Section 1: Introduction & Core Principles

1.1 Welcome to Top 100: Purpose of the Rulebook

Top 100 is a custom Soccer Manager Worlds game world, established to bring together dedicated and active managers in a highly competitive environment. This document serves as the official and consolidated rulebook for all participating managers. Its primary purpose is to provide a single, clear, and comprehensive set of regulations governing all aspects of gameplay and conduct within the Top 100 community.

These rules are meticulously designed to ensure fair play, maintain competitive balance, and foster an enjoyable, engaging experience for every manager. Adherence to these rules is paramount for the integrity and continued success of the Top 100 game world.

The regulations herein cover:

• Squad management
• Transfers
• Competitions
• Conduct

All with specific sanctions for breaches, aimed at upholding the principle of fair play and preventing any form of manipulation for personal gain.

1.2 Guiding Principles: Fair Play, Respect, and Community

The Top 100 game world is built upon a foundation of core values:

• Fair Play: This is the cornerstone of Top 100. It encompasses strict adherence to all rules outlined in this document, a commitment to competing honestly, and a refusal to exploit any game mechanics or loopholes for an unfair advantage.
• Respect: All managers are expected to treat fellow participants, including opponents and the administrative team (Top 100 FA), with courtesy and respect in all interactions.
• Community: Top 100 thrives on active participation and positive engagement through various communication channels including the newsfeed, blog, Facebook group, WhatsApp group chat, and Discord server.

1.3 Top 100 Administration (FA & All-Manager Polls)

The governance of the Top 100 game world is managed by two key bodies:

• Top 100 Football Association (FA): The Admin Team, composed of five experienced Top 100 managers: David M, Chris M, Regan, Hugo, and Bojan. Their primary responsibility is to ensure the game world operates fairly according to these rules.
• Top 100 All-Manager Polls: All Top 100 managers are entitled and encouraged to deliberate and vote on proposed new rules, changes to existing rules, and other significant issues.

Section 2: Managerial Conduct & Responsibilities

2.1 General Expectations (Activity, Communication)

Active participation and clear communication are fundamental to the smooth operation and enjoyment of the Top 100 game world. Managers are expected to:

• Maintain Activity Levels: Regularly log in to the Soccer Manager Worlds platform, manage their teams effectively, and ensure timely participation in all scheduled league and cup fixtures.
• Engage in Communication: Be responsive on official Top 100 communication channels, particularly for transfer negotiations and fixture arrangements.

2.2 Manager Contracts & Objectives

Section 3: Squad Management

3.1 Squad Size Limits (Player Cap)

To ensure competitive balance and prevent the hoarding of players, a strict squad size limit is enforced:

3.2 Player Loans (In and Out, Squad Cap Implications) - UPDATED

Section 4: Player Transfers

4.1 General Transfer Rules

4.1.1 Binding Agreements & Cancellations

To maintain stability and trust in the transfer market:

• Binding Contracts: Any arrangement unambiguously agreed upon by both participating managers is considered binding
• No Cancellations: Once a deal is accepted or agreed, it cannot be cancelled by either party
• Grace Period: A 5-minute grace period is allowed for genuine mistakes on system bids without prior agreement
• Sanctions: Cancelling an agreed deal outside permitted exceptions will result in a transfer ban

4.1.2 Reporting Transfers

Transparency is encouraged for certain types of transfer deals:

• Multi-Part/Staged Transfers: Should be posted in the News Feed with public agreement
• Future Transfers: Deals for banned players should be posted on News Feed and the dedicated Future Transfers page

4.2 Acquiring New Players (from SM Database)

4.3 Specific Transfer Scenarios & Restrictions

4.3.1 Prohibited Practices

• Third-Party Ownership (TPO): Strictly banned
• Re-purchasing Players Sold with Concerns: Not permitted for 52 weeks from date of sale
• "Holding" Clubs: Using friendly clubs to circumvent rules is prohibited

4.4 Future Transfers

Pre-agreements for players under transfer ban are permitted with transparency requirements and must be completed within 5 days of the ban ending.

Section 5: Competitions

5.1 Overview of Top 100 Competitions

The Top 100 game world hosts various official competitions:

• Top 100 Divisions 1-5 (League)
• Top 100 Cup
• Top 100 Shield
• Top 100 World Club Cup & Shield (WCC/WCS)
• Top 100 Youth Cup & Shield

5.2 League Rules (Divisions 1-5)

The league structure is dynamic with promotion and relegation:

• Divisions 2-5: four (4) teams promoted
• Divisions 1-4: four (4) teams relegated

5.3 Cup Competition Rules

5.3.1 Fixture Arrangement & Responsibilities

For cup competitions requiring friendly match arrangements:

• Shared Responsibility: Both home and away managers responsible
• Penalties: Failure to arrange results in forfeits or elimination
• World Club Cup S25: Stricter rules requiring proof of effort or both teams eliminated

5.3.2 Tie-Breaker Rules: Away Goals & Fictional Extra Time (FET)

5.4 Specific Competition Rules

5.4.1 Youth Cup & Shield

• Eligibility: Players 21 or younger at season start
• No Loans: Loans prohibited in Youth Cup
• Penalties: Overage players result in automatic forfeit
• Wild Card Prize: Three managers selected for new player choice

5.4.2 World Club Cup (WCC)

Season 25 specific adjustments:

• Consolidated format (previously WCC & WCS)
• Two-leg matches in every round
• Stricter fixture arrangement penalties

Section 6: Rules Enforcement & Sanctions

6.1 Reporting Rule Violations

Managers have a responsibility to report suspected rule breaches through correct channels:

• General Transfer Legality: Use in-game "Illegal Transfer" reporting
• Top 100 Rule Breaches: Private Message to designated admin (David Marsden)
• Youth Cup Eligibility: Report to David Marsden by 10pm following Monday

6.2 Transfer Bans

6.2.1 Offences Leading to Bans

• Exceeding the 50-player squad cap
• Cancelling agreed transfer deals
• Bidding higher than ONE MILLION for new players
• Breaching other transfer laws

6.2.2 Ban Conditions

• Duration: One (1) month for first offense
• Restrictions: Cash sales to external clubs only; no loans/transfers with Top 100 managers
• Repeat Offenders: Asked to resign or removed by SMFA

6.3 Manager Sackings

6.3.1 Grounds for Sacking

• Poor League Performance: Finishing in bottom three (3) positions
• Inactivity: Consistently unresponsive or failing to manage effectively

6.3.2 Re-appointment Process

Sacked managers may be re-appointed to managerial roles, offered new clubs in lower divisions, or may pursue opportunities in Top 100 Regen as a pathway back to Top 100.

6.4 Manager Reprimands

The Top 100 FA can issue reprimands for rule breaches that may not warrant immediate severe sanctions. Reprimands are recorded and can impact future club applications.

Section 7: Top 100 Regen - Pathway to Top 100 (UPDATED)

7.2 Proving Credentials for Top 100

Performance and conduct within Top 100 Regen are key to gaining opportunities in the main Top 100 game world:

• Showcasing Credentials: Managers compete to demonstrate readiness for Top 100 club vacancies
• Pathway for Sacked Managers: Former Top 100 managers can use Top 100 Regen to prove capabilities for potential return
• Advancement Criteria: Success, consistent activity, positive transfer activity, and clean disciplinary record

Section 8: Rule Amendments & Queries

8.1 Process for Rule Changes

Rules can be amended through the Top 100 All-Manager Polls, where all managers deliberate and vote on proposed changes, ensuring democratic governance and community involvement.

8.2 Contacting Administration for Clarification

• Top 100 FA: General rule clarifications
• David Marsden: Transfer-specific queries via Private Message

Conclusion

This consolidated rulebook provides a single, authoritative source of regulations for all participating managers. The rules cover critical aspects of managerial responsibility, squad building, transfer dealings, competition participation, and disciplinary procedures.

Key elements such as strict squad caps, binding transfer agreements, transparent bidding processes, and detailed competition protocols create a level playing field and prevent exploitation. The administrative structure ensures fair governance and community involvement, while Top 100 Regen provides a structured pathway for new and returning managers.

Every manager must familiarize themselves with and adhere to these rules to contribute to a thriving, respectful, and competitive Soccer Manager environment that upholds the "Friendship, Fun, and Fair Play" ethos of Top 100.