The Federation - Redraft

2.3.1 Returning Manager Deadline #

Returning managers must complete franchise payment by Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Managers who miss the deadline risk forfeiting their franchise spot. Extensions may be requested by direct message to the Commissioner before July 15.

2.3.2 New Manager 60-Minute Window #

Open spots are filled first-come, first-served from the waitlist or other recruitment channels.

• The 60-minute payment window begins at the earlier of: (a) the candidate joining the league through the FanCred link, or (b) the candidate accepting a FanCred invitation from the Commissioner.
• Failure to complete payment within 60 minutes forfeits the spot, which passes to the next responding candidate.
• Verbal commitments and messages to the Commissioner do not hold spots. Payment through FanCred is the only act that secures a franchise.
• Team name and logo submission per Section 10.1, due within 24 hours of payment confirmation. FAAB penalties may apply for non-compliance.

3.2.1 Rushing #

Rushing Yards

1 point per 10 yards (0.10 per yard)

Rushing Touchdowns

6 points

2-Point Conversions

2 points

3.2.2 Receiving #

Receptions

1 point (PPR scoring)

Receiving Yards

1 point per 10 yards (0.10 per yard)

Receiving Touchdowns

6 points

2-Point Conversions

2 points

3.2.3 Miscellaneous Offensive #

Fumble Lost

-2 points

Fumble Recovery Touchdown

6 points

3.3.1 Field Goals #

Base Score (all distances)

3 points

Distance Bonus

+0.1 points per yard over 30 yards

• 30-yard FG = 3.0 points
• 45-yard FG = 3.0 + (15 x 0.1) = 4.5 points
• 55-yard FG = 3.0 + (25 x 0.1) = 5.5 points
• 65-yard FG = 3.0 + (35 x 0.1) = 6.5 points

3.3.2 Extra Points & Penalties #

Extra Point Made

1 point

Field Goal Missed

-1 point

Extra Point Missed

-1 point

3.4.1 Defensive Touchdowns #

Defensive/Special Teams TD

6 points

3.4.2 Points Allowed #

3.4.3 Total Yards Allowed #

3.4.4 Individual Defensive Plays #

Sacks

1 point

Interceptions

2 points

Fumble Recoveries

2 points

Safeties

2 points

Forced Fumbles

1 point

Blocked Kicks

2 points

3.4.5 Special Teams Unit Scoring #

Special Teams Touchdowns

6 points

Special Teams Forced Fumbles

1 point

Special Teams Fumble Recoveries

1 point

3.5.1 Return Specialists #

Punt Return Yards

1 point per 10 yards (0.10 per yard)

Kick Return Yards

1 point per 10 yards (0.10 per yard)

3.5.2 Special Teams Players #

Special Teams Player Touchdowns

6 points

Special Teams Player Forced Fumbles

1 point

Special Teams Player Fumble Recoveries

1 point

4.4.1 Tier 1: Pre-Kickoff Inactive (Lineup Violation) #

Starting a player whose status is publicly known as Out (O), Injured Reserve (IR), Physically Unable to Perform (PUP), Non-Football Injury (NFI), Suspended, or on a Bye Week is a lineup violation under Section 4.3 and subject to penalty.

4.4.2 Tier 2: Game-Time Scratch (No Relief, No Penalty) #

If a player who carried none of the designations listed in Section 4.4.1 and was not listed as Questionable (Q) on the NFL's 90-minute inactives publication is subsequently ruled out, scratched, or injured before kickoff, no Section 4.3 violation is triggered and no relief, substitution, or score adjustment will be provided. This section applies only to status changes that occur after publication and does not protect against decisions made on known pre-publication risk (Section 4.4.1).

4.4.3 Tier 3: Missed Platform Notification (No Relief, No Penalty) #

Sleeper notifications are a convenience tool, not the authoritative source for player status. The NFL requires teams to post inactives approximately 90 minutes before kickoff. The league's official inactives page (https://www.nfl.com/inactives/) is publicly available and updates in real time. Managers are responsible for monitoring it. Failure to receive a Sleeper notification is not grounds for relief, substitution, or score adjustment. The manager remains responsible for the consequences of the underlying status change per Sections 4.4.1 and 4.4.2.

4.4.4 Platform Malfunctions #

Lineup decisions are final at kickoff. App glitches, display errors, sync problems, and accidental submissions are not grounds for relief. In a documented platform-wide outage affecting multiple managers simultaneously, the Commissioner retains sole discretion to act.

4.5.1 IR Roster Lock #

If a player in the IR slot is no longer designation-eligible and the manager does not move them to the bench before their game begins, Sleeper locks the entire roster. No lineup changes, adds, drops, or trades can be processed until the violation is resolved.

4.5.2 Player Lock #

Once a player's game begins, that player cannot be moved regardless of roster slot.

4.5.3 Combined Effect #

If both conditions are present simultaneously - an ineligible player in the IR slot and that player's game has started - the roster remains frozen for the remainder of the week. No Commissioner relief will be provided.

6.2.1 Processing and Review #

Review System

Commissioner review only. No public vetoes. No manager vetoes.

Processing Time

Trades process immediately upon acceptance by both parties. All trades are automatically subject to Commissioner review. The Commissioner reserves the right to reverse any trade that violates Section 6.3. Trades are not held pending review. They take effect upon acceptance and any reversal occurs after the fact.

6.2.2 Trade Deadline #

All trades must be accepted before the conclusion of the final game of NFL Week 10. For the 2026 season, the NFL's in-season trade deadline is Tuesday, November 10, 2026. The Federation's trade deadline is the end of Week 10: Monday, November 16, 2026.

6.2.3 Trade Restrictions #

• No trade may include more than three (3) players per side per transaction.
• Teams mathematically eliminated from playoff contention may only trade with other eliminated teams. If elimination occurs before the trade deadline has passed, the eliminated team retains the ability to execute eliminated-team-only trades through the deadline.
• Players may not be rented, loaned, or temporarily transferred between teams. All trades are permanent and final upon processing. Any agreement to reverse or unwind a trade constitutes collusion (Section 11.2.1).
• No agreements may be made for future trades. Every deal must be complete and final at the time of acceptance. Verbal or written agreements to execute future transactions are unenforceable and, if discovered, may be treated as collusion under Section 11.2.1.
• Draft picks cannot be traded.

6.2.4 Trade Offer Expiration #

Managers are solely responsible for setting trade offer expiration windows. Open-ended offers that are later accepted will not be reversed unless they violate league policy. If you do not want an old offer accepted, cancel it.

6.2.5 Accidental Trade Acceptance #

Trades accepted in error will not be reversed. Managers are responsible for reviewing all trade terms before accepting.

7.2.1 Two Teams Tied #

• Head-to-Head Record (between the tied teams)
• Division Record
• Total Points For (PF)
• Highest Single-Week Score
• Best Record in Second Half of Season (Weeks 8-14)

7.2.2 Three or More Teams Tied #

• Head-to-Head Record (only applies if one team beat or lost to ALL other tied teams)
• Division Record
• Total Points For (PF)
• Highest Single-Week Score
• Best Record in Second Half of Season (Weeks 8-14)

If the tie is reduced to two teams at any point, revert to two-team tiebreakers from Step 1.

7.3.1 Two Teams Tied #

• Head-to-Head Record (if applicable)
• Total Points For (PF)
• Highest Single-Week Score
• Best Record in Second Half of Season (Weeks 8-14)

7.3.2 Three or More Teams Tied #

• Head-to-Head Sweep (only applies if one team beat or lost to ALL other tied teams)
• Total Points For (PF)
• Highest Single-Week Score
• Best Record in Second Half of Season (Weeks 8-14)

If the tie is reduced to two teams at any point, revert to two-team tiebreakers from Step 1.

When teams from different divisions are tied for playoff seeding purposes, Section 7.3 Wild Card Tiebreaker procedures apply regardless of division winner status.

9.2.1 High Score Threshold Calculation #

The High Score Threshold is recalculated annually using the most recently completed season's data:

• Collect the highest team score from each week of the prior season (Weeks 1-17, up to 17 values).
• Remove the single highest and single lowest weekly high scores to trim outliers.
• Calculate the mean of the remaining values.
• Add the Challenge Buffer of 8.0 points to the result.
• Round to the nearest tenth.
• The resulting value is the High Score Threshold for the upcoming season.

Challenge Buffer maintains consistent difficulty. Backtesting shows approximately 29% weekly hit rate across seasons. The Buffer may be adjusted by the Rules Council before any season if scoring patterns drift significantly. It cannot be changed mid-season.

For the 2026 season, the High Score Threshold is 158.4 points (calculated from 2025 season data: trimmed mean 150.4 + 8.0 Challenge Buffer).

9.2.2 Token Rollover #

If no team meets the High Score Threshold in a given week, the token rolls to the following week. Accumulated rolled tokens are awarded to the next team that meets the threshold. If multiple tokens have rolled and the threshold is met, the winning team receives all accumulated tokens in a single payout.

9.2.3 Token Tie-Breaker #

If two or more teams post identical high scores in the same week, Section 7.1 tiebreaker procedures apply to determine the token winner.

9.2.4 Distribution of Unclaimed Tokens: Year-End Carry Forward #

Any Weekly High Score Tokens that remain unclaimed at the end of Week 17 (whether due to no team meeting the High Score Threshold in the final weeks despite rollovers, or due to forfeiture under Section 11.6) carry forward to the following season's token pool.

Carry-forward tokens are added to the Week 1 token payout of the next season. If five tokens carry forward from 2026, Week 1 of 2027 pays six tokens ($60) to the qualifying team. If the Week 1 threshold is not met, all six tokens continue rolling per standard rollover rules (Section 9.2.2).

9.4.1 Championship Ring Delivery #

The Championship Ring is awarded as a physical prize in addition to the cash payout. Delivery process:

Address Collection

The Commissioner will contact the Champion via Sleeper DM after the Championship game to collect their shipping address.

Independent of Cash Payout

Ring delivery and cash payout occur on independent timelines. Cash payout is processed within 10 calendar days of the Championship game and is not contingent on ring delivery.

Delivery Timing

Ring delivery times vary based on the nature of ring production, vendor capacity, and seasonal demand. The Commissioner will provide an estimated delivery window once shipping is underway.

Shipping Method

Ring will be shipped via a trackable carrier (USPS, UPS, FedEx, or equivalent). The Federation covers all shipping costs.

Manager Responsibility

It is the Champion's responsibility to provide an accurate and complete shipping address. The Federation is not responsible for delays, lost packages, or non-delivery resulting from incorrect addresses or carrier issues beyond our control.

International Champions

Champions outside the United States are responsible for any customs duties, import taxes, or local fees imposed by their country. The Federation will ship via a method appropriate for international delivery.

11.1.1 Inappropriate Conduct #

Violations include:

• Harassment of other managers
• Excessive or inappropriate trash talk beyond competitive banter
• Violation of Sleeper platform community guidelines
• Spamming league chat or communications in a disruptive manner

Penalty Options

Warning | FAAB fine ($10-$250) | Loss of waiver priority

Penalties may escalate for severe or repeat violations at Commissioner's discretion. Sleeper does not allow commissioners to restrict individual manager communications. Severe violations may result in removal as the only effective enforcement mechanism.

11.1.2 Team Name Violations #

• Violation of Section 10.2 prohibited content standards
• The Commissioner will require immediate correction of any violating name.

Penalty Options

Warning | FAAB fine ($25-$100) per day until corrected | Loss of waiver priority

11.2.1 Collusion #

Definition

Any secret coordination between managers intended to benefit one or more teams at the expense of fair competition. This includes but is not limited to:

• Trading players back and forth to exploit bye weeks and then reversing the trade
• Coordinated waiver claims designed to block one manager and benefit another
• Sharing private roster or strategy information to influence matchup outcomes
• Deliberately losing games to affect playoff seeding for another manager's benefit
• Player loans or temporary transfers between rosters
• Pot splitting: pre-arranging how prize money will be distributed regardless of competitive outcome
• Outside financial agreements between managers tied to in-league transactions or results
• Any agreement made outside the Sleeper platform that influences in-league decisions

General league strategy discussion, trash talk, and commenting on other managers' moves is NOT collusion. Collusion requires deliberate coordination to circumvent fair competition. The Commissioner's investigation focuses on intent and pattern.

Mandatory Consequence

A finding of collusion results in immediate removal from the league, permanent ban from all future seasons, and forfeiture of all fees, tokens, and prizes.

11.2.2 Tanking and Roster Dumping #

Definition

Deliberately weakening your roster or manipulating lineup decisions to undermine competitive integrity.

Examples

• Starting clearly inferior players to lose games intentionally when eligible alternatives are available
• Abandoning roster management mid-season
• Dropping valuable players without competitive justification
• Trading away high-value players for clearly lesser return value where the trade demonstrates intent to weaken the roster without competitive justification

Penalty Options

Warning | FAAB fine ($100-$250) | Lineup restrictions | Token forfeiture | Loss of waiver priority | Removal from league + fee forfeiture

11.2.3 Multi-Team Management #

Definition

One person controlling or substantially influencing more than one team in the same league, outside of Commissioner-authorized co-manager arrangements (Section 4.8).

Mandatory Consequence

Immediate removal from league, fee forfeiture, permanent ban.

11.2.4 Team Abandonment #

Definition

Consistent failure to maintain active roster management or complete disengagement from the league. Includes but is not limited to leaving empty roster spots, starting bye-week or Out/IR players when eligible replacements are available, failure to respond to Commissioner communications, or explicit statement of intent to abandon.

Intervention Triggers, Three Tiers

Tier 1, Single Incident

A lineup violation (Section 4.3) results in a FAAB fine. The Commissioner contacts the manager. If the manager responds and acknowledges the issue within 72 hours, the matter is closed at Tier 1. Tier 1 carries no further consequence beyond the FAAB fine.

Tier 2, Non-Response or Pattern

A team enters Tier 2 when either of the following occurs:

• The manager fails to respond to Commissioner contact within 72 hours of a Tier 1 incident.
• A second lineup or engagement violation occurs within any rolling four-week period, regardless of whether prior incidents were responded to.

Upon reaching Tier 2, the Commissioner makes a second outreach attempt. The manager has 48 hours from this Tier 2 outreach to respond.

Tier 3, Confirmed Abandonment

A team enters Tier 3 when any of the following occurs:

• The manager fails to respond within 48 hours of the Tier 2 outreach (five days total from the initial outreach)
• The manager explicitly states intent to abandon the team
• The manager continues to commit lineup violations after entering Tier 2 status, indicating failure to actively participate regardless of responsiveness
• The manager is removed for unrelated rule violations (e.g., collusion, harassment)

Tier 3 triggers Team Abandonment Protocol and immediate Takeover Protocol (Section 11.5). The team forfeits unclaimed tokens for the season and the prize hierarchy adjusts per Section 11.5. The team is considered abandoned for the remainder of the season.

Penalty Options

Warning | FAAB fine ($100-$250) | Lineup restrictions | Token forfeiture | Loss of waiver priority | Commissioner Takeover

11.2.5 Outside Wagers #

Managers may not use league assets (including players, FAAB dollars, or tokens) as currency in outside bets or side agreements. Side bets between managers tied to in-league outcomes that could create a conflict of interest or influence competitive decisions are prohibited. Violation is treated as collusion under Section 11.2.1 if coordination is involved, or as a standalone integrity violation subject to Commissioner discretion if not.

11.3.1 Informal Resolution #

Managers are encouraged to resolve minor disputes directly. The Commissioner is available for mediation upon request.

11.3.2 Formal Complaints #

• Any manager may file a formal complaint with the Commissioner within 48 hours of an incident via direct message through Sleeper.
• Complaints are not to be filed in the public league forum.
• The complaint must include specific evidence and reference the relevant rule.
• The Commissioner will investigate by reviewing trades, messages, roster moves, and all evidence provided.
• All involved parties will be interviewed separately.
• The Commissioner will issue a ruling within 48 hours of receiving the complaint.

Note on Private Communications

All evidence must be produced by the parties involved. A manager filing a complaint bears the burden of producing the evidence supporting that complaint. During investigation of a major violation, any party may be requested to provide relevant private communications directly pertaining to the alleged violation. Refusal may result in a negative inference drawn against the refusing party.

11.3.3 Progressive Discipline #

Penalties escalate based on severity and recurrence:

• Warning - first-time minor violations with no competitive impact
• FAAB Fine - quantified penalty deducted from the manager's season budget
• Waiver Priority Loss - moved to the back of the waiver priority line
• Token Forfeiture - accumulated tokens forfeited to the reserve pool per Section 11.6
• Lineup Restrictions - Commissioner-imposed roster management requirements
• Removal + Fee Forfeiture - for major violations or persistent escalation
• Permanent Ban - for collusion, multi-team management, or egregious conduct
• Penalties need not escalate in order.

Standard of Proof

The Commissioner makes determinations based on reasoned assessment of available evidence, not the heightened standards of criminal or civil litigation. Where intent is an element of a violation, intent may be inferred from observable behavior, asset valuations, and circumstances. Direct evidence such as written admission is not required.

11.4.1 Minor Penalty Appeals #

Minor penalties (under $250 FAAB, waiver priority loss, token suspension, lineup restrictions):

• The Commissioner reviews the appeal and evidence independently.
• Minor penalty appeals are decided solely by the Commissioner. No further review mechanism exists.

11.4.2 Major Penalty Appeals #

Major penalties (over $250 FAAB, affecting playoff eligibility, league membership, or removal, including team abandonment determinations under Section 11.2.4):

• The appeal is submitted to the Commissioner in writing within 24 hours.
• The Commissioner convenes the Rules Council (Section 13.2) to review the appeal.
• The two non-Commissioner Council members deliberate and vote on the appeal. If they agree, that decision is binding. If they split, the Commissioner casts the deciding vote.
• The Council outcome is the final ruling on the appeal. No separate post-vote override applies to major penalty appeals.
• If a Council member is the appellant or has a direct interest in the appeal, that member is recused. The Commissioner appoints a temporary Council member for the duration of that appeal.

Council Review Standards. Council members evaluate whether the rule was correctly applied to the facts. Their review is limited to:

• Whether the violation occurred as determined
• Whether the correct rule was applied
• Whether procedural requirements were met

Council deliberations are conducted privately. The outcome is communicated to the affected manager within 72 hours of the appeal submission.

11.4.3 Conduct During Appeals #

All managers must maintain appropriate conduct during complaint filing and any subsequent appeal period. Disruptive behavior (spamming, harassment, posting complaints in the public forum, or divisive discussions) may result in immediate dismissal of the complaint or appeal and additional penalties.

11.5.1 Prize Pool Redistribution #

If an unmanaged team finishes in a prize-earning position:

Championship Payouts

Active teams shift up one position in the payout hierarchy for affected spots.

Tokens

Forfeited to the reserve pool per Section 11.6.

Exception: In the event of a manager's death, all prize winnings are awarded to their designated beneficiary or estate. The Commissioner will work with the family to facilitate distribution.

12.1.1 Division Composition and Annual Evaluation #

Divisions are evaluated annually by the Commissioner once all franchises are confirmed and paid. Prior-year alignments carry forward by default. The Commissioner may realign for competitive balance or manager turnover. Division assignments are finalized prior to the draft order announcement and are not subject to appeal.

13.2.1 Composition #

Commissioner (Chair)

Leads all Council proceedings, sets the agenda, and selects Council members.

Two Council Members

Selected by the Commissioner from managers who have completed at least one paid season in The Federation.

Term Length

One year, coinciding with the league season.

Selection Timing

Commissioner announces Council Member selections by December 31 following the Championship.

2026 Inaugural Year: The Rules Council launches with the 2026 season. The Commissioner will announce interim Council Member selections by July 15, 2026. Interim members serve the full 2026 season and are eligible for formal appointment through the standard December process for the 2027 season.

13.2.2 Council Member Selection Criteria #

Council Members must demonstrate:

• Minimum one completed paid season in The Federation
• Active roster management and regular FAAB participation during their season(s)
• Responsiveness to league communications
• Understanding of competitive balance principles
• Alignment with The Federation's core philosophy
• Cohesive understanding of fantasy football rules and The Federation rulebook

13.2.3 Council Duties #

The Rules Council supports the Commissioner in maintaining league governance and integrity. There is no fixed meeting schedule. The Commissioner convenes the Council as circumstances require, retains discretion to bring items to a Council vote, may consult the Council for advisory input without a vote, and may render direct decisions without Council involvement.

Council duties include:

• Providing a second set of eyes on league activity and flagging potential waiver, lineup, or conduct issues to the Commissioner as observed.
• Acting as a liaison between managers and the Commissioner, relaying manager concerns, ideas, and proposals raised during the season.
• Assisting with onboarding of new managers entering the league.
• Serving as an additional resource for managers seeking guidance on rule interpretation or league processes.
• Voting on rule change proposals during the annual review cycle (Section 13.3).
• Voting on major penalty appeals under the deciding-vote procedure described in Section 11.4.2.
• Providing advisory input when consulted by the Commissioner.

13.2.4 Council Authority and Decision-Making #

Scheduling and Convening

The Commissioner chairs all Council proceedings and controls scheduling. Council members may not unilaterally call sessions or compel votes.

Council Motions

Council members may introduce motions through the Commissioner. During the annual review cycle (Section 13.3), any motion type may be introduced, including rule changes. During the regular season and playoffs, Council motions are limited to administrative, corrective, and disciplinary matters. Rule change motions raised in-season are tabled to the next annual review cycle.

Manager Input Pathway

Managers may raise concerns or proposals with a Council member at any time during the season. The Council member may bring those items forward to the Commissioner. Scope limits apply: rule change ideas are tabled to the next annual review cycle (Section 13.3); administrative, corrective, and disciplinary matters may be considered for current-season action.

Manager Proposals

Managers may submit rule change proposals directly to the Commissioner during the open proposal period (Section 13.3.1).

Deliberation

Once an item is before the Council, members may discuss, question, and recommend modifications. Discussion is conducted privately.

Voting on General Motions

For rule change recommendations and any Council motion outside the major penalty appeal process, all three Council members - including the Commissioner - cast votes. A majority of two of three votes carries. The vote outcome is binding.

Voting on Major Penalty Appeals

Major penalty appeals follow the deciding-vote procedure in Section 11.4.2. The Commissioner does not participate in the initial vote between the two non-Commissioner Council members and casts only the deciding vote if the members split.

Absences on General Motions

If a Council member is absent or recused on a general motion, the remaining two voters proceed. If those two votes split, the Commissioner's vote is the deciding vote.

Final Implementation

Motions approved by the Council are implemented by the Commissioner.

13.2.5 Council Member Replacement #

The Commissioner may replace any Council member at any time. When making a replacement, the Commissioner provides the outgoing member with a written explanation of the decision. Replacement decisions are not appealable. The replacement is selected per Section 13.2.2 criteria.

13.2.6 Rule Change Participation Requirements #

Only managers who paid entry fees for the previous season may propose rule changes for the upcoming season. New managers joining for the upcoming season accept the rulebook as published for their first season. Council Members must be paid managers from the previous season who demonstrated active participation.

13.3.1 Review Timeline #

December-January

Championship concludes; Commissioner announces new Council Members

February 1-28

Open proposal period. Any eligible manager may submit rule change proposals

March 1-May 15

Council review period. Council evaluates proposals and votes on recommendations

May 16-31

Finalization period. Commissioner reviews Council decisions and prepares updated rulebook

June 1

Complete updated rulebook published and distributed to all returning managers

July 15

Payment deadline for returning managers. Payment constitutes acceptance of published rules

Transition Note: The 2026 season rules were finalized through a transition process launching the Rules Council model. The timeline above applies fully beginning with the 2027 annual review cycle.

13.3.2 Proposal Submission #

Format

Written proposal with clear rationale and competitive impact assessment

Submission

Direct message to Commissioner through Sleeper or via commish@federationffl.com

Transparency

Commissioner publishes all received proposals to the Council

Scope

Proposals may address any aspect of league operations

13.3.3 Council Review Framework #

The Council evaluates proposals against:

Competitive Impact

Does this improve parity and balance?

Engagement

Does this increase full-season participation?

Clarity

Is this easily understood and enforceable?

Feasibility

Can this be implemented within Sleeper's capabilities?

Alignment

Does this support The Federation's core philosophy?

Council discussions and votes are conducted privately. Final decisions are published with supporting rationale in the updated rulebook.

13.3.4 Manager Acceptance #

Payment of entry fee by July 15 constitutes acceptance of the published rulebook for the upcoming season. Managers who disagree with rule changes may choose not to return without penalty.