Battlefield 2 Ranked Server Rules and Admin Tips

[[APG]RoboCop[CL]]

These are the current Rules of Engagement for Battlefield 2 Ranked servers. If you are caught breaking these rules and it is brought to our attention your server will be suspended until the rules have been changed. If you are caught a second time your server will be cancelled and your money not refunded.

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (ROE)

RANKED SERVERS – AN OVERVIEW
The ranked server program and ranking system introduced by DICE and EA for Battlefield 2 is designed to promote a system of statistics gathering and rewards for players on a level playing field in which players can expect the same standard configuration and playing environment on any ranked server they play on. These standards are achieved and maintained by ensuring that all server providers and server administrators are abiding by a common set of rules as determined by EA.

1. RULES AND POLICIES FOR TRUSTED PARTNERS / SERVER HOST PROVIDERS
Dice and EA are limiting trusted server software distribution to our network of Trusted Partners in order to protect the integrity of the code system. We want everyone to be able to play Ranked Servers if they choose. It is imperative that all of these Rules and Policies be adhered to in order to create a level playing field for everyone.

1.1 Server Configuration

1.1.1 Ranked Servers have a number of settings hard-coded so that users cannot adjust them. These settings are all set as below to keep the competition on Ranked servers balanced across all providers:

minPlayers: 16+ (minimum server size is 16 players)

sv.password = “” (empty string - Ranked servers may not be password protected. Ranked servers are intended to be available to all players.)

sv.numPlayersNeededToStart = (6 for 16-31 maxPlayers, 10 for 32-64)

sv.spawnTime 15

sv.manDownTime 15

sv.ticketRatio 100

sv.teamRatioPercent 100

sv.punkBuster 1

1.1.2 Though it is not required, we also request that all servers run Friendly Fire at 100% for all settings, including mines (sv.friendlyFireWithMines).

1.2 Server Content

1.2.1 Ranked servers must be entirely "pure" with no customization outside of the default content shipped by DICE/EA. Ranked servers are not allowed to run customised games or Mods, as we cannot ensure the balance of these components.

1.2.2 Whenever there is a new patch released Ranked Partners are required to upgrade their servers.

Ranked servers are not to run upcoming content early nor out of date content.

1.3 Server Access

1.3.1 BF2CC may be used to access and adjust server settings not defined above but hosts must be able to demonstrate that the ranked server code is secure – no FTP access or other direct access to the files is allowed.

1.4 Maps

1.4.1 Custom maps are never permitted on ranked servers, although we do permit map sizes to be defined independently of maximum players.

2. RULES AND POLICIES FOR ALL SERVER ADMINISTRATORS MANAGING RANKED SERVERS (PUBLIC OR PRIVATE)
These are rules and policies that all people running ranked servers are expected to observe. Failure to do so can result in the server being delisted.

2.1 Copyright Infringements and Advertising

2.1.1 Server Administrators may not arrange for the exchange or transfer of any pirated software, distribution of copyrighted software or CD keys or other contraband while on any Ranked Servers.

2.1.2 Server Administrators may not market, promote or advertise other services or products on any ranked servers (excluding trusted partners and in game server messages).

2.2 Game Setting Changes

2.2.1 Server Administrators may not change any server settings preset by EA (as listed above).

2.2.2 Server Administrators may not load up custom maps or modifications to Ranked Servers.

2.2.3 TK Punish must be active (i.e. not “off”), but can be set to automatically punish or to allow players to punish/forgive by voting.

2.3 “In-House” Ranked Server Rules

Public Ranked Servers and Private rented clan servers may introduce custom rules that apply only to their servers and which result in minor changes to gameplay. These “in-house” rules are allowed as long as they do not violate the conditions of use of a ranked server as determined by DICE and EA and as long as they are explicitly announced in the server description or on the loading screen, so that players joining the server are aware of them before they start playing.

2.3.1 Disallowed “In-House” Ranked Server Rules:

Server Administrators may not implement or enforce server rules on ranked servers that prohibit players from using any roles, kits, weapons, vehicles or other features of the game while playing on their server. Examples of such rules that would violate the conditions of use are:

(a) Preventing any players from being Commander or Squad Leaders.

(b) Preventing any players from using certain vehicles such as jets, helicopters or tanks.

(c) Preventing any players from using commander assets (artillery, vehicle drop, UAV or scans).

(d) Preventing any players from using certain weapons or items (such as flashbangs or C4) or enforcing a “pistol only” or “knife only” server rule.

2.3.2 Allowed “In-House” Ranked Server Rules:

Server Administrators may implement and enforce rules that result in minor changes to gameplay behaviour or styles as long as these are clearly stated before a player starts playing on a server. These rules typically introduce minor restrictions on how a certain aspect of the game can be used.

Examples of such rules that are acceptable are:

(a) Players may not use explicit, offensive or racist language in-game.

(b) Players may not impersonate clan members or other server administrators.

(c) Players may not deliberately performing actions that hinder their own team (such as last-minute team-swapping to increase scores or statistics, excessive team-killing, destroying friendly vehicles, attacking team-mates,

deliberately placing themselves in a situation so they cause another player to team-kill them, using a vehicle while being the Commander that prevents them from performing any Commander functions (jet, etc.) or placing vehicles to block their own runways.

(d) Making attacks on enemy main bases (flags that cannot be captured), including artillery strikes, vehicle drops to block runways, bombing runs with aircraft or sustained infantry attacks. (Note that specific attacks targeting the enemy commander’s asset buildings are always allowed, even if they are within the enemy main base.)

(e) Using transport helicopters to quickly capture all flags with no attempt to engage the other team (flag hopping).

(f) Using C4 explosives on fast-moving vehicles to destroy other vehicles (C4-ramming)

(g) Ignoring requests from Server Administrators or abusing Server Administrators.

3. RULES AND POLICIES APPLYING TO ALL PLAYERS ON RANKED SERVERS.
The following rules are ones that players are expected to abide by while playing on ranked servers. Any use of third-party programs or game exploits not listed below should be reported through one of the channels listed below.

3.1 Use of Cheats or Hacks

3.1.1 Players may not change (hack) any core games files or effectively change game settings by employing external programs or cheats for the purposes of giving themselves an unfair advantage over other players. This would include but not limited to:

(a) MSX and other 3rd party software.

(b) Modification of weapons code, aka Tank turrets exploit.

(c) CVAR hacks which would make players appear Neon

(d) CVAR hacks that let players see thru walls or buildings

(e) Mini-Map hack so all players are visible

(f) Modification of Player Names which would alter their size or colors.

3.2 Game Exploits

3.2.1 Players may not use or exploit game mechanisms to artificially boost their score ("stats padding") and Server administrators may not knowingly allow or encourage this activity on their servers.

This would include but not limited to:

(a) Using tag teams to take turns to kill and revive each other in turn (using knives, pistols, etc.)

(b) Playing on Knife and/or Pistol only Servers

(c) Playing on Knife only Servers

(d) Playing on “High Points” Servers

(e) Playing on “No Artillery” or “No Armour” Servers (except when using Infantry only server-side option)

(f) Using Vehicles removed from battlefield for purposes of artificially inflating points

(g) Turning boats upside down and constantly repairing them

(h) Glitching inside buildings (using building model glitches to attack out without risk of being hit).

4. REPORTING VIOLATIONS OF THE ROE

Anyone who observes violations of the ROE based upon server rules or player actions should report these violations (with screenshots) as soon as possible.

Any action taken against players or Server Administrators will be taken by EA and may include having ranked servers being delisted (unranked) or having player accounts reset to remove all global points and awards.

Violations (or suspected violations) can be reported to any of the following authorised groups:

EA Support: http://support.ea.com/

Punkbuster: Cheats, hacks or exploits can be reported to [e-mail]

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For admining and regulating your rented BF Ranked server, you will need to download the latest BF2CC or BF2142CC client to adjust the settings for your servers, but remember to be aware of the EA DICE Ranked Service rules found at Fig 1.1.1 before you adjust the server variables, please!

Personally the best BF2CC client to download is from this link below:

http://apg-clan.org/downloads.php?do=file&id=259

Unfortunately, this application requires Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 - which can add unwanted system registries on your newer PC like Vista or Windows 7 onwards as BF2CC is mainly for Windows XP. And bare in mind that installing .NET 2.0 will add vulnerabilities to your system.

The best way to do this is use VMWare Player with Windows XP Virtual Mode, or if you have Windows 7, download Windows Virtual PC with XP Mode. What you will need is maybe best to install MS .NET 2.0 and AVG Free Edition in Virtual XP Mode but no more than one Anti Virus software. Because you will need the internet to track down the IP address for your BF server. Don't bother using the IE 6 provided at the start when using Windows XP Mode, so you maybe better using Google Chrome - however your Windows XP Virtual PC will still remain defenceless when you surf the internet near possible disreputable sites. So do be careful.

Once you have installed BF2142CC and MS .NET 2.0, open BF2142CC and use the username as "admin" with the password and IP address in BF2Daemon, and hey presto! You should hopefully get logged in and regulate your server!Ranked Server Rules and Admin Tips

[Hopper]

Thats cool, except for 2 issues. 1: EA isn't selling BF2 servers anymore. 2: EA doesn't regulate BF2 servers anymore since their master server got shutdown. So essentially, these rules don't apply anymore.