Rules

HeadCom is a competitive gaming platform. Players are expected to behave fairly, respectfully, and in accordance with the rules of the platform.

• Players must play to win and compete fairly.
• Players must not intentionally manipulate matches, rankings, or statistics.
• Players must not abuse bugs, exploits, or unintended game mechanics.
• Players must follow instructions given by HeadCom staff.
• Players are responsible for the security and use of their own accounts.
• Ignorance of the rules does not exempt a player from penalties.

HeadCom accounts are connected to a player's Steam identity. Account sharing, selling, or transferring accounts is prohibited.

• A player may only use their own HeadCom account.
• Account sharing is prohibited.
• Selling, buying, or transferring HeadCom accounts is prohibited.
• Players must keep their account credentials secure.
• HeadCom Verification currently requires a verified mobile phone number and 50 completed HeadCom matches.
• A verified phone number may not be reused for another HeadCom account.

HeadCom competitive matches use the MR9 format and are played on a single selected aim map.

• Matches are played as MR9.
• There is no side switch during a HeadCom match.
• The match is played on one map selected through the HeadCom map veto.
• Players must remain in the match until the match has officially ended.
• Players must not intentionally abandon a match.
• Match results determined by the HeadCom system are final unless officially overturned by HeadCom staff.

HeadCom currently uses a dedicated aim-map pool. The map played in a competitive match is determined through the HeadCom veto process.

• Only maps from the current HeadCom map pool may be selected.
• The map selection is handled through the HeadCom veto system.
• Each veto step has a 20-second decision window.
• Players must complete their veto decision within the available time.
• When the veto is completed, the selected map becomes the official map of the match.
• Players must not intentionally interfere with or manipulate the veto process.
• The map selected by the HeadCom system is final unless officially overturned by HeadCom staff.

HeadCom uses an ELO-based competitive ranking system. Matchmaking is designed to create competitive matches between players with comparable ratings.

• Players are matched according to their ELO rating and matchmaking conditions.
• The current ELO rating represents the player's rating in the active season.
• Winning and losing matches changes a player's ELO.
• Players must not intentionally manipulate their ELO.

At the end of each season, the current ELO is archived and a new competitive season begins.

• The current season ELO is stored as historical data.
• ELO is reset for the new season.
• Previous season ELO remains visible on the player's profile.
• The active profile rating represents the current season.

Players must accept and join their matches in a timely manner. Leaving or failing to join a match can result in a Queue Ban.

• Failure to accept or join a match results in a Queue Ban.
• Leaving before the opponent has won a round results in a Queue Ban.
• Leaving after the opponent has won at least one round results in a Queue Ban and a match loss.
• The opponent receives the corresponding win.
• Repeated abandonment may result in increased penalties.

Any form of cheating or unauthorized assistance is strictly prohibited.

• Cheat software is prohibited.
• Unauthorized scripts or tools providing an unfair advantage are prohibited.
• Players must not manipulate game files or platform systems.
• Players must not use exploits to gain an unfair advantage.
• Players must not assist another player in cheating.
• Attempting to bypass HeadCom security systems is prohibited.

Players must compete honestly and must not manipulate the outcome or rating of competitive matches.

• Wintrading is prohibited.
• ELO boosting is prohibited.
• Intentional losses for ranking manipulation are prohibited.
• Artificially arranged match results are prohibited.
• Matchmaking systems must not be abused to manipulate ELO.

Players must treat other players and HeadCom staff with respect.

• Harassment is prohibited.
• Threats are prohibited.
• Hate speech and discriminatory content are prohibited.
• Targeted abuse is prohibited.
• Spam and disruptive behavior are prohibited.
• Malicious links and unauthorized advertising are prohibited.

Players can report rule violations through the available HeadCom reporting systems.

• Reports must be submitted in good faith.
• False or intentionally abusive reports may result in penalties.
• Cheating reports must be submitted within the designated reporting window.
• Chat violations may be reported through the relevant chat system.
• HeadCom staff may review available match, chat, and platform evidence.

Bugs and unintended behavior must not be deliberately abused for competitive advantage.

• Players must not intentionally exploit platform bugs.
• Players must not abuse matchmaking bugs.
• Players must not manipulate match results through unintended behavior.
• Serious exploits should be reported to HeadCom staff.

HeadCom may apply penalties based on the severity, frequency, and circumstances of a violation.

• Communication violations may result in warnings, mutes, or chat bans.
• Match abandonment may result in Queue Bans and match losses.
• Match manipulation may result in bans and ELO resets.
• Exploit abuse may result in temporary or permanent bans.
• Confirmed cheating may result in a permanent ban.
• Ban evasion may result in a permanent ban.
• Repeated violations may result in increased penalties.

Players may use the available HeadCom appeal process when a punishment is eligible for appeal.

• Appeals must be submitted honestly.
• Relevant information and evidence should be provided.
• Submitting an appeal does not automatically suspend a punishment.
• HeadCom staff may uphold, reduce, modify, or revoke a punishment.

HeadCom reserves the right to take appropriate action when behavior threatens the integrity, security, or competitive environment of the platform.

• Moderators may investigate suspected violations.
• HeadCom may use platform logs, match data, chat data, and other available evidence.
• Players must not interfere with moderation investigations.
• Attempting to evade a punishment may result in additional sanctions.
• Severe or repeated violations may result in permanent removal from HeadCom.