ARTICLE I - COMPETITION

I. A. ORGANIZATION

1. ALIGNMENT

Participation in MWS games is set by alignment of two conferences, AFC and NFC, which based on number, may be divided into divisions. Those divisions will be aligned according to the standards set forth by The NFL.

2. PARITY

In an effort to keep competition balanced, each league may vote on realignment on a yearly basis. Such realignment must follow the rules thus set in the By-Laws ARTICLE II.

I. B. SCHEDULING

1. Scheduling for THE LEAGUE will be done by the either the MWS Commissioner, or his designee. Each team shall be scheduled at least two division games. When possible, schedules will reflect the current NFL season schedule.

2. All Games shall be played according to the MWS scheduled dates and times as established by the MWS Commissioner or his designee, and/or the scheduling committee. However, games not played according to the official MWS schedule must be rescheduled and completed before kick-off of the next scheduled league day. If the opponent does not play the said game before the stated deadline, the game shall be forfeited with the player responsible for rescheduling receiving a 2-0 loss. The player that is late or absent is responsible for making the necessary arrangements to reschedule the game. If both coaches cannot mutually establish a time for the game to be rescheduled, it shall result in a computer simulation of the game, with the results being deemed final. In addition THE MWS recommends that all games be played according to the schedule, HOWEVER, if two teams mutually agree to play ahead of schedule or make up missed games, THE MWS shall not be held liable for any misunderstandings or mis-communications that result. Any games not played at the scheduled time may only be considered official with the consent of either the Commissioner, Vice Commissioner or the scheduling chairperson (if appointed). Therefore any disputes made to The MWS Board concerning this scenario shall be heard and ruled upon by the Board with that decision being final. Games may not be played no more than one scheduled event ahead of time. (i.e. if THE LEAGUE is in week 3, games scheduled for week 5 may not be played until week 4games have been played the following week.

3. Each player is responsible for submitting it's statistics at the MWS Online stats website no later than exactly 48 hrs. after conclusion of competition. Players that fail to submit their stats will not be included in any statistical league catagories.

II. - A. LEAGUE PLAY

1. HARDWARE

Competition shall occur using Sony PS 2 System.

2. SOFTWARE

Official League Sanctioned Seasons can only be played on the most recent version and latest updates of John Madden Football by EA Sports. A Season must be started and completed under the same version. If a new version of Madden Football becomes available to consumers during a season in which the current version becomes the older, the said season shall be completed under the version in which it was initiated. However, a season may be played with several updates to the most current version.

3. GAME LENGTH

PFL regular season and exhibition games shall be scheduled at six minute quarters. Playoff and Championship games shall be scheduled at ten (8) eight quarters. Included in each game shall be a five minute halftime. Only if BOTH teams agree to forego the use of a halftime period, shall the game continue without interruption.

4. GAME SETTINGS

Game Settings shall be defined as - any feature that may be adjusted to manipulate the overall performance of the game itself. These settings may be identified as, but are not limited to: Skill Level, Camera Angles, Player Sizes, Game Speed, Weather Conditions, Momentum, Injuries, Fatigue, Penalties, Artificial Intelligence, AI Slider Adjustments, and any other features not listed herein that may be manipulated as deemed so by the Board. Games not played according to the prescribed settings shall be considered null and void if revealed during a PFL game at any point before the start of the third quarter regardless of the score. After the kick-off of the second half, all games must be played in its entirety and those results shall be made final, regardless of the appropriateness or inappropriateness of any game setting. This includes but it not limited to weather conditions, camera angles, skill levels or any other setting as properly defined.

Skill Level -- All PFL games shall be set to and played on the ALL Madden Setting.

Camera Angles - The official view for all PFL games shall be the Default Cam

Games will NOT be restarted due to the instant replay being left on.

5. TEAM ROSTERS

Teams shall play with rosters included on the system when the game was shipped. Manipulated or enhanced or modified rosters are prohibited for use in the MWS. Approved Updated Rosters will be accepted.

6. USER PROFILES/MEMORY CARDS

Teams may use user profiles in order to expedite the setting of audibles and substitutions.

7. GENERAL DECORUM

a. Audibles and game substitutions are permissible at the start of the game, and at halftime without penalty. Audibles and Substitutions set at any other time will require the said team using a timeout. A coach has a maximum time of 60 seconds to set audibles/substitutions once the time out has been called. This not include the time allotted on the play clock.

b. As a courtesy coaches should log on to the EA server at least 15 minutes prior to kickoff.

c. Players may file a grievance with the Commissioners Office at any time should concerns of decorum or of an ethical nature arise.

8. GAME STOPPAGE

Any player stopping the game at any point during the game whether advert or inadvertent must call a time out. Once a timeout has been called, a player has a maximum of sixty (60) seconds to spend that timeout in whatever manner so desired. In the event that the player committing the infraction does not have any time outs remaining, the following must occur:

1. If the player committing the infraction is on defense he must take a mandatory encroachment penalty until the offense receives an automatic first down.

2. If the player committing the infraction is on offense he must take two mandatory delay of games. (a 10 yard loss) If the stoppage causes the offense to relinquish the ball to the opponent (i.e. fourth down situation or turnover), and the offending player is now on offense, that player must take four stop clock plays to relinquish the ball back to the opponent.

3. If this infraction is at the end of a game whereby the consequences cannot be enforced, the game shall be referred to the Board. The Board shall issue a resolution as to how the game shall end, or if it is to be replayed and that decision shall be FINAL.

4. Two Minute Warnings -- The two minute warning may be used as an additional timeout to be used as the player wishes. Thus, the two minute warning may be used as any other timeout (i.e., to substitute, change audibles, or as a period to rethink strategies, revue play books...etc.)

NOTE -- Game stoppage is permissible without the use of a time out in the event of a system/network error that requires communicating with the opponent via chat. Restroom breaks will require the use of a timeout. If no timeouts remain and you must attend to personal needs, or matters in your home, you are expected to allow the game to continue without interruption, even if that means the cpu assumes defensive coaching responsibilities.

9. GAME MALFUNCTIONS

In the event of a game system/network malfunction (disconnect) that is determined to be unavoidable, a winner shall be declared by the following guidelines:

a. there is a 28 point or more lead at any point in the game beyond the start of the fourth quarter.

b. If there is at least a 21 point lead at in point inside the two minute warning.

c. There is a 35 point lead before halftime.

d. If neither of the above scenarios apply, the game must be reset, the players must return to game ranger and resume the game from its interrupted point. (i.e., the malfunction occurs with 4 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter , the game is reset with four minutes and whomever has the ball at the disconnect receives it in once the game has been restarted.

e. If there is a discrepancy in a game report, the Board will step in and settle the issue with the decision rendered being final.

Players with multiple disconnects during a season shall be referred to the Ethics and Decorum committee for suspicions of tampering and a full investigation shall occur. Players found guilty of tampering with the network connection will be banned from The MWS for life.

10. PLAYOFFS

a. Each team shall complete the 16 regular season schedule as prescribed by the MWS. At the completion of the regular season, the top six teams in each conference will be eligible for playoff play (Two division winners and the four remaining best records. The first round shall be designated as the Wild Card Playoff Round. The Division champions shall have a bye in this round. The second round shall be the Division round whereby the highest seed must play the lowest seed, regardless of division or ranking.

b. In the event that less than 16 franchises are available for play, the playoff system shall be redesigned by the Executive Board and brought to the membership for approval.

11. Playing and Reporting Your Game

a. Each League game must be played online and against your scheduled opponent.

b. Each player is responsible for contacting his or her opponent after the scheduled has been posted. Your opponent's email address will be provided through an email once the schedule has been posted. Your email address will only be given to your opponent for any given round. Your email address will not be used in any other form or fashion.

c. The winning player is responsible for reporting the outcome of the scheduled game (via MWS website stats page) after it has been played. If players from a scheduled game fail to post their game outcome, a computer simulation of the game shall occur with the results of that game being recorded as final. If there is a discrepancy in a game report, the Executive Board will step in and settle the issue.