GL19 set to ring the changes?

With the 18th Golden League Masters just around the corner, discussion has already changed to a set of minor yet significant changes to the 19th edition of the GL Championship and Masters. Federation members are voting on whether to accept the changes, and you can read all about them below.

Official HTUM Guide to the Golden League (HTUM Federation)

Introduction

The Golden League is the (not so) friendly competition of the Hattrick United Managers Federation (HTUM Federation); each game against another fed member is counted towards the ultimate glory. It kicked off on July 27, 2011, starting one of many rivalries in the federation.

Structure of the Golden League

The Golden League (GL) consists of two main stages:

· The GL Championship (league phase)

· The GL Masters (knock-out phase)

The GL Championship:

- Duration: The Golden League runs over two Hattrick seasons, with the first season and the subsequent 10 weeks of the 2nd season counting towards GL Masters’ qualification.

- Points: Wins earn 3 points and draws earn 1 point.

- Matches: Friendly matches between federation teams are counted. Cup rules are preferred for friendlies, but human error is accepted.

- Limit on Matches between Own Teams: A maximum of 2 home and 2 away matches can be played between teams owned by the same user.

- Power Weeks: Special weeks where matches are worth more points. Strategies to consider:

- Weeks 15 & 16 of Season 1: Managers can play 4 matches in total, potentially gaining a strategic advantage.

- Week 10 of Season 2: Known as a Double-Points week, it can be critical for teams near the top or bottom of the standings.

The GL Masters (Knock-out Phase):

- Qualification: The top 16 teams from the GL Championship progress.

- Last 16: One match on neutral ground, cup rules.

- Quarter-Finals: Two-legs home and away. A 3rd match may be required on neutral ground if teams are inseparable after the two legs.

- Semi-Finals: Two-legs home and away. A 3rd match may be required on neutral ground if teams are inseparable after the two legs.

- Grand Final and 3rd Placed Final: One match on neutral ground, cup rules.

- Walkovers: Any Masters games that cannot be arranged award a 3-0 walkover to the team who could have played.

The Golden League Format: Start to Completion

1. Championship Stage (Weeks 1-16 & 1-10): A series of friendlies between federation members. Managers must strategically plan for Power Weeks and the Double-Points week.

2. Last 16 (Season 2 Week 11): One-off matches on neutral grounds.

3. Quarter-Finals (Season 2 Weeks 12-13): Two-leg home and away ties. A 3rd match on neutral ground may be required if teams are inseparable.

4. Semi-Finals (Season 2 Weeks 14-15): Two-leg home and away ties. A 3rd match on neutral ground may be required if teams are inseparable.

5. Grand Final and 3rd Placed Final (Season 2 Week 16): One-off matches on neutral grounds.

GL Championship Standings & Masters’ Draw: Check our Google Spreadsheet for league standings, historical standings, and more.

The dynamic scoring and knock-out format keep the competition exciting and fresh, encouraging tactical planning and creating an intriguing challenge for all participants. Whether a newcomer or a seasoned veteran, the Golden League promises a thrilling journey towards footballing glory in the HTUM Federation.

HTUM Federation 102312

These rules are subject to change and latest updates can be found first in the HTUM GL thread.