The FIFA Fairplay Guide is a joint initiative of Deutsche Telekom AG and the esports player foundation. Together with well-known FIFA content creators, such as Tim Latka or NikLugi, as well as world-class esports players, such as RBLZ_Umut or WOB_Fabio, the FIFA Fairplay Guide was developed together with the community in 3 livestreams.
With the FIFA Fairplay Guide, we want to ensure that all players can be part of a community that is fair and inclusive.
How does the FIFA Fair Play Guide work?
As a game-specific behavior guide, it primarily includes rules on how players should behave in certain game situations. For example, the community has agreed that the Golden Goal rule should be used in friendly matches in order to complete tasks more quickly.
At the same time, the guide also addresses how to deal with hate speech and toxic behavior, because we can only make progress if the community knows how to deal with it.
The FIFA Fair Play Guide covers all the sporting, moral and ethical principles that the community and protagonists have jointly developed and agreed upon.
1. I respect the rules of the game
Every game needs rules because they promote positive cooperation. Rules constitute a game by implementing the game idea. As a result, they promote equality of opportunity as far as possible. By adhering to the rules of the game, you guarantee the basic principles of fair play such as justice, equal opportunities and integrity.
2. I respect opponents, fellow players, publishers and spectators
Fair play means respect. Fair play also means acting respectfully without fixed rules. It is therefore more of an attitude of each player: fair play means adhering to agreed rules, refraining from unjustified advantages, equality of opportunity, considerate behavior, respect for the sporting opponent and acceptance of others. In every game, it is not just winning that counts, but also respect for the opponents, because a game would not be possible without them.
3. I play fair
A victory is worthless if it is not achieved honestly and fairly. Playing fair requires courage and character, but it also makes you a role model. By adhering to the rules of the game, you also encourage others to continue to play fairly.
A dishonest and unfair victory is achieved above all when other players are deliberately sniped. Snipers deliberately ensure that the opponent is at a severe disadvantage in the match and receives a defeat.
4. I live integrity and values in FIFA
Competition with integrity is at the heart of every fair action. For us, competition with integrity exists when equal opportunities, fairness, non-discrimination, transparency, non-violence, adherence to values and the community’s right to co-determination are at the heart of every action.
5. I treat all players equally
Gaming and esports are open to everyone. Treat all players equally, regardless of their religion, skin color, origin or gender. We are committed to creating a space that is characterized by openness, acceptance, mutual respect, freedom from discrimination and a sense of safety.
6. I condemn those who try to harm our community
Do not hesitate to take action against anyone who deliberately misbehaves and tries to cheat by exploiting bugs or glitches or inciting other players to misbehave. As a community, we have a duty to sanction such people and exclude them from our cooperation.
7. I wont accept hate speech
Hate speech and toxic behavior have no place in esports, gaming, recreation or anywhere else online. Show hate, hate speech and racism the red card and help ban hate speech and toxic behavior from the internet.
8. I accept the golden goal rule
Fair play also means acting according to the spirit of the rules. This also includes recognizing the golden goal rule as an unwritten law in friendly matches. As far as objectives are concerned. If a player scores the first goal, the other player then leaves the game.
We continue to be fair and also respect opponents who do not leave the game after falling behind.
9. I play to win
Each player should only play a game if he/she wants to win the game. If you start a game without wanting to win, you are not showing respect for your opponent.
The Weekend League is an exception to this rule. If you have already reached your ranking goal, start the next games and let your opponent score a goal and then leave the game.
Do not kick the ball out and leave the game at 0:0, as this is unsportsmanlike conduct.
Also respect opponents who do not leave the game despite being a goal behind. Because everyone has the right to fight to the end.
10. I use Counterspeech / Im active against hate speech
Don’t let hate comments and toxic behavior go uncommented. Take action and protect others who are affected. Don’t hesitate to stand by them and always be vigilant, speak out, support those affected, report and denounce hate comments and look for allies to fight hate with you.
The same applies to gaming: the internet is not a legal vacuum. What is a criminal offense offline (e.g. insults, incitement to hatred) is also a criminal offense online.
Criminal prosecution can only take place if it is reported. This can be done, for example, at the Respect! reporting office, at hatefree or directly at the police or public prosecutor’s office. It is important to preserve evidence well, instructions can be found here.
With the download I accept the FIFA Fairplay Guide and adjust my game accordingly.