What is Grifball?

Grifball is a gametype in Halo 4 pitting two teams against each other with the objective of scoring the ball in the opposing goal. Each player is fitted with only two weapons, the hammer and the sword, both of which have unlimited ammo and player respawns are also unlimited. The game lasts nine rounds with each goal constituting the end of a round.
Where did Grifball come from?
Grifball was originally named from an episode of Roosterteeth’s Red vs. Blue, specifically after the character Grif (thus the ball carrier turning orange) who was doomed to repeated death. After originally hosting the AGLA over at roosterteeth.com, the league was moved over to grifball.info for Halo Reach and now Halo 4.
What do I need to play Grifball?
In order to play grifball, you need an account on grifball.info, an Xbox 360, an Xbox live gold account, and a copy of Halo 4. In order to play in the league you’ll need at least 3 teammates although a game can be played with 3 players on a team or 3v4.

So do I just use the default game and map?

For the league or any league events you have to use the appropriate game type and map. For league games in the AGLA you’ll have to download the official league map and gametype off of any admin’s fileshare. For league events the map and gametype will be provided to you in forums if it is going to be different from the standard.
How do I join the League?
Keep an eye on grifball.info and when signups are open there will be a post as well as information on how to sign up your team. If you’re just looking to join a team go register yourself as a free agent, then make some friends in custom games, on the forums, or in the chat. Feel free to ask for some help from the people you meet since they may know of a team looking for players. If you’re a player looking for a team, you can join a team any time before the playoff roster lock.
How do I get involved in the league administration?
Every so often (usually every offseason) elections are run to determine the leadership for the upcoming season. If you are interested in applying to be a committee head follow the instructions on the application post and get your message out there and influence the vote. If you’re wanting to help out but don’t want to lead a committee get in touch with the head and they will be glad to have your help. Priestxyz is always looking for articles if you are a writer or if you’re more of a stats guy NOPLEX always needs help. sonicchaos1993 is also looking for people for the advertising committee.

Who is in charge of the AGLA?
Currently TrueFlyingCow, Silva, and NOPLEX are the Admins of the AGLA. They have the final say over any disciplinary actions or rules interpretations. They are also the people to contact if you have any questions or concerns about the league. Zeg is the Head of Rules and you can contact him if you have any questions regarding rules interpretations. tadneptune is the Head of Gametypes and Crusader is in charge of the maps. sonicchaos1993 is the Head of Advertising, Priest is head of Journalism, and NOPLEX is also the Head of Stats; These three are actively looking for help and have a committee working with them. Avaianche812 is our Head of Events for this season, along with some help from YEAG3R.

What do I do on my AGLA league game night?

First you should gather your team in a lobby at the appropriate time. Your captain should then invite the other team to the lobby or should bring you to join the other team’s lobby. If either team requests a network test one should be run to ensure that the quality of the connection is satisfactory. For a network test, simply start a game and let it run for roughly 30 seconds to a minute to determine if there is any lag.   It is recommended that the game be set to invite only a max player size of 8 so no one joins accidentally. If the connection is deemed acceptable the game can then be started using the league gametype and map.

What is Neutral Host?

Neutral Host utilizes the Neutral Host Map and allows a game to be played without having the “host” of the game on the court. This helps to make the connection advantage a small as possible, allowing the better team to win. Some games are required to be Neutral Host and it is up to the team captains to agree on and have a host available for the scheduled time; a list of some strong “Host Pullers” is available here. In addition to a network test, a Host Check will be required before the game to ensure that the host of the game will not be playing. If a host is not available for a required game, an Admin or the Head of Rules must be contacted in order to approve the playing of a game without a Neutral Host. Neither the neutral host or streamer is required to mute the players, however it is encouraged to pick someone who will not assist your opponent.

What is Streaming?

Streaming is having someone live record the game while it is being played. Most games that are streamed are also going to be neutral host so those rules must be followed as well. Some games may be required to stream to that we can grow our community, and it is required that an attempt be made to get someone who can stream. If someone is unavailable to stream a required game then Admin or Head of Rules approval must be given to proceed with the game.
If you have any other questions, feel free to contact and Admin, committee head, or ask in the forums. We’ll get you an answer as soon as possible.

The Rules of Grifball

1.   Treat others with respect whether it is in matchmaking, league games, custom games, IRC, or on the forums.

a.   Racism and harassment will not be tolerated and will result punishments including warnings, forum bans, game suspensions, and expulsion from the league as determined by the Admins.

i. Harassment is repeatedly acting in a way that is deemed annoying and unwanted from the receiving party.

b.  Tea-Bagging is NOT against the rules just as trash talk is NOT against the rules, however if it turns into harassment or racist in tone there will be punishment.

2.   By participating in the AGLA you are a representative of the league.

a.   Stat padding (team purposely not scoring in order to increase stats) is forbidden in both league games and matchmaking

i. As stat padding is highly dependent on the situation, punishments will be up to the Admins; however warnings should be utilized for first time offenders.

ii. If you wish to report a statpadder you can do so anonymously here 

1.Those who have been banned in the past for stat padding will be allowed a one-time pardon on December 24th 2012, allowing to rejoin the league if they agree to not stat pad in the future.

b.  League members should not excessively trash talk beginning teams and are encouraged to promote growth and competition in the league.

c.   Playoff games will be required to be neutral hosted and streamed in order to create a video history and grow the community.

  i.  Admin or Head of Rules approval will be required if a Neutral Host or Streamer is not going to be used.

ii. Streaming and Neutral Hosting high profile games during the regular season is encouraged, however not mandatory and requires both captains to agree.

3.   League and Event policies must be followed.

a.   If one captain asks for a network test it must be completed prior to the start of the game.

b.  A person is not allowed to play on more than one account.

i. If a person switches gamertags mid-season an Admin must be notified and be given permission before the new gamertag is used in a game.

c.   A player is not allowed to change teams after playing a game for a team.

i. If a team disbands you may be able to join another team if it is early enough in the season. An Admin must give their consent to the switch and the team must not play another game in the season.

d.  No more than eight players can play a game for a team each season.

i. If multiple players leave a team and are unavailable a roster expansion may be requested to one of the Admins; this is up to the admins digression.

e.  Players who are banned or suspended cannot play in league games or events and it is up to the captain to ensure they do not used banned or suspended players. The list of currently banned players can be found here.

i.  Players who are suspended and play in league games will have their suspensions increased.

ii.  Teams who use suspended players risk having those games forfeited.

4.   In the event of irregular gameplay conditions, these rules must be followed.

a.  If there is excessive lag or someone is lagging out it is encouraged that both teams stop play and crouch where they are until conditions clear up.

i. Gameplay should be resumed from as close to similar position as it was when stopped

ii. Captains should discuss where to restart and when to restart.

iii.  If there is a disagreement over which team should have position the team with the ball at the full stoppage has the choice to reset the ball by dropping it and leaving it untouched or risks the dispute committee holding that against them.

iv.  If a team with the advantage chooses not to crouch that will be taken into account in a dispute and will likely result in a replay.

b. If someone joins a game mid game they should be booted by the party leader as soon as possible.

i.  If they disrupt the game and are not booted the game can be restarted from the correct score or disputed.

c.  If a game has excessive lag or outside circumstances exist it can be disputed and possibly replayed.

i.  The captain who is disputing must correctly fill out the dispute form.

ii.  All available video must be saved and given in the report.

iii.  The AGLA leadership will review the films and determine if a game should be replayed due to lag or irregular conditions.

iv.  If a game is to be replayed, both captains will be notified. If the game stands the disputing captain will be notified.

v.  If the game is to be replayed, it is recommended to do it during the make-up week or on the regular league night.

5.   League deadlines must be followed

a.   Deadlines are given to get all games played in both the regular season and the playoffs.

i.  On certain occasions a deadline may be extended. A request for an extension must be submitted to an Admin.

ii.  In the event of a deadline passing, forfeits can and will be given and will be at the Admins digression.

6.  Admins have the final say on the league and will control the direction they wish to take the league.

a.  Any rule interpretations will be made by the Head of Rules in conjunction with the Admin.

i. Any rule questions should be directed to the Head of Rules or an Admin.

b. The Admins retain the right to alter the rules and have final say on any punishments.

c.  The Admins hold the right to punish those who are deemed to break unwritten and standard rules should they feel the need to do so.

d. Rules such as league scheduling, formatting, playoff seeding and playoff layout will be added as it is decided by the administration.

e. The Xbox Live Terms of Use must be followed and failure to do so may result in a punishment.

By playing in the AGLA you agree that you will obey and agree to these rules.

Current Officers and Committee Heads are:

• The Creator: Burnie Burns
• League Administrators: Major SiIva, TrueFlyingCow, NOPLEX
• Rules Committee Chair: x Zeg x
• Events Committee Chair: Avaianche812, YEAG3R
• Stats Committee Chair: NOPLEX
• Advertising Committee Chair: sonicchaos1993
• Cartography Committee Chair: runNOKYARDrun, Crusader0102