League Constitution

Revision 3 — last updated 8/18/2026 by MrPlanters

Hypnotic Football League

established 2024

Below is a summary of the rules and information you will need to know in order to be a successful GM in this league.

Please reach out to the league commissioners if you have any questions or concerns! The best way to do that is by creating a support ticket.
League Commissioners

  • Hypnotic
  • Jenn
  • ScubaSteve
  • MrPlanters

This league is built on realism. Our goal is to create a cohesive, evolving story that every member helps write. Every team will experience wins, losses, and injuries, some of which will be completely out of your control. That's by design: we're trying to replicate the real NFL, where every team has a genuine chance to win on any given Sunday, and upsets are part of what makes the league worth following.

That means this league asks more of you than just winning. If you don't enjoy playing your pre-season games, developing your rookies and backups, negotiating and trading with other GMs, being part of the league's larger story, and you only have fun when you win, this probably isn't the right league for you. We want GMs who are invested in the journey, not just the scoreboard.

Whatever happens each season, we hope you enjoy being part of it!
How to Join

  • After reading through everything in this channel, you can submit a Team Application.
    • Reference the teams directory to see what teams are available. If no teams are available, you can apply today to join the waitlist.

🏈 Other League Information

  • Difficulty: All-Pro
  • Game Mode: Simulation
  • Quarter Length: 8 Minutes
  • Accel. Clock: ON
  • Min. Play Clock: 18 secs
  • Injuries: ON
  • Kicking: Multi-Meter
  • Offensive Playcall Limit: 6
  • Passing Slowdown: Must be OFF
  • Player Traits & Abilities: Locked
  • Progressive Fatigue: OFF
  • Reg. Season Player/Week Movement Limit: 4
    • (If you're at 53/53, this means 2 acquisitions & 2 releases)
  • Salary Cap Resets: Never
  • Superstar Abilities: ON
  • Superstar Regression: ON
  • Trade Difficulty: Very Hard
  • Wear & Tear: ON

📊 NeonSports Website
https://neonsportz.com/leagues/HFL

This league is for beginner-intermediate level players looking to play realistic football in a social league for adults (21+).
Advanced/cheesy/meta/YouTube players will be **removed **from the league in order to keep competition fun and fair for everyone.
Our goal is to have players of similar skill-level so that player-ratings matter and upsets occur frequently.

At the end of each season, League Commissioners reserve the right to remove members based on activity, communication, reliability, and overall fit within the league.
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💭 Fantasy Draft

  • This league is a Fantasy Draft league. The fantasy draft will occur near the beginning of each yearly Madden release.
  • FAQ: "How does the transition to the new Madden look each year?"
    • We typically wait until September, at least one month after the new Madden releases, to begin the Fantasy Draft for the new Madden franchise.
    • The fantasy draft kicks off while we're still finishing out the final season in the current Madden.
    • During that overlap period, we use a slow-draft format, meaning each GM has 12–24 hours to make their pick. The sooner everyone picks, the smoother it goes!
    • Pick order is randomized. The draft follows a snake format, so the order reverses each round.
    • Once the final season of the previous Madden wraps up, we'll schedule a draft event (usually on a weekend) to knock out the remaining rounds and officially launch the new franchise.
  • FAQ: "How are new teams decided?"
    • Teams are picked based on league seniority and tenure. Commissioners get first pick as recognition for the work they put in. If you want to keep your current team going into the new Madden, no one but a commissioner can take it from you.
    • You're always welcome to apply for a team that becomes available. Approval isn't guaranteed though, factors like a low salary cap or a high volume of recent trades may affect the decision.

🎓 Draft Class Strength

  • For each rookie draft, the draft class will use madden-generated rookies.
  • The draft class strength will be randomized using a random number generator to determine the strength of each position in the upcoming draft.
  • The first year of a franchise will always have a max strength of Normal.

📰 League News

  • Our media team will post news articles highlighting key moments & info from around the league. If you'd like to see a specific story released for your team, feel free to submit a media request.
    • These can include press conferences with your head coach or players, trade or retirement rumors, player development features, major retirements, game recaps, and more.
  • Additionally, each league member has the ability to create & write news stories in the league website, however they should only be about your own team unless you are part of the Media team.

📜 Section 1 - Community Rules

1.1 Be Nice

  • Treat all members of the community with respect and courtesy. Discrimination, harassment, personal attacks, or hate speech of any kind will not be tolerated. Help create a positive and welcoming environment for everyone.

1.2 Keep It Clean

  • Obscene, abusive, aggressive, or derogatory language is prohibited.
  • NSFW, sexually explicit, or otherwise inappropriate content is not permitted.
  • Treat all league members with respect and help maintain a welcoming environment for everyone.

1.3 Have Sportsmanship

  • Be respectful and maintain a positive attitude, regardless of the outcome.
  • Don't make your opponent feel guilty for winning. Avoid excessive complaining or conceding the game early with messages like "GG" before the end of the game. Play the game through to the final whistle, even if you're facing a difficult loss.
  • Avoid blaming the league, game settings, or your opponent for a loss.
    • If you have feedback, concerns, or suggestions for the league, please post them in suggestions or open a support ticket so they can be addressed appropriately.

1.4 Be Considerate

  • Avoid sensitive topics like religion and politics. Conversations about current events and news are allowed but should remain respectful.
  • Be mindful of what you're broadcasting while in voice channels. Avoid excessive background noise, eating, burping, or anything overly disruptive to others.
  • Do not use group tags such as @everyone, @here, or @GM without commissioner approval.

1.5 Keep It Positive

  • Constant negativity, complaining, or venting brings the whole community down. Keep it constructive.
  • If something's bothering you (a bug, a ruling, a bad week), say it once and move on. Otherwise open a support ticket. Repeating the same complaint isn't productive.
  • There's a difference between raising a concern and complaining for the sake of it. Suggestions belong in suggestions and concerns in support ticket where they can be addressed.

1.6 Self-Promotion

  • You may share your links to your Twitch, Youtube, etc. in other streams. League streams is only for when you're playing your game in the league.
  • Sharing gaming clips, or sharing other Madden leagues should only be discussed in gaming.

📜 Section 2 - League Rules

2.1 🗓️ Advancement & Communication

  • Weeks advance every Wednesday & Saturday at 11pm CST, unless the league has already advanced within the previous 72 hours.
    • If an early advance occurs, the next advancement would be 3 days later at 11pm CST.
    • During the playoffs & offseason, we use a 1-3 day advancement schedule depending on the week. See scheduling for an example.
    • The league will always advance within 4 days of the previous advance.
  • All games & weekly activities must be completed before the advance deadline or they will be simulated.
  • User vs. CPU games must be completed within 48 hours of advancement. If no User vs. User games remain after this deadline, User vs. CPU games may be simmed.
  • Official advancement deadlines will always be posted in announcements at the beginning of the week.
  • Users are expected to respond to all tags/pings/messages within 24 hours unless you have posted in time off.
    • If we do not hear from you, or you do not post in your game thread within 24 hours, the league will not wait on you to advance.
  • If you are unresponsive to tags, messages or scheduling threads for two games in a row, you may be removed from the league.
  • If you fail to play at least 75% of your games (including preseason & CPU matches) in a full season, you may be removed from the league.

2.2 🕐 Scheduling

  • All game scheduling must take place in the designated scheduling thread. A game thread will be created for you at the beginning of each week. Communications outside of this thread will not be considered by commissioners for scheduling disputes.
  • Each user is required to provide their availability window for the week in the thread (the days/times you're free) as soon as possible. A reasonable availability window is defined as multiple time options or flexible blocks of time that allow your opponent a fair opportunity to coordinate.
    • Providing only a single fixed time, without flexibility or alternative options, does not meet the requirement of a reasonable availability window.
  • If a user is unresponsive, or fails to provide a reasonable availability window within 24 hours, they may be simmed.
    • If your opponent is unresponsive, do not harass or tag/dm them excessively. Work with a commissioner in your game thread after it has been at least 24 hours.
  • Schedule the game for the soonest time possible. Users may not intentionally delay scheduling or push games back without good reason. Prompt scheduling ensures flexibility in the event a reschedule is required and supports timely league advancement.
  • A specific date and time must be agreed upon as soon as possible. If this is not completed within 24 hours, a league commissioner will determine who may play the CPU.
  • Your game must be scheduled using the schedule button within 24 hours of advancement. Any game that fails to meet this requirement will have one or more teams simmed per commissioner discretion.
  • Any reschedules must be acknowledged & approved by both users in order to change an agreed-upon start time.
  • If your opponent is 20+ minutes late to the scheduled match, you may request to play the CPU by tagging a commissioner in your game thread.

2.3 ⌛ Simming Games

  • When playing against a CPU team, you are not allowed to play the moments. You can sim the game entirely if you prefer, just let a commissioner know in your game thread within 24 hours and it will not count against your activity score.
  • When playing against another player, you are required to play the entire game. If you are unable to find a time that works for you, your opponent will have the choice between playing the CPU or simming the game.

2.4 ⚠️ Quitting

  • Quitting on purpose will not be tolerated. Every game is played start-to-finish. No rage quits. Blowouts happen - finish what you started!
  • Take the loss vs. the CPU—DO NOT quit or attempt to restart your game!
  • If your game shows more than one start for any reason without commissioner approval, this will be treated as a Rule Violation, which can result in suspension or removal from the league.
  • Purposeful quits/restarts will result in **removal **from the league. Plan to allow for up to 90 minutes to complete your game from start to finish in one go.
    • This includes jumping offsides or drawing penalties repeatedly to force a game reset.

2.5 📶 Lag & Latency

  • If you’re experiencing lag and playing against another player, you are allowed to end your stream early so long as your opponent is able to stream the remainder of the game.
  • If you're experiencing severe lag near the beginning of a game against another user, you’re allowed to request a restart before halftime. Just pause the game and inform your opponent in your scheduling thread first.
  • You may never force an opponent to restart a game for reasons unrelated to extreme lag. If another issue arises, contact a league commissioner for assistance by either tagging Commissioner in your scheduling thread or opening a ticket.
    -# Players found to be repeatedly playing on internet connections that are unstable enough to disrupt games, cause lag/disconnects, or require replays will be removed from the league. Stable internet is required for participation.

2.6 ❌ Disconnections

  • If a game disconnects for any reason, the game should be replayed from the beginning, regardless of what the previous game's score was. If the game was already in the 2nd half and both users agree it was over, you can tag a Commissioner in your game thread to force a win instead of replaying the game.
  • If a player is injured during a game that later disconnects, the injury will still apply. League Commissioners will determine the length of time the player must sit out based on the injury severity, and you may not use that player for the assigned duration. This prevents intentional disconnections after key injuries.
  • If a game disconnects more than once due to one user's internet connection, their opponent may choose to play against the CPU instead.
    -# Players found to be purposefully disconnecting, intentionally causing lag, or repeatedly playing on internet connections that are unstable enough to disrupt games, cause lag/disconnects, or require replays will be removed from the league. It's essential that each user has a stable connection for their game every week. A hardwired ethernet connection is strongly recommended over WiFi.

2.7 🖥️ Games vs CPU

  • Play the CPU exactly the same way you would a human opponent. All rules apply when playing against the CPU.

📜 Section 3 - Team Rules

3.1 Position Changes

  • Allowed
    • C can be moved to LG/RG, LT/RT, LS
    • CB can be moved to FS/SS
    • DT can be moved to EDGE
    • EDGE can be moved to DT, MIKE, SAM/WILL
    • FB can be moved to HB, TE
    • FS/SS can be moved to CB
    • G can be moved to C, LT/RT
    • HB can be moved to FB
    • MIKE can be moved to EDGE, SAM/WILL
    • OLB can be moved to EDGE, MIKE
    • OT can be moved to C, LG/RG, TE
    • TE can be moved to FB, LS
  • Not Allowed
    • Anything not specifically listed above
  • All player edits must be announced in player edits at the time the change is made.
  • **One **position change per player, per season.
  • Side-to-side adjustments do not count toward this limit.
    -# Example: switching a right edge (REDGE) to a left edge (LEDGE) is not considered a position change for the year. Other examples include FS/SS, SAM/WILL, RT/LT, and RG/LG.

3.2 Player Edits

  • Users are allowed to change the following:
    • Position (refer to rule 3.1 above)
    • Player Numbers
    • Player's Uniform & Team Accessories
  • Users are NOT allowed to change the following:
    • Player Names/Colleges
    • Player's Physical Appearance
    • QB Throwing Style
    • Player Traits
    • Superstar/X-Factor abilities
    • Anything else that's not listed here
  • All player edits must be announced in player edits at the time the change is made.
    -# One rookie name change per year may be requested with a support ticket before your first preseason game is played.

3.3 Depth Chart Restrictions

  • **Safeties **(FS, SS) are not allowed to play the SUBLB position on your depth chart, or be subbed in as a linebacker in any capacity.

3.4 Free Agent Restrictions

  • During Preseason weeks 1-4, you may not sign more than three free agents per week.

📜 Section 4 - Coach Rules

4.1 Custom Coaches

  • Custom Coaches are **required **for this league. You are not allowed to use the pre-existing coach, you must create a new head coach for your team.

4.2 Custom Coach Names

  • Custom Coaches must have unique, original and semi-realistic names. Avoid using the names of current or former players, coaches, or other well-known individuals related to any professional sports. Non-controversial celebrity names unrelated to sports are allowed. If you're unsure about a name, please open a support ticket.

4.3 Coaching Ability Restrictions

  • The coaching ability "Camp Counselor" is banned.
    • You may not use this ability at all, whether on your Head Coach or coordinators.
  • Each coaching ability in your weekly loadout must be unique. Duplicate abilities may not be stacked or used more than once per week.

4.3 Coaching Ability Restrictions

  • The coaching ability "Camp Counselor" is banned.
    • You may not use this ability at all, whether on your Head Coach or coordinators.
  • Each coaching ability in your weekly loadout must be unique. Duplicate abilities may not be stacked or used more than once per week.

4.4 Coordinator Restrictions

  • You are allowed to hire & fire your team's coaching staff as you see fit, however you are not allowed to hire on real-life NFL Head Coaches as your team's coordinators. (Past or Present)
  • Any new league members taking over a team are required to fire any real-life Head Coaches & hire new coordinators before playing their first game.

📜 Section 5 - Trade Rules

5.1 Trade Requests

  • All trades must be requested and approved through NeonSportz **before **being processed in-game. This includes trades with CPU teams, even trade offers they send to you.
    • How to submit a Trade Request:
    • Go to NeonSportz website, click "Trades" -> "Create" on the left side menu.
    • Trades with a Fairness value of less than 75% should include comments in the additional details box explaining why the trade is lopsided.
    • Trade Requests will be reviewed and decided on within 24 hours.
    • Trades must receive approval from the majority of league commissioners, requiring at least 3 votes to pass.
    • Trade approvals will appear as a notification in NeonSportz. You will not receive a ping/notification in discord if the trade is approved.
  • Trade requests should not be submitted unless both parties already agree to the terms of the trade and are ready to process the trade in-game.
    -# ⚠️ Any trades processed in-game without first receiving approval on NeonSportz will be reversed and involved parties may be suspended/removed.
    .

5.2 Trade Processing

  • Once your trade request is approved, it should be completed in-game as soon as possible.
  • As soon as your trade has been successfully processed in-game, it should be announced in trades completed.
  • If your trade request was denied and you have questions on why, you can open a support ticket.

5.3 Trade Limits & Restrictions

  • Each team is limited to a maximum of 8 trades per season, including trades with both user & CPU-controlled teams.
  • Each team is limited to a maximum of 2 trades per season with CPU-controlled teams.
  • Draft picks from seasons beyond our planned franchise timeline may **not **be traded.
    -# Example: if the current franchise ends after the 2028 season, **no **trades involving 2029 or later picks are allowed.

📜 Section 6 - Pre-Game Rules

6.1 Streaming

  • All games are required to be streamed live to Twitch or YouTube in full, beginning before kickoff and ending after the conclusion of the game.
    • This includes preseason games and games against the CPU.
  • Your stream link should be posted in league streams before you start your game.
  • Streams must maintain clear, stable quality and be free from lag, stuttering, or technical interruptions/issues.
  • All games must remain available for viewing for at least one week. How-To Guide

6.2 Weekly Abilities Loadout

6.3 Playbooks

  • On the ready-up (pre-game lobby) screen, users must show their playbooks before each game.
  • You can use any NFL team's official playbook for offense and defense. Custom playbooks are not allowed.

6.4 Uniforms

  • No two teams are allowed to wear dark or light-colored jerseys at the same time. If the two teams are wearing similar color jerseys/helmets, restart the game and select opposite color uniforms. Home team gets first pick.

📜 Section 7 - Gameplay Rules

7.1 Play Realistic Football

  • Playcalling should reflect actual NFL tendencies and game flow, not an unbalanced or exploitative style. Whether you’re a ground-and-pound team or a pass-heavy offense, your approach to the game should feel authentic.
  • Every team should have 5+ rushing attempts per half with a HB/FB (10+ per game).
  • The use of bugs, glitches, exploits, or any other unrealistic or cheesy tactics to artificially inflate stats is not allowed.
  • Even in a lopsided or frustrating game, you are expected to continue playing realistically and competitively until the end. Quitting early, intentionally wasting your opponent's time, intentionally taking defenders out of the play, or shifting into unrealistic behavior is not allowed at any time. Finish games with integrity, play your best from start to finish.
    -# Intentionally losing games for better draft position (or any reason) is not allowed. All users are expected to compete to win every game, regardless of record or season outlook.

7.2 Play with Class

  • Do not run up the score on your opponent. Blowouts happen in real life, but if you are dominating, avoid unnecessarily running up the score.

    • Protect your key players from injury, consider putting in backups, and play as a real team would in a lopsided game.

  • If you're leading by 17-24 in the 4th quarter:

    • Must enable Chew Clock
    • Short-Medium passes are allowed
    • Must prioritize clock management and first downs. Don't go for big plays; give yourself up immediately after crossing the first down line to keep the clock running.

  • If you're leading by 25+ at any time:

    • Must enable Chew Clock
    • No Passing - only plays labeled RUN are allowed unless you've benched your starting QB
    • Backup QBs can throw short passes on 3rd down
    • Must prioritize clock management and first downs. Don't go for big plays; give yourself up immediately after crossing the first down line to keep the clock running.

7.3 Finish the Game

  • Kneel to end the game as soon as possible.
  • Do not run additional plays if you can kneel to run out the clock and win the game.
    -# Attempting to run any unnecessary plays or score unnecessarily in the final moments is considered stat-padding and is not allowed.

7.4 4th Down

  • You are allowed to go for it on 4th down as needed in realistic situations unless you are leading by 15+.
    -# "Realistic" is purposefully left undefined to avoid unnecessary restrictions. Use your best judgement. Open a ticket if you feel someone played unrealistically.

7.5 Hurry-Up Offense

  • To keep gameplay and league stats realistic, the hurry-up (no-huddle) offense should only be used in appropriate situations. Occasional use to maintain offensive rhythm is allowed under the conditions below, but never as a consistent offensive strategy.
  • Allowed:
    • Final 2 minutes of the 2nd quarter
    • Final 3 minutes of the 4th quarter
    • When trailing by 10+ (at any time)
    • When trailing in the 4th quarter (any margin)
    • 4th & short situations (≤ 3 yards)
  • Not Allowed Even Once:
    • When leading by 10+, except the final 2 minutes of the 2nd quarter.
    • When leading in the 4th quarter (any margin)

7.6 Manual Motioning

  • If you manually put a receiver or TE in motion, you may not snap the ball while they are moving. You must wait until they come to a complete stop before snapping the ball.

7.7 Pausing Games

  • If your opponent pauses the game, you should not press Resume before they do. This triggers a 30-second countdown that may not give them enough time to return before the game automatically resumes.
  • Instead, confirm they are ready to resume using your game thread in scheduling, OR wait until the timer appears at the bottom of the screen which signals your opponent has pressed Resume and is ready to continue.
    • The player who paused the game should always be the first player to press Resume and trigger the timer.
  • Be respectful of your opponent's time. Do not pause the game unless absolutely necessary. Resume the game as soon as possible.

See also: the short-form League Rules