LEAGUE7 Broadcasting Guidelines

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose and Scope

The LEAGUE7 Broadcasting Team exists to present league events in a way that highlights our players, teams, and community while maintaining professionalism and accessibility for all viewers. These guidelines provide a stable reference framework that does not change season-to-season, ensuring entertaining, informative, and fair coverage for every eligible team and player.

These guidelines apply to all broadcasting and media situations within LEAGUE7, including those not explicitly covered in specific sections. Updates to these guidelines will be posted in official LEAGUE7 Discord channels and take effect immediately unless otherwise specified.

All broadcasts, recordings, graphics, and other media produced by the LEAGUE7 Broadcasting Team are the exclusive property of LEAGUE7, including complete match footage, commentary tracks, visual overlays, edited content, and statistical presentations.

By participating in LEAGUE7 events, teams and players automatically consent to the use of their names, team affiliations, in-game likenesses, gameplay footage, and voice communications (when in official LEAGUE7 channels) across all platforms where LEAGUE7 operates, including live broadcasts, pre-recorded content, and social media.

2. Broadcast Participation

2.1 League Match Broadcasts

2.1.1 Opt-In Requirements and Eligibility

Eligibility is determined by broadcast opt-in status selected during team registration
Teams that opt out will not have their POV or direct gameplay featured in Official League Media
All team names and logos may be used for broadcasting purposes regardless of opt-in status

2.1.2 Match Selection and Priority Ranking

Match selection for live coverage follows this priority order:

Broadcasting Team availability (producer and commentator)
Team opt-in status for broadcast coverage
Event priority: N.E.W.T.s matches receive highest priority, followed by World Cup Division O.W.L.s, then other divisions and events
Technical feasibility and scheduling constraints

2.1.3 Pre-Match Requirements

Confirm participation in the designated Discord channel when requested by Broadcasting Team
Be present in designated voice channels 15 minutes before scheduled broadcast time
Have designated screen-sharer ready and available at match start
Complete any required technical setup at least 10 minutes before broadcast begins
Follow all screen-sharing requirements and technical instructions provided by the Broadcasting Team

2.1.4 During Match Broadcast Requirements

Maintain screen-sharing throughout the entire match duration
Remain available for the full duration of the broadcast, including potential technical delays
Follow all instructions from Broadcasting Team members during live coverage
Use only approved communication platforms as directed by Broadcasting Team
Cooperate with any technical adjustments or troubleshooting as requested

2.1.5 Post-Match Obligations

Remain available for brief post-match interviews if requested
Provide any additional footage or screenshots if needed for highlights or analysis
Report any technical issues encountered during the broadcast to improve future coverage

2.1.6 Personal Streaming During Official Matches

Players and teams may stream their own matches simultaneously with official LEAGUE7 coverage
At least one POV must still be available for official broadcast when team is selected for coverage
Personal streams must not interfere with official broadcasts or technical requirements

2.2 Community Event Broadcasts

2.2.1 Community Event Coverage Overview

LEAGUE7 may provide broadcast coverage for unofficial community events such as tournaments, scrimmages, coaching sessions, or other approved activities. These broadcasts are separate from official league matches and coverage is not guaranteed.

2.2.2 Request Process and Requirements

Submission Timeline:

Requests must be submitted in the designated Discord channel at least 4 hours before the scheduled start time
Requests submitted 12+ hours in advance are strongly recommended for better preparation and higher likelihood of coverage approval
Requests must follow the posted format template and include all required details
All participants must be informed in advance that the event may be broadcast live

Selection Criteria:

Coverage requests are considered on a first-come, first-served basis
Final approval depends on Broadcasting Team availability and scheduling
Events must involve LEAGUE7 community members as primary participants
Official LEAGUE7 matches take priority over community events

2.2.3 Community Event Requirements

Participant Availability and Reliability:

If a community event request is accepted, all participants and organizers are expected to be ready at the agreed time
No-shows or late cancellations may result in lower priority consideration for future community broadcasts
Emergency situations or delays should be communicated to the Broadcasting Team immediately through the designated Discord channel

Technical Setup:

At least one participant must be able to share gameplay using the Broadcasting Team's designated method
Basic technical setup must be completed at least 15 minutes before event start time

Community Event Organizer Responsibilities:

Event format, rules, and structure are managed by the organizer
An event suggestion can be adapted by LEAGUE7 Staff to enhance its details
If not adapted, community event organizers are responsible for coordinating their event and managing participants
Organizers must ensure all participants are informed of broadcast requirements and timing
Organizers should coordinate with the Broadcasting Team on any special requirements or format considerations

2.2.4 Community Event Content Standards

The stream overlay will clearly identify the event as unofficial (e.g., "LEAGUE7 Community 1v1" or "LEAGUE7 Community Scrim")
Events will be labeled as community-run, not official league matches
Commentary may be provided by the requesting party, event organizer, or assigned from the Broadcasting Team
All content must align with LEAGUE7's community standards and values

2.3 Third-Party and Unofficial Match Broadcasting

This section covers any broadcasting that is not organized by LEAGUE7 but aims to use its materials, content, or official match footage.

2.3.1 Permission Requirements for Non-Participants

Written Consent Protocol:

Non-participating casters or content creators must obtain written permission from both teams before broadcasting any official LEAGUE7 match
Verbal permission is not sufficient under any circumstances
Permission must be documented through Discord messages, DMs, emails, or other verifiable written communication
Permission must be obtained for each individual match - blanket permissions are not accepted

Stream Identification Requirements:

Mark their stream as "Unofficial" in the stream title at minimum
Clearly identify that the broadcast is not affiliated with official LEAGUE7 coverage
Include disclaimers that the content is independently produced

2.3.2 Unofficial Broadcast Standards

Content Guidelines:

Unofficial broadcasts must not misrepresent themselves as official LEAGUE7 content
May not use official LEAGUE7 branding, overlays, or graphics without explicit permission
Must respect team privacy and not broadcast team voice communications without explicit consent
Creator is responsible for moderating their own content and chat according to LEAGUE7 standards

Compliance and Termination:

Must end the stream immediately if requested by a team captain or LEAGUE7 staff
Failure to comply with termination requests may result in community disciplinary action
Multiple violations may affect future community standing and broadcast privileges

2.3.3 Unofficial Broadcast Violations and Enforcement

Violation Types:

Broadcasting without proper written permission from teams
Misrepresenting unofficial content as official LEAGUE7 broadcasts
Refusing to comply with termination requests from teams or staff
Using official LEAGUE7 assets without authorization

Consequences:

First offense: Warning and immediate stream termination requirement
Subsequent offenses: Temporary or permanent prohibition from unofficial broadcasting
Severe violations may trigger standard LEAGUE7 disciplinary procedures through the ticketing system

3. Broadcast Conduct and Behavior Standards

3.1 General On-Stream Behavior Guidelines

Professional Conduct:

Represent LEAGUE7 positively, following the Code of Ethics, throughout the broadcast
Maintain respectful behavior and sportsmanship during all broadcast interactions
Act professionally when representing LEAGUE7 or appearing in any capacity on broadcasts
Treat all participants, viewers, and Broadcasting Team members with respect

Positive Content Focus:

Focus on positive gameplay discussion and constructive analysis when possible
Remember that broadcasts serve as a showcase for LEAGUE7 and the broader Quidditch Champions community
Avoid excessive complaints about game mechanics, opponents, or league policies during broadcasts

Managing Frustration:

If experiencing frustration or tilt, players are encouraged to mute or temporarily step away from stream interaction
Take breaks when needed to maintain positive representation of the league

3.2 Chat and Viewer Interaction Standards

Professional Communication:

Players, participants, and broadcasters should maintain the same conduct standards when interacting with viewers
Respond to chat questions and comments professionally and respectfully
Encourage positive discussion about gameplay, strategy, and the LEAGUE7 community

Managing Negative Interactions:

Avoid engaging with toxic or inappropriate chat messages
Report serious violations to moderators immediately
Focus on constructive engagement with the community

3.3 Conduct Violations and Consequences

Violation Assessment:

Streams featuring harassment or toxic behavior may trigger disciplinary review under standard LEAGUE7 conduct policies
Violations on personal streams may affect eligibility for future official broadcast participation
Repeated conduct issues may result in suspension from all broadcast-related activities

Appeals Process:

Appeals follow standard LEAGUE7 organizational procedures through the ticketing system
All conduct-related appeals will be reviewed according to established league policies

4. Content Removal, Modification Requests, and Support

4.1 Content Removal and Modification Requests

Request Submission:

Content removal requests must be submitted through the official LEAGUE7 Discord ticketing system
Requests must include specific reasoning and identify the exact content in question
Requests should include timestamps or specific descriptions for efficient review

Review Process:

All requests require review by the Head of Broadcasting Team
Requests will be evaluated based on legitimate concerns about privacy, misrepresentation, or technical errors
Routine gameplay footage and standard broadcast content typically will not be removed unless exceptional circumstances apply
Personal information disclosure or inappropriate content may be edited or removed upon review

Decision and Appeals:

Final decisions rest with LEAGUE7 staff and may be appealed through standard organizational procedures
Appeals regarding broadcast decisions, content removal, or conduct violations are first reviewed by the Head of Broadcasting
Unresolved appeals may be escalated to LEAGUE7 Staff, then President, then Founder following standard organizational procedures

4.2 Technical Support and Assistance

Broadcasting Technical Issues:

Technical problems during official broadcasts should be reported immediately to the Broadcasting Team through Discord
Post-broadcast technical feedback helps improve future coverage quality
Teams experiencing recurring technical issues may receive additional setup assistance from Broadcasting Team members

Community Event Support:

Community members requesting broadcast coverage can receive technical guidance for optimal stream quality
Broadcasting Team may provide tutorials or resources for improving personal streaming setups
Questions about broadcast requirements or processes can be directed to the designated Discord channels

5. Conclusion

These Broadcasting Guidelines establish clear expectations for all participants in LEAGUE7's media ecosystem. By understanding and following these guidelines, all participants help maintain LEAGUE7's reputation for high-quality, professional esports coverage while ensuring fair and respectful treatment for everyone involved.

These guidelines work in conjunction with LEAGUE7's Code of Ethics, Organizational Guidelines, and Moderation Guidelines to create a comprehensive framework for positive community interaction and professional content creation.