Rules & Regulations.
Match Expectations.
In the event that you are not present for your match pool judges will do everything possible to play past your match. If you are called a second time and do not respond, you will forfeit the match in question. The accepted time limit is five minutes. Any pausing is an immediate loss of the round. This must be reported to the judges at the time it happens, if the match is played to conclusion after this occurs, the offending party will not be penalized. Judges will force a match forfeit if they witness a pause or controller interruption to the match. Pauses that occur in guaranteed loss situations (i.e: Critical Art animations) will not be penalized.
In the event of a controller/arcade stick malfunction a suitable replacement must be found, stopping the match to replace a controller must be alerted to the judge immediately. If this occurs between matches neither player will be penalized. If a player stops the match to replace his controller this match will be forfeited.
Games that have the option for Simple Mode play, i.e. BlazBlue and Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3, these controller settings are banned.
Performance and Collusion.
Collusion or match fixing of any kind is not acceptable. If we determine that competitors are willfully manipulating match results they will be disqualified from the event and in turn forfeit the rights to titles or prizes they would have otherwise earned. This determination is at the sole discretion of the Defend the North directors. If a player so chooses to forfeit a match, it must be told to the judge prior to the match starting. In this case, neither player would be penalized and the forfeiting player would move to the loser’s bracket if in winners, or removed from the tournament if in loser’s.
Play to win at all times.
In the event that you are not present for your match pool judges will do everything possible to play past your match. If you are called a second time and do not respond, you will forfeit the match in question. The accepted time limit is five minutes. Any pausing is an immediate loss of the round. This must be reported to the judges at the time it happens, if the match is played to conclusion after this occurs, the offending party will not be penalized. Judges will force a match forfeit if they witness a pause or controller interruption to the match. Pauses that occur in guaranteed loss situations (i.e: Critical Art animations) will not be penalized.
In the event of a controller/arcade stick malfunction a suitable replacement must be found, stopping the match to replace a controller must be alerted to the judge immediately. If this occurs between matches neither player will be penalized. If a player stops the match to replace his controller this match will be forfeited.
Games that have the option for Simple Mode play, i.e. BlazBlue and Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3, these controller settings are banned.
Performance and Collusion.
Collusion or match fixing of any kind is not acceptable. If we determine that competitors are willfully manipulating match results they will be disqualified from the event and in turn forfeit the rights to titles or prizes they would have otherwise earned. This determination is at the sole discretion of the Defend the North directors. If a player so chooses to forfeit a match, it must be told to the judge prior to the match starting. In this case, neither player would be penalized and the forfeiting player would move to the loser’s bracket if in winners, or removed from the tournament if in loser’s.
Play to win at all times.
Behaviour.
We have a zero tolerance policy towards threats, harassment and physical violence at any Defend the North event. Any attendee breaking this rule will immediately be evicted from the event, and your door and entry fees will be forfeit. Depending on the severity of the act in question, Defend the North will not shy away from bans from future events. We understand that in certain situations, someone may not feel comfortable publicly addressing such incidents. If this is the case please seek out a tournament director to relay your concerns.
Players will be held responsible for any and all damage to Defend the North equipment and venue property. The Defend the North team is not responsible for damages or loss of personal property. Please be mindful and courteous of other attendee’s property, if you find lost or misplaced items please turn it in to the registration desk or a Defend the North staff member. Theft is not tolerated at any Defend the North event. If an attendee is found to be in possession of stolen property, then they will be evicted and banned from future Defend the North events.
Defend the North requires that all attendees under 12 years of age be accompanied by an adult.
Substance Abuse.
Defend the North promotes all ages venues. Any individual with liquor on the premises will be asked to remove it. Follow up problems, will result in the offending party’s removal from the premises. If you are visibly intoxicated and causing a disruption you will receive one warning, if this behavior escalates or staff receive further complaints, the offending party will be removed and forfeit all venue and tournament fees.
Defend the North after hours, and licensed events are subject to state laws and comply with legal age restrictions for alcohol consumption.
E-Cigarettes.
Defend the North expects all attendees to comply with state or locally mandated e-cigarette legislation. Failure to comply will result in a reprimand from venue staff. Repeat offenses will result in the attendee being asked to leave the venue.
We have a zero tolerance policy towards threats, harassment and physical violence at any Defend the North event. Any attendee breaking this rule will immediately be evicted from the event, and your door and entry fees will be forfeit. Depending on the severity of the act in question, Defend the North will not shy away from bans from future events. We understand that in certain situations, someone may not feel comfortable publicly addressing such incidents. If this is the case please seek out a tournament director to relay your concerns.
Players will be held responsible for any and all damage to Defend the North equipment and venue property. The Defend the North team is not responsible for damages or loss of personal property. Please be mindful and courteous of other attendee’s property, if you find lost or misplaced items please turn it in to the registration desk or a Defend the North staff member. Theft is not tolerated at any Defend the North event. If an attendee is found to be in possession of stolen property, then they will be evicted and banned from future Defend the North events.
Defend the North requires that all attendees under 12 years of age be accompanied by an adult.
Substance Abuse.
Defend the North promotes all ages venues. Any individual with liquor on the premises will be asked to remove it. Follow up problems, will result in the offending party’s removal from the premises. If you are visibly intoxicated and causing a disruption you will receive one warning, if this behavior escalates or staff receive further complaints, the offending party will be removed and forfeit all venue and tournament fees.
Defend the North after hours, and licensed events are subject to state laws and comply with legal age restrictions for alcohol consumption.
E-Cigarettes.
Defend the North expects all attendees to comply with state or locally mandated e-cigarette legislation. Failure to comply will result in a reprimand from venue staff. Repeat offenses will result in the attendee being asked to leave the venue.
SUPER SMASH BROS. ULTIMATE (NINTENDO SWITCH).
Default settings:
Starter Stages:
Counter-pick Stages:
- Double elimination.
- 3 stock lives per game.
- 2/3 games per set.
- 3/5 games for Top 8 finalists.
- 3/5 games for Grand Finals.
- Winner must keep character.
- Loser may switch.
- Stage Hazards: OFF
- No DSR.
- Radar: ON
Starter Stages:
- Battlefield.
- Final Destination.
- Pokémon Stadium 2.
- Smashville.
- Kalos Pokémon League.
Counter-pick Stages:
- Lylat Cruise.
- Unova Pokémon League.
- Town and City.
- Yoshi's Story.
Tekken 7 (PlAYSTATION 4).
Default settings:
- Double elimination.
- 99 second rounds.
- 3/5 rounds per game.
- 2/3 games per set.
- 3/5 games for Winners, Losers and Grand Finals.
- Winner must keep character.
- Loser may switch character (with random stage).
- Loser may switch stage (with same character).
- Random stage select for the first game (players may opt. for an agreed stage).
STREET FIGHTER V (PLAYSTATION 4).
Default settings:
- Double elimination.
- 99 second rounds.
- 2/3 rounds per game.
- 2/3 games per set.
- 3/5 games for Top 8 finalists.
- 3/5 games for Grand Finals.
- Winner must keep character, but may change V-Trigger & V-Skill (prior to the losing player selecting their V-Trigger).
- Loser may switch character and V-Trigger, V-Skill.
- Random stage select or players (players may opt. for an agreed stage).
- The Kanzuki Beach, Skies of Honor and Flamenco Tavern stages are banned from play. If either stage is randomly selected repeat random stage selection process until a tournament legal stage appears.
- The following costumes are banned: Pyron Gill, Nergigante Blanka.
- Legacy controllers are not allowed for this tournament.
Granblue Fantasy: Versus (Playstation 4).
Default settings:
- Double elimination.
- 99 seconds rounds.
- Games and sets will be determined soon.*
- 3/5 games for Winners, Losers and Grand Finals.
- Winner must keep character.
- Loser may switch character.
- Random stage select (players may opt. for an agreed stage).
- More details and additional rules will determined soon.*
Under Night In-Birth EXE:Late [Cl-r] (PLAYSTATION 4).
Default settings:
- Double elimination.
- 99 second rounds.
- 2/3 rounds per game.
- 2/3 games per set.
- 3/5 games for Winners, Losers and Grand Finals.
- Winner must keep character.
- Loser may switch character.
- Random stage select.
DRAGON BALL FIGHTERZ (PLAYSTATION 4).
Default settings:
- Double elimination.
- 300 second rounds.
- 2/3 rounds per game.
- 2/3 games per set.
- 3/5 games for Winners, Losers and Grand Finals.
- Winner must keep characters/team.
- Loser may switch characters/team.
- Random stage select.
MORTAL KOMBAT 11 (PLAYSTATION 4).
Default settings:
- Double elimination.
- 90 second timer.
- 2/3 rounds per game.
- 2/3 games per set.
- 3/5 games for Top 8 finalists.
- 3/5 Games for Grand Finals.
- Interactables: ON
- Tournament mode variations only.
- Winner must keep character.
- Loser may switch character.
- Random stage select (players may opt. for an agreed stage).
Samurai Showdown (PLAYSTATION 4).
Default settings:
- Double elimination.
- 60 second rounds.
- 2/3 rounds per game.
- 2/3 games per set.
- 3/5 games for Grand Finals.
- Winner must keep character.
- Loser may switch character.
- Random stage select (players may opt. for an agreed stage).
SOUL CALIBUR VI (PLAYSTATION 4).
Default settings:
- Double elimination.
- 99 second rounds.
- 3/5 rounds per game.
- 2/3 games per set.
- 3/5 games for Winners, Losers and Grand Finals.
- Winner must keep character.
- Loser may switch character.
- Random stage select (players may opt. for an agreed stage).
BLAZBLUE CROSS TAG BATTLE (PLAYSTATION 4).
Default settings:
- Double elimination.
- 99 second rounds.
- 2/3 rounds per game.
- 2/3 games per set.
- 3/5 Games for Winners, Losers and Grand Finals.
- Winner must keep characters/team.
- Loser may switch characters/team.
- Random stage select (players may opt. for an agreed stage).
Super Smash Bros. Melee (Gamecube).
Default settings:
- Double elimination.
- 3 stock lives per game.
- Games and sets will be determined soon.*
Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 (Dreamcast).
Default settings:
- Double elimination.
- 99 second rounds.
- 2/3 rounds per game.
- 2/3 games per set.
- 3/5 Games for Winners, Losers and Grand Finals.
- Winner must keep characters/team but may switch order.
- Loser may switch characters/team and/or switch order.
- Random stage select.
Ultra Street Fighter IV (Playstation 4).
Default settings:
- Double elimination.
- 99 second rounds.
- 2/3 rounds per game.
- 2/3 games per set.
- 3/5 Games for Winners, Losers and Grand Finals.
- Winner must keep character.
- Loser may switch character.
- Random stage select (players may opt. for an agreed stage).
Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 (PLAYSTATION 4).
Default settings:
- Double elimination.
- 99 second rounds.
- 2/3 rounds per game.
- 2/3 games per set.
- 3/5 Games for Winners, Losers and Grand Finals.
- Winner must keep characters/team but may switch order.
- Loser may switch characters/team and/or switch order.
- Random stage select.
Melty Blood: Actress Again (PC).
Default settings:
- Double elimination.
- 99 second rounds.
- 2/3 rounds per games.
- 2/3 games per set.
- 3/5 Games for Winners, Losers and Grand Finals.
- Winner must keep character.
- Loser may switch character.
- Random stage select.
Capcom Vs. SNK 2 (Dreamcast).
Default settings:
- Double elimination.
- 99 second rounds.
- Ratio VS.
- 2/3 games per set.
- 3/5 Games for Winners, Losers and Grand Finals.
- Winner must keep team but can change order of team.
- Loser may switch team and/or change order of team.
- Random stage select.
- God/Ultimate Rugal, Shin Akuma, Evil Ryu, and Orochi Iori are banned.
Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike (ARCADE/CANDY CABINET).
Default settings:
- Double elimination.
- 99 second rounds.
- 2/3 rounds per game.
- 2/3 games per set.
- 3/5 Games for Winners, Losers and Grand Finals.
- Winner must keep character.
- Loser may switch character.
- Random stage select.
- Gill is banned.
Vampire Savior (ARCADE/CANDY CABINET).
Default settings:
- Double elimination.
- 99 second rounds.
- 2/3 rounds per game.
- 2/3 games per set.
- 3/5 Games for Winners, Losers and Grand Finals.
- Winner must keep character.
- Loser may switch character.
- Random stage select.
Super Street Fighter II Turbo (ARCADE/CANDY CABINET).
Default settings:
- Double elimination.
- 99 second rounds.
- 2/3 rounds per game.
- 2/3 games per set.
- 3/5 Games for Winners, Losers and Grand Finals.
- Winner must keep character.
- Loser may switch character.
- Random stage select.
Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Stirker (Playstation 4).
Default settings:
- Settings, games and sets will be determined soon.*
Refunds.
As of 2018 there are no refunds and transfers on ticket purchases for Defend The North.
Event Cancellation.
All events are subject to change. If you are only in one event and it is cancelled, you will receive a full refund (event fee and venue fee). If you are registered for multiple events and you are in a cancelled event, you will only be refunded the event fee for the cancelled game(s).
As of 2018 there are no refunds and transfers on ticket purchases for Defend The North.
Event Cancellation.
All events are subject to change. If you are only in one event and it is cancelled, you will receive a full refund (event fee and venue fee). If you are registered for multiple events and you are in a cancelled event, you will only be refunded the event fee for the cancelled game(s).
PRE-EVENT.
Why should I pre-register?
Pre-registration allows staff to more quickly create brackets for tournaments by knowing exactly who you are and what games you’re registering for. As a thanks for making this process easier, we offer the lowest possible registration cost available to players to encourage pre-registration for future events.
Will there be registration at the door?
Yes, however this comes at a cost. First, due to the lateness of this registration, there will be a premium charge for emergency registration on site. Second, you will not be added into the current list of pools that will be shown once the pre-registration period is over. Instead, you will be added into a late registration pool with others that registered late. Third, there tends to be a long wait so if this is absolutely necessary for you, we strongly suggest you get there early to beat whatever wait there may be.
Pre-registration allows staff to more quickly create brackets for tournaments by knowing exactly who you are and what games you’re registering for. As a thanks for making this process easier, we offer the lowest possible registration cost available to players to encourage pre-registration for future events.
Will there be registration at the door?
Yes, however this comes at a cost. First, due to the lateness of this registration, there will be a premium charge for emergency registration on site. Second, you will not be added into the current list of pools that will be shown once the pre-registration period is over. Instead, you will be added into a late registration pool with others that registered late. Third, there tends to be a long wait so if this is absolutely necessary for you, we strongly suggest you get there early to beat whatever wait there may be.
BRACKET/POOL QUESTIONS.
How are pools determined?
Region of origin, team, and seed from various tournaments if that information is known.
What happens when a player is not at their pool during check ins?
A timer is set for the player to arrive within five minutes of the start of matches for their pool. In the mean time, the other rounds will be played out in the respective pool. If the missing player arrives before the timer runs out, they will not be penalized. If they do not arrive before then, their opponent advances to the next round and the missing player is sent to the losers bracket via disqualification. If they do not arrive for their losers bracket match by the time all of the other losers bracket matches have been run in their respective round, they will then be eliminated.
Can I have a friend check in for me at my pool?
No, you must be present at your pool in order to have been considered checked in at your pools. Substitutions will not be tolerated.
What is a blind pick?
It is a tactic used to avoid counter picking by informing the staff of the choice to blind pick. One player then selects their character and informs the staff of their choice. The next player then tells the staff their character selection which prompts the staff member to select the characters for the players as the match is played out.
Region of origin, team, and seed from various tournaments if that information is known.
What happens when a player is not at their pool during check ins?
A timer is set for the player to arrive within five minutes of the start of matches for their pool. In the mean time, the other rounds will be played out in the respective pool. If the missing player arrives before the timer runs out, they will not be penalized. If they do not arrive before then, their opponent advances to the next round and the missing player is sent to the losers bracket via disqualification. If they do not arrive for their losers bracket match by the time all of the other losers bracket matches have been run in their respective round, they will then be eliminated.
Can I have a friend check in for me at my pool?
No, you must be present at your pool in order to have been considered checked in at your pools. Substitutions will not be tolerated.
What is a blind pick?
It is a tactic used to avoid counter picking by informing the staff of the choice to blind pick. One player then selects their character and informs the staff of their choice. The next player then tells the staff their character selection which prompts the staff member to select the characters for the players as the match is played out.
MATCH QUESTIONS.
If the game is paused, what happens?
First, contact the TO to verify the action then once it is determined who is at fault, the other player is allowed to either accept a round being given to them via time out once a lead has been established or to decline and play the rest of the round out. If a controller replacement is required, consider this the first warning in order to do so. If this happens a following time, the player at fault is disqualified from the match.
Is there a difference between a player pausing, hitting a menu button, or the controller disconnecting?
No, they are all treated as disruptive gameplay and will be dealt with as such.
What does a double KO mean?
Both players win the round if the result of a trade causes both players to lose enough health to be KO’ed simultaneously. This may cause a sudden death in the final round or allow whichever player that won a round first to win the match.
First, contact the TO to verify the action then once it is determined who is at fault, the other player is allowed to either accept a round being given to them via time out once a lead has been established or to decline and play the rest of the round out. If a controller replacement is required, consider this the first warning in order to do so. If this happens a following time, the player at fault is disqualified from the match.
Is there a difference between a player pausing, hitting a menu button, or the controller disconnecting?
No, they are all treated as disruptive gameplay and will be dealt with as such.
What does a double KO mean?
Both players win the round if the result of a trade causes both players to lose enough health to be KO’ed simultaneously. This may cause a sudden death in the final round or allow whichever player that won a round first to win the match.
EQUIPMENT QUESTIONS.
Are legacy controllers allowed?
As current with EVO rules, legacy controllers are not allowed for SFV.
Are converters allowed?
Currently, only the Brooks Super Converters are allowed, but this is subject to change.
Are wireless controllers allowed?
Yes, but only if they are connected to the console via USB sync cables.
As current with EVO rules, legacy controllers are not allowed for SFV.
Are converters allowed?
Currently, only the Brooks Super Converters are allowed, but this is subject to change.
Are wireless controllers allowed?
Yes, but only if they are connected to the console via USB sync cables.