming Aliases: For broadcasts, publications, and promotional materials
  • Photographic and Video Content: Taken at IGL events or during competition
  • Voice Recordings: From interviews, communications, and broadcasts
  • Performance Statistics: For analysis, broadcasting, and promotional purposes

11.2. Broadcast and Streaming Rights

11.2.1. IGL Rights

IGL holds exclusive rights to:

  • Broadcast IGL competitions through official channels
  • License broadcast rights to third-party media partners
  • Create highlight content and promotional materials
  • Distribute competition content across all media platforms

11.2.2. Participant Restrictions

Participants may not:

  • Record official IGL broadcasts for commercial redistribution
  • Use IGL logos or branding without authorisation
  • Create unauthorised commercial content featuring IGL competitions

11.3. Result Publication and Statistics

IGL reserves the right to publish:

  • Competition Results: Match outcomes, standings, and tournament brackets
  • Player Statistics: Performance metrics and competitive achievements
  • Team Information: Roster details, organisational affiliations, and competitive history
  • Historical Records: Archived results and statistical databases

12. Legal Terms and Liability

12.1. Limitation of Liability

Subject to applicable Swiss law and statutory consumer rights that cannot be waived, IGL and its officers, employees, and affiliates shall have limited liability as follows:

12.1.1. Excluded Liability (Force Majeure and Technical Issues)

IGL shall not be liable for damages arising from:

  • Server outages, network failures, or platform disruptions beyond IGL's control
  • Hardware malfunctions or software errors in third-party systems
  • Internet service provider failures or connectivity problems
  • Force majeure events, including natural disasters, pandemics, war, terrorism, or government actions
  • Third-party service interruptions or failures

12.1.2. Limited Liability (Negligence)

For damages arising from IGL's negligence, liability is limited to:

  • Direct damages only (no liability for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages)
  • Maximum amount equal to entry fees paid or prizes at stake in the affected competition
  • Exclusion of lost profits, business interruption, or reputational damages

12.1.3. Full Liability Retained

IGL retains full liability for:

  • Gross negligence or intentional misconduct by IGL or its employees
  • Personal injury or death caused by IGL's negligence at live events
  • Violations of mandatory Swiss consumer protection laws
  • Data protection breaches caused by IGL's willful violations of FADP requirements
  • Prize payment obligations validly earned under these Rules

12.1.4. Participant Responsibility

Participants assume responsibility for:

  • Personal equipment and belongings at all times
  • Internet connectivity and technical requirements for online competition
  • Compliance with local laws and regulations
  • Accuracy of information provided to IGL

12.2. Participant Indemnification

Subject to Swiss law limitations on indemnification clauses, participants agree to indemnify and hold harmless IGL from third-party claims arising from:

12.2.1. Participant Misconduct

  • Intentional violations of these Rules or applicable laws
  • Gross negligence in competition participation or event attendance
  • Infringement of third-party intellectual property rights through participant actions
  • Defamatory statements or harassment of other participants or third parties

12.2.2. Excluded Indemnification

Participants are not required to indemnify IGL for:

  • Claims arising from IGL's gross negligence or intentional misconduct
  • Ordinary negligence by participants in competition activities
  • Claims related to normal competitive activities within the scope of competition
  • Technical errors or mistakes in gameplay or competition participation

12.2.3. Indemnification Procedure

  • IGL will provide prompt notice of any claim subject to indemnification
  • Participants have the right to participate in the defence of claims with qualified counsel
  • Reasonable cooperation is required from both parties in claim resolution
  • Indemnification limited to actual damages and reasonable legal costs

12.3. Dispute Resolution

12.3.1. Governing Law

These Rules are governed by Swiss federal law and the laws of the Canton of Schaffhausen.

12.3.2. Jurisdiction

All legal disputes arising from participation in IGL competitions are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Schaffhausen, Switzerland.

12.3.3. Alternative Dispute Resolution

Before pursuing legal action, parties are encouraged to attempt resolution through:

  • Direct negotiation with IGL administration
  • Mediation through a mutually agreed-upon mediator
  • The IGL appeals process, where applicable

12.4. Swiss Consumer Rights and Statutory Protections

12.4.1. Non-Waivable Rights

Notwithstanding any provision in these Rules, participants retain all rights that cannot be waived under Swiss law, including:

  • Mandatory consumer protection rights under the Swiss Code of Obligations
  • Data protection rights under the Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP)
  • Youth protection rights for participants under 18 years of age
  • Anti-discrimination protections under applicable Swiss law
  • Right to judicial recourse for violations of mandatory legal provisions

12.4.2. Unfair Terms Prohibition

In accordance with the Swiss Act against Unfair Competition (UWG):

  • Any contractual provision creating "marked and unjustified disproportion" between rights and obligations is void
  • Participants may challenge unreasonable or abusive contractual terms under Swiss law
  • Good faith principles apply to the interpretation and enforcement of these Rules
  • Proportionality requirements limit the scope and severity of sanctions

12.4.3. Conflict Resolution

Where provisions of these Rules conflict with mandatory Swiss law:

  • Swiss law prevails over conflicting contractual provisions
  • Severability applies - invalid provisions do not void the entire agreement
  • Alternative legal remedies remain available under applicable Swiss law
  • Independent legal advice is recommended for participants with questions about their rights

12.5. Severability and Waiver

12.5.1. Severability

If any provision of these Rules is deemed invalid or unenforceable under Swiss law, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. Invalid provisions shall be replaced by valid provisions that most closely approximate the intended economic effect.

12.5.2. Waiver

IGL's failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of the right to enforce that provision in the future. Any waiver must be explicit and in writing.

12.6. Competition Cancellation Rights

IGL reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or modify competitions due to:

  • Force majeure events or circumstances beyond reasonable control
  • Legal or regulatory requirements
  • Safety concerns for participants or staff
  • Technical issues that cannot be reasonably resolved
  • Insufficient participation or competitive integrity concerns

In such cases, IGL shall make reasonable efforts to provide alternative arrangements but accepts no liability for costs or damages incurred by participants.


13. Final Provisions

13.1. Entire Agreement

These Rules, together with applicable game-specific rulebooks and competition-specific regulations, constitute the entire agreement between IGL and participants regarding competition participation.

13.2. Amendment Process

These Rules may be amended only through the process specified in Section 1.8. Proposed amendments shall be subject to review by the IGL Esports Council before implementation.

13.3. Translation and Language

13.3.1. Official Language

The English version of these Rules shall be the official and authoritative version. Translations into other languages are provided for convenience only.

13.3.2. Interpretation

In case of discrepancies between language versions, the English version shall prevail.

13.4. Effective Date and Transitional Provisions

13.4.1. Effective Date

These Rules become effective on 2025-07-26 and apply to all competitions commencing after that date.

13.4.2. Transitional Provisions

For competitions in progress at the effective date, these Rules apply only to matters arising after the effective date, unless application would be unfair or impractical.

13.5. Legal Advice and Rights Information

13.5.1. Independent Legal Advice

Participants are advised that:

  • Independent legal counsel is recommended for participants with questions about their rights and obligations
  • Swiss consumer protection organisations can provide guidance on consumer rights
  • Data protection authorities can assist with privacy-related concerns
  • Cantonal youth protection services can advise on rights of minors

13.5.2. Helpful Resources

  • Swiss Consumer Protection Foundation: konsumentenschutz.ch
  • Federal Data Protection Commissioner: edoeb.admin.ch
  • Swiss Legal Information: ch.ch
  • Cantonal Court Information: Available through respective cantonal websites

13.6. Contact Information

Official Communications:
Ibex Gaming League
Email: info@ibexgaming.ch
Website: ibexgaming.org

Privacy and Data Protection:
Email: privacy@ibexgaming.ch

Appeals and Legal Matters:
Email: legal@ibexgaming.ch