THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR GAMING CLUB
Competition - honor - friendship
camaraderie - respect - challenge
Est.
1997
Club Rules
Section 1.0: Philosophy
1.1. American Civil War Game Club (hereinafter referred to as 'the ACWGC' or simply 'the Club') has been formed to play American Civil War computer games. These games are currently the Wargame Design Studio (WDS) [Formerly John Tiller Software (JTS)] Civil War Battles series, John Tiller's Battleground Civil War by Matrix Games/Talonsoft, Forge of Freedom (FoF) and Gary Grigsby's War Between the States (WBTS) also both by Matrix Games as well as American Civil War: The Blue & the Gray (AACW) and Civil War II by AGEOD/Matrix Games. Other games may be added to the supported games list as deemed prudent and in the best interest of the ACWGC, by the Cabinet. New games (other than new WDS games) recommended for support will have a two-week discussion period in the MD Tavern and then the cabinet will vote on whether to include the new game. A simple majority of the cabinet is sufficient to add the new game.
1.2. The ACWGC encourages, promotes and facilitates game play among its members, but does not impose any standard of frequency as a requirement of membership. The club recognizes that the personal schedule and obligations of each member will dictate both the number and frequency of individual games undertaken.
1.3. The Club provides a historical and military flavor by asking that members join either the CSA or USA armies and by using a military structure as the basis for the ACWGC organization. Role-playing is encouraged to portray the natural rivalry and positions of the Confederacy and the Union. However all members are encouraged to keep this banter friendly, as rude, antagonistic behavior will not be tolerated.
1.4. We are not a "ladder" type club where standing in the Club is based on games played or games won. Other very important factors are considered. Members are awarded points for assuming leadership roles within the Club, for role-playing, for playing games and for providing other contributions to the Club. All members will be offered the level of training that they need or desire before they start playing. The Club also provides several forums for role-playing banter, tips, strategy and finding opponents.
Section 2.0: Membership
2.1 Anyone who enlists in the Club is considered a ‘probationary’ member, without voting privileges, until graduation from one of the two established military academies (described below). While enrolled in either of the academies, the probationary member is given the rank of Cadet. Upon graduation, the individual becomes a full (‘regular’) member in good standing, with all rights and privileges. The Training Academy Commandant is authorized to promote the graduating Cadet to the rank of Lieutenant.
2.2 Enlistment. An individual wishing to become a member of the Club may do so by deciding on which military group, USA or CSA, he or she would like to join. Then, by selecting either the “CSA Join” or “USA Join” link at the ACWGC HQ site and following the directions therein, the process of becoming a member can be started. Individuals may enlist in only one side of the Club. The Commandant of the Training Academy for the selected military group will enroll the new recruit as a Cadet and award him or her 15 points ‘bounty’ for signing up.
2.3 Training. New members must graduate from the Training Academy of their respective military group. These academies have been established to provide information and training to new members in regards to the Club. Cadets will be assigned an instructor and play a short game to ensure that they are familiar with Play-By-Email (PBEM) and the rules of conduct for the Club. Once the Cadet has completed his training game and demonstrated to his instructor his grasp of these basics, the instructor will recommend to the Training Academy Commandant that the Cadet be graduated. If the Commandant agrees, he is authorized to promote the graduating Cadet to the rank of Lieutenant and promote the officer from the Academy.
2.4 Musters. There are no club dues and no regular club meetings. It would be easy for someone to drop out of the club and the club would never know. The rules for the muster may be set up by the Chief of the Army or the Army Commanders and not be less frequently than once per quarter. Generally, the muster will be via the chain of command and is usually by email or by message board postings. Other means might be used, such as a web page format.
2.5 Transfers. Transfers from one military group to another (USA-CSA) at a later time will be considered on a one for one basis, but the practice is an unusual occurrence. A transfer between armies may only be completed once for any member and a minimum rank of Colonel is required to request a transfer. Requests for transfers will be handled by their respective Chief of the Army (CoA). Officers transferring from one side to the other will lose all but 15 Officer Battle Dossier (OBD) points and start over at the rank of Second Lieutenant, but will not have to pass through the Training Academy of their new group.
2.6 Discharges
2.6.1 Authorized Leaves. Officers may request a Leave of Absence (LoA) from active duty for a prescribed length of time.
2.6.1.1 Leaves of Absence may be granted by the Army Commander (AC) of the army to which the member is assigned.
2.6.1.2 Armies should establish inactive rolls to temporarily contain the names of these individuals.
2.6.1.3 Officers on authorized leave are considered inactive members (not regular) of the Club and therefore have no vote in club elections.
2.6.1.4 Officers who do not report back when their leave has expired may be declared ‘Missing in Action’. Officers on leave may return before the expiration of their authorized leave.
2.6.1.5 Officers returning from leave must report to their assigned AC.
2.6.1.5.1. The (AC) may assign the returning officer to a position within the army or refer the officer to the Theater Commander (TC) for reassignment elsewhere. The TC may assign the returning officer to another army within the theater or refer the returning officer to the CoA for assignment elsewhere.
2.6.1.5.2 Officers on authorized leave may report back to their AC prior to the expiration of their leave.
2.6.2 Missing in Action. Officers who continually fail to report to their superior officer (muster), who fail to report back to duty after their authorized LoA has expired, or who otherwise show no continued club activity may be declared Missing in Action (MIA) by their CoA.
2.6.2.1 MIA officers will have their names removed from the active rolls of either military group. The Club will maintain the names of these inactive officers, but they will be considered inactive (not regular) and therefore will have no vote in club elections.
2.6.4 Expulsion. An officer may be expelled from the club by a unanimous Cabinet vote for actions and/or speech deemed by the Cabinet to have been detrimental or abusive to any other member of the club or disruptive to the good order and functioning of the club. Expelled members will be removed from the Club for a period of one year.
2.6.5 Reinstatement. Officers who have been declared MIA, or voluntarily resigned their commission may request to be reinstated to the Club. Such requests should be made to the CoA of the military group in which the returning officer served when he left. The returning member may be reinstated at his past rank and points or he may be required or elect to start over, determined by the respective CoA. Members who were expelled from the Club may ask to be reinstated by the Cabinet after one year. They must receive a unanimous Cabinet vote to be reinstated. A Member who is reinstated would return at the rank of Second/Field Lieutenant and given 15 points.
2.6.5.1 Members who were expelled from the club may ask to be reinstated by the cabinet after one year. They must receive a unanimous cabinet vote to be reinstated. A member who is reinstated would return at the rank of Second/Field Lieutenant and given 15 points. Any previously expelled member reinstated by the Cabinet is ineligible to hold any elected position within the club and may not hold a command above Corps level. The cabinet will consider exceptions for Academy or War College Commandant and Chief of Staff Positions on a case-by-case basis. After one calendar year, the reinstated member may petition the cabinet to have all command and elective restrictions removed. A unanimous vote of the cabinet is required to remove all restrictions. This ruling is retroactive to 01 MAY 1997.
Section 3.0: Organization
3.1 Military Structure
3.1.1 The ACWGC is organized into two military groups, USA and CSA. All members of the Club belong to one and only one military group. All members of the Club are referred to as officers and are given military rank, which should be used in all club-related correspondence and in all postings on club bulletin boards. Officers higher in the hierarchical structure are referred to in these rules as senior officers and officers lower in the hierarchical structure are referred to in these rules as junior officers, regardless of the relative rank each holds.
3.1.2 All members will hold some position in the hierarchy of their respective military group. Each military group is organized as follows, from lowest to highest, with the special exceptions of the commandants of the training academy and of the war college of each military group and of the chiefs of staff. The commandants report directly to their respective CoA. The chiefs of staff report to their immediate superior officer.
3.1.2.1 Brigade Commanders (“BC”). Duties include:
a) Maintaining games in a timely and enjoyable fashion agreeable to all parties involved.
b) Reporting to superior officer, as directed by their respective CoA's.
c) Other duties as assigned by superior officer.
3.1.2.2 Division Commanders (“DC”). Duties include:
a) Maintaining games in a timely and enjoyable fashion agreeable to all parties involved.
b) Gathering reports from assigned junior officers.
c) Reporting to superior officer, as directed by their respective CoA’s.
d) Other duties as assigned by superior officer.
3.1.2.3 Corps Commanders (“CC”). Duties include:
a) Maintaining games in a timely and enjoyable fashion agreeable to all parties involved.
b) Gathering reports from assigned junior officers.
c) Reporting to superior officer, as directed by their respective CoA’s.
d) Maintaining or supervising the maintenance of a web site for the corps.
e) Other duties as assigned by superior officer.
3.1.2.4 Chief of Staff ("CoS"). Limited to one CoS position to each AC, TC, and CoA. Considered at the same level as DC for purposes of these rules; CoS to the CoA considered at the same level as CC. Duties include:
a) Supporting the superior officer in the performance of his duties.
b) Other duties as assigned by superior officer.
The ability of the military groups to create other administrative and staff positions shall not be infringed by the limitation imposed by this rule. However, any additional staff officers shall not be considered at the same level as DC or CC for the purposes of these rules and shall not qualify for promotion under the provisions of rule 4.1.i or 4.1.j or for administrative points under the provisions of rule 4.2.2.i or 4.2.2.j.
3.1.2.5 Army Commanders (“AC”). Duties include:
a) Maintaining games in a timely and enjoyable fashion agreeable to all parties involved.
b) Gathering reports from assigned junior officers.
c) Reporting to superior officer, as directed by their respective CoA’s.
d) Maintaining or supervising the maintenance of a web site for the army.
e) Other duties as assigned by superior officer.
3.1.2.6 War College Commandant. Considered at the same level as AC for purposes of these rules. Duties include:
a) Maintaining games in a timely and enjoyable fashion agreeable to all parties involved.
b) Maintaining or supervising the maintenance of a web site for the war college.
c) Responsibility for keeping this website up to date with articles and intelligence reports.
d) Supervising additional war college staff as necessary.
e) Reporting to superior officer, as directed by their respective CoA’s.
f) Other duties as assigned by superior officer.
3.1.2.7 Academy Commandant. Considered at the same level as AC for purposes of these rules. Duties include:
a) Maintaining games in a timely and enjoyable fashion agreeable to all parties involved.
b) Recruiting and maintaining a roster of Instructors.
c) Maintaining a roster of active Cadets.
d) Assigning newly enlisted Cadets to Instructors.
d) Maintaining or supervising the maintenance of a web site for the academy.
e) Reporting to superior officer, as directed by their respective CoA’s.
f) Other duties as assigned by superior officer.
3.1.2.8 Theater Commanders (“TC”). Duties include:
a) Maintaining games in a timely and enjoyable fashion agreeable to all parties involved.
b) Gathering reports from assigned junior officers.
c) Reporting to superior officer, as directed by their respective CoA’s.
d) Maintaining or supervising the maintenance of a web site for the theater.
e) Other duties as assigned by superior officer.
3.1.2.9 Chief of the Armies (“CoA”). Duties include:
a) Maintaining games in a timely and enjoyable fashion agreeable to all parties involved.
b) Maintaining a roster of active members of the military group.
c) Gathering reports from assigned junior officers.
d) Assigning officers to positions in the hierarchy of the military group.
e) Maintaining a web site for the military group.
f) Serving on the Club Cabinet.
g) Other duties as necessary to maintain order within the military group.
3.1.2.10 Recruitment Officer (“RO”). Duties include:
a) Managing the recruiting effort of the ACWGC.
b) In coordination with the UMA and VMI, preparing monthly reports of recruitment efforts undertaken, including the number of new applications received by the Academies for the month. Reports will associate recruits with specific recruiting methods where possible.
c) Other duties as assigned by the Club President.
3.1.3 With the exception of the elective offices an officer's rank will have no direct relationship to his or her position in the hierarchy. (Rank is determined by points, as explained in Section 4.0)
3.2 Except for the CoA’s (who, as members of the Cabinet, may only be removed from office by the Cabinet), the two respective military organizations may assign officers to position within their organizations as they choose. Positions may be left vacant on a temporary basis, but organization of new theaters and/or armies and elimination of existing theaters and/or armies must be approved by the Cabinet.
3.3 Club Governance
3.3.1 The Club is governed by a group of officers known collectively as ‘the Cabinet’.
3.3.1.2 Duties of the Cabinet.
a) The duly elected Members of the ACWGC Cabinet with a majority vote, subject to veto, determines all interpretations, understanding and application of club rules. They may also make a determination on any situation not otherwise specifically covered under these rules with a majority vote, subject to veto.
b) Approve promotions
c) Permit forum for officer grievances
d) Arrange for all elections within the Club
3.3.2. Cabinet Members. There will be five members of the Cabinet: Club President, CoA (USA), CoA (CSA), and two Cabinet Secretaries (one Cabinet Secretary representing each military group). No club member may hold more than one seat on the Cabinet at any one time.
3.3.2.1 Club President. The Club President will serve as chair for all Cabinet discussions. The Club President shall have veto power over all Cabinet decisions. The veto may be overridden by a unanimous vote of the remaining Cabinet members.
3.3.2.2 Chiefs of the Armies (CoA’s). The CoA’s handle all military tasks for their respective military groups, participate and vote in Cabinet decisions, and perform other duties as assigned by the Club President. Each CoA shall have veto power over all Cabinet decisions. The veto may be overridden by a unanimous vote of the remaining Cabinet members.
3.3.2.3 Cabinet Secretaries. The Cabinet Secretaries will participate and vote in Cabinet decisions and perform other duties as assigned by the Club President.
3.3.3. Terms of Office. Each Cabinet member will serve a term of two (2) years. Any Cabinet member may succeed himself in his elected office once, for total of four years. After the second term, the member must wait for one election period to run again for the same seat.
3.3.3.1 Nothing in this section would preclude a Cabinet member (having served up to four years) from immediately assuming a DIFFERENT position on the Cabinet for a complete two-year term. For instance, a Cabinet Secretary could serve four years then immediately assume a CoA position.
3.3.4. Elections and Voting. The Club President will appoint an Election committee of Cabinet members to oversee the election process.
3.3.4.1 Voting
3.3.4.1.1 In the election of the Club President, all regular officers will have a vote. For eligibility requirements, see section 3.3.4.2.1.
3.3.4.1.2 In the election of a CoA, only members at the rank of Major General, Lieutenant General or General, at the time the voting period begins, may vote for the CoA representing their respective military group. The Election Committee will use the Department of Records to verify ranks to determine office eligibility, and such other criteria as may be necessary to determine voting eligibility. Nominations for the CoA may be made by any regular officer subject to the restrictions in Rule 3.3.4.2.2, below
3.3.4.1.3 In the election of the Cabinet Secretaries, all regular officers will have a vote and they may only vote for the Cabinet Secretary representing their respective military group.
3.3.4.1.4 The candidate receiving the most votes for a seat will be declared the winner. A run-off election would only be held in the case of two or more candidates receiving the same number of votes for a seat and these candidates received, individually, more votes than any other candidates for the seat. If a run-off election is needed, only the candidates involved would be included on the run-off ballot. The run-off election will be scheduled not more than one week after the conclusion of the regular election period and the voting period will be for one week.
3.3.4.1.5 Dates for nominations and voting are to be set by the Election Committee and published in the Mason-Dixon Tavern, with notice also in the Smoking Room. A maximum of one week should be allowed for nominations, two weeks for campaigning, and one additional week for voting.
3.3.4.1.6 Dependent upon the circumstances and current technical status of the forum(s), the Cabinet shall make a consensus determination of which of two voting process shall be utilized as specified below.
3.3.4.1.6a Voting will be arranged to be conducted by the Forum Polling Technique; wherein, prior to start of the voting period, the Cabinet will have a Polling Post made within the Mason Dixon Tavern to accommodate the vote, the number of poll selections equal to and identified with the number of legitimate nominees. Access to the Voting Poll will be restricted by the use of a password sent out by the President through the chains of command to all of those officers eligible to vote. The respective CoA's will take measures to insure that the password distribution has been properly completed. The Voting Poll will be structured to allow only one vote per officer, the results of which shall remain undisclosed until the end of the voting period.
3.3.4.1.6b Voting will be arranged to be conducted by the E-mail technique. Votes are to be submitted to the entire Election Committee for counting and verification. Verification of votes cast will be by using the email address the voter uses to submit the vote. The email address that the voter uses must be the email address of record in the Department of Records. The Election Committee will attempt to contact, via email, any voter whose email address is different than the Department of Records in order for that member to have to opportunity to correct the address held in the Department of Records. Any addresses not corrected by the end of the voting period will not be valid and not be counted.
3.3.4.1.7 In the event only one candidate has been nominated by the end of the nominating period, that candidate will be elected by acclamation and no vote will be necessary.
3.3.4.2 Eligibility
3.3.4.2.1 Candidates for Cabinet Secretary or Club President must hold the rank of Colonel or above. To be eligible for a CoA position, a member must hold the rank of Major General or above in their respective Army.
3.3.4.2.2 Candidates must be nominated by two other members before being placed on the ballot. Other than the President, nominating officers must be from the same military group as the candidate being nominated.
3.3.4.2.3 Nominations are to be submitted to the entire Cabinet. Nominations must include a statement that the member nominated agrees to serve, if elected. Verification of nominations will be by using the email address the nominator uses to submit the nomination. The email address that the nominator uses must be the email address of record in the Department of Records. The Election Committee will attempt to contact, via email, any nominator whose email address is different than the Department of Records in order for that member to have to opportunity to correct the address held in the Department of Records. Any addresses not corrected by the end of the nomination period will not be valid and that nomination will be disregarded.
3.3.4.3 CAMPAIGNING. Once the candidates for any election are determined, each shall be simultaneously provided with a campaign post thread in the proper forum. For all elections this shall be done by the current Club President in the Mason Dixon Tavern.
3.3.4.3.1 Candidates must first then offer a general campaign statement of their own in that thread, identifying themselves and inviting comments and/or questions from any qualified voter, including election opponents. Non-qualified voters, as defined by the rules, are excluded from this process. In the club spirit of behaving like gentlemen, however, negative statements and questions from both questioners and candidates regarding other candidates’ character may be removed, as are statements or questions designed to bait or entrap the respondent. Questions of policy, however, are allowed and open to direct examination. The election committee is charged with the monitoring of the threads; and the committee is empowered to both judge and remove any posts they may find in violation of this rule. The election committee is to be composed of Cabinet members not running for the office involved, preferentially selected from the opposite side in CoA and Cabinet Secretary elections. In the unlikely event that five or more Cabinet members may be running for office in a Presidential election, volunteers can be appointed.
3.3.4.3.2 Campaigning threads are considered active and open for a two-week period from the date of the thread’s first posting, and shall be closed and locked thereafter.
3.3.5. Removal from Office. If any Cabinet member fails to regularly perform his or her duties, he or she may be removed from office by a unanimous vote of the remaining Cabinet members. If the member removed is a CoA, his removal from the Cabinet would also include his removal as CoA.
3.3.5.1 If a vacancy occurs in a Cabinet Secretary seat—either through voluntary resignation or through removal by vote of the Cabinet—the Club President will appoint an interim replacement for the removed member to serve as Interim until a special election can be held. If fewer than three months remain in the unfulfilled term, the interim replacement can retain the seat until the next regular election.
3.3.5.2 If the Club President is removed the Cabinet will elect one of the remaining members to serve as Interim President until a special election can be held. If fewer than three months remain in the unfulfilled term, the interim replacement can retain the seat until the next regular election.
3.3.5.3 If a CoA vacancy occurs—either through voluntary resignation or through removal by vote of the Cabinet—the Club President, with the confirmation of both of the appropriate Cabinet Secretaries for that military group, will appoint an interim replacement for the removed member to serve as Interim until a special election can be held. Once a special election is held, the term of the new CoA will last for two years from the date he takes office.
3.4 Personal Grievances. If a club member has a personal grievance against another member, he should first remember that we are portraying gentlemen, in an era of chivalry. Grievances should be worked out between or among the members involved, privately. If they cannot resolve the matter themselves, they may appeal to their superior officers for assistance. (Refer to Section 5.2 for specific rules pertaining to resolving game conflicts.) If they cannot reach an agreement in this manner, the matter may be brought to the attention of the Club President for resolution. The Club President may, at his option, involve the Cabinet in resolving the conflict. At all times, these discussions should be private and the grievances are not to be carried out in open forums. At no time will the specific details of the charges, the inquiry, or the outcome be made public unless the Cabinet votes to expel the member under Rule 2.6.4. In this case, the Cabinet may decide to publish the outcome of the proceeding under Rule 3.3.1.2 (a).
Section 4.0: Points and Rank
4.1 Military Ranks and Requirements. Rank is determined by accumulated Officer Battle Dossier (‘OBD’) points and club service (as approved by the Cabinet).
a) Cadet - 15 points (approval of Training Academy Commandant required).
b) Second Lieutenant (special case, by CoA appointment) - 15 points (approval of CoA required)
c) Lieutenant - 30 points (approval of Training Academy Commandant required).
d) Captain - 45 points (no Cabinet approval required).
e) Major - 60 points (no Cabinet approval required).
f) Lieutenant Colonel - 75 points (no Cabinet approval required).
g) Colonel - 150 points (no Cabinet approval required).
h) Brigadier General - 300 points (Cabinet approval required).
i) Major General - 450 points and Division Command or higher (Cabinet approval required).
j) Lieutenant General - 600 points and Corps Commander Chief of Staff to CoA or Chief of Staff to AC or TC or higher (Cabinet approval required).
k) General - 800 points and Army Command, Academy (UMA, VMI)/War College Commandant, RO, TC or COA (Cabinet approval required).
4.2 Types of OBD Points. There are three different ways OBD points may be earned by an officer.
4.2.1 Engagement Points. Battle points are earned by playing games. Members may play either side, USA or CSA, regardless of their army affiliation. Points will be awarded when an End Game form is submitted. (Protocol requires the winner of a game submit the End Game form, if possible. If no winner can be determined, the players involved determine who will submit the form. In the event the winner is unable or unwilling to submit the form, it is allowable for the other player to submit the form.)
4.2.1.1 Basic Formula. Normal games (identified as ‘Battles’) will receive base points equal to the sum of the Scenario Length Modifier (SLM), plus the Result Modifier (RM), plus 1 additional point for the winner. If two or more players join forces in a multi-player game, all involved will earn all points. (Points will not be divided among players of a side.) There is no limit to the number of Engagement Points an officer may earn in any given month.
a) Scenario Length Modifier (SLM) = Number of Completed Turns divided by Four (# Completed Turns / 4).
b) Result Modifier (RM) = (Number of Completed Turns times the Win/Loss Result (WLR)) divided by 100.
c) Win/Loss Result (WLR)
1) Draw = 0 points
2) Minor Victory = +1 point
3) Major Victory = +3 points
4) Minor Defeat = -1 point
5) Major Defeat = -3 points
d) Example: Calculation for a Major Victory after 30 completed turns.
1) Winner’s total = SLM (30 / 4) + RM ((30 * 3) / 100) + 1
or SLM (7.5) + RM (.9) + 1 = 9.4
2) Loser’s total = SLM (30 / 4) + RM ((30 * -3) / 100)
or SLM (7.5) + RM (-.9) = 6.6
4.2.1.2 Training. A Training game is defined as one between a Cadet and an instructor from his military group’s Training Academy. The Cadet receives 15 points for completion of this training game and the instructor receives 10 points.
4.2.1.3 Maneuvers. A maneuver is defined as a game played by two members of the same military group. This action could be taken as an advanced training exercise. The points received for completing a maneuver would be computed by using the basic formula, then dividing the results in half.
4.2.1.4 Multi-player Games. Multi-player games are defined as those with more than two players involved. These games will be scored using the basic formula, as long as the two sides are made up entirely of officers from the same military group. If the groups are mixed, the game will be treated as a Maneuver. Each player will receive the full score for his side. (That is, the score for one side is not divided by the number of players on that side.)
4.2.1.5 Moderator-led Games. This is a special case in which one club member serves as moderator, receiving instructions from the players and executing those instructions by playing both sides. While the players receive the normal points for this type of game, the moderator is on neither side. This type of game involves much more work on the part of the moderator than a normal games does. To compensate, the moderator of such a game (approved by both CoA’s) will receive double the points of a single player of the winning side.
4.2.1.6 Campaign Games. The HPS Series allows for campaigns of games, battles joined together in a series. Each game in the campaign is to be filed separately. Players engaged in campaigns will earn the score for each individual game completed.
4.2.1.7 Additional Points. The Cabinet is authorized to review special cases and award points as its discretion for games played outside the rules as outlined above.
4.2.2 Administration Points. Administration points are earned by serving in designated command positions within the military groups and/or the Cabinet. The Club President and Cabinet Secretaries are not excluded from serving in some command position within their military group. For example, a Cabinet Secretary who also served as a CC would receive 25 points per month. These points are the maximum that can be earned for a given position, but are discretionary based on satisfactory job performance.
a) Club President - 15 points per month
b) Cabinet Secretaries - 15 points per month
c) Chiefs of the Armies - 25 points per month
d) Theater Commanders - 20 points per month
e) Training Academy and War College Commandants - 15 points per month
f) Army Commanders - 15 points per month
g) Corps Commanders - 10 points per month
h) Division Commanders - 5 points per month
i) Chiefs of Staff to CoA - 10 points per month
j) Chiefs of Staff to TC and AC - 5 points per month
k) Recruitment Officer - 5 OBD points per month plus two points for every recruit to a maximum of 25 points per month. Recruitment Officer Staff - 2 OBD points per month plus one point for every recruit to a maximum of 12 points per month
4.2.3 Conduct Points. Conduct points are awarded at the discretion of the CoA, as recommended by junior officers. These points are intended to be used to encourage participation ‘above and beyond the call of duty’, and are in addition to any administrative points awarded.
4.2.3.1 Available Conduct Points. Each military group will have a maximum of 500 Conduct Points available each month.
4.2.3.2 Limits. No single officer may receive more than 20 Conduct Points in any given month.
4.3 Loss of Points and Rank. Other than the provisions of rule 2.4, “Transfers” (which is voluntary on the part of the officer), the Cabinet and only the Cabinet has the authority to remove OBD points from an officer and, therefore, the Cabinet and only the Cabinet has the authority to lower an officer’s rank. This action should be taken rarely and only for serious offenses against the Club which cannot be resolved by other means.
Section 5.0: Gaming
5.1 Battlefield Conduct (Code). The following rules should be followed in all club sanctioned games, unless there is prior agreement of all those engaged negating them.
5.1.1 Wagons will not be used to cut off enemy retreat.
5.1.2 Lone officers (that is, any number of officers not stacked with at least one cavalry, infantry, or artillery unit) will not be used in front of your lines as scouts to determine the position of enemy forces. Positioning any officers on high ground behind your lines to better view the battlefield, however, is perfectly acceptable.
5.1.3 Lone officers (that is, any number of officers not stacked with at least one cavalry, infantry, or artillery unit) will never be used to cut off an enemy retreat. (Sometimes it may seem your opponent has done this, but there may be an unseen enemy unit exerting a ZOC on the hex.)
5.1.4 Withdrawal of all (or a substantial portion of) forces from the battlefield, unless specified in the scenario as a victory condition, will cost the withdrawing player a 2-step reduction in the level of victory. Removal from the map of individual units, routed behind enemy lines by the game engine, is allowed. (This rule is waived in the case of campaign scenarios.)
5.1.5 Routed units will not be moved in such a manner as to cut off an enemy retreat deliberately by the player. Units moved by the computer are exempt from this restriction.
5.1.6 If conducive to a routed unit’s survival, the unit should be moved towards their own lines (except when such a move would violate item 5.1.5 above).
5.1.7 All club members will treat each other with courtesy.
5.1.8 Club games should be responded to in a timely manner. (“Timely manner” to be determined and documented mutually by the players involved.)
5.1.8.1 If for some reason this cannot be done it is the duty of the player who cannot do it to inform his opponent of his inability. If this is not acceptable to the opponent then the player should either concede the game at the current level of victory or find a level of victory mutually agreeable to his opponent. In the absence of an agreement take a 2-step reduction in the level of victory currently enjoyed. (An early resignation – in writing – by one side is always scored as a Major Victory for the opposing side and a Major Defeat for the resigning side.)
5.1.8.2 If one player leaves the Club, becomes inactive, or simply stops responding for weeks at a time, the remaining player may treat the game as a Major Victory. It is normal protocol to first check with the superior officers of the opponent before declaring this type of victory.
5.2 Violations In the absence of prior agreement, should an officer believe his opponent has violated any of the sections of this code he should first address his concerns with his opponent.
5.2.1 If this fails to bring satisfaction, the offended officer should discreetly bring the apparent violation to the attention of his own AC (chain of command is to be bypassed in this instance), who will open negotiations with the AC of the offending officer.
5.2.2 Should the offending officer be found in violation of the code, an appropriate discipline will be determined by the two AC’s. At NO TIME will either the charge, the inquiry, or the results be made public knowledge.
5.3 Mirror Matches
5.3.1 Definition. A mirror match is a game that is played twice, with the two opponents switching sides for the second game. The two games of a mirror match may be played at the same time.
5.3.2 OBD Points. Points will be awarded for both games of a mirror match. If the match is between officers of different military groups, full points will be awarded. If officers from the same military group are on opposite sides the games of the match will be considered maneuvers and the points awarded divided by 2. (Exception: Tournaments approved by the CoA’s of both military groups may use mirror matches that count as regular battles even though, during certain matches of that tournament, two officers of the same side may end up facing each other.)
5.4 House Rules. Many officers prefer specific ‘house rules’ when they play. All house rules are optional and must be agreed to ahead of time by both players. The Club does not require that any optional rules (either house rules or those provided within the games) be used. Disputes over house rules shall be brought forward under Club Rule 3.4.
5.5 Cheating. Cheating is the deliberate premeditated action by a game player to subvert the official game rules or to manipulate “stock” in-game Parameter Data Tables (PDT) to obtain an unfair advantage over an opponent or opponents. A player cheats to gain intelligence when he manipulates or replays his move to discover the location of opposing units, thereby allowing the more effective movement of the cheating player’s units. A player cheats to gain move favorable combat results when he manipulates the official game Parameter Data Tables (PDT) and/or repeats his move to obtain and “save” desired fire or melee results.
5.5.1 When a player believes his opponent has cheated his allegation shall be submitted to one of his own sides Cabinet Officials who shall then present the case to the full Cabinet.
5.5.2 At no time will the specific details of the charges, the inquiry, or the outcome be made public unless the Cabinet votes to expel the member under Rule 2.6.4. In this case, the Cabinet may decide to publish the outcome of the proceeding under Rule 3.3.1.2 (a).
Section 6.0: Medals and Awards
6.1 Medals and other special awards may be conferred by the two military groups separately. In exceptional circumstances, and with the concurrence of both CoAs, awards from one group may be given to members of the other group. Any ACWGC-wide medals and special awards may be conferred only by the Cabinet.
6.1.1 ACWGC-wide Medals.
6.1.2 Legion of Merit (LOM)
6.1.2.1 Intent. The intent of the LOM is to recognize exceptional long-term service to the ACWGC as a whole in one or more positions of importance to the ACWGC.
6.1.2.2 OBD Points. 200 OBD points are awarded to the LOM recipient by the cabinet. The recipient’s CoA will annotate the officer’s record in the DoR.
6.1.2.3 Procedure. Any member may recommend another officer for award of the LOM. Recommending officers will forward their recommendations and supporting information through the chain of command to the CoA. The CoA will judge the merits of the recommendation and may forward to the Cabinet for approval or take other action he/she deems appropriate. The CoA will inform the recommending officer and his/her chain of command and the Cabinet of his/her decision. The Cabinet will approve/disapprove the award through simple majority vote. Information supporting the nomination will clearly describe the type and duration of the service performed and the exceptional nature of the recommended officer’s performance of that service.
6.1.2.4 Limitations. Only active officers may forward recommendations for award of the LOM. Only active officers may receive the LOM. There is no limit to the number of LOMs an officer may receive for additional long-term service that merit the award. The LOM will not be awarded retroactively.
6.1.3 Special Service Medal (SSM)
6.1.3.1 Intent. The intent of the SSM is to recognize exceptional execution of a particular task performed over a short period of time that is of significant benefit to the ACWGC as a whole.
6.1.3.2 OBD Points. 100 OBD points are awarded to the SSM recipient by the Cabinet. The recipient’s CoA will annotate the officer’s record in the DoR.
6.1.3.3 Procedure. Any member may recommend another officer for award of the SSM. Recommending officers will forward their recommendations and supporting information through the chain of command to the CoA. The CoA will judge the merits of the recommendation and may forward to the Cabinet for approval or take other action he/she deems appropriate. The CoA will inform the recommending officer and his/her chain of command and the Cabinet of his/her decision. The Cabinet will approve/disapprove the award through simple majority vote. Information supporting the nomination will clearly indicate why the officer is recommended for the award.
6.1.3.4 Limitations. Only active officers may forward recommendations for award of the SSM. Only active officers may receive the SSM. There is no limit to the number of SSMs an officer may receive for separate acts that merit the award. The SSM will not be awarded retroactively.
Section 7.0: Club Websites
7.1 As an internet-based club, the use of web sites is encouraged. There are several official club web sites.
a) The American Civil War Game Club Main Page (the primary site for the Club):
http://www.wargame.ch/wc/acw/
b) The Department of Records (the primary database of club information)
http://www.acwgcrecords.net/
c) The Mason-Dixon Tavern (the Club’s primary board for discussion of issues related to club activities and the American Civil War):
d) The Smoking Room (the Club’s board for discussion of issues related to anything OTHER than club activities or the American Civil War):
e) The Play By Email (PBEM) Opponent Finder (not to be used by Cadets, Inactive members, or non-members):
Section 8.0: Abbreviations
AC - Army Commander (Rule 3.1.2.5)
BC - Brigade Commander (Rule 3.1.2.1)
CC - Corps Commander (Rule 3.1.2.3)
CoA - Chief of the Armies (Rule 3.1.2.9)
CoS - Chief of Staff (Rule 3.1.2.4)
DC - Division Commander (Rule 3.1.2.2)
LoA - Leave of Absence (Rule 2.6.1)
OBD - Officer Battle Dossier (Rule 4.1)
PBEM - Play-by-E-Mail (Rule 2.3)
MIA - Missing in Action (Rule 2.6.2)
RM - Result Modifier (Rule 4.2.1.1)
SLM - Scenario Length Modifier (Rule 4.2.1.1)
TC - Theater Commander (Rule 3.1.2.8)
WLR - Win/Loss Result (Rule 4.2.1.1)
Section 9.0: Revisions to Club Rules
9.1 Revisions to these rules must first be approved by a simple majority of the Cabinet, then by a simple majority of club members voting. Club-wide votes are to be organized by the Cabinet, but must allow at least two weeks for votes to be received. The exceptions to this rule will be the inclusion of new games, as per 1.1, above, as amended on August 13, 2008 and changes for spelling or grammatical errors.