Overview
As Drip League continues to grow in popularity and participation, we are establishing a more structured competitive ecosystem. This plan outlines future league formats, promotion systems, roster management rules, and division integrity standards to preserve fairness, competitiveness, and the long-term sustainability of our league.
1. Roster Management Rules
Weekly Roster Change Window
- Roster changes are allowed Monday through Thursday only.
- Roster lock is enforced Friday through Sunday to ensure stability during match periods.
- All roster changes must be submitted through a general support ticket for approval and documentation.
Late Season Roster Lock
- Roster changes will be permanently locked during the final third of the season.
- This prevents last-minute team-hopping and promotes loyalty, cohesion, and fair playoff contention.
- Players must either commit to their team’s success or finish the season out honorably.
Anti-Abandonment Policy
- Teams that fail to maintain a core percentage of their original starting roster may be flagged as hijacked and face demotion to a lower division.
- This discourages roster poaching, manipulation, and instability within franchise structures.
2. League Structure Vision
Drip League aims to evolve into a tiered competitive system that balances franchise stability with open competitive access. This three-tier model ensures that both long-standing teams and emerging talent have clear, fair pathways for growth.
A. Invitational Division (Top Tier)
- 8-team locked franchise division.
- Represents the most competitive amateur tier.
- Teams must maintain competitive integrity and meet minimum roster stability requirements.
- Teams are not allowed to rebrand mid-season and must remain consistent in leadership and roster identity.
B. Main Division (Mid Tier)
- Another 8-team competitive tier directly below Invitational.
- Includes established teams that may not yet qualify for Invite-level consistency.
- Top 2-4 teams eligible for promotion to Invite Division.
- Bottom 2-4 teams from the Invite Division may be relegated to this tier based on performance.
C. Open Division (Entry Tier)
- An unlimited-entry division open to all new or returning teams.
- Teams can compete under any clan/org name and don’t require franchise branding.
- Serves as a proving ground for up-and-coming rosters.
- Promotion based on performance, conduct, and roster cohesion.
3. Seasonal Promotion and Relegation Model
Each season, a formal promotion and relegation cycle will occur:
| Division | Top Teams | Bottom Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Invitational | Secure playoff spots or maintain rank | Relegated to Main if underperforming or hijacked |
| Main | Top teams promoted to Invite | Bottom teams face demotion or return to Open |
| Open | Top teams offered Main or Invite slots | All others remain or reform freely |
This model rewards performance, deters instability, and builds a strong pipeline of competitive teams.
4. Competitive Culture and Accountability
Core Values
- Commitment: Players and teams are expected to finish what they start.
- Integrity: No manipulating rosters to avoid losses or gain unfair advantages.
- Opportunity: All teams have a path forward, no matter where they start.
Community Identity
- Drip League is not just another gaming league – it is structured, transparent, and competitive. As we continue to grow, so will the rewards, visibility, and pride associated with being part of it.
Next Steps
- Publish roster change rules and deadlines publicly in #rules and #league-info.
- Begin tracking and documenting mid-season roster integrity for all teams.
- Open discussions for piloting the tiered division system in a future season (e.g., Season 3 or beyond).
- Define promotion/relegation match mechanics and timeline.
